Category: Episodes

Our August break continues and we’re throwing it way back to Episode 34 with Aaron Mankin. A true American hero, Aaron Menken joined Paul Rieckhoff at the Classic Car Club in New York for an incredibly powerful conversation. Having survived a catastrophic IED explosion in Iraq that left him with severe burns and countless injuries… Continue reading 348. Aaron Mankin (Replay). Losing Your Face in Combat. Debating Sara Huckabee Sanders in High School. How to Survive 70 Surgeries. Aaron’s Playboy Mansion Story. Scars Are Not Forever. Operation Mend. No Excuse Not to Serve.

Our throwback August continues as we go way back to Episode 33 with Paul’s fascinating conversation with the sole living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War. It’s a hell of a distinction–and a hell of a conversation. Take some time and listen to this timeless talk about war, humanity and the drive to… Continue reading 347. David Bellavia (Replay). The Sole Living Medal of Honor Recipient of the Iraq War. Combat is Not Like The Movies. Who’s A Bigger Threat – Libertarians or Liberals? Time Does Not Heal All Wounds. Live the Life You’re Supposed to Live.

Our August break is continuing with a replay of one of our favorite chats we’ve ever recorded. This one is really fun.  Over the next few weeks we’ll be re-sharing conversations with some of our favorite guests as they share their stories of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and definitely impact. We’re kicking the series off… Continue reading 346. Sam Bee (Replay). The Kurds are Being Slaughtered. Democrats Debate Again. The Middle East Jenga Game. Sam Bee at The DMV. The Daily Show Reunion Tour. Fighting Back with Comedy. Djibouti and Naugahyde.

Producers note: Folks, if you’ve been following this show for a while now, you know we go hard. All of the time. From last week’s event in Washington DC to upcoming events later this year, to the non-stop news appearances (not to mention I make Paul walk around New York filming himself talking into a… Continue reading 345. Stephen Colbert. Replay with the American Icon. Taking on Trump, The Supreme Court Battle, Breonna Taylor, Leadership After Loss, Stephen’s Dog Eating Ai Weiwei’s Art, Joking in the Face of Fear, Laughing at the Devil.

What’s it like behind the scenes of the independent movement? What does the future look like and who will be the candidates that emerge as leaders of the movement? They’re important questions we’ve explored now for years and this week we’ve got a rare opportunity to share with you, the true independent Americans.This week, our… Continue reading 344. Live From DC. The Independent Center’s Independent Voice Conference. Hear From Independent Candidates for Office From Around the Country Featuring: Idaho’s Todd Achilles, California’s Ethan Penner and Tennessee’s Khalil Ekulona.

The summer of 2025 has been a time of chaos. A time of confusion. And a time of distress for many Americans. But for independent Americans it’s been a little bit different. In between all of the moments of turmoil have been glimmers of hope, a chance at a better future. And that better future… Continue reading 343. Dan Osborn. The Independent Vet Is Running Again In Nebraska. The Mechanic vs The Billionaire. Agreeing With Tucker Carlson. Ukraine’s Support Grows. Who’s Your Favorite Ninja Turtle? Coach Youman Wilder – A True Helper. Look Out for the Youngsters. 

Things are hot in America this summer. And they’re only getting hotter. The VA is cutting 30,000 jobs, Trump is threatening to bomb Moscow and Beijing, Hegseth is doing Hegseth things at the Pentagon, and New York City is hovering around one hundred degrees while a socialist is leading in the polls for Mayor. Shit… Continue reading 342. Todd Achilles. Independent Veteran for Senate in Idaho. National Parks Under Attack. Dan Osborn is Running Again. Trump Threatens to Bomb Moscow. Russia Sanctions Bill Finally Coming. VA’s Cutting 30K. The Fight for Open Primaries is Rolling in NYC.

It’s the Fourth of July, and she might be a little dinged up, but after 249 years, America is still standing. And she will keep standing as long as there are independent Americans out there to stay vigilant and ensure that the torch that Lady Liberty holds high above her head as a beacon for… Continue reading 341. Congressman Mike Lawler. Independents Day 2025. What Mamdani Means. The Weakness of the GOP in NY. Will He Run For Governor? The AUMF Must Go. Ukraine Sanctions Bill Update. Vets Need Bi-Partisan Support —Especially Now. Happy Birthday, America!

Trump has bombed Iran. And now, the spin and politics is accelerating faster than a B-2 bomber.  And a political bomb dropped on NYC this week as 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani conquered Andrew Cuomo and a cluttered Democratic primary. Now, he’ll take on a wacky Republican radio host, the compromised disaster that is Eric Adams,… Continue reading 340. Senator Angus King. The Only Real Independent US Senator? Trump Bombs Iran. Now the Spin Begins. Can The Senate Stop Him? The Spirit of Joshua Chamberlain. Socialist Mamdani Wins NYC’s Rigged Primary. 1M Independents Blocked Out. The OKC Example. 

Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember. And in tense times it’s good to get… Continue reading 339. Sebastian Junger. America at the Breaking Point. Trump Blowing Through Every Red Line. 2,000 More Troops to LA. Will Trump Bomb Iran? The Golden Rule of American War. Props to Everyone After No Kings. Ukraine Is Still Happening. Ice Cream and Grads.