NEW EPISODE · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 · EP 614
614 EPISODES SUBSCRIBE →
Vol. V · No. 614Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 254

(Replay-Part Two)

  Welcome back. We’re wrapping up our holiday and finishing up the second part of Paul Rieckhoff’s discussion with hip hop icon Chuck D.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Preston calls Iran the story we’re about to lose focus on. and what happens if we do

02

The Strait of Hormuz. what Iran can still shut down even without a surface Navy

03

New reporting that up to 70% of Iran’s missile capacity is still standing. and why the drone threat matters more

04

“We want regime change. We just don’t want to use that word”. Hegseth’s own testimony on Iran’s nuclear intent



 

Welcome back. We’re wrapping up our holiday and finishing up the second part of Paul Rieckhoff’s discussion with hip hop icon Chuck D. This half is a little more fun and a great look back before we head into the holidays and the New Year. We’ll be back in December with more great all new content for you, but for now here is the rest of this amazing conversation.

From Episode 86 – Nov. 20, 2020:

As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D–a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years—unplugged and uninterrupted. Just when our country needs it the most. 

Chuck D (@MisterChuckD) is one of the most iconic and important American artists of the last century. He’s an activist, organizer, inspiration, and the ultimate angry American. He’s testified before Congress, co-hosted a political radio show with The Daily Show Founder, Liz Winstead and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, and collaborated with artists ranging from Prince, to Anthrax, to Sonic Youth, to Rage Against the Machine, to Gary Clark Jr., to Logic, to Sheryl Crow. 

Chuck is the powerful, driving force behind arguably the most disruptive hip hop group in history. Born in the intersection of culture and politics, the hip hop trailblazers have interpreted the righteous anger of millions worldwide for decades. In the late 80s and early 90s, their first four albums went gold or platinum. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), and Chuck have been friends for almost two decades. And this is Chuck from inside his home, raw, candid, and without commercial interruption. Chuck and Rieckhoff know how to throw punches. And their conversation will give you advice on fighting the power (and living life) that will leave you inspired for the tough fights ahead.

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another 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. 

-Watch Paul and Chuck D’s conversion on YouTube.