Category: Episodes

Fall is just around the corner, kids are back in school, football has kicked off and your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is here to continue to tear into the future of independent politics. And American politics. This week, we’ve got a great conversation with Maine State Senator Rick Bennett, a lifelong Republican and former state… Continue reading 352. State Senator Rick Bennett. Independent for Governor of Maine. Why He Left the GOP. Vacationland as a Bellwether for the Independent Movement. The Massive Drop in Canadian Tourism. Trump vs Governors. Leadership After The Charlie Kirk Assassination. 

If you’ve listened to this show over the years, chances are that you’ve heard our guest. If you haven’t, get ready for a solid dose of the straight up good stuff. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is back for the annual 9/11 episode and this one hits hard. Host and founder Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was there at… Continue reading Episode 351. Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). The Annual 9/11 Show. 2025: Has American Forgotten? The Stories, The Heroes, The Controversies, The Politicization, The Never Ending Fight For Healthcare, And The Mission To Teach The Next Generation.

We’ve got one last look back before we plunge into the future. This week we’re taking it way, way back to Episode 26 with the amazing inventor Dean Kamen. From Episode 26 – September 26, 2019: Dean Kamen is one of the greatest inventors of our time. He invented the Segway, the first drug infusion… Continue reading 350. Dean Kamen (Replay). Inventing iBOTs, Segways and Scooters. The Wheelchair of the Future. Inside DARPA. Using Robots To Build Kids. Revenge of the Nerds.

Our summer break continues as we knock out our housekeeping and get things ready for a busy fall. And before we get back to all new episodes we’ve got another great look back at a favorite with the great actor Jeffrey Wright. He digs into his role on WestWorld, his time in Hollywood and the… Continue reading 349. Jeffrey Wright (Replay). Westworld and COVID19. Fighting the Virus in Brooklyn. Rallying for Restaurants. Ebola in Sierra Leone. The Slave Behind Jack Daniels Whiskey. 

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.