Category: Episodes

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… Continue reading 106: Bianna Golodryga. Should Schools Reopen Now? How Texas Represents the Future of America (Good and Bad). Breaking Down Russia, Putin, Navalny and What’s Next. March Madness, the Advantages of Running and One Shining Moment.

  Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media.  Winter is dragging on, but we’re bringing light to warm things up. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is tearing into a pivotal week in the quest for… Continue reading Episode 103: Darren Walker. Ford Foundation President. Why Hope Is the Oxygen Of Democracy. How Philanthropy is Fighting COVID, Extremism, Inequality. Why Texas Is a Model for What’s Broken in America. How Work Gets Done in the Gray Space. Perseverance.

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. 
Winter is dragging on, but we’re bringing light to warm things up. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is tearing into a pivotal week in the quest for accountability after the Jan 6 attack, Biden’s first month in office, 500,000 dead from COVID, fallout from the Texas power outages, and NASA’s landing a rover on Mars. 
With America at a crossroads, our important, inspiring and iconic guest is Darren Walker (@DarrenWalker). The President of the mighty $14B Ford Foundation, Darren is one of the most influential leaders in America. He rose from the first class of Head Start, to leading one of the most powerful organizations on Earth. A true helper, patriot, and conscience for America, Darren was named to Time’s Most Influential People, Rolling Stone’s People Shaping the Future, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and Out magazine’s Power 50. Under his leadership, Ford became the first non-profit in US history to issue a $1B designated social bond to strengthen non-profit organizations in the wake of COVID. For over 80 years, Ford has been focused on a mission to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. 
With America facing a daunting collision of mammoth challenges, Darren is attacking them more than almost any other leader. He joins us for an insightful conversation about the fragile state of affairs, the impact of COVID, inequity and extremism on our most vulnerable. He breaks down the failure in Texas, and what it reveals about America, and why he still believes in the spirit of America. And, as in every pod, we get insights into his leadership lessons learned, his favorite drink, and the first car he ever owned.
Darren is empowering Americans in bold ways. And tackling the world’s biggest problems from climate change to racial justice to the pandemic. He’s a uniquely independent leader to guide us forward. As we all trudge through the final weeks of winter and toward a more vaccinated country, this conversation will warm your heart.
America is more divided than ever before. But Independent Americans is adding light to contrast all the heat. Every episode brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and explores the most pressing issues of the day with leaders who are shaping what America will be in the future. 

If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democratic Party, but you’re not a die-hard partisan, this is your show. If you’re a concerned American who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to join us and be a part of the solution. 

And join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. For just $5, you get access to events, our guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. 

You can also see video of this conversation with Darren Walker and over 100 episodes with 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. Stay vigilant, America. 
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On the web: http://IndependentAmericans.us
Watch the Conversation:
https://youtu.be/dqBZEgpqEMM

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media.  Guest Ken Feinberg is a master of disaster. He’s a leader who has been asked multiple times, by multiple Presidents, to do the impossible: to determine the dollar… Continue reading 102. Ken Feinberg. What Is A Human Life Worth? How Should America Face Another Tragedy? The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Special Master & Legal Expert on a 1/6 Commission, Justice, Merrick Garland & Independent Leadership in Times of Crisis & Loss.

Welcome to Season 2. Yep, we’ve changed the name of the show.  For 100 episodes, we were united in our understandable anger. We were united in highlighting for others issues that had us angry–and should have everyone angry. And we were united in turning that anger into positive impact. That positive impact inspired action, supported… Continue reading 101. Evan McMullin. The Independent Presidential Candidate on the Future of Independent Politics. The CIA Veteran Breaks Down the Insurrection. The Former GOP Strategist Analyzes the Impeachment and Destruction of the Party He Once Served.

Before he was slain serving as a Capitol Hill Police officer, Brian Sicknick served in the Air Force. Officer Sicknick survived multiple deployments to the Middle East, only to be killed at home by his fellow citizens inside his own nation’s capital. He was the first casualty in America’s new war with itself.  Our Congress,… Continue reading 100. Sebastian Junger. The Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Filmmaker Dissects Our Country in Crisis. Exploring the Tortured and Fighting Spirit of America. Redefining Patriotism, Leadership and Freedom. Our Real Super Bowl.

Just when you think things can’t shock you anymore, politics in America finds a way.  We now all know about Q Anon. And we’re learning more and more about the role it/they played in the January 6 terrorist attack on our Capitol. And over the next few weeks, as the second impeachment trial of Donald… Continue reading 99. DISPATCH SPECIAL: Fred Guttenberg. The Heroic Parkland Dad Confronts Representative Majorie Taylor Greene. On The Anniversary of His Daughter’s Death, A Father Is Fighting A Member of Congress Who Says It Didn’t Happen. How You Can Help.