Independent Americans

🎙🚨This year, as we pay respect to the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, your host and 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff has a lot to teach us all. About what happened on that day. About what it means. And maybe most importantly, what it will mean for the future. 9/11 was a moment that horrified the world. But in that same moment, it galvanized us. It unified us. And it helped define the trajectory of nearly everyone’s life from that point forward. And so on this anniversary, we reflect. On where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Meanwhile this week, the historic and divisive presidential debate showed us all what the future might look like. For better or worse. And we’re digging into it from a uniquely independent perspective—yes, to include the Taylor Swift news. But also this week, just blocks from the World Trade Center site, there was another vision of the future being presented. An independent and unifying future. One we can all share in, and one that you—as a listener of this show—are already a part of. This week saw the official introduction of the nine Independent Veterans of America endorsed independent veteran candidates from all across the country. From local counties in South Dakota to the US Senate in Washington. An Inspiring and dynamic group of independent veterans that are working to shape a better future for us all. In the spirit of 9/11. At a time when we all need it most. So download this pod now and get yourself a strong dose of independent hope, patriotism and inspiration. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gpenF8BD

🎙🚨 This episode is a little different. It’s a quick hit episode from host Paul Rieckhoff--with a reading of his recent op-ed that appeared on Smerconish.com (co-authored with John Opdycke (the President of Open Primaries). It highlights the influence of independent voters in the New Hampshire primary, making specific note of independent’s support of candidates Nikki Haley and Dean Phillips. While neither candidate won their primary, their performance underscored the challenges for Trump and Biden going forward. And what 2024 means for America–and for independents. Will 2024 be the year independent voters gain recognition in a political landscape dominated by partisan influences? Will there be an increased focus on independents, who constitute the largest and fastest-growing segment of the electorate, spanning diverse demographics and states? Independents are fed up with partisan politics and want a more collaborative political environment. We want change. We want better. In 2024, will we be heard? More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gaVeYdAV

🎙🚨It’s Super Bowl time in America. And 2024 is a year-long Super Bowl FOR America. Stakes have never been higher. And just like for a Super Bowl team, leaders will be the difference. And Alex Vindman has been a QB for America stepping up in the biggest moments for years now. He was thrust onto the national scene back in October of 2019 as the news was revealed that Trump had tried to shake down the then unknown President of Ukraine. A brave whistle blower stood his ground and held the line against Trump and as a result, changed the course of history. It was an inspiring moment for our democracy—and a sign of what was coming. A lot has happened since then. But the core issues are the same —and now more urgent than ever. As American troops abroad face increasing threats on a daily basis, with three recently being killed in Jordan, there’s no better time to hear from a man who was Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council (NSC). A man who helped bring some measure of justice to the former President, and a guy who was at the center of what could still end up being the beginning of World War Three. Welcome to a reminder of what it means to be a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 265. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gRsZxNWW

🎙🚨 It’s Super Bowl week in America. And it’s a Super Bowl year of politics and national security. And as the world focuses on America’s big game, it’s also focused on America’s dysfunction. And so are we. The border deal has collapsed, funding for Ukraine and Israel is stalled, and the election division across the country is reaching peak levels of nasty and stupid. It’s an especially ugly time in America–as America again thrusts itself in the global spotlight. But there are glimmers of hope–and even fun. And in this smart, fast and fun episode, we’re digging into all of it. As only Independent America does. From Putin and Zelensky to Mahomes and Tony Romo. From the fight for The Lombardi Trophy, to the fight of our time, this is a conversation for everyone. And one of the most surprising and interesting ones you’ll hear this Super Bowl week. Matt Gallagher is of the most important writers of our time, especially touching on issues of war and national security. And a sharp, real and funny voice of reason for America. He is the internationally-recognized author of the novels Empire City, Youngblood, the forthcoming Daybreak, the class Iraq war memoir Kaboom, and a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. His work has appeared in Esquire, ESPN, The New York Times, The Paris Review and Wired. He’s also co-editor of the short fiction collection Fire & Forget: Short Stories from the Long War. He’s a popular, funny and insightful voice—including on Twitter–on everything from politics and war to his beloved Cleveland Browns. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gcbg5_8W

🎙🚨It’s Super Bowl time in America. And 2024 is a year-long Super Bowl FOR America. Stakes have never been higher. And just like for a Super Bowl team, leaders will be the difference. And Alex Vindman has been a QB for America stepping up in the biggest moments for years now. He was thrust onto the national scene back in October of 2019 as the news was revealed that Trump had tried to shake down the then unknown President of Ukraine. A brave whistle blower stood his ground and held the line against Trump and as a result, changed the course of history. It was an inspiring moment for our democracy—and a sign of what was coming. A lot has happened since then. But the core issues are the same —and now more urgent than ever. As American troops abroad face increasing threats on a daily basis, with three recently being killed in Jordan, there’s no better time to hear from a man who was Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council (NSC). A man who helped bring some measure of justice to the former President, and a guy who was at the center of what could still end up being the beginning of World War Three. Welcome to a reminder of what it means to be a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 265. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gRsZxNWW

🎙🚨 The New Hampshire primary is over–and independents were a huge factor. Just as they will be in the general election in November. Who did they vote for? What do they care about? And who can appeal to them now—and in the future? And what’s next for Nikki Haley, Trump, Biden and the rest in this chaotic sprint to the summer nominating conventions? Michael Smerconish is back on IA to chop it up with Paul on all that. And, to rip into Jason Kelce’s shirtless emergence as America’s man of the people (and what it reveals–heh heh–about our politics in 2024), why more voters aren’t responding to Dean Phillips, why so many are responding to RFK Jr, who is on the bench for the Dems and Republicans, who can galvanize all this independent energy, and who’s gonna win the Super Bowl??? We’re digging into all of it in a fast and fun episode with your two favorite outspoken, bald and bearded, independent, white guys! Michael Smerconish is a longtime political commentator, radio host, TV host, best-selling author, and maybe the single most high profile political independent in the media. A guy who has served as a guest host for voices on all sides of the political spectrum. He’s been a guest host for Chris Matthews AND for Bill O’Reilly. For Chris Cuomo AND for Glen Beck. And he’s the host of his own SiriusXM radio and CNN TV show. And Paul Rieckhoff’s stunt double! More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gsPGtdA7

🎙🚨 Dorin Cohen grew up in Ashkelon, Israel and most recently lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza with her husband, Itamar, and her two young boys, Adam and Jonathan, where they survived nearly 30 hours in their bomb shelter on October 7. Dorin has a Bachelor's degree in Law from Ono Academic College and is currently pursuing an advanced studies degree in Child Development at Bar-Ilan University. Earlier this month in New York at an event titled Understanding Israel, Dorin bravely shared her story. It’s a story of unthinkable cruelty, an unprecedented moment, and unparalleled heroism. You might think you know the story of October 7th, but you haven’t heard it through Dorin’s eyes. Hers is a story that is much bigger than the division that has unfolded around the world since Oct 7th and the combat that has followed. Dorin’s story is one of a young mother, a wife, a human being, and a hero–who showed a kind of courage that few will ever know. No matter where you stand on Israel/Gaza/Palestine, this is a story you need to hear. Because it’s about much more than Hamas and Israel, it’s about the most basic brutalities and beauties of humanity. And it’s a story everyone in the world must hear. It comes from the Understanding Israel event that was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant  (Episode 252 - Nov. 16, 2022). Dorin was introduced by her friend, Rachael Braverman. And her unforgettable talk followed the panel with Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz that was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff and broadcast exclusively by Righteous Media in our previous, important, special Episode 262 posted last week. After experiencing this unimaginable trauma, Dorin and her family are now working to build a new life–maybe in Israel–maybe in America. You can help them on this path by donating what you can to this GoFundMe page set up by their friends. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gJBbTquQ

🎙🚨Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz are two powerful voices that come from different worlds and have different perspectives on Israel and Gaza, but are united in focusing on finding peace and solutions. And last week in NYC, they were united on a unique and dynamic panel in an effort to educate people from all backgrounds about their personal experiences and thoughts for the future. And they both shared their riveting stories of what recently brought them back to the region after October 7th. The event was titled Understanding Israel, and was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant (Episode 252 - Nov. 16, 2022). And the panel with Ambassador Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff and broadcast now exclusively by Righteous Media in this important, special new episode. This is an episode you won’t soon forget. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gN9iUEqX

🎙🚨Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz are two powerful voices that come from different worlds and have different perspectives on Israel and Gaza, but are united in focusing on finding peace and solutions. And last week in NYC, they were united on a unique and dynamic panel in an effort to educate people from all backgrounds about their personal experiences and thoughts for the future. And they both shared their riveting stories of what recently brought them back to the region after October 7th. The event was titled Understanding Israel, and was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant (Episode 252 - Nov. 16, 2022). And the panel with Ambassador Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff and broadcast now exclusively by Righteous Media in this important, special new episode. This is an episode you won’t soon forget. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gN9iUEqX

🎙🚨 As we head into what is almost sure to be a rocky 2024, we wanted to get you the best look ahead possible. So we brought back a fan favorite. A guest who isn’t afraid to make bold predictions. And a guest who’s smart enough to back them up. He’s a master of marketing, business, media and politics. He’s the great Prof G, Scott Galloway, and he’s here to break down what the next few months will look like and why the market’s cause for concern might be a reason for you to be optimistic. He’s back after joining host Paul Rieckhoff for Episode 192 back on Oct. 13, 2022. Now as we enter a crucial election year, he’s here to share his thoughts on politics, the economy and America’s outlook on America. It’s a fascinating conversation that will leave you smarter and better prepared for whatever the hell is in store in 2024. More at https://lnkd.in/gCKxzNMn or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨 https://lnkd.in/gmRZG3pq