367. Sami Sage. Mamdani Wins. And So Does Trump. Divided America Divides Even Deeper. The Far Left’s Moment Overshadows Big Wins by Women Vets Sherrill and Spanberger. Zohran’s NYPD Problem. Prop 50 Passes. Betches, Sabrina Carpenter and Coffee.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Righteous Media | Bleav

Daily News, Veteran, News, Politics, News Commentary, National Security

4.6 • 907 Ratings

🗓️ 5 November 2025

⏱️ 57 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Whew. It’s the day after Election Day. And we all probably feel a little hung over. It was an emotional day/month/year. But it’s finally over. And on this day after, as the dust settles and the partisan spin begins, we’ve got a pod to help you cut through the corporate and partisan media and propaganda and better understand what the hell just happened. It’s moments like this especially when independent media is critical. Grab a cup of coffee (or three), close a few things on your phone, and watch the latest episode of the independent show you can trust to help you understand what that hell just happened–and what’s next. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is joined by Sami Sage–cofounder and Chief Creative Officer of Betches Media, news and culture analyst, entrepreneur, media powerhouse, podcaster and lover of pop music. They analyze Mamdani’s closer-than-projected victory, his fiery acceptance speech and frontal attack on Trump, how it’s him vs the establishment and moderates for the future of the Democratic Party, and why it’s all so much bigger than New York City. Sami and Paul also focus on the historic victories by two Democrat women vets for Governor: Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, the failures of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, the impact of independent voters, and two things that are really good to end a chaotic time. 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. -Check out Sami’s Morning Announcements podcast and social media and the Betches website. -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:

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Powered by righteous media.
0:16.9	Welcome to Independent Americans. Welcome to episode 367. And in tribute to my kids,
0:27.1	367, 6.67, we need some levity here, people. It is Wednesday, November 5th. I am, of course,
0:35.2	your host, Paul Reichoff. It is the day after election day.
0:40.2	It feels like the day after in that movie I was growing up when I was a kid and there was a
0:45.2	nuke apocalypse and everybody was trying to figure out what the hell just happened. But
0:48.5	let's all take a big deep breath. I mean it. Let's all take a big deep breath because it's a lot.
0:54.0	Ready, do it. All right. I'm tired. I was on News Nation doing live coverage until 12 a.m., which is always
1:00.2	interesting and weird. We've got a great show coming up with a fantastic guest. My friend Sammy
1:05.8	Sage is here. The shutdown continues. Remember that? The military struck another boat off the coast of Venezuela,
1:12.2	which happens about every 20 hours or so. The New York Jets traded away all their superstars on a perfect
1:17.7	day in New York City to do that because the country was so distracted, they really couldn't be
1:22.0	outraged because Mamdani won in New York City. Trump is thrilled about it.
1:27.6	Spanberger won in Virginia.
1:29.5	Cheryl, one in New Jersey.
1:31.1	America is trying to figure out what the fuck just happened.
1:34.1	And now, the day after the election, especially at time to stay vigilant.
1:56.9	And helping us stay vigilant, a really fantastic dynamic and captivating guests, the co-founder of Betches, which is a media and cultural dynamo.
1:58.7	She's a media powerhouse.
2:06.3	She lives and works and builds at the intersection of culture, politics, news, entertainment, and all of it.
2:11.0	My friend, the great and powerful Sammy Sage is finally here on Independent Americans.
2:12.0	Welcome, Sammy.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Righteous Media | Bleav, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Righteous Media | Bleav and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.