Montel Williams Launches New Cannabis Podcast with Righteous Media
Emmy-award winning TV host, advocate & Navy veteran joins independent podcast network led by Paul Rieckhoff to host hip-hop focused “Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2022 NEW YORK, NY: Righteous Media (the independent media company founded by activist Paul Rieckhoff, and behind Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY(Ret.), and Everybody & Their Mother Has a Podcast) today announced the launch of a fun, dynamic, and inspiring new podcast led by iconic and trailblazing media talent, Montel Williams: “Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed” Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed will merge the power of a true trailblazer in media, with the energy of a next-generation independent media company, to focus on the hottest issue in America–with the hottest guests. The show will launch later this year as the newest and biggest addition to the expanding Righteous independent podcast network. Uncle Montel will feature in-depth interviews with rappers and other cultural icons and innovators. The show will be like Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee for weed, or Hot Ones for cannabis. Montel will smoke up and go deep with famous names about the first time they experienced weed, and take the audience on a real, inspiring and fun journey in every episode. Episodes may include future hang sessions on a couch, or blunt walks on the beach. The title comes from the respect he has–especially across the hip-hop community–highlighted in a conversation Montel had with legendary rapper, producer, DJ and actor, Redman, who said: “It’s a respect thing…we respect our big brother….our Uncle…Montel Williams…for Uncle Montel. For his success, for his accomplishments…everything he motivates people with. Snoop Dog can agree, Meth (Method Man) can agree, B-Real can agree, ’cause we’re like the forefathers in this marijuana game…as far as the rap industry. And we all agree. We all agree that you’re Uncle Monty. For putting this marijuana game on the front-line like we did. You always upheld your ground on that. So Uncle Monty fits perfectly.” Every episode with Uncle Montel will bring that respect and experience, that connection to the hip-hop community, and the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. For decades, Americans of all backgrounds have come to know and love Montel Williams. He is a decorated former naval officer, inspirational speaker, author, entrepreneur and advocate for patients worldwide. Montel hosted “The Montel Williams Show”, a nationally syndicated talk show distributed by CBS Paramount Television, for 17 years, taping over 3,500 shows and interviewing more than 30,000 guests focusing on key social issues involving ordinary people coping with extraordinary circumstances. He received a Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host and his show was nominated for Outstanding Talk Show two years in a row. Montel also enjoys acting, and recently guest starred on the hit Fox series “The Resident.” Over the years he appeared on programs including “All My Children.” “American Dreams” and “JAG.” Williams contributed to the long-running dramatic series “Guiding Light” playing “Clayton Boudreau”, landing him a nomination in 2009 for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in Television Series. He also starred in the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play “The Exonerated”. Williams starred and executive produced a prime time network series for CBS, “The Education of Matt Waters”. Montel began his professional career in the United States Marine Corp and was the first black Marine selected to the Naval Academy Prep School to then go on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and be commissioned a naval officer. Williams earned a degree in engineering and a minor in international security affairs. He also earned a degree from the Defense Language Institute in Russian and Mandarin Chinese. While serving in the military Williams was the recipient of two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and various other military awards and citations. Montel and Paul Rieckhoff, President of Righteous Media, have worked together on efforts for veterans for years, and Montel has appeared on Rieckhoff’s popular Independent Americans podcast. Now, the two are joining forces in a new way to educate, inform and inspire Americans. “Montel is a legend. He’s an activist, a patriot, a truth-teller and a trailblazer. From his time serving our country in uniform, to his courageous fight with MS (multiple sclerosis) to his decades of telling the stories of working Americans, Montel has been a groundbreaking role model for people of all backgrounds. He is also highly respected as an early public advocate for marijuana and related policy reform. He has testified before Congress, launched cannabis-focused companies as a self-described “ganjapreneur”, and interviewed cultural icons like rapper Redman. He understands the past, and is front and center in the present and shaping the future. And as a military veteran, he puts his issues, community and country first. He’s a true independent. And few issues cross partisan lines like cannabis. And few talents can truly reach Americans of all backgrounds. We’re honored to add Montel to the Righteous family of independent voices.” –Paul Rieckhoff, Righteous Founder and President. “I am incredibly excited to join Paul Rieckhoff and the dynamic Righteous Media team in this important time in America. I’ve seen many evolutions of the media industry, and Righteous and Paul are doing the right things, in the right way, to change the future of media for the better. This is the time to elevate the issues I care about–especially cannabis. Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed is the perfect way to bring my extensive experience and diverse friends to new audiences in new ways. I’m also eager to talk about national security, leadership, family and all the other topics that are most urgent to independent Americans. Montel and Righteous are a powerful team. And we’re ready to make powerful impacts–and have some fun!” -Montel Williams Produced by Righteous Founder and President, and 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff and Creative Director, Chris Rosenthal, you can
Amherst: They Were Born After 9/11: They Want to Understand It
A gerat writeup from Amherst on Independent American’s host Paul Rieckhoff’s ground-breaking class: Understanding 9/11. Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” is thumping through Seelye Mudd 206 on a wind-lashed December Monday, as two dozen students chat before class starts at 4 p.m., the din rising near the blackboard which is chalked with these words: “Understanding 9/11” and “Admiral Stavridis.” Paul Rieckhoff ’98 did the chalking, picked the peppy playlist—he tells the students how cool it was to see Run-DMC perform at Amherst in the ’90s—and teaches this political science course. It’s called “Understanding 9/11: And on the 20th anniversary, preparing for the next 9/11.” Rieckhoff brings a unique perspective to bear. He’s the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). He was an army infantry officer in Iraq. He was also in Manhattan on 9/11, and was a first responder at Ground Zero. https://www.amherst.edu/news/news_releases/2022/january/they-were-born-after-9-11-they-want-to-understand-it?shib_redir=991807950
Paul Rieckhoff on “Tavis Smiley” – Nov. 23, 2021
Righteous Media founder and president and Independent Americans host, Paul Rieckhoff joins Tavis Smiley on his show on KBLA https://post.futurimedia.com/kblaam/playlist/5/listen-498.html?cb=1637676436.107698
The Chuck Toddcast – Meet the Press: Remembering ‘Brother’ Max Cleland and his fellow veterans
Paul Rieckhoff, president and founder of Righteous Media and host of the Independent Americans podcast, joins Chuck to talk about the memory of Max Cleland and the challenges facing veterans today. https://the-chuck-toddcast-meet-the-press.simplecast.com/episodes/remembering-brother-max-cleland-and-his-fellow-veterans
The Veteran (Semi) Professional Podcast: Ep. 106: Starting a Nation-Wide Veteran Service Organization and Bringing Independent Thought to Media with Paul Rieckhoff
Paul Rieckhoff is a legend in the veteran community: Host, Independent Americans podcast Author, Chasing Ghosts Founder and President, Righteous Media Founder, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America We talk: – Current problems facing the veteran community and what can be done – Why we need more independent voices in media – The importance of veterans continuing to lead and serve – Starting a nonprofit and then a media company https://theveteranpro.com/the-veteran-semi-professional-podcast/
9/11 HERO HOSTS NEW FIREFIGHTERS PODCAST
Righteous Media Launches “The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.)” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2021 NEW YORK, NY: In advance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Righteous Media (the independent media company behind Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff and Everybody & Their Mother Has a Podcast) is proud to announce the launch of a powerful, inspiring new podcast: “The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.)” Hear or watch the trailer now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztDhV2pJt8M&feature=emb_title And listen to Episode One and/watch video clips of The Firefighters on the show website now here. Bold. Fascinating. Funny. Fiery! First-responder Rob Serra brings the heat. Rob is one of the most powerful advocates for firefighters in America–and a true bad-ass. He’s run into fires, lobbied members of Congress, attended events at the White House, stood with Jon Stewart, and represented the voices of his fellow firefighters in media ranging from CNN to Fox News to ESPN. A former FDNY hockey player and father of three, Rob is a blunt, brilliant and funny leader who will warm your heart and spark a fire in your belly. And he’ll share harrowing stories, profound life lessons and unforgettable mantras that’ll help you fight the fires happening in your life. Rob has a true sense of duty deep in his DNA. Generations of his family have served the City Of New York in different capacities, and he is the fourth member of his family to serve in the FDNY. He was born and raised in Staten Island, NY and his first day in the field as a firefighter was September 11th, 2001. Although not scheduled to work that day, Rob sprung into action and reported to the World Trade Center to help with the aftermath of the attacks. After a short, but action-packed career, he was forced to retire in 2012 because of illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero. Soon after, he began speaking out on social media and organizing his fellow first-responders to raise awareness for the impending expiration of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. In 2015, after Congress allowed the bill to expire, Rob joined other advocates and lobbied in Washington for a permanent extension. Using the experience he gained while interning for a Member of Parliament through the University of London, Rob quickly made his presence known. And in December 2015, after tremendous pressure from Rob and other advocates, Congress extended the health care portion of the bill for 75 years. In 2017, following the death of his friend and mentor FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer, Serra helped create the Ray Pfeifer Foundation. The foundation supports those that responded to the September 11th attacks, providing motorized wheelchairs, portable oxygen tanks, cancer treatments, home hospice care and more. In late 2018, Rob rejoined the team of advocates and began lobbying for a permanent extension of the VCF. He worked his way up the ladder to a leadership position and would go on to lead hundreds of meetings in Washington–clashing with the Mayor of NYC, Senators of both parties and the President himself. Along with others, Rob would help get the VCF extended until 2090 with complete bipartisan support. He can be seen standing next to President Trump at the White House as he signed the historic bill into law. Serra suffers from a slew of 9/11-related illnesses as well as injuries he sustained while fighting fires. While his body may be disabled, he remains dedicated to using his voice to advocate for 9/11 first responders and survivors. He says, “My hands might shake, but my voice never will!” Rob now lives in New Jersey with his wife Kristen and their three children. In every episode of The Firefighters Podcast, Rob will take you inside the dangerous world of firefighting. From skyscraper collapses in Manhattan, to wildfires in the California mountains, to hurricanes in Florida, The Firefighters will take you deep inside the latest emergency capturing the attention of the world. Rob dive into the latest news impacting this heroic community, he’ll have deep conversations with heroic firefighters from around the world, he’ll talk to celebrities and others supporting the firefighters community, and he’ll share recipes from inside firehouses across the country–with a cooking segment co-host, his 10-year old daughter, Frankie. Episode One features 9/11 hero firefighter Richard Naviasky. Over a 20 year career at the FDNY, Rich saw some rough things. The kind of things that stick with you. From the chaotic morning of 9/11, to the deadly 2007 Deutsche Bank fire that killed two firefighters and injured more than 100, to the horrific 2017 Halloween terrorist truck attack that killed 8 people and slammed into a school bus, Rich has been on the scene at some of the most harrowing FDNY fire calls of the last two decades. He’ll take you inside the hardest days, he’ll share heartbreakingly graphic detail, and show you the magnitude of the decisions required of these incredible men and women. He will also leave you inspired by his fortitude, his heart and his example of selfless service. Rich also speaks bravely out about the health effects he suffered as a result of exposures while on the job. And while he’s honest about the problems he’s faced, he’s not letting it hold him back. And his attitude is an inspiring look at how you handle adversity. It’s a conversation you’ll never forget—and a powerful start to the new podcast that’s about much more than firefighting. It’s about courage, leadership, overcoming adversity, love and survival. Produced by Righteous Founder and President, and 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff and Creative Director, Chris Rosenthal, you can hear Episode One of The Firefighters for free now anywhere you get podcasts Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, or on the show website here. ABOUT RIGHTEOUS: Righteous is the media company for independent and unaffiliated Americans and a rising force in new media content and community. Focused on news, politics and culture, and founded by renowned
You Decide with Errol Louis: Paul Rieckhoff – A veteran’s view on ending the war in Afghanistan
From You Decide with Errol Louis: After two decades, President Biden completed the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, officially ending the war and leaving the country in control of the Taliban. Iraq war veteran and advocate Paul Rieckhoff joined Errol to explain why he thinks Biden’s handling of the withdrawal has been a debacle and why the U.S. is responsible for helping the Afghan people left behind. And as we approach the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, he discussed his experience as a first responder in Lower Manhattan and explained why he first decided to enlist in the National Guard. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-rieckhoff-a-veterans-view-on-ending-the-war/id1448438816?i=1000534039408
The 18th Airborne Corps Podcast Episode 56: Paul Rieckhoff, Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America, Voice for the American Veteran
The release date of this episode, August 31st, marks the end of America’s longest war. Paul Rieckhoff, one of the most prominent national voices for the American war veteran, joins the podcast to explains what the end of the American war in Afghanistan means and how our veterans are processing the events of the past two weeks. The 18th Airborne Corps podcast is the official podcast of the US Army’s XVIII Airborne Corps (though I guess that’s obvious). The podcast is recorded on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With guests, stories from history, news of the day, and discussions with Soldiers, the 18th Airborne Corps podcast has become the most prominent audio program across all of the US Department of Defense. We release a new episode every Tuesday. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-18th-airborne-corps-podcast/id1547996961?i=1000533870257
CBS Eye on Veterans: Paul Rieckhoff – AFG Hell week
Paul joins CBS’s EyE on Veterans host Phil Briggs for a look at the efforts of #DigitalDunkirk and the massive efforts of our past guests have been undertaking. https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/eye-on-veterans-46660/paul-rieckhoff-afg-hell-week-689397653
WTIC 1080 – Extra Time with Brian – Brian w Paul Rieckhoff 8/24/21
https://www.audacy.com/wtic/podcasts/extra-time-with-brian-58304/brian-w-paul-rieckhoff-82421-678787913 Paul joins WTIC’s Brian Shactman for a break down of the situation in Afghansitan.