NEW EPISODE · JUNE 15, 2026 · EP 550
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Vol. V · No. 551Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 117

Henry Rollins (REWIND)

As America emerges from the pandemic, we’re taking a little break. But never fear, we’ve got a lot of good stuff in the archive.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why a UFC event at the White House will cost taxpayers an es. Why a UFC event at the White House will cost taxpayers an estimated $10-12M in security and overhead alone

02

"Wasteful barbaric desecration". the WBD framing for how this money could feed hungry American families instead

03

The Orbán parallel. how corruption, not ideology, ultimately toppled Hungary's strongman

04

Paul on training in MMA in the military. and why a lifelong UFC fan still calls this the bastardization of the people's house

As America emerges from the pandemic, we’re taking a little break. But never fear, we’ve got a lot of good stuff in the archive. And if you’ve never heard this episode you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, we think you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again. 

From Feb. 29, 2020: With America disrupted and divided like never before in our lifetime, what better time to sit down with the American icon, punk rock legend, thought-leader, author, political activist and spoken-word master, Henry Rollins (@HenryRollins). Henry is one of the most interesting, most experienced, most entertaining, most thought-provoking activists in the world. And a conscience for America. 

Henry Rollins has been a music and cultural innovator for three decades. From his early days as the front man for Black Flag and The Rollins Band, to films to TV to books to hosting his own radio and TV show, Henry is a voice of power, insight and clarity. He’s journeyed around the world as a curious traveller, a musician and and touring for his music and spoken word shows. He’s seen over 100 countries, been to war zones, won a Grammy, and acted alongside Al Pacino. He’s an activist for gay rights, freeing of the “West Memphis Three”, legalization of cannabis and has performed for US troops on USO tours in Djibouti, Kuwait, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan (twice), Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Honduras, Japan, Korea and the United Arab Emirates. If you love Henry Rollins, this will give you a fix like you’ve never had before. If you don’t know Henry Rollins, welcome to a ride you won’t forget. He’s a great American success story. And he’s known our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for almost two decades. And before a live audience in Hollywood on Valentine’s Day, they candidly, rapid-fire rip through topics ranging from Henry’s epic breakout moment on a New York stage in 1981, to how technology is ruining dating, to his analysis on all the leading candidates for President. 

It’s an amazing conversation to inspire–and to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. Especially this summer. 

Independent Americans is a mosh pit of light to contrast all the poseur heat of other political pods. We’re joining your summer cookout with a special delivery of the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And a conversation to wake you up—and to help you stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future America, this is your pod.