Category: Episodes

“Thank you for your patience.” That’s how President Biden ended his historic and unusual address to the joint session of Congress. After all we’ve been through over the last four years. And after the last year especially, America was in the roughest place of our lifetime. And we hit rock bottom on January 6, 2021.… Continue reading 112: Paul Begala. America Is Bouncing Off Bottom. Are Democrats Winning or Losing? Biden’s Address & First 100 Days. The Future of Independent Politics. Can Matthew McConaughey Win in Texas? Guns or Shovels. Are Dems Too Woke? Cursing, Drinking & Twitter.

The biggest verdict of or time is in and Officer Derek Chauvin is guilty of murder. Is America guilty of celebrating too much? Is this a turning point–or just a one-off? Did American political leaders do enough? What are the parallels between the 2020 George Floyd murder video and 2002 beheading video of journalist Daniel… Continue reading 111. Baratunde Thurston. Derek Chauvin is Guilty. Analyzing Media Coverage of the Trial. How The Hell Do We Process All This? The George Floyd Murder is the Mỹ Lai Massacre of Policing. Going to High School with Jon Bernthal.

President Biden has declared the war in Afghanistan over. The George Floyd murder case continues to unfold. Coronavirus variants are spreading fast. And the J & J vaccine is on pause. It’s still a tough time in America. 100 days into the Biden presidency, things remain pretty damn turbulent. And Americans are still deeply divided.… Continue reading 110: Jon Bernthal. The Iconic Actor Gets Real About America at a Crossroads. Defining Toughness, DC Statehood and Insurrectionist Using The Punisher Skull. The Walking Dead, George Floyd, Fatherhood, Sativa, DMX, Pitbulls.

President Biden has declared the war in Afghanistan over. The George Floyd murder case continues to unfold. Coronavirus variants are spreading fast. And the J & J vaccine is on pause. It’s still a tough time in America. 100 days into the Biden presidency, things remain pretty damn turbulent. And Americans are still deeply divided. But millions are vaccinated, our troops are coming home from the longest war in our history, and summer will be here soon. And we are finally looking back on the last few very tough years, and trying to chart a better course forward. That includes exploring what it means to be a leader, to be a citizen, to be a patriot, and to be tough. Far too often in America lately, tough has been defined by a fist. But some are trying to redefine toughness with an open hand–instead of a clenched one. With soft power, instead of hard. And most of all, with an open heart. As we all process the brutal drama of the last year, we’re all exploring what it means to be survivors of this life, this time, and his pandemic. And we’re all at least a little bit tougher. 
And few have defined American toughness on our screens over the last decade like Jon Bernthal (@JohnnyBernthal). And few define toughness better in real life. After growing up DC, facing down tremendous adversity, and grinding for two decades, Jon has now emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting actors in Hollywood. America has come to love him in defining roles on The Walking Dead, The Pacific, The Wolf of Wall Street, Fury, Sicario, Baby Driver and Ford v Ferrari. And as Frank Castle, in The Punisher. Soon, he’ll star in The Many Saints of Newark, the prequel of The Sopranos, the reboot of American Gigolo on Showtime, and King Richard, a story about the early days of Venus and Serena Williams. Bernthal’s one of the hardest-working actors in America. He’s also one of the coolest–and one of the most real. 
He’s married to a nurse, dedicated to his family, and worked for causes ranging from the USO to protecting pitbulls to founding Drops Fill Buckets. Bernthal’s a guy who shaped what it means to be American to the world. And he joins us on Independent Americans for a raw and real conversation spanning the debate around statehood for DC, to the George Floyd trial, to the insurrection in his hometown. Bernthal (a boxer) pulls no punches. He’s known our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for 20 years. And he opens up about what makes him happy, the impact of DMX on his life, and why he’s optimistic about the future..
America is deeply divided. But not about the things Jon’s been a part of. And Independent Americans is killing misinformation like Shane Walsh killed zombies in The Walking Dead. And we’re bringing a punishing Frank-Castle-like blast of light to contrast all the heat of other political pods. We’re bringing the Fury of the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your pod. Be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of our Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts, a Zoom Happy Hour event this Friday, and exclusive content. And check out new IA merch! Camping mugs, t-shirt and more.

You can also see video of this conversation with Jon Bernthal and 100 others from Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on your social media platforms or www.IndependentAmericans.us.

Watch video of this full conversation:
https://youtu.be/T_GI9cXbGfE

And stay vigilant, America. 

The marijuana reform movement is on fire. In the election last year, beneath all the Biden and Trump drama, every single state-level cannabis ballot initiative passed–from New Jersey to Mississippi to South Dakota. And now, New York state has legalized the green stuff. Federal legalization is gaining steam, the industry is exploding and everyone wants… Continue reading 109. Ethan Nadelmann. Pre-4/20 Marijuana Special Episode. New York Legalizes Cannabis. Should All Drugs Be Legal? Can Weed Spark America’s Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery?

It’s spring break this week for millions of kids across America. School’s out, Passover, Easter, and March Madness are also here, and millions nationwide are spending extra time with family. And so are we. In this special episode, we are thrilled to introduce you to two new members of our media family: the captivating hosts… Continue reading 108. Rick Sorkin & Sharon Koppelman Spring Break Special! Meet The Son and Mother Hosts of the New Righteous Media Pod: Everybody & Their Mother Has a Podcast. Also, Cannabis is Finally Legal in NY!

Things are warming up in America. And hope is finally spreading faster than the virus. It looks like the second half of 2021 will be a whole lot better than the last year. That’s thanks to the dramatic increase in focus, coordination and teamwork. It’s also thanks to courageous leaders like Jake Wood (@JakeWoodTR)–social entrepreneur, Marine Corps combat veteran, author and CEO of the disaster relief powerhouse non-profit Team Rubicon. 

Jake at the start of the pandemic in Episode 54. One year later, he’s back–and leading a massive effort that has administered 617,649 vaccines nationwide and counting. He launched the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination (VIC). Vaccinating over half a million people in places from Navajo Nation in Kayenta, Arizona to inner city Chicago, the unity of the six of the nation’s top veteran organizations—Team Rubicon, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Team Red, White & Blue, The Mission Continues, and Wounded Warrior Project—is a model for American unity. Unitedunder Jake’s leadership, these groups have more than a million veterans at their disposal and created an unprecedented coalition to overcome geographic and socioeconomic barriers and get vaccinations to hundreds of thousands.

Things are getting better in much of America. But it’s not all roses. A new mass shooting happened in Colorado, the FBI is still hunting down insurrectionists, domestic extremism threats are on the rise–and there is still tremendous misformation preventing millions from getting vaccinated. Jake joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a blunt and inspiring conversation about the most urgent issues facing us all. The former Marine Corp sniper and a gun owner breaks down shootings from a place of deep experience. He’s also a father of a newborn baby girl that faced down dangerous and harrowing heart surgery just days after being born. Jake opens up about what that was like—and what he learned. And the two renowned combat vets rip into how America can find a better future and how to stay strong–even when you’re tired and exhausted. 

As we all push through the exhaustion of a year of the pandemic, Independent Americans is bringing you more information and inspiration to help you and yours power into a brighter second half of 2021 and whatever comes next.

America is still deeply divided. But Independent Americans is a powerful jolt of reason that adds light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. Every show brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and leaves you empowered and informed. 

If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democrat–but not a die-hard partisan–this is your show. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. 

Go check out our very cool new IA merch! Durable camping mugs, cool hats and more.

You can also see video of this conversation with Jake Wood and over 100 leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page.
Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on your favorite social media platforms and www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
And stay vigilant, America.
Watch video of this full conversation:
https://youtu.be/NMGBliQbUyU

As we finally spring ahead and March Madness begins, Independent Americans is the #1 seed in your bracket for fresh, independent news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a no-BS perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. One that always dominates the paint on national security, foreign affairs, leadership, and social impact. 
March Madness is here. But not just the basketball tournament. Schools are reopening, millions are getting the vaccine, and help from the government is on the way. But the final score of America’s biggest game is still undecided. Texas is still recovering from it’s lights going out, Biden has called Putin a “killer” and put new sanctions on Russia, and a young white white man murdered six Asian American women in a brutal Atlanta shooting spree. March came in like a lion–and is not letting up. And we have a pod—and an inspiring and experienced guest–to help you through to the final buzzer.
Bianna Golodryga (@BiannaGolodryga) has been a thoughtful and trusted fixture in the media for two decades. She is CNN’s dynamic Global Affairs analyst, an expert on Russia, a native Texan, a mother, an inspiring American immigration story, and a huge basketball fan. She’s been co-host of CBS “This Morning”, co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America”, and an anchor for Yahoo News. After migrating to the US as a child from Moldova, in the former Soviet Union, Bianna grew up in Houston as a Rockets fan, and started her journalism career as a producer for CNBC. She’s interviewed newsmakers including President Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Warren Buffett. She also went to High School with Beyonce and Estaban Powell from the Texas classic, Dazed and Confused. 
Bianna joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a smart and fun conversation about the most urgent issues in America. They power through the spin and complexity, and post up on how to survive hard times, parenting in the pandemic, and the importance of caffeine. And Rieckhoff shares what it was like to take one of the biggest shots of his life: the COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s a fast-paced conversation between Rieckhoff and another iconic, important and inspiring American. The kind of conversation with a thought-leader that has defined Independent Americans for almost two years. It’s the perfect podcast to guide you through the madness and into the most anticipated spring of our lifetime. 

America is more divided than ever. But Independent Americans adds light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. Every show brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and leaves you empowered and inspired. 

If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democrat–but not a die-hard partisan–this is your show. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. 

And be sure to check out our very cool new IA merch! Durable camping mugs, cool hats and more.

You can also see video of this conversation with Bianna Golodryga and over 100 leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page.
Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on your favorite social media platforms and www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
And stay vigilant, America.
Watch this full conversation:
https://youtu.be/NMGBliQbUyU