NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 9, 2026 · EP 644
644 EPISODES SUBSCRIBE →
Vol. V · No. 644Friday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

157. Bianna Golodryga. Is the US Already at War with Russia? How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine. Is NATO Obsolete? American Vets Join the Fight. No-Fly Zone No-Go. State of the Union Fail. Biden’s 9/11. Can America be Counted on Anymore? Is Moldova Next?

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Will Trump attack the 2026 elections? Kinzinger’s threat ass. Will Trump attack the 2026 elections? Kinzinger’s threat assessment and why a blowout is the best firewall

02

The House of Representatives deciding who it seats. the margin-of-victory danger nobody is talking about

03

Why Kinzinger still calls himself a Republican after four ye. Why Kinzinger still calls himself a Republican after four years of not voting for one

04

The GOP’s retention crisis. one-third ride-or-die, one-third default, one-third waking up

The fight of our time is here. For Ukraine, for Europe, for the US, for our collective future. Now, more than any other time in our lifetime, is a time for us all to stay vigilant. 

And now is also a time for us to fight. In whatever way we can. The war in Ukraine is the most significant global moment of conflict since 9/11. Maybe since World War Two.

And we will focus on it on this show until further notice. We’re going to talk to analysts, politicians, fighters, and leaders. And we’re going to support Ukraine in any way we can. Starting now on #IndependentAmericans, we bring you the first #UkraineWarReport episode. We’ll intensify our unique focus on national security, military operations and foreign policy to bring you more independent content to help you meet this moment, stay ahead of the curve, and #StayVigilant. 

NATO is not moving fast and creatively enough. And Putin’s taking advantage of it. It’s time to do more than cheer Ukraine from outside. It’s time to get inside and truly #StandWithUkraine️. It’s a time to improvise, adapt and overcome. For the US, for NATO, for Ukraine, and for anyone who is serious about defending and protecting freedom, defeating evil and building toward a brighter future. 

And we’ll do that with this show. And with this episode. And with this important, iconic and inspiring guest. 

Bianna Golodryga  (@BiannaGolodryga) has been a thoughtful and trusted fixture in the media for two decades. She is CNN’s dynamic Global Affairs analyst, an expert on Russia, a native Texan, a mother, and an inspiring American immigration story. 

After migrating to the US as a child from Moldova, in the former Soviet Union, Bianna grew up in Houston, and started her journalism career as a producer for CNBC. She’s interviewed newsmakers including President Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Warren Buffett. She also went to High School with Beyoncé. She’s smart, experienced and real. Bianna understands the war and the players from all sides. A clear voice of reason and experience in a world of chatter and hot air. She joined us last March for an amazing Episode 106. And she’s back again to break down this historic moment. 

Bianna joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a fast, fascinating and unique conversation about the war in Ukraine, how to talk to your children about the conflict unfolding, and what country Putin might invade next. 

Every episode of Independent Americans 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. 

– Check out Paul and Bianna’s conversation here.

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

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 

-Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm. 

Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices