US Fighter Shot Down in Iran. Hegseth Purges Army Chief and More Generals. Inside Artemis w/ NASA Commander Scott Kelly.

Trump Wants $1.5T for Defense. Is Hegseth Running for President? SERE Training 101. Pickles the Dog for President? Final Four Friday! The ultimate split-screen moment in American history. While the world watched in awe as the Artemis crew headed toward the moon—representing the pinnacle of human achievement and international cooperation—the reality of global conflict hit home. In this urgent Friday blitz, host Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the breaking news of a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle being shot down over Iran. With one crew member rescued and another's status uncertain, we examine the tactical reality of "boots on the ground" in a conflict that continues to escalate despite a lack of public support. Joining the conversation is a true American hero, NASA Astronaut and Navy Veteran Commander Scott Kelly. Drawing on his experience as an F-14 pilot and his time commanding the International Space Station, Kelly provides an insider’s perspective on the SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) protocols our downed aviators are facing right now. We also dive deep into the Artemis mission, the firing of Army General Randy George by Pete Hegseth, and why independent leadership is the only way to navigate a world that feels closer to World War III than ever before. Key Moments & Chapters 00:00 - The Friday Blitz: Final Four & Yankee Stadium Opener.05:30 - Breaking: US F-15 Shot Down in Iran.08:15 - The Hegseth Purge: General Randy George Fired.12:45 - 1,500 Days of War in Ukraine & the Iran Connection.21:21 - Guest: Commander Scott Kelly Joins the Show.24:00 - Ejecting in Enemy Territory: What the Pilots are Facing.34:00 - Artemis: Why We Needed This Win.45:00 - Will Scott Kelly Run for Office?.50:00 - Hope as the Oxygen of Democracy. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Playlist for Songs for a Year in Space. -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.