NEW EPISODE · MAY 22, 2026 · EP 530
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Vol. V · No. 530Saturday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 368

Jim VandeHei

Your host Paul Rieckhoff ( @PaulRieckhoff ) welcomes dynamic, influential and highly-successful (yet humble) Axios CEO Jim VandeHei ( @JimVandeHei ) for an unfiltered look at the election aftermath, democracy’s crossroads, and how Americans can

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Breaking. Tulsi Gabbard resigns as DNI — personal reasons, or the latest Iran defection after Joe Kent?

02

Why Cuba is next. Raul Castro charged with murder, Nimitz in the Caribbean, Stephen Miller on Fox — the same playbook used on Iran and Venezuela

03

Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Ir. Trump downplays the 13 American service members killed in Iran and says he 'gets a kick' out of the coverage

04

The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran i. The $14 billion Taiwan arms sale put on pause because Iran is becoming a sucking chest wound

Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes dynamic, influential and highly-successful (yet humble) Axios CEO Jim VandeHei (@JimVandeHei) for an unfiltered look at the election aftermath, democracy’s crossroads, and how Americans can reclaim control from broken institutions and divisive algorithms. And they also dig into the potential expansion of Trump’s military strikes on Venezuela, whether a vote this week from Congress on a War Powers Act bill can stop him, and how the government shutdown is hitting the Pentagon dangerously and especially hard. Whether discussing congressional failures, presidential overreach, what it means to be a modern man, or how to “clean up your algorithm” for sanity and truth, Jim delivers candid advice and hope for a more resilient America. Packed with moments of wisdom on leadership, service, patriotism, and the media’s future, this episode is a must for independent thinkers everywhere.​ 

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 on YouTube now.

-Follow Jim VandeHei on social media and support his work at Axios