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

Episode 323

Commander Scott Kelly

They’ve faced some of the most extreme challenges human beings have ever faced. They’ve gone through trainings that are specifically designed to make people fail–and they succeeded.

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


They’ve faced some of the most extreme challenges human beings have ever faced. They’ve gone through trainings that are specifically designed to make people fail–and they succeeded. They’ve watched the sun rise from the stratosphere and have spent more time in outer space than most people spend outside. 

And now they’re being attacked by a deranged billionaire. For bravely visiting Ukraine to get a first hand assessment of the situation.

In last week’s episode you heard from Navy vet, Astronaut and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Immediately after appearing on the podcast, he and his brother and fellow American hero, Scott courageously went to Ukraine to show American support. Even as Trump pulled our intelligence sharing and blasted Zelensky. It was a dangerous and historic trip that created a huge political fight and a roar of reactions. 

And now you can hear about all of it in our EXCLUSIVE interview with American hero, Navy vet and legendary NASA Commander Scott Kelly. 

Hear what it’s like on the ground in Ukraine, what it’s like in space, and what it’s like to be called a traitor by the world’s richest man. And hear what the non-political Kelly brother thinks about politics–and why he’s an independent American. 

It’s another high impact episode you can’t afford to miss. Host Paul Rieckhoff is bringing the heat, as he rips through all of the latest national security headlines. From DOGE’s attacks on veterans, to teachers being next up in the crosshairs, to March Madness basketball, when times are as crazy as these, you can’t afford to miss a minute.

Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here.

-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon

NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here.

Watch Paul’s conversation on Instagram with fellow veteran and former Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg

-Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. 

Check out Paul’s written piece from last year on why Senator Mark Kelly would have attracted independent voters for the Democrats on their ticket for President

-Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up!

-Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed