Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

It’s on. This April, it’s on. All of it. The storms continue to pour. And the biggest storm of all still looms and gathers, as the world watches and braces for it.  The spring offensive in Ukraine. It’s coming.  We’ve all seen it gathering, we’ve all heard the reports, we’ll all watched the pieces come into place…and any day now….or maybe months from now…it will hit. Maybe more like a tectonic ear...

There is new polling that shows a record 49% of Americans now see themselves as politically independent — the same as the two major parties put together. The biggest and dominant political affiliation isn’t Democrat or Republican. It’s none of the above.  The two parties are failing. And losing strength. And the future is independent. Gallup analyst Jeff Jones says a big reason for this change is...

Spring has officially sprung. The birds are chirping. The bees are buzzing. And we’re on Spring Break. We’re recharging our batteries and getting things ready for another amazing season of bringing you the best guests and the hard hitting content you’ve come to expect. So while we eat/drink/sun too much for a quick week off, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. And who better to hear...

#PresidentMayhem is back. In version 2.0. As the Trump indictment continues to unfold, we’re breaking down how it will impact America, the race for President, our national defense and especially, independents nationwide. From a uniquely and truly independent standpoint. And we’ve got the perfect guest and the perfect conversation to break it all down. It’s a real and fiery talk. About real issues...

It’s been another hard week in America. Another week with another catastrophic and horrifying school shooting. And as spring finally begins in America, this is an especially critical time to stay vigilant.  The Nashville PD had leaders who stepped up. While others in Washington cowered and failed. And coming up, we’re gonna break it down with a legendary special operations Recon Marine and tactica...

America has had a hard few weeks. And definitely taken some Ls. And as one season ends, and another begins, we’re calling a big time pitcher out of our bullpen to help us make sense of it all. From Trump’s indictment, to Iraq at 20, to Ukraine’s urgent needs, to March Madness and the WBC. Matt Gallagher ( @MattGallagher0 ) is back. He joined us last after just leaving Ukraine for Episode 161 in Ma...

Instead of one amazing guest and conversation, you’re gonna get 4! Our paid Patreon supporters always get a special extra piece of content after every show. And in this episode, we’re gonna share FOUR! From four of our recent, and most popular guests. We’ve been on a tear of booking lately, and these four clips are from four of the most interesting, most dynamic and most inspiring we’ve had.  Rach...

War is bloody, expensive and hard. And sometimes, necessary.  The prolonged occupation of Afghanistan was probably not necessary. The initial invasion probably was. But we can debate all of that for decades. And we will. But what is not debatable is the incredibly high cost of leaving your allies, or even your own Marines and troops, to fight and die on their own.  If you leave your people hanging...

As chemicals continue to circulate in Ohio, Chinese spy satellites roam overhead, mask mandate divisions linger, and 9/11 first responders again have to descend on Washington to demand healthcare support, this is not an easy time to trust in government. America is hungry for competence. And hungry for leadership. And our guest this week is bringing it back. Big and fast.  He’s the fastest rising s...

America is also still at war at home. Against itself. The races for 2024 are already unfolding. And they look nastier than ever. And independents will be more important than ever.  And in no place will they be more important than in Arizona.  And that’s why we invited our guest in this episode to join us once again.  He’s the man who wants to be the next Senator from the state that elected John Mc...

He’s gone from serving in the British Royal Navy as a lowly cook, to serving multiple presidents in The White House. From a troublemaking teen, to TV star, to entrepreneurial and philanthropic leader. He’s a truly great American immigration story. A truly great American business story. And a truly great American success story. And he’s here to chop it up with us in a way that is raw, hot and ready...

Super Bowls are a time for leaders to step up. And for heroes to me made.  But they’re not real heroes. They’re football players. And most of them are not real heroes.  But a generation ago, there was a real hero playing in the Super Bowl.  A true legend. And that legend was established the moment he stepped back on an NFL field. And was elevated after he made it to the Super Bowl. And after he wo...

Unit culture is defined by leaders. Whether it’s a football team, a police force, a Congressional office or a cable news network. Or a country.  And for more than a decade, the unit culture at one of the biggest cable news networks in America, at the most important times in our recent history, was defined by one leader. One leader whose leadership influenced the broader culture across not just her...

Ukraine is fighting for their freedom. Iranian protestors are fighting for their freedom. And here in America, none of us feel free from the threat of gun violence.  It’s a time where freedom is under assault always, and in all ways.  So let’s talk about freedom. In America, in Iran, in Ukraine. And let’s talk about how to be more free in our lives daily. Being free from school shootings and techn...

There’s lots going on that most folks aren’t tracking on. Especially in Ukraine. But that’s not the case on this show. We’ve got a show focused on the most important and underreported latest. Especially when it comes to national and global security.  And we’re taking you inside the massive meeting between American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Milley and his Ukrainian counterpart just over...

The chaos is real. The news is overwhelming.  It’s a new year. But it’s the same old chaos. But it seems to be even worse.  But nowhere is it worse than in Ukraine.  In Ukraine, it’s a new year. And the same war.  And in the midst of all the madness. This is the most important madness. And we’re gonna dig into it. He has spent the last 8 years of his life living in Ukraine. And has spent the last...

 Welcome to 2023. The year of the stupid.  As we begin the new year, our political system is again failing us. And #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating . Welcome to the 118th Congress. Welcome to our chaotic new normal. Welcome to 2023.  We’re digging to the Kevin McCarthy/Speaker of the House madness, the tragic Damar Hamlin NFL injury, a #CamouflageWave update, and our favorite new country song of 2023. It...

As we look ahead to 2023 we’re going to take one last look at one of the best moments from our Patreon bonus content. Michael Beschloss ( @BeschlossDC ) is a truly important, inspiring and iconic American that is shaping what America has been, what it is, and what it will be. And he is a truly independent American. He joined host Paul Rieckhoff ( @PaulRieckhoff ) back in Episode 196 - November 10,...

 As 2022 winds down, we’re all ready for a little break. And as we recognize the festival of lights, and get ready for Santa, we’re getting one more holiday surprise this year. And that means it’s STILL time to stay vigilant.  Ahead of Zelensky’s historic and important visit Wednesday, December 21, 2022 to our Capitol to talk about the current war, veterans of our last war were camping outside to...

Yes, my friends, FESTIVUS is back!  A Festivus for the rest of us.  And so is our annual Festivus special! With the man himself!  The legend. The iconic actor who played George Constanza on Seinfeld--friend of this show—conscience for America—and a very proud new grandfather! The American treasure–and American icon: Jason Alexander ( @IJasonAlexander )! Every guest on this show has shaped America’...

Tis the season, to remember all the people on the front lines this holiday. When so many are celebrating. So many are standing guard. The French remember that. It’s why 80 years later, when French president Macron comes to the US for a state visit; he meets with and thanks American veterans who were part of the greatest generation that liberated France. The Ukrainians know that now. Help will come...

As we approach our 200th episode of this show, it’s time to take all our learning, all our allies, all our resources and focus on winning. Winning for America. And winning for America’s future.  And our conversation with our guest in this episode is a major step toward doing that.  It’s time to bring independents together.  It’s time for Americans to unite too.  And in this episode, you’re finally...

As we enter the holiday season, we reflect. We reflect on the good and the bad. The things we’re grateful for and the things we wish had never happened. The last bunch of years has been challenging for all of us. From the chaos of our politics, to the immeasurable losses we suffered from COVID, to the seemingly endless string of mass shootings, we’ve all been through a lot. But no one has experien...

 Welcome to the return of President Mayhem. Welcome to the end of Election Season 2022. Sorta. And welcome to the beginning of Election Season 2024. The Democrats now have the Senate. The Republicans have the House. America is deeply divided. And Trump is back. And so is Joe Walsh. After joining us in Episode 176 in June of 2022, the former GOP Tea Party leader-turned-anti-Trumper independent Joe...

The most important election of our lifetime is finally over. Sorta. And the final contest may be just beginning.  America is divided. And half the country is not happy this week. Again. Anger and division is the story of our lives in America now. And if you’re feeling like it’s not, just wait a few more days. Because President Mayhem is back. Trump is back. And we all know what that means for our...