Welcome to the first installment of our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America.  America, meet Jared Young (@VoteJaredYoung). Jared is the independent candidate for Senate from Missouri running against Republican incumbent Senator Josh Hawley and underperforming Democrat Lucas Kunce. It’s a monumental task but he’s focused and he’s organized. He’s got a plan and maybe even a little momentum. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of a campaign on the move and a great way to kick-off the series. Hear why he is running, why he thinks he can overcome the odds and maybe most importantly, how he defines independent and what it means to him. If you’re interested in independent politics—or American politics in general—this is a can’t miss. If you’re an independent, you’ve found your home. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And hits Speaker of the House Johnson pushing the big Ukraine funding bill through Congress, Trump’s trial, and some national and global security headlines you won’t don’t get from most other news shows… yet. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Jared Young and his race on his campaign website.  -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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Jared’s conversation. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The spring offensive is here. The spring offensive of news, chaos, war and misinformation. The spring offensive, attacking democracy foreign and domestic. A spring offensive before the summer storm. A storm of the century.  It’s a storm that’s sweeping across Ukraine. It’s sweeping across America. It’s sweeping across the globe. And despite the fear and the chaos and the turmoil, every once in a while there’s a glimmer of hope. A light on the horizon that you can aim for and keep going. For independents, one of our brightest lights is the independent Mayor of Colorado Springs, Yemi Mobolade (@MayorofCOS). He’s back after appearing in Episode 228 - June 22, 2023 to check in and let us all know how things are going after his first year in office. He’s a true success story that shows the power of the independent movement—and this inspiring conversation is an appetizer for next week’s first installment of our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. If you’re interested in independent politics—or American politics in general—this is a can’t miss. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And hits on Trump’s first week on trial, the big Ukraine funding bill stalled in Congress, Zelensky’s latest plea for help, Cornel West’s pick for VP, and why tee ball is what life should be like in America.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Yemi’s conversation. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April is here. March Madness is over. UConn are champions. South Carolina are champions. But the madness isn’t stopping. The madness is just getting started.  And now, it’s REALLY getting interesting. As long predicted and examined on #IndependentAmericans, independents will determine the 2024 election. AND the future of American politics. Donors may be supporting Kennedy, but will independent voters follow? Not most. But maybe enough to tip it to Biden or Trump. And like it or not, Cornel West and Jill Stein can also have an impact in critical battleground states. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. Plus the latest on Ukraine, Israel and the latest idiocy from #SenatorRedneck. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent Political Strategist Bill Hillsman has masterminded some of the most effective and innovative election campaigns in the modern era. Hillsman first rocked the political world when he helped elect the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone in 1990 in one of the biggest political upsets in decades. In 1993, Hillsman took over a floundering Minneapolis mayoral campaign four weeks before election day, resulting in Sharon Sayles-Belton's election as the first African-American and the first woman mayor of Minneapolis, a city comprised of 85 percent white voters. He later shocked the world by helping Jesse “The Body” Ventura become Governor of Minnesota in 1998. When he joined independent candidate Ralph Nader during the 2000 election, his inventive campaign, created on a tiny budget, had the whole country talking and rethinking how we sell our politicians. He worked on independent campaigns for Arianna Huffington for Governor of California in 2003 and Kinky Friedman for Governor in Texas in 2006. And he created the groundbreaking and award-winning “Not There” television ad for Operation Truth (later Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) featuring Iraq veteran and amputee, Robert Acosta. Bill’s innovative creative work has brought him a host of awards, including a Grand EFFIE for the Wellstone campaign. Both USA Today and Business Week named his Wellstone commercials the best political ads of 1990 and his Ventura commercials were honored with five POLLIE Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants. A master of effective TV Ads, marketing and branding, Bill is CEO of North Woods Advertising and has been working in independent politics for a generation–and understands independents better than anyone in America.  And for decades, Bill has been a man on a mission to change our political system. His book Run The Other Way is an eye-opening look at the political landscape with a cast of characters that includes Colin Powell, Ross Perot, Donald Trump, Kinky Friedman and Warren Beatty. And with independents in the driver's seat to determine the 2024 Presidential election (and the future of our country) Bill is a wise and experienced leader we all need to hear from.  He joins our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) in this latest episode to share what can be learned from Ventura’s campaign 25 years later, how he defines an independent voter, how he sees them defining themselves, and gives an assessment of the entire independent movement landscape ranging from No Labels and Forward to Robert F Kennedy Jr and Cornel West. And Paul asks Bill who he thinks will win the election—and they talk a little baseball and more. No other show is digging into all things independent politics like we are.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  - WATCH video of Paul and Bill’s conversation here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few people have studied America and what it means to be an American more and at a deeper level than our guest in this one. He has dedicated his life to documenting the stories of the people, the history and the cultures that have shaped us all. And as we enter what is one of the most tumultuous years of our collective lives, it’s a good moment to take a bead, catch our breaths and get some perspective. Ken Burns (@KenBurns) returns to the show to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). It’s a clarion call in our darkest night. And it must be heeded. But it’s also a dose of inspiration and perspective the entire country could use right now. A reminder of who we are and what we can be, both the good and the bad. Ken Burns is a truly important, inspiring and iconic American who is shaping what America has been, what it is, and what it will be. He is an exceptionally wise, insightful and trusted leader that we all need to hear from right now. A man who understands history--and the historic nature of these times. The perfect guest to take us into the most important election in our lifetime.  He’s the visionary mastermind behind the greatest stories of our country—of our people–of our history—and of our future. The Civil War (1990), Baseball (1994), Jazz (2001), The War (2007), The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009), Prohibition (2011), The Roosevelts (2014), The Vietnam War (2017), Country Music, The US and the Holocaust (2022), The American Buffalo (2023), and a forthcoming and long-awaited series on the American Revolution. He’s also the author of, Our America: A Photographic History.  He’s a historian. He’s a documentarian. He’s a master storyteller. He’s a patriot. He’s our mirror. And he’s a conscience for us all. And he’s back for an extremely candid, wise and passionate conversation. You’ve seen Ken’s work. But you’ve never heard him as unfiltered as this.  Ken Burns previously joined us on Independent Americans for Episode 195 in November of 2022 Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  - WATCH video of Paul and Ken’s conversation here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, it’s time for real talk. Overdue real talk. On America’s terrible withdrawal from Afghanistan. On accountability for those failures that resulted in the 13 American servicemembers dying at Abbey Gate. On the fragile independent brand. On disgraced New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez considering running as an independent (Yes, really). On newly self-proclaimed independent Robert Kennedy Jr’s latest wild pick for his VP slot. On Senator Schumer’s tough comments on Netanyahu and Israel. On Ukraine. On crime in America and especially New York City. And even on March Madness.  It’s a week filled with lots of overdue real talk. And a bit of a reckoning. And in this fast and fierce new solo episode, our Paul Rieckhoff is giving you 3-point shot after 3-point shot of real talk on all of it. From a strong and independent perspective—as only he can. Get your bracket ready and hit download. We’ll get you what you need to know quickly and without the spinning and slanting of corporate and partisan media.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Learn more and get tickets to The First Annual March Madness For The Kids charity event next week in NYC hosted by Paul Rieckhoff and featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan and NBA Champion Malik Rose.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other powerful, independent Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In case you missed it, newly-self-proclaimed independent RFK Jr. floated some VP names. Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura. Exactly what the independent movement does NOT need.  And our Paul Rieckhoff is going to dig into why. He’ll also share the backstory behind why Kennedy’s involvement in a scheduled panel at the South By Southwest conference on independents led to its implosion. This episode was supposed to be a recording of that panel–but that’s changed. And you’ll hear the full story. And, Rieckoff reacts to the news that dozens of artists are boycotting the same convention because the US Army is a sponsor and reflects on 4 years since COVID shut down America.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other powerful, independent Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special State of the Union recap special edition episode of Independent Americans.  Normally, the State of the Union address is a civics lesson, pageantry and performance. Normally, it doesn’t move the needle.  But last night was different. It was the most important SOTU in a generation. Voters were watching. Including millions who are still on the fence. And especially independent Americans.  And so was Paul Rieckhoff. He’s been a guest at the State of the Union himself twice. And he’s got a quick, independent, no-BS breakdown of the big night.  If you missed it, this is a quick (and independent) breakdown. And if you didn’t miss it, this is a take you haven’t heard anywhere else. With an important focus on what was most important.  How’d Biden do? And did this big night make a difference? What did the partisans and corporate media miss? Press play and find out. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  -Join Paul in Austin, Texas this weekend on Saturday, March 9 at a free Independent Voters MeetUp during South By Southwest.  -Or also in Austin for SXSW on Tuesday at 10AM for an Army Futures Command panel  POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: ALTERNATIVE HELP FOR INVISIBLE INJURIES: https://dodxtech.com/schedule/ -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other powerful, independent Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Independent Americans. And welcome to March.  The weather is changing. It’s warming up and spring is so close you can almost smell it. But instead you’re probably smelling something different in the air. Something a lot less pleasant. It’s a smell that’s always been pervasive in Washington, DC and also on television and the airwaves. But in the last couple of years the smell has gotten out of control. It’s everywhere. It comes out of random strangers at random times. You can’t escape it. It’s everywhere. It’s bullshit. Whether it’s a government shutdown, or America abandoning Ukraine, or two old men apparently nobody wants for President running for President, we are drowning in bullshit. And when you’re drowning in bullshit, you’ve got to reach for the truth. And you’re gonna get it in this episode. From Paul Rieckhoff on Nikki Haley dropping out, Biden being too old, Trump being too toxic, SecDef Austin being too slow, and much more. To include Ukraine.  Tim Mak (@timkmak) is a man on a mission to find the truth. Tim is an investigative journalist with a background in politics, national security, and emergency medicine. He’s the author of a book about the inner workings of the NRA, titled 'Misfire.' and he’s a former U.S. Army medic and EMT. His writing has been featured in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, Politico Magazine, and the L.A. Times. And you can hear him regularly on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Politics Podcast. He’s reported abroad from such places as Ukraine, South Sudan, Djibouti, Israel, Japan and Hong Kong. And now, he’s launched his own new media venture called The Counteroffensive. He’s taking people deep inside the war in Ukraine. And he joins host Paul Rieckhoff for a look behind the front lines at the people who are feeling abandoned and betrayed by America. It’s a heavy dose of truth, but it’s a lot better than the bullshit. If you like bullshit, this ain’t your place. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -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.  - WATCH video of Paul and Tim’s conversation on our YouTube channel here. -Join Paul in Austin, Texas this weekend on Saturday, March 9 at a free Independent Voters MeetUp during South By Southwest.  -Or also in Austin for SXSW on Tuesday for an Army Futures Command panel at for our 10AM panel:  POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: ALTERNATIVE HELP FOR INVISIBLE INJURIES: https://dodxtech.com/schedule/ -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other powerful, independent Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story that remains underreported is how much Trump ISN’T getting. He’s a freight train as nominee—but still NOT getting 30%. AND, he’s continuing to struggle with moderates in his own party and especially with independents (as revealed most vividly in New Hampshire). It continues to underscore his general election weakness. Which is revealed (AND increasing) with Haley in.  And on the other side, Biden is inevitable—but failing with 15% of “uncommitted” protest votes AGAINST him. And another 3% going to Williamson—who dropped out. He continues to struggle with progressive Dems due to Israel—and his age. And he’ll struggle with some independents on that—and with Kamala Harris as VP. And too many forget (especially in the media) that RFK Jr (unfortunately) continues to have the highest favorability rating of all the candidates, is polling over 20%, and will likely gain momentum in coming months. Especially among critical independents. 2024 is all about moving a critical and rising number of #IndependentAmericans. That’s the final battlefield. It’s all gonna come down to them. This year—and likely every Presidential year to come.  We independents are the key. And the future.  And we’ve got the perfect guest to help break it all down.  Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) is back and always he’s bringing the heat (Hear/watch his previous appearances in Episode 193 from Oct 2022 and Episode 222 from May 2023). The Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Former Lt. Gov. of Maryland has served in all levels of elected and government office and is now a Political Analyst for MSNBC and the host of his own influential political podcast.  He knows politics like the back of his hand and he’s not holding back. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Check out Michael Steele on Twitter, watch him on MSNBC and subscribe to The Michael Steele Podcast.  -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.  - WATCH video of Paul and Michael’s conversation on our YouTube channel here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other powerful, independent Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices