NEW EPISODE · AUGUST 12, 2026 · EP 598
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Vol. V · No. 598Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 338

Sebastian Junger

  Summer is officially here and things are getting hot.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Joe Manchin on being the one vote that made the 117th Congress work. and why setting hard parameters forced both parties to negotiate

02

Heather Manchin's "canyon chart". billions on the left, billions on the right, and a politically homeless sensible majority in the middle

03

Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut inde. Why 47 states run partisan primaries and 16 states shut independents out completely — and why taxpayers are funding elections they can't fully participate in

04

The Montana breakdown. Seth Bodnar needs 220,000 votes, out-raised both party candidates, and now has a true three-way race


 

Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember.

And in tense times it’s good to get a little perspective. And we’ve got the perfect guest to dish it out. Sebastian Junger returns and he’s not holding anything back. He’s been on the show five times and he’s one of host Paul Rieckhoff’s favorite conversations every time. 

The best selling author and award winning documentary film maker returns to tear into all of the latest news and headlines. From LA to Ukraine and everywhere in between. It’s an honest and heartfelt deep dive into what it means to be a man, a dad, a patriot and an American in 2025. It’s a wide ranging discussion and it’s the kind of content you can only get here. 

America is at a crossroads. Conversations like this can help us pick the right path forward.

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. 

Sebastian’s previous appearances:

Episode 310 – Dec. 5, 2024

Episode 250 – Nov. 9, 2023

Episode 207 – Jan. 25, 2023

Episode 116 – May. 27, 2021

Episode 100 – Feb. 4, 2021