376. Tom Bowman. NPR Pentagon Reporter. Is Trump Winning His War On Media? Reporting vs Stenography. Venezuela: The Table Is Set. Gen. Hal Moore’s Lessons. Impact of Huge Cuts at NPR & PBS. Are Seattle & NYC Trump’s Next Targets? Ukraine Soccer Inspires.

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Righteous Media | Bleav

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

4.6 • 907 Ratings

🗓️ 18 November 2025

⏱️ 43 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Legendary NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman returns to Independent Americans for a timely, unflinching conversation about war, truth, journalism, and the future of our democracy. Hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), this episode pulls back the curtain on major national security stories the mainstream press can’t or won’t cover—from the White House’s escalating battle against independent media, to looming military action in Venezuela, to how Pentagon secrecy impacts the lives of American troops and families. Tom and Paul dive deep into today’s threats to press freedom, why he handed in his credentials after 28 years, the realities of military reporting post-Iraq and Afghanistan, and what these changes mean for everyday Americans. They also discuss how massive Trump-led Congressional cuts are hitting NPR and PBS, the winning ways of the New England Patriots and Oregon Ducks, parenting, and why hope—and vigilance—matter more than ever. 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. -Read Tom’s brilliant essay on why he didn’t play the Pentagon’s games. -Watch Tom’s previous appearance in Episode 304 from October 24, 2024. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Tom’s work and social media here. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America. -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: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:30.1	Powered by righteous media. Welcome to Independent Americans.
0:49.2	Welcome to Episode 3.76.
0:52.5	I'm your host, Paul Reichoff.
0:54.1	It is Tuesday, November 18th.
0:56.3	I am coming to you from New York City, USA.
0:59.4	And our guest today is Tom Bowman, legendary NPR reporter.
1:03.5	He'll be coming up next.
1:04.4	But before we get to that awesomeness, it's only Tuesday, but the news keeps on coming.
1:09.4	A big news, the House will vote as early as today on a bill
1:13.2	to release the files relating to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump has changed course and said he's okay with it.
1:19.5	The UN Security Council, meanwhile, approved Trump's peace deal for Gaza. It's a 20-point plan
1:24.8	that requires Hamas to give up its weapons and create a board of peace appointed by and headed by Trump.
1:32.5	That'll be interesting.
1:33.4	Starbucks workers are still on strike.
1:35.8	You may see that in your area.
1:37.2	In national security news, a Tennessee judge temporarily blocked National Guard deployments in Memphis, Tennessee.
	...

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