The Independent Revolution

The United States is at a political inflection point, and Paul Rykoff—founder of Independent Veterans of America and host of the podcast 'Independent Americans'—argues that the solution lies not in doubling down on the two-party system, but in empowering a new generation of independent leaders. Drawing from his own military service and decades of advocacy, Rykoff reveals how veterans, often disenchanted with partisan politics, are stepping forward as nonpartisan candidates who embody integrity, experience, and patriotism. He highlights rising stars like Seth Bodnar (Montana Senate), Dan Osborne (Nebraska), and General Sarah Zabo (Idaho), who are proving that independents can raise money, win primaries, and shift the balance of power—especially in states with open primaries like California and Utah. The episode makes a bold case: the future of American democracy isn’t in the hands of Democrats or Republicans, but in the hands of those who refuse to choose sides. Rykoff and host Andrew Yang envision a movement where celebrities like Steve Kerr, Charles Barkley, or even Mark Cuban could run as independents, not as gimmicks, but as serious, credible alternatives. They warn that both major parties have failed—Democrats by refusing to hold a 2024 primary and Republicans by enabling extremism—and that only a truly independent, voter-driven movement can restore faith in governance.