368. Jim VandeHei. Venezuela War Powers Act Vote. Can Congress Finally Stop Trump on Something? The Shutdown Slams Vets & National Security. Axios Leadership Lessons Learned. Being a Good Leader. Diaper Diplomacy, Fatherhood & 6 Rules for the Modern Man.

Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes dynamic, influential and highly-successful (yet humble) Axios CEO Jim VandeHei (@JimVandeHei) for an unfiltered look at the election aftermath, democracy’s crossroads, and how Americans can reclaim control from broken institutions and divisive algorithms. And they also dig into the potential expansion of Trump’s military strikes on Venezuela, whether a vote this week from Congress on a War Powers Act bill can stop him, and how the government shutdown is hitting the Pentagon dangerously and especially hard. Whether discussing congressional failures, presidential overreach, what it means to be a modern man, or how to “clean up your algorithm” for sanity and truth, Jim delivers candid advice and hope for a more resilient America. Packed with moments of wisdom on leadership, service, patriotism, and the media's future, this episode is a must for independent thinkers everywhere.​ 

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

-WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

-Follow Jim VandeHei on social media and support his work at Axios. 

-Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates–including two that won last night. 

-Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. 

-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. 

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch. 

-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.

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

Ways to watch:

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

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

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

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

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

Ways to listen:Social channels:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.