Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff Righteous Media

Summer is here. And it’s getting hot. In America, around the world, and in our politics. And we’re not afraid of some heat. From the Trump verdict to Menendez and Manchin claiming independence to poop balloons. Yes, poop balloons. It’s already a wild summer. 
And it’s also a summer of independents. So welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our last episode in the series we met Kodi Sawin, an independent powerhouse from Texas. She dropped us a line to let us know that right after she was on the show she passed her verified signature count and is on track to submit her application and petition on or before June 10. We’re tracking on her race—and every single one of the candidates we’ve be profiling in the series.
And speaking of candidates… America, meet Marcus Carter (@MarcusCarter4FL). He’s running for Congress in Florida’s 9th District and is up against incumbent Democrat Darren Soto. And a Republican to be decided after an August primary. They’re long odds to face, but Marcus will make his case why he thinks he’s the best option for voters in his district and he’s got the kind of independent spirit we want to highlight. 
If you’re interested in independent politics—or American politics in general—this is a rare inside look at politics at the local level. If you’re an independent, you’ve found your home. And an inspiring one at that. 
Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And he’s digging into the aftershocks of the Trump guilty verdict and how it might impact the race, Eric Adams failing again and again, Zelensky and Ukraine finally getting the go ahead to hit targets of military importance inside Russia and poop balloon attacks. That’s right, poop balloons. Because nothing makes more sense in 2024 than weaponized balloons carrying poop. Keep your head on a swivel, people! And hit that download button now. 
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 Marcus Carter 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 Marcus’ 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week you heard from Bonnie Carroll about her work with host Paul Rieckhoff to create the American Veterans for Ukraine organization. Immediately after recording that show, in advance of Memorial Day, at a historic event at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., five leading voices from the American veterans community formally announced the formation of a groundbreaking new veterans organization focused on supporting victory in Ukraine. American Veterans for Ukraine, is a groundbreaking new effort from our host, Paul Rieckhoff, and past guests of the show Bonnie Carroll, Matt Gallagher, Adrian Bonenberger and Nolan Peterson.
AVU is an American, non-partisan, non-profit organization with a clear mission: connecting, uniting and empowering American veterans to support victory for Ukraine. 
AVU’s two lines of effort to ensure that mission is accomplished are:
1. Driving public support for Ukraine.
2. Protecting continued US government funding for the fight.
Along with the AVU Founders, attendees heard from Hope for Ukraine CEO, Yuriy Boyechko, Co-Founder of TAPS Ukraine and reserve Lieutenant in the Ukrainian military, Yuliya Dmytrova, as well as Katherine Semenyuk, a Ukrainian American military chaplain who on the first day of the Russian invasion, gave birth to her fifth child in a bunker, embodying the spirit of survival and determination. A video statement was also presented from Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret) and 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.
AVU’s five Co-Founders are known worldwide for their commitment to America, to the veterans community, and to issues of national security, global security, and peace. They represent a deep and diverse scope of backgrounds and are combining efforts to meet this critical moment in American and global history.
It was an inspiring event and we want you to join us.
Days before AVU launched another great organization hosted a gala as IAVA Salutes had another great event in support of their noble cause. As we reflect on Memorial Day, please keep organizations like IAVA and TAPS in mind. They are the helpers. And sometimes the helpers need a little help.
And one more thing to keep in mind as you navigate the chaos as we pay tribute to the great Bill Walton, a true American hero who did it his own way. A true icon and a great Independent American. Thank you for changing the game and making life more fun for all of us.
Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 
-Visit American Veterans For Ukraine and join the fight.
- Support TAPS and their efforts to help bereaved families.
-Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
-WATCH video of the AVU Conference.
-Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.
-Hear other Righteous pods 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

Another Memorial Day is upon us. A reminder of all those we’ve lost. And, a reminder that no matter how high the stakes, no matter how challenging the odds, as the allied forces showed us on D-Day and throughout WW2, and as generations of American service members throughout other points in history, the underdog can win. 
The underdog can come back. And win. We should also keep that in mind when it comes to Ukraine. Because Ukraine will show us underdogs can come back. But it’s also the time some real heroes also back a comeback. People who step up to answer the call. Including 5 people you’ve heard on this show. And one you’ll hear from in this episode. . 
And we’ll intro you introduce you to American Veterans for Ukraine, a groundbreaking new effort from our host, Paul Rieckhoff, Bonnie Carroll, Matt Gallagher, Adrian Bonenberger and Nolan Peterson.
And in this episode we dig into all of it with Bonnie Carroll (@Bonnie_at_TAPS). Bonnie is a true helper and she has helped to guide so many people through similar awful journeys. Grief is an unbearable burden and Bonnie and the amazing volunteers that she works with at TAPS help the survivors to learn how to carry that weight. They’re helpers. And as we head into another Memorial Day weekend with heavy hearts, we all could use some help.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, TAPS is there, helping them deal with the grief. Helping them navigate their pain. And she takes time out to join us for a very special episode, to help us all as we struggle to process the seemingly endless cycle of senseless violence that has occurred over the past few weeks.
Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 
Previous appearances: Episode 60 - May 21, 2020 and Episode 172 - May 26, 2022.
- Support TAPS and their efforts to help bereaved families.
-Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
-WATCH video of Paul and Bonnie’s conversation.
-Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight.
-Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.
-Hear other Righteous pods 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

This episode we’re headed down south to Texas. America, meet Kodi Sawin (@KodiforTexas). She’s running for the Texas House of Representatives in the 19th district and is up against some stiff competition. But her common sense, no nonsense approach might just have what it takes to win as an independent in deep red (but always independent) Texas.
Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our third episode in the series we met Dan Osborn, an independent VETERAN candidate. 
Kodi has served for years as the founder of the Sawin Group, specializing in public and government affairs for infrastructure and natural resource projects. She has been recognized for her knowledge and expertise in water issues in Texas and has worked with utilities, landowners, and non-profits to help fix the problems her community faces. It’s a great look at the local level and the kind of race the national media never takes the time to look at, but the reality is that it's the kind of race that will make the most impact on the lives of the voters and the rest of the people that live in Sawin’s district.
If you’re interested in independent politics—or American politics in general—this is a rare inside look at politics at the local level. If you’re an independent, you’ve found your home. And an inspiring one at that. 
Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And he’s digging into the announcement of the two Biden/Trump Presidential debates, the latest primary result warning signs, the news out of Ukraine, and why a Fight Club scene is a good reflection of how millions of Americans feel this election year.  
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 Kodi Sawin and her race on her 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 Kodi’s conversation.
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. 
-Celebrate some bipartisan helpers as IAVA Salutes Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. John Boozman and Jake Tapper in Washington DC.
-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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our second episode in the series we met Shelane Etchison, our first independent VETERAN candidate. 
This episode we have another veteran. America, meet inspiring union organizer and INDEPENDENT Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate). He’s running for Senate in Nebraska facing off against Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican incumbent in office since 2013. Dan’s got a tough battle ahead of him, but he’s also made some impacts worth noting and could be a sign of positive momentum for independents headed into the summer.
Dan served in the Navy and later joined the Army National Guard. He’s a steamfitter, industrial mechanic, and a badass labor union leader. He led a successful strike at Kellogg's Omaha plant in 2021. On December 21, about 1,400 Kellogg workers approved a collective bargaining agreement, ending the strike, which had lasted 77 days. And now he wants to take the lessons he learned and bring them to the rest of the country. It’s a populist message, and he’s not beholden to any specific ideology. He wants to take voters from the left, right and center.
Time will tell if it’s a winning strategy, but one thing is for sure—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. And an inspiring one at that. 
And your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And, he tears into damage left behind in the wake of more college campus protests, a breakdown on why RFK is the wrong choice for independents. It’s another important episode that is a roadmap to 2024.
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 Dan Osborn 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 Dan’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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our second episode in the series, following independent Jared Young running for Senate in Missouri, we have our first independent VETERAN candidate. 
Meet inspiring combat veteran, Shelane Etchison (@ShelaneEtchison). She’s running for Congress in North Carolina’s 9th District against a career politician who’s never served in uniform and likes to vote against veterans benefits named Richard Hudson. Shelane is an independent and Army Special Operations combat veteran that used to jump out of planes into battlefields for a living. She’s got a tough race ahead of her against an entrenched, incumbent, extreme GOP Rep who has raised millions. But as Shelane says, she’s not afraid to do bold things and lead. She’s got the grit and independent spirit that drives this show and the growing independent movement. 
You’ll hear about her harrowing time in the military, why she is running for Congress, why she thinks she can overcome the odds and beat an incumbent in a deeply red district, how she defines independent, and whether or not she’ll endorse RFK Jr, Trump or Biden. 
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. And an inspiring one at that. 
And your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And, he tears into the college campus protests spreading across America, RFK Jr’s latest “big” announcement and why Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson might have a career in politics when he’s done with basketball. 
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 Shelane Etchison and her race on her 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 Shelane’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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices