Episodes

  • 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
  • Trump, Iran, And The Draft: Independent Veterans, Young Voters, And The Cost Of Another Middle East War.​

    Trump, Iran, And The Draft: Independent Veterans, Young Voters, And The Cost Of Another Middle East War.​
    Mar 23 2026
    In this all‑new episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes of his latest appearances on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports and NewsNation with Connell McShane to break down Trump’s Iran war, talk of a draft, and what it all means for a new generation raised in the shadow of Iraq and Afghanistan. From rising gas prices and billion‑dollar‑a‑day war spending to the specter of regime change and who would actually secure a post‑war Iran, Rieckhoff brings the blunt, experience‑driven analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Drawing on decades of work with veterans and independents, Rieckhoff explains why young Americans feel duped, why Trump’s own family won’t see the front lines, and why the MAGA base is splintering as the war’s popularity drops by the minute. He digs into Tulsi Gabbard’s dramatic reversal on “no regime‑change wars,” the growing risk of regional spillover through the Strait of Hormuz, and the unanswered question at the heart of this conflict: who will be the boots on the ground when the bombs stop. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans, and the trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope that helps 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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    8 mins
  • Mick Foley. EXCLUSIVE. Wrestling Legend Speaks Out. On Trump, ICE, Iran, a “Shiny New Toy” Military.

    Mick Foley. EXCLUSIVE. Wrestling Legend Speaks Out. On Trump, ICE, Iran, a “Shiny New Toy” Military.
    Mar 21 2026

    Redefining Real Toughness and Modern Manhood. Pop Culture vs. Authoritarians. The 10% Problem. Santa and Steinbrenner. From Walter Reed to the Road.

    WWE Hall of Famer and hardcore legend Mick Foley returns to join Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff for an EXCLUSIVE, extended, a no-holds-barred conversation about his powerful and viral Instagram post, leaving the WWE, Trump’s reckless push toward war with Iran and why it’s time for a new wave of independent veterans to step into the political ring.

    From Ohio hotel rooms and horror conventions to Capitol Hill and chaotic war rooms, Mick and Paul break down how we got here, why so many Americans feel politically homeless, and what it will take for principled veterans to challenge both parties—and stop another disastrous forever war before it starts.​

    And Mick tells some amazing, wise and fascinating stories about the Undertaker, character, courage, the World Baseball classic, playing Santa Claus, meeting Reggie Jackson on a plane, fatherhood and compromise; the dangers of treating the military like a toy; and how an unlikely alliance between a grizzled veteran advocate and a hardcore wrestling icon can help America find its backbone again—and maybe even have a nice day.

    -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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    56 mins
  • Pentagon: $200B for Iran. 4,500 More Marines to Mid-East.

    Pentagon: $200B for Iran. 4,500 More Marines to Mid-East.
    Mar 20 2026
    Joe Kent Speaks Out. Polls Get Worse. Is Colombia Next? Where’s VA’s Budget Request? Cesar Chavez Exposed. Drones Over Hegseth & Rubio’s Homes. HBD Iraq War. RIP Chuck Norris. Madness is AMAZING. It's episode 470 and Paul Rieckhoff is solo in New York on the first day of spring, bringing his trademark mix of independence, insight, and righteous outrage as March Madness tips off across America. From Kurtis Blow’s “Basketball” to bracket-busting Cinderella stories like 12-seed High Point, Paul lays out his “fab five” vibes—integrity, independence, information, inspiration, and impact—and explains why this tournament is one of the few things still uniting the country. But he also exposes a much darker kind of March madness: Trump’s escalating war with Iran, the Pentagon’s stunning 200 billion dollar funding request, and the hidden lifetime costs of traumatic brain injuries and VA care that the White House refuses to own. Paul rips into Acting “Secretary of Culture War” Pete Hegseth’s propaganda briefings, selective right-wing media access, and dangerous religious extremism from the Pentagon podium, while highlighting the veterans, journalists, and unlikely allies—from Joe Kent to Shawn Ryan to Marjorie Taylor Greene—who are beginning to break with Trump’s forever war machine. He connects it all to attacks on the free press, the plan to keep National Guard troops in DC through 2029, new targets like Colombia, the fight for open primaries in Alabama, the breaking scandal around Cesar Chavez, and the explosive growth of America’s 45 percent of independents. Along the way, Paul previews an emotional upcoming conversation with WWE legend Mick Foley, celebrates the life and complicated legacy of Chuck Norris, salutes everyday toughness, and invites you to join Independent Veterans of America, Defiance.org, and a rising independent movement that is done with forever wars—and determined to 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. -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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    42 mins
  • No More Forever Wars. with Miles Taylor.

    No More Forever Wars. with Miles Taylor.
    Mar 19 2026

    Defiance.org and Independent Veterans of America Team Up to Defend Democracy. Plus Heated Hearings: Is a Non-committal Tulsi on the Firing Line? Markwayne Mullin’s Shady Co-Splaying Highlighted.

    In this special episode, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff joins former Trump DHS Chief of Staff and Defiance.org co-founder Miles Taylor from an undisclosed WeWork in Washington to announce a bold new partnership to elect 100 independent veterans to office this fall. As Trump escalates a reckless war with Iran and green-lights new military adventurism, Paul and Miles break down why veterans are uniquely positioned to challenge both parties, defend democracy, and finally end America’s forever wars.​

    They dig into Miles’s journey from anonymous Trump insider to high-profile whistleblower, why true MAGA believers are now defecting, and how Independent Veterans of America and Defiance are teaming up to give disillusioned Americans a pro-democracy alternative to both Trump and the establishment. If you’re angry about this Iran war, worried about our national security, and looking for leaders who put country over party, this is your call to action to support independent veteran candidates and stay vigilant.

    -WATCH full video of this episode here.

    -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.

    -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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    16 mins
  • Markwayne Mullin in the Hotseat. Tulsi Gabbard Dances. Where is the Uranium?!?

    Markwayne Mullin in the Hotseat. Tulsi Gabbard Dances. Where is the Uranium?!?
    Mar 18 2026
    Joe Kent Speaks Out…To Tucker Carlson. Shooting at Georgia VA and Holman Air Force Base. Mamdani Didn’t Skip This Parade. Banksy Exposed. Venezuela Spanks the USA. Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff is back with an urgent, fast-moving solo episode breaking down Trump’s escalating war with Iran, the threat around unsecured Iranian uranium, and what rising force protection levels at U.S. bases like MacDill really mean for your family and community. He spotlights the human cost of conflict with a powerful poem by Lucas Jones, digs into growing dissent inside Trump world from voices like Joe Kent and Tulsi Gabbard, and explains why confirming Markwayne Mullin to lead ICE would fuel more lawlessness instead of the culture change America needs. Along the way, Paul connects it all to your daily life—from global instability to soft targets at home—and reminds you why staying informed, engaged, and vigilant matters now more than ever.​ This episode also hits the intersection of sports, art, and politics—from Bon Iver’s protest music and Banksy’s bravery to the emotional World Baseball Classic finale where Team Venezuela stunned the U.S. and Bryce Harper modeled the kind of leadership our kids deserve to see. It’s a raw, unfiltered rundown of a “wild and weird” week: Trump’s decisions, Tulsi’s word salad, Senators who still fantasize about dueling, and the mounting pressure on American troops worldwide. 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, this one helps you stay ahead of the curve—and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -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. -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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    38 mins
  • Trump: I’ll Take Cuba. The Geopolitical Rapist.

    Trump: I’ll Take Cuba. The Geopolitical Rapist.
    Mar 18 2026
    Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran. Hegseth is Losing It. More than 200 Troops Wounded Now. Drones Hit US Embassy in Baghdad. WBC: USA vs…Venezuela. QB Dante Moore Sets A Good Example on Mental Health. On a wild and weird St. Patrick’s Day, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump’s expanding war in Iran and his shocking talk about “taking Cuba,” and explains why once you kick a hornet’s nest, the hornets—not Trump—decide when it’s over. From 50,000 U.S. troops in harm’s way, growing drone threats, and a widening conflict across the Middle East, to MAGA insiders breaking ranks like Joe Kent and an unraveling Pete Hegseth, Paul calls out dangerous weakness at the top, a feckless Congress, and the newest inductees into the 2026 Chickenhawk Club. No guest, no spin—just Paul, like your political pint of Guinness, giving you the independence, information and integrity you won’t get anywhere else. Paul also focuses on the human cost of war: more than 200 wounded troops in seven countries, grieving Gold Star families like Cheryl Simmons, and the vital work of helpers like TAPS and Bonnie Carroll supporting survivors long after the cameras are gone. He connects that pain to a powerful story of a young quarterback opening up about depression, using his platform to fight stigma and prove that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. From St. Patrick’s Day in New York and Dropkick Murphys on the playlist, to mental health, March Madness and a packed slate of upcoming guests like Ken Casey, General Mark Hertling, Seth Bodner, Tim Mak and more, this episode will help you stay informed, stay engaged—and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -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. -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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    48 mins