NEW EPISODE · JUNE 5, 2026 · EP 542
542 EPISODES SUBSCRIBE →
Vol. V · No. 542Saturday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 273

A Week Of Real Talk and Reckonings

This week, it’s time for real talk. On America’s terrible withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Rubio's Capitol Hill claim that "epic fury is over". and why Iran hitting the Kuwaiti airport says otherwise

02

Why the White House insists this isn't a war. skip the war, skip the congressional authorization

03

The most dangerous summer ahead. Iran, Ukraine, Ebola, the World Cup, and America 250 as a homeland threat surface

04

Trump's DNI pick with no intelligence experience. and what that signals about the secret purge of the IC


This week, it’s time for real talk. Overdue real talk. On America’s terrible withdrawal from Afghanistan. On accountability for those failures that resulted in the 13 American servicemembers dying at Abbey Gate. On the fragile independent brand. On disgraced New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez considering running as an independent (Yes, really). On newly self-proclaimed independent Robert Kennedy Jr’s latest wild pick for his VP slot. On Senator Schumer’s tough comments on Netanyahu and Israel. On Ukraine. On crime in America and especially New York City. And even on March Madness. 

It’s a week filled with lots of overdue real talk. And a bit of a reckoning. And in this fast and fierce new solo episode, our Paul Rieckhoff is giving you 3-point shot after 3-point shot of real talk on all of it. From a strong and independent perspective—as only he can. Get your bracket ready and hit download. We’ll get you what you need to know quickly and without the spinning and slanting of corporate and partisan media. 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by 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. And it always delivers 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 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.