NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 13, 2026 · EP 647
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Vol. V · No. 647Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 365

Sebastian Junger

  Fan favorite, award-winning author and journalist Sebastian Junger returns to Independent Americans for a consequential conversation with Paul Rieckhoff. He’s always one of our favorites that pulls no punches.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Trump saying “Ukraine needs a new president” is really a. Why Trump saying “Ukraine needs a new president” is really about oil prices and his own ego

02

The core thesis. America needs a new president, and the urgency has never been higher

03

Why even a Democratic House, Senate, or impeachment of Hegse. Why even a Democratic House, Senate, or impeachment of Hegseth won’t stop the war

04

The forever war pattern. Bush, Obama, Biden, Trump — and why presidents keep lying about ending them



Fan favorite, award-winning author and journalist Sebastian Junger returns to Independent Americans for a consequential conversation with Paul Rieckhoff. He’s always one of our favorites that pulls no punches. On the eve of a divided nation’s Election Day, and NYC’s race for Mayor dominating global attention, Junger and Rieckhoff take a raw, honest look at democracy under fire, political extremism, masculinity in crisis, and America’s struggle for unity. For our weekly installment of “Manosphere Monday,” this candid exchange explores the fallout of economic injustice, failing leadership, class tension, and the search for hope—along with Junger’s personal insights from fatherhood to combat reporting. And digs into the strengths and weaknesses of the three men running to be Mayor of New York and face down Trump .Timely, unfiltered, and fiercely independent.

Sebastian also shares his unique perspective on democracy under threat, the challenges gripping masculinity today, Veterans Day next week, and the urgent need for unity amidst division. You’ll also hear insights on economic justice, leadership, fascism and lessons from the military that America needs now more than ever. And, what it was like to take his little girls trick or treating on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. 

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. Its 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.

–WATCH video of this episode.