Best Angry Robot Podcasts (2025)

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355. Ty Pinkins. Independent Veteran for Senate in Mississippi. America One Week Into the Government Shutdown. Are Unlawful Orders Coming? Running Independent in the Deep South. National Guard Troops Deployed ... 35:53

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23h ago35:53

35:53

America is facing unprecedented division and anxiety, but this is also a moment of new possibilities and bold leadership. In this powerful episode, your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) continues the Meet the Independent Candidate series with Ty Pinkins—army veteran, lawyer, lifelong Mississippian, and independent candidate for US Senate. Pinki…

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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. 46:16

8d ago46:16

46:16

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 an…

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353. Ethan Penner. Independent for Governor of California. The Golden State in Crisis. Can He Really Win? Standing Up For The Center. A Bold Vision For Reforming The Tax System. Independents As a Source ... 58:14

15d ago58:14

58:14

This continues to be THE podcast for independent and unaffiliated Americans. No other show is focused on independents and independent elected leaders and candidates like we are. Why do America’s biggest states leave us with so few choices? Independent candidate for California Governor, businessman and author Ethan Penner, joins our Paul Rieckhoff (…

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352. State Senator Rick Bennett. Independent for Governor of Maine. Why He Left the GOP. Vacationland as a Bellwether for the Independent Movement. The Massive Drop in Canadian Tourism. Trump vs Governors ... 40:09

22d ago40:09

40:09

Fall is just around the corner, kids are back in school, football has kicked off and your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is here to continue to tear into the future of independent politics. And American politics. This week, we’ve got a great conversation with Maine State Senator Rick Bennett, a lifelong Republican and former state party Chair…

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Episode 351. Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). The Annual 9/11 Show. 2025: Has American Forgotten? The Stories, The Heroes, The Controversies, The Politicization, The Never Ending Fight For Healthcare, And The Mission ... 49:10

29d ago49:10

49:10

If you’ve listened to this show over the years, chances are that you’ve heard our guest. If you haven’t, get ready for a solid dose of the straight up good stuff. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is back for the annual 9/11 episode and this one hits hard. Host and founder Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was there at Ground Zero on 9/11. So was Rob. It was fam…

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350. Dean Kamen (Replay). Inventing iBOTs, Segways and Scooters. The Wheelchair of the Future. Inside DARPA. Using Robots To Build Kids. Revenge of the Nerds. 1:27:33

1M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

We’ve got one last look back before we plunge into the future. This week we’re taking it way, way back to Episode 26 with the amazing inventor Dean Kamen. From Episode 26 - September 26, 2019: Dean Kamen is one of the greatest inventors of our time. He invented the Segway, the first drug infusion pump, and the Slingshot–a water purification device …

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349. Jeffrey Wright (Replay). Westworld and COVID19. Fighting the Virus in Brooklyn. Rallying for Restaurants. Ebola in Sierra Leone. The Slave Behind Jack Daniels Whiskey. 1:26:04

1M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Our summer break continues as we knock out our housekeeping and get things ready for a busy fall. And before we get back to all new episodes we’ve got another great look back at a favorite with the great actor Jeffrey Wright. He digs into his role on WestWorld, his time in Hollywood and the roles he loves to take on, and he shares the story of Near…

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348. Aaron Mankin (Replay). Losing Your Face in Combat. Debating Sara Huckabee Sanders in High School. How to Survive 70 Surgeries. Aaron’s Playboy Mansion Story. Scars Are Not Forever. Operation Mend ... 1:14:50

2M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Our August break continues and we’re throwing it way back to Episode 34 with Aaron Mankin. A true American hero, Aaron Mankin joined Paul Rieckhoff at the Classic Car Club in New York for an incredibly powerful conversation. Having survived a catastrophic IED explosion in Iraq that left him with severe burns and countless injuries shares the story …

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347. David Bellavia (Replay). The Sole Living Medal of Honor Recipient of the Iraq War. Combat is Not Like The Movies. Who’s A Bigger Threat - Libertarians or Liberals? Time Does Not Heal All Wounds. Live ... 1:26:01

2M ago1:26:01

1:26:01

Our throwback August continues as we go way back to Episode 33 with Paul’s fascinating conversation with the sole living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War. It’s a hell of a distinction–and a hell of a conversation. Take some time and listen to this timeless talk about war, humanity and the drive to push forward, even after horrific loss. F…

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346. Sam Bee (Replay). The Kurds are Being Slaughtered. Democrats Debate Again. The Middle East Jenga Game. Sam Bee at The DMV. The Daily Show Reunion Tour. Fighting Back with Comedy. Djibouti and Naugahyde ... 1:07:48

2M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Our August break is continuing with a replay of one of our favorite chats we’ve ever recorded. This one is really fun. Over the next few weeks we’ll be re-sharing conversations with some of our favorite guests as they share their stories of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and definitely impact. We’re kicking the series off with a …

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345. Stephen Colbert. Replay with the American Icon. Taking on Trump, The Supreme Court Battle, Breonna Taylor, Leadership After Loss, Stephen’s Dog Eating Ai Weiwei’s Art, Joking in the Face of Fear ... 1:03:58

2M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Producers note: Folks, if you’ve been following this show for a while now, you know we go hard. All of the time. From last week’s event in Washington DC to upcoming events later this year, to the non-stop news appearances (not to mention I make Paul walk around New York filming himself talking into a camera), to the multiple organizations he’s help…

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344. Live From DC. The Independent Center’s Independent Voice Conference. Hear From Independent Candidates for Office From Around the Country Featuring: Idaho’s Todd Achilles, California’s Ethan Penner ... 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

What’s it like behind the scenes of the independent movement? What does the future look like and who will be the candidates that emerge as leaders of the movement? They’re important questions we’ve explored now for years and this week we’ve got a rare opportunity to share with you, the true independent Americans.This week, our host Paul Rieckhoff (…

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343. Dan Osborn. The Independent Vet Is Running Again In Nebraska. The Mechanic vs The Billionaire. Agreeing With Tucker Carlson. Ukraine’s Support Grows. Who’s Your Favorite Ninja Turtle? Coach Youman ... 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

The summer of 2025 has been a time of chaos. A time of confusion. And a time of distress for many Americans. But for independent Americans it’s been a little bit different. In between all of the moments of turmoil have been glimmers of hope, a chance at a better future. And that better future is being driven by independents. From Jim Walden’s upsta…

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342. Todd Achilles. Independent Veteran for Senate in Idaho. National Parks Under Attack. Dan Osborn is Running Again. Trump Threatens to Bomb Moscow. Russia Sanctions Bill Finally Coming. VA’s Cutting ... 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

Things are hot in America this summer. And they’re only getting hotter. The VA is cutting 30,000 jobs, Trump is threatening to bomb Moscow and Beijing, Hegseth is doing Hegseth things at the Pentagon, and New York City is hovering around one hundred degrees while a socialist is leading in the polls for Mayor. Shit is toasty and it’s only gonna get …

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341. Congressman Mike Lawler. Independents Day 2025. What Mamdani Means. The Weakness of the GOP in NY. Will He Run For Governor? The AUMF Must Go. Ukraine Sanctions Bill Update. Vets Need Bi-Partisan ... 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

It’s the Fourth of July, and she might be a little dinged up, but after 249 years, America is still standing. And she will keep standing as long as there are independent Americans out there to stay vigilant and ensure that the torch that Lady Liberty holds high above her head as a beacon for all stays lit. And this show will always stay vigilant. E…

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340. Senator Angus King. The Only Real Independent US Senator? Trump Bombs Iran. Now the Spin Begins. Can The Senate Stop Him? The Spirit of Joshua Chamberlain. Socialist Mamdani Wins NYC’s Rigged Primary ... 46:06

4M ago46:06

46:06

Trump has bombed Iran. And now, the spin and politics is accelerating faster than a B-2 bomber. And a political bomb dropped on NYC this week as 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani conquered Andrew Cuomo and a cluttered Democratic primary. Now, he’ll take on a wacky Republican radio host, the compromised disaster that is Eric Adams, maybe Cuomo (u…

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339. Sebastian Junger. America at the Breaking Point. Trump Blowing Through Every Red Line. 2,000 More Troops to LA. Will Trump Bomb Iran? The Golden Rule of American War. Props to Everyone After No Kings ... 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember. And in tense times it’s good to get a little perspective. And we’ve got the p…

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338. Barbara Starr. The Battle of Los Angeles. I Tried to Tell You All. Trump Sends Guard and Federal Troops into LA. What Red State Governors Will Do. This is Putin and Bin Laden’s Dream. And Trump’s ... 53:40

4M ago53:40

53:40

We’re only six months into Trump 2.0 and things are getting bad fast. He was looking for a fight. And he found it. Unrest in Los Angeles has been met with a mobilization of troops that few predicted. But your host, Paul Rieckhoff, did. For five years we’ve been sounding the alarm. Thinking the unthinkable—that has often come true. From COVID, to Tr…

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337. Mayor Tim Kelly. The Independent Mayor Of Chattanooga. Trump’s Extreme New Recruiting Ad. Elon Is Leaving DC. Hegseth Attacks The USNS Harvey Milk During Pride. Vets Rally In DC. Open Primaries Update ... 59:18

4M ago59:18

59:18

America needs leaders. And leaders are in short supply. That seems to be the case in Washington at least. Whether it’s Pete Hegseth’s ongoing hateful attacks on the LGBTQ service members under his command or his self aggrandizing ad or the ongoing chaos at the Pentagon, none of it is efficient and none of it is making any of us any safer. America n…

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336. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. The Independent Immigrant Mayor in the Crosshairs of Trump’s Immigration Crackdowns. Trump’s Golden…Dome. Another Attack on Jews. Senator Redneck for Governor? GOP Pressure on ... 54:15

4M ago54:15

54:15

Summer is almost officially here and things are already heating up. From the increasing pressure from Republicans to back Ukraine (a massive win for everyone) to Trump’s new half-baked “Golden Dome” defense system to another horrific antisemitic attack on two Israeli embassy staffers in DC, your fearless and always independent host Paul Rieckhoff h…

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335. Bonnie Carroll. A Special Memorial Day Conversation with ‘Saint Bonnie’. It’s Memorial Day Every Day in Ukraine. Ben (Not Jerry) Manhandled in DC. Noem’s Immigration Hunger Games. Hegseth’s Afghanistan ... 48:22

5M ago48:22

48:22

335. Bonnie Carroll. A Special Memorial Day Conversation with ‘Saint Bonnie’. It’s Memorial Day Every Day in Ukraine. Ben (Not Jerry) Manhandled in DC. Noem’s Immigration Hunger Games. Hegseth’s Afghanistan Witch Hunt. VA Sec Collins Continues to Spin. It’s Fleet Week in New York City. The Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first t…

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334. Brian Bengs. Independent Vet for Senate in South Dakota. Retired LTC and Almost DOGEd Park Ranger. The Toxicity of the Democrat Brand. Running as a (D) vs (I). The New Pope is American!?! Trump Abandons ... 53:12

5M ago53:12

53:12

There’s a spirit that’s sweeping across America. A growing desire for change. The system is broken. You know, we know it. And it’s kind of starting to feel like everybody knows it. So when the DOGE axe was going to come down on his group of rangers, he started planning. And even though he was later protected from being fired because he was a vetera…

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333. Senator Ruben Gallego. Is He Running for President? Hegseth Firing 20% of Generals. Mike Waltz is Out. Our Apologies to Canada. SCOTUS Upholds Trump’s Trans Purge. Even Trump Won’t Cut VA’s Budget ... 1:00:35

5M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

This show is dedicated to helping elevate the heroes and the helpers. And to identifying the people in our government and political arena that don’t live up to either of those descriptions. From the consistent cruelty of the Trump administration's attacks on our values and, now, our allies, to our national security being continually degraded by the…

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332. Dan Lamothe. Hegseth’s Wife Has Entered the Chat. SecDef’s Stonewall. McRaven’s Wisdom. They’re Deporting Kids. 9/11 Quackery. Loomer vs Rieckhoff. Political War at the VA. North Koreans in Ukraine ... 59:31

5M ago59:31

59:31

We’ve got another great episode with a returning guest. And another big screw up by a returning screw up. That’s right, the Hegseth hits keep coming and at this point it’s a little hard to tell which one is the worst. From Signalgate to the briefing of Elon on our China war plans (remember that one?!) to a latest Signal chat group which includes hi…

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BONUS: EPISODE 331: Charlie Sykes’ To The Contrary with Paul Rieckhoff: The Rise of the Fake Tough Guys. Why “Secretary Chaos" (Hegseth) Has to Go. 47:31

5M ago47:31

47:31

We’ve got a great bonus pod for you to check out as Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff joined Charlie Sykes for a spirited, no-holds-barred deep dive into everything happening with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, SignalGate and the danger we all face now with this inept leadership at the helm. They explore how a Fox News persona ended up …