NEW EPISODE · JULY 23, 2026 · EP 581
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Vol. V · No. 581Thursday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 311

Leo Shane III

Leo Shane III ( @LeoShane ) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

The human cost first. Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, killed in Iraq, and two more service members killed in Jordan

02

50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed. 50,000 US troops in harm's way and 40% of the Navy committed to a war Congress never declared

03

Hegseth on the Hill with his hat in hand. after insisting he didn't need Congress in the first place

04

'First you commit the country, then you commit the troops'. the doctrine Trump inverted


Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody. He’s covered Capitol Hill and the White House bureau chief for the Military Times for 20 years and has countless awards for his commitment to his craft and tireless dedication and outstanding reporting.

He’s an inspiring journalist who has stood alongside veterans for decades as an ally and truth teller. His reporting has led to reforms for how the military deals with journalists and he has shown light in places where light was sorely needed.

He’s here to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckhoff, and it’s another wild week of national security news. From the arrest of the United Healthcare CEO’s shooter to the acquittal of Daniel Penny in New York it’s been a wild ride and we’re hitting all of it with the no holds barred style you’ve come to expect. It’s a dose of reality the cable news spin machine doesn’t want you to hear and you can only get it here. 

Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance. 

Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.