354. Ken Burns. America at an Inflection Point. Playoff Baseball with Ken. The American Revolution. Hegseth and Trump’s Big Generals Meeting Spectacle. The Shutdown is Here. 

Listen to this episode from Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff on Spotify. The summer has come to a close in a crescendo of chaos. Political violence, confusion and anger are the defining features of the American vibe. And the American vibe, it ain’t good. Tension everywhere as new cities are added to the target list seemingly daily. Memphis, LA, New York, Chicago. And now a government shutdown when things couldn’t get any more fraught. It’s a good time to stay frosty and an even better time to stay vigilant. And now, on the heels of this week’s unprecedented speech at Quantico by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump, we need some perspective. And this week we’re joined by one of our favorite voices to hear from — one of America’s favorite voices to hear from — when we need clarity. Legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns is back for another stirring, timely exploration of America’s ongoing revolution—past and present with your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). Ken reflects on the meaning of patriotism, baseball’s role in American life, and the fragile state of democracy in 2025. From the complexity of the nation’s origins to the lessons of George Washington’s leadership and baseball’s enduring power, this episode is bringing the light to counteract all of the heat of our completely broken political system. 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. Ken Burn’s past appearances: Episode 195 - November 3, 2022 Episode 275 - March 28, 2024 -WATCH video of Paul and Ken’s conversation. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates.  -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. 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 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