Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
@independentamericans·13.4K subscribers·3.5K videos
EPISODE 348: AARON MANKIN (REPLAY) - FULL INTERVIEW
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August 21, 2025
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1:07:59Now Playing348. 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. No Excuse Not to Serve.
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 of his journey to recovery with Paul in this riveting conversation. This is about more than just survival—it's about choosing hope over despair and we’re sure it will leave you feeling inspired.
Aaron’s injuries have meant he’s had to endure over 70 surgeries to reconstruct his face and body, but he’s lifting up others by turning his recovery into a mission to inspire others. He talks about the extraordinary support of Operation Mend at UCLA, a program that not only rebuilt his face but also helped restore his soul. With his trademark humor, he recalls a memorable encounter at the Playboy Mansion, where he found himself in a room with more plastic surgery than any place on Earth.
It’s a masterclass in turning trauma into purpose. The importance of gratitude and service, and a unique look at how you define a leader and a patriot. His powerful message is a must-listen interview with a man who has every reason to be angry but chooses to be happy and inspire others instead. And people like that are why we built this show.
-WATCH video of Paul and Aaron’s conversation.
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