Reporting live from Kyiv, Tim details Russia’s deliberate targeting of Ukraine’s power and heat infrastructure, what it feels like to live and report through blackouts and missile strikes, and how oil prices and Russian tankers are fueling Putin’s war machine. Paul and Tim dig into how Ukrainians really see Zelensky, the Americans serving in Ukraine’s International Legion, Trump’s unchecked power over the U.S. military, and Tim’s work on The Counteroffensive and The Arsenal—human-centered, frontline journalism designed to cut through the numbness of modern news. If you care about Ukraine, American leadership, or stopping authoritarianism abroad and at home, this urgent, unflinching conversation from Kyiv is a call to action for every independent American.

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Check out Tim Mak’s Counteroffensive.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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 now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.

In this all‑new Quick Reaction Pod edition of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff checks in from a flash studio at MSNBC to break down what happened, why everyone saw it coming, and what could unfold next in cities across America.​

As a former Army infantry and military police officer, Paul explains why the deployment of 1,000 ICE agents—with no body cameras, poor identification, and weak discipline—is undermining public safety and accountability. He connects this tragedy to the unauthorized invasion of Venezuela, escalating political extremism, and a president whose rhetoric is making America less safe

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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 now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff returns with an all-new bonus pod, sharing his urgent conversation with longtime friend Rachel Maddow from MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show. Rachel takes listeners into the “way, way back machine” to Paul’s early days in politics and media, his time in Iraq, and why the unfolding crisis in Venezuela feels like Iraq all over again—only worse. Together they break down how Venezuela became a new front in Trump’s plans, why it matters to every American, and what it reveals about the future of U.S. power, global democracy, and the 2026 landscape.​

They also look back on Rachel’s earlier Independent Americans appearances, their legendary on-air Eli Manning jersey bet, and what keeps her in the fight as one of the country’s most trusted and relentless truth-tellers. Even if you don’t share her politics, Paul makes the case for respecting her intellect, fortitude, and patriotism—and why her voice still matters so much right now. If you care about national security, foreign affairs, the future of American democracy, and the rising power of independents, this bonus episode is for you—a fresh dose of independent light to contrast all the heat as we head into what Paul calls a “wild, wild, wild 2026.”

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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 now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.

Donald Trump isn't just looking to transform America anymore; he’s looking to dominate the Western Hemisphere. In this urgent debrief, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down why the recent moves in Venezuela are not a distraction from the Epstein files or cabinet scandals—they are the next phase of a disciplined, high-speed plan to consolidate power before time runs out. From the takeover of federal institutions to a "2026 Vision Board" that includes Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland, the goal is clear: total control.

Rieckhoff drills down into the "failure of imagination" that has blinded the media and the Democratic establishment. While they focus on the friction of daily headlines, the Trump machine is exploiting the weakness of antiquated institutions like NATO and the UN. This isn't just politics—it's a pursuit of a legacy as the "GOAT" of presidents by any means necessary. It’s time to stop losing the plot, look at what’s happening next, and stay vigilant.

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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 now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.

In this special holiday "stocking stuffer" episode, the legendary Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, Pretty Woman) joins Paul Rieckhoff to deliver a unique Christmas gift to the Independent Americans community. Moving from a classic "you weren't there" military jab to a sharp, sophisticated joke about the perils of radical honesty in the corporate world, Alexander brings the perfect blend of humor and edge to the season.

Paul and Jason wrap up the year with a heartfelt message for the veteran community and independent thinkers everywhere. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Festivus, or looking ahead to the New Year, this quick hit of comedy and camaraderie is the perfect way to stay vigilant and keep looking for the helpers.

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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. ‘

-Check out Jason’s podcast, Really? no, Really?

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.

-And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.

It’s time for our Annual Festivus episode with the great, powerful, and wise Jason Alexander! Jason returns again to Independent Americans to help us air our grievances, navigate a truly turbulent holiday season and find some joy worth spreading. From the tragic origins of the Festivus holiday to the "despicable" and "amoral" nature of the Seinfeld characters that the world still loves, Jason and Paul Rieckhoff dive deep into why this "holiday for the rest of us" feels more relevant than ever in 2025.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they process the heavy news of the week, including the release of more Epstein files, the escalating tensions with Venezuela, and the tragic death of creative legend Rob Reiner. Jason shares stories from working with Rob Reiner, reflects on the magic of The Princess Bride, slams Trump’s meanness, and offers a powerful perspective on protecting your "inner bubble" and maintaining community in the face of a digital world designed to keep us angry and fearful. It is a masterclass in finding light to contrast the heat, reminding us that while the "macro" world may be in dysfunction, our "micro" communities are where we find our grace.

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. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant.

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-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. ‘

-Check out Jason’s podcast, Really? no, Really?

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.

-And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

-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.

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.