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

Episode 174

Admiral James Stavridis

  “There is no constitutional barrier to gun responsibility. Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people is not only the responsible thing to do, it is the best way to protect the Second Amendment.

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


 
“There is no constitutional barrier to gun responsibility. Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people is not only the responsible thing to do, it is the best way to protect the Second Amendment. We can do both.”

That’s from legendary actor Matthew McConaughey. Born in Uvalde, Texas. Speaking for America. And finally, a powerful, reasonable, likable voice for responsible gun owners. This time is different. And he is different. 

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has often said Matthew McConaughey could win if he ran for Governor of Texas. Especially if he ran as an independent. Lots of folks didn’t take him seriously as a politician. Maybe that changed this week. He’s not going away. And this issue isn’t going away. Not in America. And not on this show. 

Because gun violence is not just a public safety issue. It’s not just a public health issue. It’s a national security issue. And every time Americans kill other Americans, our enemies are celebrating. 

And this is another hot summer in America. Another summer of fire. A summer fire that could clear the brush, or burn us down. And the violence is not going away. The heat is not going away. The fire is not going away. And stakes have never been higher. 

This episode, we’re bringing back one of the best leaders and strategic thinkers in America, and in the world, to help break it down and guide us through the fire.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Jim Stavridis (@stavridisj).

Author of the new book, To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision, Admiral Stavridis spent more than thirty years in the US Navy, rising to the rank of four-star admiral. He commanded at NATO and previously commanded US Southern Command, overseeing military operations through Latin America. At sea, he commanded a Navy destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier battle group in combat.. He has published eleven books, including 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, with Elliot Ackerman, and is chief international analyst for NBC News and a contributing editor for Time. He is vice chair, global affairs, and managing director of the Carlyle Group and the chair of the board of the Rockefeller Foundation.

He’s a leader, a teacher and a voice of reason. His vision for the future is as clear as his knowledge of history. And he goes deep on gun violence in America as a national security threat, what the likeliest scenarios for Ukraine are, and then a look at where the next wars might unfold. The answer might surprise you.

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff breaks down 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 healing dose 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. 

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