Episode Details

The Most Dangerous Thing Trump Can Do. Why Paul Takes Cold Showers, Coaches Youth Football and Watches FallOut.

From Paul: “Chuck gave me the time and space to really lay it all out. From Trump’s plans for ICE and the Pentagon, to the legacy of Vietnam in politics, to what I’m building for independent vet candidates with IVA and in independent media with my show. And, we talk football, morning routines, FallOut, and if I’ll ever run for office. It’s smart, fast and fun. And if you dig my show, I think you’ll enjoy and appreciate it.Happy weekend people!”

We’ve got a great bonus episode for you, featuring Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff’s appearance on the Chuck Toddcast. You know Paul from this show and probably cable news, but you might not know that for the past twenty years he has been one of America's most fierce advocates for veterans since founding Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Now, as host of the Independent Americans podcast, he's mobilizing a different kind of army—independent veterans ready to run for office and reject both major parties.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Chuck and Paul explore why over 50% of veterans identify as political independents, how Pete Hegseth is transforming military culture in dangerous ways, and why the Pentagon was Trump's first strategic target for a reason. They discuss the troubling parallels between ICE recruitment tactics and military messaging, the chilling effect on dissent among military retirees, and why veterans like Mark Kelly are uniquely positioned to push back.

Paul breaks down his Independent Veterans of America initiative, which is recruiting 100 candidates this fall—including potential Senate runs in Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota. He argues that one independent veteran senator could become the most powerful member of the Senate, and explains why breaking the two-party stranglehold starts with veterans who already wore camouflage instead of red or blue.

They also dig into the Vietnam generation's political scars, why no Vietnam veteran ever became president, and how the all-volunteer military has disconnected most Americans from the human cost of war. Plus: football as democracy, cold showers as discipline, and why Fallout on Amazon Prime might be the most relevant show for understanding corporate power in 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.

Connect with Independent Americans:

• Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms
• Read more at Substack
• Support ad-free episodes at Patreon 
• Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook 

Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and

Listen Now