NEW EPISODE · MAY 22, 2026 · EP 530
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Vol. V · No. 530Sunday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 101

Evan McMullin

Welcome to Season 2. Yep, we’ve changed the name of the show.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Breaking. Tulsi Gabbard resigns as DNI — personal reasons, or the latest Iran defection after Joe Kent?

02

Why Cuba is next. Raul Castro charged with murder, Nimitz in the Caribbean, Stephen Miller on Fox — the same playbook used on Iran and Venezuela

03

Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Ir. Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Iran and says he 'gets a kick' out of the coverage

04

The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran i. The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran is becoming a sucking chest wound

Welcome to Season 2. Yep, we’ve changed the name of the show. 

For 100 episodes, we were united in our understandable anger. We were united in highlighting for others issues that had us angry–and should have everyone angry. And we were united in turning that anger into positive impact. That positive impact inspired action, supported legislation, elevated courageous voices, united people of all backgrounds, drove change–and left you entertained and inspired. 

But in the last few weeks, much has changed. Much has improved. And much has gotten worse. And so much has been twisted and manipulated. Including anger. The anger of many people of all backgrounds–but especially among those recruited into extremism. The anger of millions was something we explored for 100 episodes. Our anger–and the anger of others. And in the last few weeks, what so many of us saw as possible, became reality. That anger was weaponized and unleashed on our nation’s capitol in a truly terrible way. 

And while it’s never been more understandable to be angry, it’s not enough anymore. America is actually more divided, more angry, and more violent than ever before. And we need to combat that. We need to add light to the heat—anywhere possible. Independent Americans will be a critical part of the solution.

42% of Americans are independents, while only 30% are Republican and 27% Democrat. Since the attack on the Capitol, thousands of Americans have changed their party status. 90% of those Republicans defectors are now unaffiliated/independent. As our guest explains, that number of independents is growing fast. The most powerful affiliation in American politics is no affiliation at all. Independent Americans are the future. 

Evan McMullin (@EvanMcMullin) is a patriot. And an independent. He had a career with the CIA, in business, and in Republican politics. In 2016, he ran for President of the United States as an independent. He now leads Stand Up Republic, a nonprofit focused on government reform. Evan is a face of the future. And he’s a leader in a movement to change our country for the better. He doesn’t accept the status quo or fake patriots. 

He joins our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a candid conversation to break down the attack on the Capitol, the implosion of the Republican party, and what it’ll take for independent candidates to win elections in the future. 

If you’re among the 40% of Americans that are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democratic Party, but you’re not a die-hard, this is your show. If you’re a concerned American who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. 

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media.