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

Episode 352

Ethan Penner

  This continues to be THE podcast for independent and unaffiliated Americans. No other show is focused on independents and independent elected leaders and candidates like we are.

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


This continues to be THE podcast for independent and unaffiliated Americans. No other show is focused on independents and independent elected leaders and candidates like we are.

Why do America’s biggest states leave us with so few choices? Independent candidate for California Governor, businessman and author Ethan Penner, joins our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a raw and insightful conversation that dives deep into the state’s dire housing, affordability, and political challenges, the corruption of the two party system—and offers a bold vision for a new California Dream.

California is in crisis. Homelessness at historic highs, unaffordable living, and a broken political system. This week, Paul Rieckhoff sits down with Ethan Penner—one of the boldest independent candidates California has ever seen—to talk about radical solutions, restoring the American Dream, and what it takes to go it alone against the political machine. This is Penner’s first national podcast appearance since declaring his candidacy. 

Get candid, unfiltered insight into why Penner thinks the time is ripe for independent leadership, how his outsider strategy could work, and what his innovative tax plan means for every Californian—from the rich to the struggling middle class.

It’s the latest installment of our groundbreaking “Meet The Independent Candidate” series—and follows Dan Osborne, Todd Achilles, Rick Bennett and many others. 

Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories—and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration, and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve—and stay vigilant.

Learn more about Ethan’s campaign for Governor of California.