Category: Episodes

In this must-hear breaking news episode, host Paul Rieckhoff and Washington Post Pentagon reporter and returning guest Dan Lamothe dig into the shocking September 2 “drug boat” strike that allegedly included a second “double tap” hit on survivors in the water—and why this may become the first real legal and political test of Trump’s controversial… Continue reading 385. Dan Lamothe. Washington Post’s NATSEC Reporter Caught in the Crossfire. Who Gave the Double Tap Order? Is it a War Crime? Hegseth & Trump vs the Press. Laura Loomer & Deskgate. Are Venezuela Strikes Imminent? WV Gov Posts Incorrect Troop Deaths. 

In this classic April 2021 conversation, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff sits down with actor Jon Bernthal for a raw, unfiltered look at America at a breaking point—through the eyes of a storyteller who has spent years playing warriors, cops and complicated men on the edge. They dig into service, violence, fatherhood, justice and what… Continue reading 384. Jon Bernthal (Replay).  The Iconic Actor Gets Real About America at a Crossroads. Defining Toughness, and Insurrectionist Using The Punisher Skull. George Floyd, Fatherhood, Sativa, DMX, Pitbulls. Biden’s Afghanistan Drawdown.

This special Thanksgiving edition brings you part two of a dynamic Independent Veterans of America Winners Circle Town Hall featuring IVA 2026 Senate candidates Ty Pinkins of Mississippi and Dan Osborn of Nebraska—two independent veterans who are taking on entrenched incumbents, big money, and a broken two-party system.​ From New York City on Thanksgiving Day,… Continue reading 383. Paul Rieckhoff. Part Two: The 2025 IVA Winners Circle Town Hall. The Rise of Service-First Politics. From Mechanic to Movement Leader in the Heartland.  Grassroots Veterans Challenge Big Money Politics. A New Home for Politically Homeless Patriots.

As we head into Thanksgiving we’ve got a special Veterans Day “Winners Circle” town hall that brings together Independent Veterans of America (IVA) candidates who are changing American politics from the ground up. Independent Americans host and IVA founder Paul Rieckhoff moderates a powerful, unfiltered conversation with two newly‑elected independent veterans—Mike Procuk (Frederick County, VA… Continue reading 382. Paul Rieckhoff. Part One: The 2025 IVA Winners Circle Town Hall. Independent Veteran Candidates Share Their Victories and Challenges. Open Primaries and Ranked Choice vs A Stacked Deck. How an Independent Fulcrum Can Be the Leverage to Fix Our Future

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips through one of the most urgent, dangerous stories in American politics right now: Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s unprecedented weaponization of the Department of Defense and FBI against Senator Mark Kelly and five other members of Congress, and millions of military retirees—just days before Thanksgiving.  Coming to you… Continue reading 381. Paul Rieckhoff. If They Do It to Sen Mark Kelly, They Can Do It to You: The Threat to 2M Military Retirees. The FBI & Pentagon: Trump’s New Dual Political Attack. Ukraine on the Edge. 68 Boxes of 9/11 Info. Chiefs v Cowboys. Duffle Blog For The Win.

Next week in Tennessee, the biggest and most important election since Election Day is happening. And it could be a key bellwether for the mid-term elections next year. But most of America doesn’t know it’s happening. Or that an independent veteran is running in it. But this fascinating and intense race is a reflection of… Continue reading 380. Jon Thorp. Independent Veteran Running in TN-7 Special Election Next Week. Trump’s Biggest Test Since Election Day. Running Against Both Extremes. Why He Left the GOP. Facing Down Democrat Super PACs BS. Hegseth and Trump Go After Senator Kelly.

Admiral Bill McRaven joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for episode 379 of Independent Americans, diving deep into America’s leadership crisis, political toxicity, and how core values shape our future. This is the guy we all need to hear from RIGHT NOW. Navy SEAL, former Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), former Chancellor… Continue reading 379. Admiral Bill McRaven. Clarity in This Chaos. Trump’s Dangerous Sedition Comments. What Are Illegal Orders? A Bad Ukraine Peace Deal. Mamdani vs Trump. Will He Run for President? Education As a NatSec Priority. Friday Football: Don’t Mess with Texas.

In a week where political rhetoric reaches new levels of danger and America’s legal system braces for impact, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) sits down with the show’s resident legal heavyweight Asha Rangappa (FBI veteran, Yale professor, Substack baller) for an unfiltered, expert breakdown of the legal issues and headlines setting America aflame. Asha… Continue reading 378. Asha Rangappa. “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”- Trump to Dems. What Orders Might be Illegal? Venezuela Boat Strikes and the AUMF. Comey, Epstein and the Courts. “We’re Already in a Constitutional Crisis.” College Tours and Love Is Blind.

Former Montana senator and podcast host Jon Tester joins Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a candid, no-bullshit conversation about the state of American democracy, national security, and the urgent need for integrity in politics. From revelations about the Epstein files to concerns about U.S. military sales and deep division in D.C., Jon shares unfiltered perspectives rooted… Continue reading 377. Former Senator Jon Tester. Can The Dems Win on Epstein? Schumer’s No Shaq. Saudi F-35s – China’s Backdoor. I Remember Kent State. Poor Taste: Trump Dines with the Ultra Rich. Is Montana’s Future Independent? Farms, Basketball & Life After The Senate.

Legendary NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman returns to Independent Americans for a timely, unflinching conversation about war, truth, journalism, and the future of our democracy. Hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), this episode pulls back the curtain on major national security stories the mainstream press can’t or won’t cover—from the White House’s escalating battle against independent… Continue reading 376. Tom Bowman. NPR Pentagon Reporter. Is Trump Winning His War On Media? Reporting vs Stenography. Venezuela: The Table Is Set. Gen. Hal Moore’s Lessons. Impact of Huge Cuts at NPR & PBS. Are Seattle & NYC Trump’s Next Targets? Ukraine Soccer Inspires.