307. Exclusive: Dan Osborn. The Breakout Nebraska Independent Shares Lessons Learned. The Axe and the Trees. Hegseth for SecDef is Nuts. We Don’t Need a Third Party Now—We Need No Party. How Kodi Sawin Softened The Ground. Silver Surfing with Stan Lee.

Union organizer, mechanic, first-time candidate and superstar independent Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate) is back and he’s here to let us know what it was like to run the highest profile independent political race since Ross Perot, how he broke through, and what’s next for him and the movement. You met him here first back in May in Episode 280 and then again right before the elections in Episode 303. And although he lost to Republican incumbent Senator Deb Fischer, Dan’s campaign created a template for future races and laid the groundwork to help the movement grow in his home state Nebraska and nationwide. And presents lots of lessons for Republicans and Democrats too. He’s shocked the political world. But more importantly, he woke people up. Woke people up to the idea that there could be a better way. And we’re always going to take time to listen to and salute anybody that does that.And, of course unfortunately, there are some of the usual suspects and a few new characters that get the opposite of the salute. As Trump’s administration coalesces there are some familiar and unsavory options coming forward. Most notably, Pete Hegseth has emerged as the likely next SECDEF, a move which has your host Paul Rieckhoff a little concerned and a whole lot of pissed off. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates. -WATCH video of Paul and Dan’s conversation.-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/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoffTuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/Ways to watch:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/Social channels:X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americansBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.