Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

310. Sebastian Junger. Hegseth’s Mom Pushes Back. Biden Pardons Hunter. Dems Are Ridiculous. Of Course Trump’s Sec of the Navy Never Served. The Economist Wants to Cut Vets Benefits. Russia Steals Ukrainian Kids. Martial Law in South Korea. Wild Robot.


Listen Later

December has already been crazy. But it may feel like the calm before the storm once we get to January. With less than 60 days until Trump’s inauguration, the news, chaos and controversy is taking no holiday break. And we’ve got the perfect returning guest to help us make sense of all of it. And anticipate what may come next. Best-selling author Sebastian Junger is a powerful, thoughtful and trusted conscience for America. His books and films explore the heart of our past, present and future. From The Perfect Storm, to War, to Tribe, to Freedom, to Restrepo, to his newest, In My Time of Dying, Sebastian Junger explores what it means to be American and his key takeaways from the election. With our nation divided as a crossroads, his wisdom-filled voice is invaluable to all Americans–and especially to independents. 

Sebastian reacts to Trump’s cabinet nominees, rips into why he thinks the Democrats and Harris failed, and takes us behind the scenes of an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. It’s a raw, insightful and important conversation you don’t wanna miss. 

And our host, Paul Rieckhoff, pulls no punches–per usual. Before the conversation with Sebastian, he independently digs into the latest controversial Trump nominations, shares below-the-radar news from the battlefields of Ukraine and Syria, analyzes the crumbling nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and highlights the one Senator that might be key. He also updates us on the squeaker of a final race called this week featuring an Independent Veterans of America-endorsed candidate. And, finally he reflects on this extremely unusual holiday and shares a new favorite family film. 

Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance. 

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 51% 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. 

Previous Sebastian Junger appearances:

Episode 116 - May 27, 2021

Episode 207 - January 6, 2023

Episode 250 - November 9, 2023

-Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and reach out if you’re interested in running in 2025 or 2026. 

-WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s conversation on our YouTube channel.

-Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra exclusive 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 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.


Ways to listen:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667

Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff

TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/

Ways to watch:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/

Social channels:

X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Independent Americans with Paul RieckhoffBy Righteous Media

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

812 ratings


More shows like Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

View all
The Michael Steele Podcast by The Bulwark

The Michael Steele Podcast

3,440 Listeners

The Bulwark Podcast by The Bulwark

The Bulwark Podcast

11,881 Listeners

Talking Feds by Harry Litman

Talking Feds

4,609 Listeners

The Al Franken Podcast by The Al Franken Podcast

The Al Franken Podcast

8,622 Listeners

The Daily Beast Podcast by The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast Podcast

8,197 Listeners

The Dispatches with Paul Rieckhoff by Righteous Media

The Dispatches with Paul Rieckhoff

19 Listeners

Impolitic with John Heilemann by Audacy | Puck

Impolitic with John Heilemann

4,666 Listeners

#SistersInLaw by Politicon

#SistersInLaw

10,431 Listeners

The Lincoln Project by The Lincoln Project

The Lincoln Project

8,956 Listeners

Everybody & Their Mother Has a Podcast by Righteous Media

Everybody & Their Mother Has a Podcast

0 Listeners

The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra by Righteous Media

The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra

25 Listeners

The Focus Group Podcast by The Bulwark

The Focus Group Podcast

2,436 Listeners

B Dorm Podcast by Righteous Media

B Dorm Podcast

18 Listeners

Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed by Righteous Media

Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed

6 Listeners

Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast by iHeartPodcasts

Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

2,233 Listeners

The Next Level by The Bulwark

The Next Level

2,986 Listeners

Rick Wilson's The Enemies List by Black Pearl Studios

Rick Wilson's The Enemies List

4,066 Listeners

Main Justice by MSNBC

Main Justice

7,035 Listeners

George Conway Explains It All (To Sarah Longwell) by The Bulwark

George Conway Explains It All (To Sarah Longwell)

3,471 Listeners

To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes by Charlie Sykes

To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

675 Listeners