Admiral James Stavridis. Former NATO and SOUTHCOM Commander. ICE Deployed to Airports. More Marines Moving Toward Iran.

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Episode: Admiral James Stavridis. Former NATO and SOUTHCOM Commander. ICE Deployed to Airports. More Marines Moving Toward Iran.
Date: March 23, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the tumultuous state of U.S. politics, global military affairs, and the intensifying crises at home and abroad. Host Paul Rieckhoff delivers sharp commentary on the Trump administration’s latest controversies, the deployment of ICE at U.S. airports amidst a partial shutdown, and heightened military tensions with Iran, before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis—a veteran military leader and author—for an insightful and practical discussion on the unprecedented challenges America faces. March Madness, the spirit of resilience, and the importance of independent voices are woven throughout, offering listeners a timely call to vigilance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: Turmoil and Hope in America

• Opening Theme: Paul lays into Trump’s disrespect for military service, sharply contrasting Trump’s legacy with that of Robert Mueller—“Trump is a coward and a traitor on many levels.” (02:00)
• Cultural Sidebar: Shaquille O’Neal’s musical and basketball legacy is celebrated, with Paul weaving the themes of strength, independence, and impact, paralleling them to democracy’s resilience. (03:37)
• Spring and March Madness: Despite gloomy weather, sports and simple joys bring hope—“The true March Madness is here, and so is ICE at the airports.” (06:13)

ICE at Airports & the Erosion of Trust

• Context: Due to TSA shortages and unpaid workers (amid a partial government shutdown), ICE agents are deployed at over a dozen U.S. airports, compounding stress and fears, especially during spring break.
  • “What can make it worse? Let's send in ICE. Yep, that's what he's doing. And what could go wrong?” (07:15)
• Dangerous Precedent: Paul fears this is “practice for using the same template...ahead of Election Day,” possibly paving the way for increased ICE involvement in domestic affairs.
• Admiral Stavridis’s Take:
  • “If ICE is the answer in the airport, you are asking the wrong questions. They are not going to be helpful.” (39:41)
  • He stresses ICE’s negative perception and the need for real solutions (like paying TSA workers properly), not “whistling up the ICE brigade.”

Military Escalation Toward Iran

• Escalating Tensions: The Pentagon purportedly prepares to deploy more U.S. ground forces—including the 82nd Airborne Division—toward Iran, as Trump’s pronouncements whip up international uncertainty.
  • “It continues to become a sucking chest wound for our military and for our resources. Our enemies are watching, China especially, and our enemies are celebrating.” (09:19)
• Media & Congressional Oversight: Paul stresses the need to watch actions, not just words, noting the media scramble to confirm ground force plans.

Political Recklessness & the "Chicken Hawk Club"

• “That's why we're recruiting for an independent veteran to run against this spectacular and shameful mess that is Lindsey Graham...” (13:31)
• Mueller’s Death & Trump’s Reaction: Trump’s crass celebration of Mueller’s death is dissected, with Treasury Secretary Besson earning the show’s “Asshole of the Week” for his evasive defense of Trump's remarks. Paul reasserts the importance of veterans’ voices and public accountability. (16:49–18:42)

Cost of War & Press Freedom

• Human Price: Paul shares the emotional story of Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington’s dignified transfer after dying in Iran—a vivid reminder of real costs ignored in the Beltway rush for more war funding. (20:32)
• Press Victories & Setbacks:
  • Win: Federal judge strikes down some Pentagon press restrictions as unconstitutional.
  • Loss: CBS News Radio announces its impending shutdown—devastating for independent journalism and democracy. (22:44)

Media Manipulation and Military Culture

• Paul critiques Hegseth’s use of a misleading “anti-woke” Marine video, exposing how propaganda, misinformation, and careless leadership hurt morale and public trust. (24:42–25:58)
• Below The Radar: DOJ seeks to drop charges against officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s death, spotlighting frustrations about law enforcement accountability. (27:49–29:40)

The Fight for Independent and Veteran Voices

• A call to protect primary access for independent voters/veterans in Tennessee’s closed primary debate.

Culture and March Madness

• TV Recommendation: Paul praises “The Madison” as an excellent, reflective cultural escape during these heavy times. (33:03)
• Sports Update: Energizing coverage of the NCAA basketball Sweet 16, with a strong emotional connection to St. John’s advancement. (34:21)

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The Admiral James Stavridis Interview: A Masterclass

Opening Reflections

• Personal Update: Admiral Stavridis is traveling for work, watching events unfold from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. (37:07)
• On ICE at Airports:
  • “This is in the category of, oh, my gosh, we've got a real problem here. Do something. Whistle up the ICE brigade and send them to the airports...” (37:57)
  • Warns against “mask-wearing agents” contributing to public fear.

On Institutional Trust and Solutions

• Stresses the importance of:
  • Political leadership solving real problems, not just playing optics.
  • Paying and supporting TSA agents—“Let's pay them...let's give them a pay raise when this is over.” (39:39)
  • “If ICE is the answer, you are asking the wrong questions.” (39:54)

Is ICE Trump’s Domestic Hammer?

• Paul's Concern: “Is this what could be the playbook...where he'll use ICE instead of the military?” (40:06)
• Stavridis:
  • Hopes not; believes courts and the military’s constitutional oath are bulwarks against such abuse.
  • Warns that ICE needs more substantive oversight to ensure its mandate isn’t expanded improperly. (41:19)

Foreign Policy: The Iran Quagmire

• Stavridis’s Strategic Assessment:
  • War is “a hornet’s nest”—you can’t just declare victory and go home.
  • Three critical areas to watch:
    1. Where are the Marines? How will they be used?
    2. Where are negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and are real talks unfolding?
    3. What’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz—are Iranians ramping up for confrontation?
       • “Those are three things I’m watching, and that’s top of mind for me at the moment.” (45:38)

Can Anyone Check Trump’s Expanding Power?

• Paul: Concerned about Trump’s “runaway train” of military action, the lack of Congressional check. (47:13)
• Stavridis:
  • Courts, Congress, and public opinion (upcoming elections) all remain levers of accountability.
  • Internationally, NATO and allies have restrained Trump—for example, resisting his Greenland ambitions.
  • “...The executive branch will always win the sprint...but that doesn’t mean they’ll win the race.” (49:58)

What’s Next: Below the Radar Threats

• Emerging Threats:
  • Cybersecurity is the next major front—“...the threat surface is enormous and expanding.” (50:59)
  • AI amplifies malware tools and real-time offensive capabilities.
  • Warns about adversaries: Russia, Iran, North Korea, China.
• Book Plug: “2084: A Novel of Future War” (out May 12).

On Running for Office & the Need for Independents

• Paul encourages Stavridis to run as an independent; Stavridis is honored, notes independent/centrist pathways are challenging but hopeful a centrist party could emerge. (52:46)

Something Good

• Stavridis shares: Grandkids at Disney World symbolize “the happiest place in America” and the value of simple, uniting joys. (54:40)
• Both call for national gratitude for troops serving in harm’s way: “Give thanks tonight. Raise a glass to them.” (56:05)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paul Rieckhoff: “Trump is a coward and a traitor on many levels...When he dies, there's never going to be a photo of Trump like the one of Mueller as a young Marine in uniform.” (02:00)
• Admiral Stavridis: “If ICE is the answer in the airport, you are asking the wrong questions.” (39:54)
• Admiral Stavridis: “This is not one...as simple as declaring victory...because two inconvenient truths: 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium, and Iranians still have significant cards to play in closing the Strait of Hormuz.” (43:45)
• Paul Rieckhoff: “It continues to become a sucking chest wound for our military and for our resources. Our enemies are watching, China especially, and our enemies are celebrating.” (09:19)
• Admiral Stavridis: “You may not be interested in war, but war remains interested in you.” (43:45)
• Admiral Stavridis: “The executive branch will always win the sprint...but that doesn’t mean they’ll win the race.” (49:58)
• Paul Rieckhoff: “If you're not angry, you're not paying attention. So don't let it fall below the radar and stay vigilant.” (29:40)
• Admiral Stavridis (on Disney World): “They're not thinking about left and right. They're not thinking about a war. They're not thinking about anything other than, gee, I wonder where we should have lunch. And, oh, boy, that ride was great.” (54:40)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:00] Trump vs. Mueller: Patriotism, Cowardice, and Leadership
• [07:15] ICE Deployed at Airports: Escalation and Public Fear
• [09:19] U.S. Military Movements toward Iran: A ‘Sucking Chest Wound’
• [13:31] “Chicken Hawk Club”: Lindsey Graham, Trump, and Accountability
• [16:49–18:42] “Asshole of the Week”: Treasury Sec. Besson Defends Trump’s Cruelty
• [20:32] Personal Cost of War: Sgt. Benjamin Pennington’s Dignified Transfer
• [22:44] Press Freedom and the End of CBS News Radio
• [24:42] Military Propaganda and Misinformation—The Marine Video Controversy
• [27:49–29:40] DOJ Drops Breonna Taylor Charges: Policing Accountability
• [34:21] March Madness: Sports Update and Cultural Resilience
• [36:34–41:19] Interview Begins: ICE at Airports, Institutional Trust, and Leadership
• [43:45] Strategic Update: Iran, The Hornet’s Nest, & Geopolitical Risks
• [47:13–50:32] Who Checks the President? Courts, Congress, and NATO
• [50:39] Below The Radar: Cybersecurity as the Emerging Threat
• [52:46] Running as an Independent: Challenges and Hopes
• [54:40] Good News: Disney World, Family, and National Gratitude

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Tone and Language

Paul Rieckhoff delivers with passion, urgency, and a distinctly independent, no-bull style—combining personal anecdotes, biting political critique, and humor. Admiral Stavridis is measured, forthright, and wisdom-filled, offering structural understanding and steady guidance.

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Final Takeaway

This episode is a clarion call to vigilance amid chaos—a reminder that democracy’s defense depends on informed, active, and independent citizens. Through the expert insights of Admiral Stavridis, listeners are armed not just with the news, but with frameworks for resilience and hope.

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Transcript

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[Paul Rykoff]

Mueller was a hero and a patriot on many levels. Trump is a coward and a traitor on many levels. It's one reason Trump hates Mueller so much. When he dies, there's never going to be a photo of Trump like the one of Mueller as a young Marine in uniform. He'll only have photos of himself wearing awards that other people earned or bled for. Welcome to Independent Americans.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Welcome to episode 473.

[Paul Rykoff]

I am your host Paul Rykoff. It is Monday, March 23rd and I'm coming to you from New York City, USA and the weather is again gloomy and rainy in the 40s, which is

[Co-host / Interviewer]

March and I think especially on a Monday. But in the midst of the chaos

[Paul Rykoff]

and the gloom and the rain, there is hope.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

We saw that this week in places

[Paul Rykoff]

like Iowa and Queens, because in addition

[Co-host / Interviewer]

to Iowa and here in New York City, 14 other places in America have

[Paul Rykoff]

teams that are on to the Sweet sixteen in March Madness.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

It is still a time of excitement

[Paul Rykoff]

and hope, despite all the adversity and controversy. And today's artist is going to plow through it.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Today's artist, the artist I recommend to

[Paul Rykoff]

my son, sons, I pick one every day, is Shaq.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Yes, Shaq.

[Paul Rykoff]

Shaquille o'. Neal.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Because this is prime time for basketball

[Paul Rykoff]

and for Shaq and endless Shaq commercials. And some of us are old enough to remember Shaq's rap albums. Remember Shaq Diesel back in 1993? I actually love that one. Then there was Shaq Food the Return, then you Can't Stop the rain, Respect in 1998, and guerrilla warfare as Diesel, his alter ego. Now I go back to that first album because it had songs on it like I Know I Got Skills, which featured Def Jam. And then he had I'm Outstanding, which was produced by Eric Sermon, the Green Eyed Bandit. And then where you at with Fife Dog? Fife Dog appears twice on that album.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

And then maybe my favorite of all

[Paul Rykoff]

time, what's up, Doc? Can we rock with the great Fushnickens? And he has that line where he says, I'm the Hooper, the hyper predicted by Viper.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

When I'm out there hooping, you better decipher. And we're going to try to help you decipher.

[Paul Rykoff]

That's a very bad Shaq impression. But we're going to try to bring the thunder like Shaq and help you bring the five eyes. I bring in every show. Like back when Shaq teared down the rim in the Meadowlands against the New York Nets. If you're too young or old to know what I'm talking about, Google it because it's really cool and worth it. But they had to reinforce the rims around the NBA after that happened. And we're going to have to reinforce our democracy after what's happened in the last couple of weeks, especially with the five Eyes. Independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And our guest coming up is going to bring all that. One of my favorite guests, one of your favorite guests, one of the smartest human beings and most honorable human beings I know, the great Admiral James Stravides is here, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander. Very big deal.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

He's now the author of a new book called 2084, A Novel of Future

[Paul Rykoff]

War if you've heard him or seen

[Co-host / Interviewer]

him on the show before, you know,

[Paul Rykoff]

he helps us understand what's happening now and what's happening next. We're going to talk about the combat in the Middle East. We're going to talk about ice. We're going to talk about Disneyland and a lot more. But he's going to bring it on this manosphere Monday. When I try to talk about real strong, positive male leaders who can contrast the podcast bros and the crap coming out of the White House and that whole world. And to coach us up like Rich Rick Pitino. Admiral Stravides is going to do that. And I'm going to do my best to bring it because it's time to run on this Monday. So, so let's stay vigilant. All right, folks, we are staying vigilant. And spring is finally here.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Spring has sprung.

[Paul Rykoff]

At least it's supposed to spring. And on Friday was also Mr. Rogers birthday. I want to shout out Mr. Rogers, the great helper, the great person of positivity and knowledge. It was also Big Bird's birthday. So it's a sign that spring has officially sprung. Hopefully it helps bring a, a more beautiful day in our neighborhood. But spring is here and so is March Madness and not just the basketball kind. The true March Madness is here and so is in the ice at the airports. So we're going to definitely have to

[Co-host / Interviewer]

go below the radar.

[Paul Rykoff]

We're going to have to dig into how our enemies are celebrating and we're going to have to focus most of all on our top topic. All right, Topic. Iran overflow, mess overflow, Trump overflow. And now there's breaking news that ice is deploying to airports amid the partial shutdown.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Ice is now already at some of

[Paul Rykoff]

the airports around the country, over a dozen airports, because if you don't know, the TSA workers are still being unpaid. Lines are backing up. It's spring break and thousands and thousands of families all across America are trying to get in or trying to get out. And what is Trump going to do? He always like sits around and says, what can I do to make things worse? I know you got a bunch of stressed out people at an airport with long lines. What can make it worse? Let's send in ice. Yep, that's what he's doing. And what could go wrong? I want to mind you that not only is this, I think, a bad idea and going to increase pressure across the country and have our enemies celebrating, it's also another example of how Trump is using ice instead of traditional law enforcement instead of our military. And it could be practice for using the same template they want to use ahead of Election Day. I'm going to have much more coming up on this with Admiral Savitis, and it will continue to unfold, but so does the news out of Iran. Trump announced he would be postponing his deadline for attacking Iran's infrastructure. He said that the US And Iran had very good talks about this. And then immediately Iran comes back and says that's not true. So the world is stuck between the regime which lies and kills people, and Trump who lies and kills people.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

This is where we are.

[Paul Rykoff]

We have to sort through all of it, the liars and the liars and the liars and the diabolical crap that's happening. And Admiral Stravidis is going to help us do that. Now, meanwhile, watch not just what they say, as I've long said, but what they do. And Jennifer Jacobs at CBS News has now confirmed that the Pentagons have made detailed preparations for deploying US Ground forces into Iraq. There's multiple sources. And then our friend Dan Lamoth has confirmed this. Dan Lamoth at the Washington Post, excellent reporter, that there is planning, not yet approved to potentially send a few thousand soldiers from the 82nd Airborne to Iran. This comes after Dan Lamoth and the Washington Post first report earlier this month that the headquarters of the 82nd Airborne had abruptly canceled their training exercises. This was fueling speculation that Trump can use them. If you haven't heard my episode with Dan Lamoth from a couple weeks ago, we, we went deeper into it and we told you what, what might be coming. And now here it is. So as we pour more and more of our military into Iran, it continues to become a sucking chest wound for our military and for our resources. Our enemies are watching, China especially, and our enemies are celebrating.

[Music / Outro]

Our enemies are celebrating.

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[Alex Kanchrowitz]

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[Paul Rykoff]

Yes, we have a new musical pop for that segment. Huge hat tip to Chris for that, who continues to bring amazing music. If you like the music in the

[Co-host / Interviewer]

show, be sure to go to our

[Paul Rykoff]

YouTube page and be sure to subscribe there as well. You'll get the latest songs and video of this in every other episode. But I think that song is pretty brilliant. If you dig that song, go check out others, follow and share. But let's talk about the opposite of brilliant. The opposite of brilliant is Lindsey Graham, who had more dumb and dangerous shit to say this weekend. Check this out.

[Military Commentator 1]

Obliterated. And they're running out of money. So here that here's what I tell President Trump. Keep it up for a few more weeks. Take Carg island, where all of the resources they have to produce oil. Control that island. Let this regime down a vein.

[Military Commentator 2]

Is this going to though take Carg Island? Is it going to involve US Troops on the ground? Let me, let me just read you something. The Atlantic does an assessment on that. They say U.S. troops may well take Cargill and we believe their ability to do so, but only to endure ballistic missile strikes, drone Attacks, petrochemical smoke, all without a reliable means of a obtaining logistical support. The result could be a grinding war of attrition. They talk about how far away they would be from.

[Military Commentator 1]

I'm sort of tired of all this armchair quarterback. And this has been amazing military operation God Bless the Fallen.

[Military Commentator 2]

But it's a difference on the ground.

[Military Commentator 1]

I trust the Marines, not that guy. I trust dod. We got two Marine Expeditionary Units sailing to this island. We did a Japanese. We can do this.

[Paul Rykoff]

So note that he says we. Now, keep in mind Iwo Jima, thousands of soldiers were wounded and died, but he says we. We. You going, Lindsey Graham, you sending your kids? No, of course you're not. Because the president of the Chicken Hawk Club, which is what Lindsey Graham is, continues to get more and more reckless with other people's kids. That's why we're recruiting for an independent veteran to run against this spectacular and shameful mess that is Lindsey Graham in South Carolina this fall. If that's we're recruiting, check out independentveteransofamerica.org, it's always linked in the show notes. It's why I've tried to recruit Stephen Colbert to go home to South Carolina to run or maybe Admiral Stavides. I do ask him if he'll run. You may remember he was on a short list to be the VP nominee for a number of different candidates. But Lindsey Graham and Fetterman and all the chicken hawks want more war. They're not willing to send their own family members. They haven't served themselves, but they want more war. And they continuously and shamefully attack those who actually went to war, unlike so many of them and unlike Trump. And this weekend, you've probably seen it by now. That included disrespecting a man who had just died, an honorable, patriotic man. Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel, died at 81. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran. And of course, Trump attacked him. If you haven't seen this, I think within hours of the note letting us all know that Robert Mueller had died. Excuse me. Trump wrote on On X or True Social. One of them. He wrote, robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people. President Donald J. Trump. Now our friend Jim LaPorta at CBS News, a veteran and reporter, was one of the first on this that noted Bob Mueller was a Marine. He served in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart. He also suffered a hellacious combat deployment in Vietnam. Dan Lamoth was on this one, he suffered a gunshot wound in combat in April 69 as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Here's what you need to know. Mueller was a hero and a patriot on many levels. Trump is a coward and a traitor on many levels. It's one reason Trump hates Mueller so much. When he dies, there's never going to be a photo of Trump like the one of Mueller as a young Marine in uniform. He'll only have photos of himself wearing awards that other people earned or bled for. Trump has a disgusting history of attacking and disrespecting Vietnam veterans, in particular from John McCain to Mueller. It's a pattern and a revealing one. So I'm going to set it aside and say, rest in peace, Bob Mueller. Thank you for your patriotism, for your service. Semper fi. But Trump's minions, of course, are not backing off. They're defending him and they're shaming themselves. Nobody more so than, than, than, than Treasury Secretary Bessett, who went on Meet the Press this weekend and really said some pretty stunning shit. Check this out.

[Kristen (Interviewer)]

Ask you on a different topic about a post by President Trump from yesterday responding to the death of former Special counsel Robert Mueller. He posted this quote, robert Mueller just died. Good. I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people. Do you think it's appropriate for the President of the United States to celebrate the death of an American citizen, someone who's a Bronze Star, Purple Heart recipient and who served in Vietnam?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Besson]

Kristen, I was with the president, the Green Room at Davos, and there was a video playing of the. What may have been an illegal raid on his home at Mar A Lago. They are going through his wife's wardrobe. And I watched the look in his eye, and I think that neither one of us can understand what has been done to the president and to his family.

[Kristen (Interviewer)]

But to the question of the president's post, I mean, Robert Mueller didn't order that raid. Is it appropriate for the president to celebrate the death of any American citizen?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Besson]

Again, Secretary, I think that given what has been done to President Trump and his family, it is impossible for either of us to understand what he has been through.

[Kristen (Interviewer)]

So you don't think that there's anything wrong with the post saying, good, Robert Mueller again?

[Treasury Secretary Scott Besson]

I think that the. We should all have a little empathy for what has been done to him and his family.

[Kristen (Interviewer)]

All right, Treasury Secretary Scott Besson, thank you, as always, for being here. Really appreciate it.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Besson]

Thank you.

[Paul Rykoff]

When we come back now, what a disgusting, cowardly, and sycophantic response from Besson, who I think is our asshole of the week.

[Music / Outro]

Congratulations. You are the asshole of the week.

[Paul Rykoff]

This is definitely warranted because he's a man who has, of course, never served in the military himself. He said he wanted to serve in the Navy. We've heard that from a lot of you. I wanted to serve, but he didn't serve. And I would say, shame on you. He's another demonstration in fealty that history and veterans especially will never forget. And I hope he hears about this cowardice from veterans when he's out doing book tours. When he leaves the administration, does speaking gigs. I hope he hears about this moment from veterans for the rest of his life. We have to remind them that they might forget, but we don't. And we have to all stay vigilant. All right? Stay vigilant because allergy season is coming. We're going to get through flu season

[Co-host / Interviewer]

and go into allergy season.

[Paul Rykoff]

Hand. Hate to bust your Monday bubble, but that might be coming.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

So get yourself ready. We've got to continue to get ourselves

[Paul Rykoff]

ready for more controversy, for more politics, for more pain, because more Americans are coming home in coffins every single day. And now these videos have kind of become viral. I don't know if I can play it. I can play the video maybe on YouTube, Maybe not the sound, but the family. It was from WMSV tv. And the family of a US Service member who died in combat in Iran was seen gathering in Fort Knox, Kentucky, on Friday as his body was brought to Goodman Airfield for dignified transfer.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Army Sgt.

[Paul Rykoff]

Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was from Glendale. He was the seventh U.S. service member to die in the conflict, succumbing to his injuries that he suffered on March 1 at the Prince Sultan Air Base attack. That was according to the Pentagon, but the image is two women and a man, maybe his parents and maybe his wife or his sister. I don't know who they were. But weeping over this young man's coffin, and I think of importance, it's not happening in silence. It's not happening out of view of Americans. Americans are seeing this and they're feeling it. And the losses continue. Not every day, but they do continue. Not just killed in action, but wounded in action. This is important to note that even though we may not get killed in action every day, almost every day, folks are being wounded. And a reminder, if you didn't hear it in my previous shows of the last couple days, the White House wants $200 billion more for war in Iran, for more war in Iran, but they haven't presented a plan for VA funding for those wounded who come home. So as they continue the war in Iran and get ready for maybe Cuba and maybe Colombia, they also continue their war on the press, which is a war which will have wins and losses, long, hard and costly. It will go on. But there was a win on Friday and some good news, a rare win for the good guys in the fight to defend against Trump. Trump's war on the press, victory for democracy, for the free press, especially for our troops and military families who need a free press that can ask hard questions of the people who send them to fight and die. And it was a key loss for Hegsett, who I'm sure will take this news very well. But there was breaking news that the Pentagon restrictions on the press are unconstitutional. This was ruled on Friday. The federal judge tossed out parts of the Pentagon's restrictions on news outlets, saying they violate the law. We've covered it on this show at great lengths with Barbara Starr, with Tom Bowman from npr, with so many others. Folks who are in the press corps have been in the press corps. But this is, excuse me, this is a big win for democracy, for freedom. I'm sure the fight will go on and the war does because it was followed very quickly by a loss with

[Co-host / Interviewer]

the news that after 100 years, CBS

[Paul Rykoff]

News Radio will be ending. CBS News Radio is no more. Bari Weiss continues to reform and change CBS News Radio and they are shutting down. CBS Radio. 700 affiliated stations will end their service on May 22, 2026. That means all positions are being eliminated in the radio team. Tons of tremendous journalists and reporters and producers, many of which I've worked with for many years, many of whom covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and veterans issues, especially for many years. So this is a tough one. The Edward R. Murrow broadcast is where it came from. The Edward R. Murrow broadcast, sorry, came from CBS News Radio. They've been a foundation of journalism. It is a real loss for our democracy. Another win for Trump and Hegseth will surely celebrate it. But his attacks on the press will continue, but so does his unraveling that I've been focused on quite a bit and I think we've all seen. And Saturday Live is of course, highlighted. But on Friday on X, he posted another something that was screwed up and wrong. And just check it out. Play this.

[Marine Sergeant Major Bull (Video Clip)]

Everybody wants my freaking opinion on what's going on in the country right now. I'm not going to give it to you. You know what? I am going to Tell you if you're a marine and if you're a service member of this country, the United States of America, you got freaking one overall job and one overall mission is to be combat ready. You understand? If something happens and we go to freaking war today, tonight, your job isn't to be ready for a pft. It's not to be ready for a freaking cft, is to be ready for combat. And if the balloon goes up, you and me and, and every freaking buddy else, we're getting on a plane, we're getting on a ship, and we're gonna go forward. And you know what? You're gonna leave every freaking thing that you got here stateside behind. And that includes your feelings about everything.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

All right, so this is a video

[Paul Rykoff]

reposted by Hegseth of a Marine doing all the hua stuff, doing all the anti woke stuff. Here's the problem. The video is from 2021 and the guy who's in it is no longer in the military. Sergeant Major Bull. He's no longer in the military because he was relieved of duty when he was caught breaking into another marine's apartment. There's actually a correction underneath the post on X. By the X correction it says this video is from 2021. Sergeant Major Bull is no longer in. He was actually relieved of duty and caught breaking into one of his own marines home. He has since been retired and is no longer on active duty. It says that beneath Hegseth post on Elon Musk's platform. Yes, really. Sergeant Major Bull was relieved due to loss in confidence and in his ability to lead. Marine Corps spokesperson said. And this is the guy that Hegseth celebrated. This is the one he posted to the world.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Yes.

[Paul Rykoff]

Really. Right on brand for Hegset. He's always shoot, ready, aim. He gets the order wrong. He's always sloppy, he's always unprofessional and he's getting worse under the pressure. The whole world can see it and so can our troops and they deserve better, especially when we're at war every day.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Hegseth is in this job.

[Paul Rykoff]

His our troops are more politicized, our country is less safe and our enemies are celebrating. All right, we're going to talk about this coming up with Admiral Stravidis. You do not want to miss this. It's like a master class. And in global and military affairs, every time he visits. But before we get to that, another media story and a good one. There is breaking news that award winning journalist Scott McFarlane who has recently left CBS is joining Midas Touch as their chief Washington correspondent. This just broke a couple of hours

[Co-host / Interviewer]

ago, and I think this is really

[Paul Rykoff]

good news for independent media because Scott is a fantastic and important voice. A huge pickup for Midas. If you don't know about Midas, they won best podcast at the iHeartRadio. They definitely are left of center, but they're a juggernaut of millions of reach points on YouTube that are really disrupting the way media and independent media works. And they just got a huge pickup, maybe the biggest free agent on the market. Scott's been a regular on the show. He's a person of integrity and a true talent. Great pickup for them. They get a guy on the roster and he gets rocket fuel. Now here is the really interesting part. Scott is gonna join me on Wednesday. I've asked him to join me since he left cbs. Now the time is right. I don't know if it'll be exclusive, but Scott McFarlane, the fantastic, intrepid, January 6th focused Justice Department focused reporter who's gonna do a lot more now, will join me on Wednesday to talk about why he left cbs, why he's joining Midas, and what he's gonna do next. And we'll probably check in on how many arrests have come out of the January 6th insurrectionist in the last couple weeks. But he stays on stories and he keeps us informed. And we're going to need it because a lot of shit is happening and it's hard to keep track. And there are some things that are still below the radar.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

All right.

[Paul Rykoff]

Below the radar over the weekend, you might not have seen this. It was a Friday news dump. The Justice Department announced that they seek to drop charges against the officers in Breonna Taylor's death. This I don't think it got nearly enough attention, but there were civil rights charges against two Louisville, Kentucky police officers from their involvement in the no knock search warrant that led to this woman's death. Now the Justice Department is seeking no prison time for a former officer who blindly shot into Taylor's home during this Botched raid in 2020. It sparked a federal inquiry into policing across Louisville. Now, there's one officer in particular, Brett Hankinson, who is a former Louisville Metro PD detective whose shots did not strike Taylor, but he was convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law in November. Now, prosecutors said he fired 10 shots through a window and sliding glass door that were covered with blinds and curtains. Multiple pellets traveled through the walls and into the apartment next door but did not hit anyone, and they want the charges dropped. They want to just let him walk with no charges whatsoever. Now, a judge ruled in February that evidence was sufficient for a jury to believe that Taylor was still alive when Hankinson fired the first of five bullets through the bedroom window. He fired 10 shots into a house not knowing what he was shooting at. And they want to drop the charges and give no prison time. At a time when a lack of professionalism in law enforcement is something concerning everyone. Did they want to give him a job running ice too? Is this guy going to be at LaGuardia Airport tomorrow? I mean, this is ridiculous. And it's bad for cops especially.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

It's bad for communities.

[Paul Rykoff]

It's bad for the family of Breonna Taylor. It's bad for public trust, and it's right on brand for this Justice Department.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

This is what you're going to get

[Paul Rykoff]

from Cash Patel and Pam Bondi. And at least now this is definitely not justice for Breonna Taylor or for anyone. If you're not angry, you're not paying attention. So don't let it fall below the radar and stay vigilant. Yes, because it is all interconnected. Trump's still trying to take over the Western Hemisphere. Ice is now in airports in Ukraine. It is day 1491 of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. There continue to be threats around the globe and around the region. You're seeing the missiles and drones hitting Israel, hitting Saudi, hitting all around the area. It's a very volatile time and politics continue to be failing us. And we talked about how independent candidates are the people's champion. We are not just moving the needle, we are the needle. Coming up, I'm going to challenge Admiral Savitis and ask him if he'll run. You have to tune in for that. But it is March Madness and the Sweet 16 is set. But that includes many teams from states with closed or broken primaries, including Tennessee. I'm going to continue to shout out flags that come to me from our friends at open primaries. And they posted something on Friday that you need to know about. Half of Tennessee's 435,000 veterans and military members don't belong to a political party. Almost half a million. They served under every commander in chief, Republican, Democrat. They wore the same uniform under every administration, regardless of party. There's now a bill being sponsored to keep them out. These bills are sponsored by Republicans Adam Lowe and Joey Hensley, members of a party whose platform states on page 18 and 19 that they will care for veterans. But Senator Lowe's campaign website says he supports the military by backing our National Guard. Senator Hensley wrote on Veterans Day 2025 that the state should do anything it can to show appreciation for those who have given the greatest gifts of all. But they want to lock Independence out of the primaries. They want to lock half a million independents from their state out of the primaries. That's not backing them. It's asking them to pick a side or sit out a primary election. They didn't serve a party. They served Tennessee. So share this information with anyone who supports our military. Share this information especially with folks in Tennessee, not just independents, but Democrats and Republicans who believe everyone should have a fair vote. Because when you use public funds and public schools and public poll workers and public resources to fund primary, excuse me, private elections that block out half a million veterans, that's the opposite of supporting the troops. And it's another reason we need to stay vigilant.

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[Paul Rykoff]

All right, before we get to Admiral Stravides, which is a master class, a quick fire, one that you're really going to enjoy, two quick hits on culture and sports. On culture, I gotta share with you that the new Taylor Sheraton show, the Madison, is really, really good. Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell and his whole crew on a show that takes place between modern times, between New York and Montana. It's really good, and it's a love story, but it's also about celebrating life and it's about loss. And as we reflect, especially on the men and women who are coming home from Iran and the region in coffins, who are coming home wounded, I think it's really a good escape, but it's also a profound reflection on our times. And I don't know where the story is going to go. I've only gone through the first four episodes, but it's absolutely excellent. If you want an escape from what's going on, you want a really good show. My piece of culture is the Madison. Now let's switch over to sports, where the story is March madness. The Sweet 16 is now set up. I am elated that our number five, which was a shitty ranking, St. John's from New York City will play on Friday night at 7 against number one Duke. But St. John's is going to Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Very exciting. All right.

[Paul Rykoff]

Also going forward, UConn will play Michigan State, Nebraska against number nine Iowa, who had a stunner last night that was really, really fantastic. Houston will play Illinois out in the West, Purdue, which has been very impressive. We'll take on the lowest remaining scene, Texas, who's on a great run, number one Arizona against number four Arkansas. Arkansas is back. Number one Michigan looking very impressive against number four Alabama. I still can't get used to Alabama being a good basketball program, but nevertheless, they're there. And Iowa State will play on Friday night against Tennessee. March Madness is here and it's coming at a time when coaching really matters. We've got a leader today on this show to kick off our Monday, our Manosphere Monday and take us through a really important, critical week. Who's like a champion coach for our military, for our foreign policy and for our democracy, especially in a time of war. And he's a true independent American and he'll give us more reason to stay vigilant.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Independent Americans around the country and around the world, these are very trying times. The waters are rough and we need someone who can be an azmuth, a guide, a pathfinder to help us understand what is happening. And I can think of no better guest than a returning champion. He is the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, author of the new book 2084, A Novel of Future War, out May 12. He spent more than 30 years in the Navy, rising to the rank of four star admiral. He commanded at NATO and previously commanded Southern Command, which is the crosshairs of everything happening now with military operations across Latin America. At sea, he commanded a Navy destroyer, a destroyer squadron, an aircraft carrier battle group. He's had, I think, about a dozen books, incredible books. 2034 with my friend Elliot Ackerman. He is now the senior military analyst at cnn. He's with the Carlisle Group, the Rockefeller foundation, does a ton of great work far beyond the military and veteran space. But he is a leader, a teacher, a voice of reason. I'm honored to call him a friend and a mentor. The great and powerful Admiral James Stravides is back on Independent Americans. Welcome back, sir.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Wonderful to be with you, Paul, always. And like you and I always say,

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

we are each other's body doubles Absolutely.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

I feel like we both might need one in times like this if we continue to speak out candidly.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Indeed.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Sarah, I ask everyone. It's great to have you back. I'm excited to get into all of it. There's no finer, mind you. Also, I think, understand how the pieces fit together in our culture and in our media. But let me start with the question I ask everyone. Where are you and how are you and yours in these trying times?

[Admiral James Stavridis]

What a nice question. I'm actually at my home in Pontevedra beach, just outside of Jacksonville. Tomorrow, off to Phoenix to give a speech for my firm, then up to sioux Falls, South Dakota, and to speak at St. Augustana College. So, busy week ahead, and I'll be watching TSA pretty closely.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Yeah, I want to get you. Can I just get your immediate thoughts on that? I mean, I want to go into the larger strategic framework, but this. This is a pretty. I think it might be a bit of a shock to the system. I don't know how much confidence it's going to give folks to see ice. Now they're saying backstop tsa. But I'm just thinking about the logistical challenges of trying to get all these different agencies to talk to each other with guns around airports. It just sounds complicated. But what's. What's your take, sir?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

About same as yours.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

I think this is in the category of, oh, my gosh, we've got a real problem here. Do something. And so, okay, whistle up the ICE brigade and send them to the airports. Having said that, could they take the place of the TSA agent who sits there at the exit when you're walking out to make sure you don't sneak back in? Yeah, there are some spots I can see where you could put an ICE agent. I just hope they're not going to be wearing masks in the airport.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

I think that's. That's really important. So you're a master of understanding the climate, culture of leadership. And I think ice.

[Paul Rykoff]

I've talked a lot about how the

[Co-host / Interviewer]

culture of ice is broken, and I don't know if it's fixable. Can you just address the trust issue? You know, you've been so great about building trust around our military. You were such a great global ambassador, not just for our troops, but for our country. I mean, they just kind of blow past the fact that most Americans don't like ice and don't trust ice. And now they're going to put them at maybe one of the stressful, most stressful places. Most Americans have an experience around spring break when kids are coming and going, it just, it doesn't seem like they're tuned in to how unpopular ICE is.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

Could not agree with you more. And, you know, this is a show about independents and moderates and not Republicans and Democrats. Hardcore. Point one, hey, political world, get your act together and solve this. Point two, these TSA agents, we don't pay them anything. They've got one of the crummiest jobs I can imagine. Just really hard facing the public. That's stressed and difficult.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Let's pay them.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

And by the way, let's give them

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

a pay raise when this is over.

[Admiral James Stavridis]

And then, number three, if ICE is the answer in the airport, you are asking the wrong questions. They are not going to be helpful.

[Paul Rykoff]

Overall, sir, I've been saying a lot

[Co-host / Interviewer]

that the most important story in the world is that Donald Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen, and

[Paul Rykoff]

nothing is stopping him or checking him.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Do you feel like he's using ICE

[Paul Rykoff]

where he can't use the military?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

I do.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Where he's trying to use them as a hammer and as potentially his hard solution to everything because he doesn't have to deal with the bureaucracy or the approvals or even the moral challenges of using our military. Is this what could be the playbook going forward around elections, around domestic threats, around everything where he'll use ICE instead of the military?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Well, short answer is I certainly hope not. Point two would be the courts have not been inactive in being engaged here, and I think they continue and will continue to be so. And thirdly, you and I are both veterans, proudly so. You and I both swore an oath to the Constitution. I believe in the, in the heat of the day, the military will stand and deliver and be faithful to that oath to support the Constitution and will not permit itself to be placed into the role of political instrument to deliver. An election to ice, I think, is a concerning element that needs more substantive oversight to ensure its role is not expanded.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

You may have spoken about this already, but your immediate thoughts on Mark Wayne Mullen after Kristi Noem? I mean, to me, it feels like culturally kind of even more of the same, on steroids. I mean, a guy who challenges other senators to fight doesn't seem to have a lot of personal discipline or restraint, doesn't have experience in this area. I mean, I think what ICE needs is a culture change. This seems like they're turning it up to 10.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Let's see what the senator does. Let's give him a chance. Certainly, Kristi Noem was Absolutely ill fitted for the role. Was all about herself from everything I could see and needed to move on and move on quickly. And I add to that the chief of the border patrol, Dan Bogino is retiring as well. So hopefully that'll clear some of this out. I think border czar Tom Honan did well when he went up to Minnesota, cracked open the conversation with local authorities, brought a more mature sensibility to the situation. Let's see where Senator Mark Wayne ends up. I've met him a couple of times. He's not a caricature. He is someone who I think in many ways will be open to recognizing the moment he's in and try and deliver for this institution. He's going to try and lead. So I'm of the mind, let's see who he is in this role. So many times you and I both seen this. Someone comes into a role and rises to the moment. Let's hope that's what we see here.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

I am hoping for that and rooting for that. All right, so let's go into what

[Paul Rykoff]

I consider our top topic.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

In my view, the top topic is all of it, right? The entire strategic landscape that's now been significantly disrupted since the war on Iran and everything that's overflowing out of it. I continue to use the line that's been going around that once you upset the hornet's nest, the hornets decide when it's over. But can you give us your strategic assessment of where things are, not just in Iran, but the overflow impact? You know, you're great at simplifying things for Americans and helping them understand it. But can you prioritize for us in what feels like just a flood of chaos and threats? How do you evaluate the priorities of the threats?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

I can and I will. I want to. I want to call your hornets analogy, which I think is very good, and I'll add a quote to it. I think it's from Lenin. You can fact check me, but at some point he or some other Soviet said, you may not be interested in war, but war remains interested in you. Making exactly the same point. This is not one. Let's start there in the Middle east where it's going to be as simple as declaring victory, announcing that this is the greatest triumph in the history of American arms, even greater than winning World War II. I could just hear those words coming. But it's not that simple because two very clear things. Number one, 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium, that's an inconvenient truth. And then secondly, the Iranians still have Significant cards to play in closing the Strait of Hormuz. That's a huge economic lever. So until Team Trump can figure out how to solve for those two inconvenient truths, I'm not sure we can just declare victory and walk away. So this morning, as we started taping this podcast, it was an announcement out of the White House that we're going to put on hold striking the electric grid for five days because we've had very productive talks with the Iranians. Almost immediately, the Iranian National News Agency denied that completely. So welcome back to the roller coaster. But over the next two or three days, here's three things I'm watching in the Gulf. Number one, where are the Marines? How close are they? How are they going to be used? And by the way, you know this, Paul. Getting the Marines through the Strait of Hormuz, it'll be long telegraph. They're going to be target 1 of the Iranian fire network. That'll be a challenge in and of itself. That's 350 miles before you get to Carg Island. So watch the Marines. Number two, watch the physical location of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Where are they? If there are talks in progress, they're not in Washington, they're not in Palm beach, they're not in New York. They got to be in. Pick a place, neutral site, probably Geneva. When I hear they're in Geneva, I'll start to think, okay, this may be a serious set of talks. And third thing to watch is the Strait itself. And how invested are the Iranians going to be in adding additional layers of offensive capability? Those are three things that I'm watching, and that's top of mind for me at the moment.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

That's what we should all be watching. If you say it's what we should be watching, it's what we should be watching.

[Paul Rykoff]

Let me ask you a question I've

[Co-host / Interviewer]

asked some of the leaders in the Senate here. The thing that concerns me maybe most deeply is that Trump is essentially a rogue actor and there are no checks on him. He has now threatened to hit Cuba. There are military operations in places like Ecuador and Iran. He now started to talk about Colombia. It's my sense that he can just basically thinks he can just keep going without being stopped or even being checked by Congress. What is the role of Congress or

[Paul Rykoff]

who are you looking for to check him on?

[Co-host / Interviewer]

For example, boots on the ground in Iran extending into Cuba, just keeping going on this kind of runaway train. Do you see any livers of power either in the Senate or even within the Pentagon that can slow him down and hold him accountable in a way we normally would an American president.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Yes, I do. And I think again, for starters, the courts are going to be involved here and there'll be some tactical things the courts do. And then at the Supreme Court level, there are other decisions that are moving along that I think one way or the other will potentially provide some checks. The best example of this, of course, is the tariff decision, which put up a major check on his absolute central policy. Now they're going to try and go around it in different ways. Other courts are going to weigh in, but the courts have a significant role to play here. Number two, the Congress is awake and alive. And despite premature, I think predictions of its death, not to quote Mark Twain, I think the Congress is going to gradually gather way on and respond to this. And number three, Paul, it's the American people. Here's a news flash. Their elections in November. And if that is a complete rain out for the Republicans, that in and of itself I think could provide a very strong check. Those are all domestic, internationally. There are other forces that can play here and that has included thus far NATO. The rest of NATO has provided at least some level of check on President Trump. And an example of that would be Greenland. President Trump made it pretty clear he intended to simply take Greenland one way or the other. And NATO, in effect the European Union really rose up, sent troops there, said no, this is not going to happen. That's an example of an external check that feathered in with many in Congress, including Republicans who said this is the idea of trying to conquer a massive landmass from an ally is a non starter. So yes, I think there are checks out there. But as always, last thought here, Executive branch is always going to win the sprint because they're fast, they're smart and every executive branch is, it's loaded with talented people. It's got an elected president who has immense power. President Trump has expanded the idea of what that power looks like. But certainly they're going to win this sprint. That doesn't mean they're going to win the race.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Yeah. And my question is, can Congress or anyone else even keep up with him because he's onto the next one before they can even address the one he just started. Let me ask you, sir, if we

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

can go final thought on that.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Please, please.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Let's recall that so often our greatest strengths can be our greatest weakness. Meaning you're absolutely right. He can outrun out sprint, move on to the next object, but longer Term. Does that really serve him, his interests, his party's interests? Jerry's out on that.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Sir, you're great at helping us stay on not just what's happening now, but what's happening next. The segment I always call below the radar.

[Paul Rykoff]

You're probably the best person to talk about this.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Your new book is 2084, a novel of Future Wars. You've talked about the threat of AI of China. You're somebody who, like me, talks about the Arctic long before folks were talking about the Arctic. What's the next threat or threats that most Americans are not thinking about that they should be aware of?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Cyber. Cybersecurity. And let me unpackage that in 30 seconds. As more and more devices are connected to the Internet today, as you know, Paul, there are 7 billion ish people on the planet. There are 50 billion devices connected to the Internet, and that number is vertical. And every one of them is a threat surface through which a malactor can enter, get to your device, and get to you. So the threat surface is enormous and expanding. Second, AI is putting more offensive cyber tools in the hands of malactors every single day. So when you combine those two. And now you come to my wheelhouse of geopolitics, and you have angry actors in Russia, certainly in Iran, North Korea, kind of a dog that hasn't barked recently, but believe me, they'll bark again. China, very capable. So I think lurking out this looming tower that I worry about a lot is offensive cybersecurity, particularly new tools in the hands of our opponents.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

I'm so glad you mentioned that, because I don't. I don't think folks are even understanding our own cyber capacity right now. What's happening in Iran, what we've been able to do in Venezuela, what we're probably doing in Cuba and other places. Sir, let me. You know, you are a voice of reason. You obviously were rumored as a VP candidate. We're recruiting for independent veterans to run for office, especially against some of these failed senders. Can we get you to run for anything back home in Florida or anywhere else? We need leaders like you. Not just, you know, doing what you're doing, but, you know, at the Fulcrum here in politics, can, in this moment now, can we get you to run for office, please?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Oh, you're so kind. And you know me, I'm a centrist, a political moderate, and I'm a registered independent. And I think the pathways for someone like me are not as strong at the moment. But I'll give you a hopeful thought, which is that over time, the lock that the Republican and Democratic parties have is going to gradually erode. I could see a centrist party emerging over time. I just have to have some biotech so I can live long enough to run for that party.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

All right, we'll work on that. We'll work on that. And we're working on the infrastructure and the fundraising components and making it more viable for folks like you to meet this moment, because we need independent voices. You continue to be a great source of strength and wisdom and moderation at a time where it's. It's hard to come by, Sir, we always end with something good. And I'm going to end with that and then come to you. You know, I think it's a time to root for underdogs and root for the comeback. America needs a comeback. We need to root for each other. And I think there's no finer time than March Madness. And over this weekend, you know, I'm in New York City. Everyone knows that St. John's did a big one. I mean, they. They really pulled off a huge win last minute. Way up to beat Kansas. Coach Pitino, I think, has been amazing. First sweet 16 since 1999. Also Iowa, stunning. Number one, Florida. I think it shows that you can root for the underdog. The comeback is still possible. And just a sense of community and a bit of joy in this country around a shared experience is something really good. It was a great weekend for America, where we're also putting out a very positive product to the world about our young people and our coaches and our communities. I think it was really awesome. It was my something good. You, of course, yourself are something good. But I'm going to throw the mic over to you, sir. Was something good to start our week?

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Something good in my happy household is that my three grandchildren, ages 8, 6, and 5, are today at Disney World. And how great is Disney World if you stop and think about it? And again, back to the spring break. Here you really do have thousands of Americans, I don't know, 25,000, 30,000Americans walking through those parks. They're not thinking about left and right. They're not thinking about a war. They're not thinking about anything other than, gee, I wonder where we should have lunch. And, oh, boy, that ride was great. The happiest place in America. We all ought to go to Disney World at least once a year.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

I love that. Your family's very lucky to have you. I hope you get a break. Cause you've been going really hard for, I don't know, the last two decades. And I hope you get to go to Disney World with the grandkids. But in the meantime, I just want to thank you, sir, for your wisdom, for your leadership, for your mentorship. You're a very generous mentor to me and so many other folks in the veterans and national security space. And I think you're giving people hope for the future. I, like many, hope you'll run for public office. I wish you would run for president. If not maybe Senate or governor. But I'm just thankful for your wisdom and your steady voice, especially in these trying times. Sir, we really appreciate you and thank you for coming back on the show again.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Thanks so much. And I would be remiss in the world of thank yous. You and I would both say thank you to those young men and women, almost all of them incredibly young, who are in combat in a war in Iran. Wherever you are on the political spectrum, whether you support this action or not, whatever your tradition is, give thanks tonight. Raise a glass to them.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Hear, hear. Hear, hear. The great Admiral James Trevidities the hardest way. Yes, sir. Thank you. The great Admiral James Travides. Check out his new book coming May 12, 2024, a novel of future wars. Check out all his books if you want to understand what not just what's happening now, but what's happening next. Admiral Stravidis is the man to do that. Thank you so much, sir. Until next time, stay vigilant. We appreciate you.

[Admiral James Stavridis (continued)]

Thank you so much.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

All right, folks, March Madness is here.

[Paul Rykoff]

Basketball kind and global and regional and domestic conflict kind. I'm going to help you try to navigate it, bring you guests, especially at the intersection of military and politics and culture. Admiral Stravides is a great example. If you ever heard our past episodes, we have some longer ones. Go back in the archives. Check them out. There are also clips on YouTube coming up. I want to give you a sneak preview. Tomorrow. I will be recording an interview with General Mark Hertling, another really important military voice. He's got a great new book out. We're going to talk about everything happening with ice and much more. As I mentioned, Scott McFarlane will be here on Wednesday.

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Coming up.

[Paul Rykoff]

Also really good stuff. We got Henry Rollins coming back. We got Democrat Ro Khanna coming back. We got Asha Rangapa will be coming back to help us understand the legal components. And the great actor Jeffrey Wright will be back in the next couple of days. Stay tuned for more details. Be sure to subscribe wherever you're listening and especially if you're watching on YouTube where you can also get short clips. Our clips are really on fire. And YouTube has hit a whole new level. I think we're up 1000% in the last couple of weeks, and that's thanks in part to Mick Foley. If you didn't hear my weekend conversation, my special extended conversation, I think Mick is one of the coolest, most interesting, most kind, most brilliant people. The WWE and WCW wrestling legend Mick Foley is speaking out about ice and about Trump, and he spoke to me exclusively. And it'll leave you with some hope and some inspiration. And it's one you can share with your friends, especially who don't necessarily track on politics and news. If anybody's ever been a wrestling fan or they just want to talk about politics in a different way, I think Mick Foley helps them do that. He's a really inspiring guy and somebody I hope will run for office. Stay tuned for more on that. But we are daily now. We're hitting the top of the charts. Please keep sharing. That's a way you can help us hit those charts, push back against the corporate and partisan media and help enlighten more people, not just in America, but around the world. And if you've got friends overseas, send them this show to remind them that we're not all crazy and there are people who are fighting back, who are standing with our constitution and who are trying to unite Americans. Follow everywhere and subscribe on Apple podcasts. Go to IndependentAmericans US, where you can also join our Patreon community. Big shout out to our patrons. You got our newest song first. You'll get other exclusives coming up. I owe you a conversation. We will do that. But you help us dunk on the traditional media, like Shaq back in the day and like so many of these games coming up. But America is more divided than ever before. But there are signs that that's changing. And here at Independent Americans, we are working to change that. Making moves in the paint behind the back, passes, bounce passes, whatever we need to do to contrast all the other heat of the political shows out there, especially the partisan stuff, the corporate stuff, the stuff that won't call it like it is. So if you're among the 45% of Americans who are independent more and more by the day, 25,000 people every week are leaving the Democrat and Republican Party. So join the future. Because our independent movement is hope for the future. Country over party, people over politics, light over heat. Challenging that status quo and pushing a new movement that spans all across our country to all 16 teams left in the bracket and beyond. And our movement is growing and it's given hope. That is the oxygen of democracy, the hope you saw around March Madness. And you see as spring starts to fight its way out through the gloom of what's been a very, very hard winter. If you enjoyed this episode with Admiral

[Co-host / Interviewer]

Stravides, please share it far and wide.

[Paul Rykoff]

I hope you did enjoy it. And invite others to declare their independence and to help them stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And know you're not alone. And your vigilance. We're all vigilant and we're all in this together. When it comes to our democracy, everybody's bracket is still live and open and everybody's a part of it. I'm your host, Paul Rykoff. Thank you for tuning in to independent Americans. I will see you tomorrow. Congratulations to all the teams, especially to St. John's let's go, Johnny's. Happy Monday. We got a big week ahead and I will help you, as always, stay vigilant, America. Stay vigilant.

[Music / Outro]

He tells me the left and right are dreams for those without a clue and when you wait it's time to

[Paul Rykoff]

grow and it's not cool to believe

[Music / Outro]

in school but if I can say one thing I've seen the children of the revolution and the good trouble they can bring he says the red and blue identity dependent is an attitude. And when you wait it's time to

[Paul Rykoff]

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