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

Episode 153

Molly McKew

American diplomats are boycotting the Olympics, the Cincinnati Bengals are in the Super Bowl, and Russia is threatening war. It kinda feels like the 1980s again.

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

American diplomats are boycotting the Olympics, the Cincinnati Bengals are in the Super Bowl, and Russia is threatening war. It kinda feels like the 1980s again. And it is very much a time to stay vigilant.

Especially with regard to Ukraine. While the world watches to see if Putin will invade the country, the attacks have already begun. But not the conventional kind with bombs and tanks. Cyberwarfare is the new forward edge of modern combat. And Russia has already started waging it against Ukraine, the United States and others. Meanwhile, most Americans aren’t hearing much about the Ukrainian people. Even the most famous ones like heavyweight boxing champions and political activists Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.

And we’re digging into it with information warfare and Russian influence expert, Molly McKew (@MollyMcKew ). After joining us in Episode 115 and Episode 84, one of our most interesting and popular guests is back. Molly has traveled the world studying, analyzing and advising on the most urgent cybersecurity, misinformation and technology-based threats. An adjunct professor at Georgetown with a love for cats, baking and sci-fi, Molly takes us into the sides of the Russian standoff that most of the media in America is missing. We explore what’s happening, what’s new and what’s next. 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from 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. And delivers a blast of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. 

-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon

-Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Molly here.

-Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us

-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 

-Also check out other Righteous Media podcasts including The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed