Episodes

  • 88% of Americans Don’t Support Ground Troops.

    88% of Americans Don’t Support Ground Troops.
    Apr 1 2026
    Drones Shut Down US Air Base. Senate Votes to Fund DHS. IED at MacDill AFB. Trump’s Signature to Be Added Dollars. Markets Crater. Guthrie back to Today. Shawn Ryan Done with Trump. Barkley for Governor. In episode 480 of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff delivers a hard‑hitting solo briefing on Trump’s increasingly unpopular forever war in Iran, exposing how the Pentagon is quietly preparing for U.S. boots on the ground despite overwhelming public opposition and a distracted Congress. He connects that escalation abroad to urgent threats at home—from sophisticated drone swarms that temporarily shut down operations at nuclear‑linked and fighter bases like Barksdale and Langley, to an IED plot at MacDill Air Force Base—arguing that America is dangerously unprepared for modern warfare on its own soil. Paul also takes aim at the growing culture of cruelty and politicization inside our own institutions, from ICE reportedly staking out Marine Corps graduations to hunt undocumented family members, to acting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “more bombs, bigger bombs” rhetoric, alleged defense‑stock profiteering, and Trump’s open flirtation with clinging to power beyond two terms. Alongside the “No Kings” protests, Charles Barkley’s powerful comments on immigrants, and the long fight in Ukraine, he highlights a real alternative: a rising wave of independent veteran leaders like Seth Bodner in Montana and Brian Bangs in South Dakota who are challenging a broken two‑party system. It’s independent content for independent Americans—country over party, people over politics, and light over heat—to help you stay ahead of the curve and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    50 mins
  • LIVE: No Kings, No Forever Wars. Paul Rieckhoff Live from Times Square with Joy Reid, Don Lemon, Jim Acosta and the No Kings Movement.

    LIVE: No Kings, No Forever Wars. Paul Rieckhoff Live from Times Square with Joy Reid, Don Lemon, Jim Acosta and the No Kings Movement.
    Mar 30 2026

    From the heart of Times Square, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff joins Joy Reid, Don Lemon and Jim Acosta live at the massive “No Kings” protest as America pushes back against Trump’s latest war in Iran and the slide toward pre–World War Three. In this raw, on-the-ground episode, Paul shares the energy, creativity and unity in the streets, explains why this is a historic tipping point for independents, veterans and democracy, and lays out how a diverse, peaceful crowd is sending a message to the world that Americans are not “all crazy” and refuse another forever war.

    You’ll hear Paul connect the Iran quagmire, Israel, and global public opinion, spotlight the growing independent media ecosystem with Joy, Don, Jim and Toure, and call out the authoritarian drift that has people in every party saying “no more kings.” He breaks down why veterans are turning out, what it means that over 50,000 troops are already in harm’s way, and how independents can channel this moment into sustained civic action far beyond one march.

    -WATCH full video of this episode here.

    -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars.

    -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

    -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.

    -Remember Independent is an Attitude.

    -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

    Connect with Independent Americans:

    • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms
    • Read more at Substack
    • Support ad-free episodes at Patreon
    • Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook
    Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky

    -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.

    -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

    Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.

    And now part of the BLEAV network!


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    17 mins
  • LIVE from No Kings NYC - Anti-Trump Protests Provide a Moment of Unity for America.

    LIVE from No Kings NYC - Anti-Trump Protests Provide a Moment of Unity for America.
    Mar 29 2026

    Patriotism, Protest and the War In Iran. Is This a Tipping Point?

    Live from the massive “No Kings” protests in New York City, Iraq War veteran and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff takes you into the streets as Americans of all ages and backgrounds say “hell no” to forever wars and unchecked presidential power. From the unpopular war in Iran to Trump’s threats against Ecuador and Cuba, Paul explains why this feels like a tipping point—and why more veterans, independents, conservatives, and liberals are uniting than we’ve seen in years.

    He also breaks down bombshell reporting about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly blocking Black and female officers from promotion, and what it reveals about politics infecting the Pentagon. This is what modern patriotism looks like: people standing up, speaking out, and paying the price of freedom with their vigilance. Watch, listen, and share if you’re tired of being ignored by both parties and ready for real accountability.

    -WATCH full video of this episode here.

    -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars.

    -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

    -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.

    -Remember Independent is an Attitude.

    -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

    Connect with Independent Americans:

    • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms
    • Read more at Substack
    • Support ad-free episodes at Patreon
    • Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook
    Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky

    -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.

    -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

    Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.

    And now part of the BLEAV network!


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    7 mins
  • Special No Kings Preview: Trump’s Imploding Base w/Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys.

    Special No Kings Preview: Trump’s Imploding Base w/Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys.
    Mar 27 2026
    Iran, Patriotism, Fed-Up White Working Class, Fighting Authoritarians, Will He Run for Office? Opening Day and A Little Yankees Red Sox Smack Talk. FDNY vs NYPD Hockey! Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff chops it up with Dropkick Murphys fiery and beloved frontman Ken Casey for a high-energy, no-BS conversation about patriotism, protest, and pushing back on authoritarianism at home and abroad. From Red Sox–Yankees trash talk and World Series rings to Ukraine, ICE, Iran and Trump, Ken explains why the band has spent 30 years standing with workers, veterans, cops, firefighters and immigrants—and why staying loud now is a moral obligation, not a branding choice. The Dropkick Murphys are loved and respected worldwide. And if you don’t know them already, after this episode, you’ll understand why. Ken and Paul dig into how Trump and MAGA captured huge parts of the white working class, how the “algorithm” changed people we thought we knew, and why courage from artists can help millions find the off-ramp from Trumpism without having to become Democrats. Ken breaks down the power of the No Kings protests happening nationwide this weekend, the possibility of a general strike, and what real patriotism looks like when billionaires, racists and would‑be kings are calling the shots. And, if the “No Kings” protests need a new name. They also go deep and keep it real on parenting through dark times, the mental health toll of nonstop crises, the healing power of community at shows and in the streets—and if Ken will ever run for office. Or serve as US Ambassador to a place he loves deeply. You gotta watch/hear this. It’s captivating, and inspiring. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Dropkick Murphys and see tour dates coming up nationwide. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    43 mins
  • Troops on Kharg Island Could Be Bloody. Republicans Say No to Iran.

    Troops on Kharg Island Could Be Bloody. Republicans Say No to Iran.
    Mar 26 2026
    Trump Wants National Guard in NY and Chicago. Staffers Calling Hegseth: “Dumb McNamara” Baseball is Back. The Sweet 16 is Something Good. Independent Americans host and Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff fires a solo fastball of an episode breaking down the fast-escalating Iran war, the growing danger to American troops from drones and missiles, and Trump’s increasingly unhinged push to put U.S. troops in American cities. From Karg Island traps and “Dumb McNamara” at the Pentagon, to Congress getting rolled on War Powers and insiders cashing in on war and prediction markets, Rieckhoff connects the dots you’re not getting anywhere else—and explains why this moment demands courage, accountability, and vigilance.​ Rieckhoff also spotlights the growing No Kings protests, the stakes in Ukraine as Trump tries to sell out Donbas to Putin, and a new bipartisan bill to stop political gambling by Members of Congress. In classic IA style, he brings the heat and the hope—shouting out Tina Turner, Opening Day, March Madness, and his upcoming conversation with Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey—while previewing his hits on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports, NewsNation with Connell McShane, and an upcoming appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories—and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    26 mins
  • Scott MacFarlane. 82nd Airborne Heads to Iran.

    Scott MacFarlane. 82nd Airborne Heads to Iran.
    Mar 25 2026
    Trump Shows Classified Map En Route To Golf. Bannon Calls Ice-Airport Ops Election Test. CBS to Meidas - A Massive Message to the Media. Mullin In at DHS. Meta Fined $375m Over Kids’ Safety. MLB Opening Day. On opening day of baseball, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump’s expanding forever war in Iran, new deployments of the 82nd Airborne, and the rising human cost most politicians and media are ignoring. From troops headed into combat zones to ICE crackdowns at airports, Russia’s latest massive drone and missile barrage against Ukraine, tech companies exploiting kids, and a shameless candidate joking about veteran suicide, Paul connects the dots on how Trump’s culture war at home and forever war abroad are making America less safe—and why this is a time to stay vigilant.​ Then, one of the best investigative reporters in America, Scott MacFarlane, returns with breaking insight on January 6th cases, new revelations about Trump allegedly showing a classified map en route to Mar-a-Lago, and what his headline-making move from CBS News to Meidas Touch Network really says about the future of media and democracy. Scott and Paul dig into why independent, enterprising journalism is the last line of defense against disinformation, how legacy TV is collapsing while independent media explodes, and what it means for all of us heading into an election year, a growing war, and a season of political violence risk. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Subscribe to Scott’s amazing new SubStack @MacFarlaneNews here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    58 mins
  • General Mark Hertling. Boots on the Ground Loom. Trump’s Unlimited Military Power.

    General Mark Hertling. Boots on the Ground Loom. Trump’s Unlimited Military Power.
    Mar 24 2026
    What I Told My Son When He Wanted to Join the Army. Election Threats Are Rising. Broken DHS Makes Us All Less Safe. If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal. Author, National Security Analyst, Contributor at The Bulwark, and retired Army General Mark Hertling is back on Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff at a moment when America is at war abroad and under strain at home. They attack the latest national security headlines from the war in Iran and the political wars at home. And Hertling is bringing hard truth, deep experience, and real hope. From Iran’s widening conflict and Trump’s reckless use of the most powerful military on Earth, to the rising threat of attacks here at home and the very real possibility he’ll try to mess with our elections, Rieckhoff and Hertling break down what’s really happening, what keeps this retired General up at night, and where the true “circuit breakers” are inside the Pentagon, Congress, and our democracy. They dig into war crimes, strategy (or the lack of it), the courage our leaders are missing, and the new consensus forming in the streets against the Iran war, ICE in our airports, and the slide toward authoritarianism. They also go below the headlines and into the heart: Hertling’s powerful new book, If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal, started as a Green Army notebook he wrote for his young sons before Desert Storm—part war journal, part guide to character, leadership, friendship, marriage, and what it really means to serve. He shares emotional stories about sending his own kids into the military, why fitness and vaccines are now national security issues, and how toxic “manosphere” masculinity from Trump’s inner circle is warping our culture—and our kids. They flex for cameras, do bad pullups, and cut vaccines. And push a fake and dangerous picture of what healthy looks like. And from Mr. Rogers and Looney Tunes to TAPS, the National Ability Center, and the next generation of leaders he’s now teaching in the classroom, this is an unfiltered, urgent, and inspiring conversation you won’t hear anywhere else—and the kind of independent content that helps you stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay hopeful. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Pickup a copy of the General’s moving new book: If I Don’t Return. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    40 mins
  • Admiral James Stavridis. Former NATO and SOUTHCOM Commander. ICE Deployed to Airports. More Marines Moving Toward Iran.

    Admiral James Stavridis. Former NATO and SOUTHCOM Commander. ICE Deployed to Airports. More Marines Moving Toward Iran.
    Mar 23 2026
    Democracy Wins—Pentagon Loses. Another Fumble from Hegseth. Vietnam Vet Robert Mueller Dies. No Justice for Breonna Taylor. RIP, CBS Radio. Admiral James Stavridis is back for a master class on war, peace, and the future of American power at a moment when Donald Trump can do almost anything he wants with the most powerful military on earth. The former NATO Supreme Allied Commander joins host Paul Rieckhoff to break down Trump’s war in Iran, the risks of escalation, what it would really mean to send Marines through the Strait of Hormuz, and how adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are watching—and celebrating. Stavridis explains why cyber is the next battlefield, what AI-enabled cyberattacks could look like, and why offensive cyber tools in the hands of angry regimes should have every American’s attention.​ They dig into Trump’s deployment of ICE to airports amid a partial shutdown, the culture crisis inside ICE, and whether Trump is road-testing ICE as a domestic political weapon where he can’t legally use the U.S. military. Stavridis lays out where checks on Trump’s power might actually come from—courts, Congress, NATO, and the American people—and why he still believes in the possibility of a centrist, independent political movement (even as a registered independent himself). It’s Manosphere Monday, March Madness is in full swing, St. John’s is dancing into the Sweet 16, and Rieckhoff and Stavridis still find “something good” in Disney World, underdogs, and the young Americans now fighting and dying in Iran.​ -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Pickup a copy of the Admiral’s outstanding book: 2084 A Novel of Future Wars. . -Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platformsRead more at SubstackSupport ad-free episodes at Patreon Connect: Instagram • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. And now part of the BLEAV network! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    57 mins