NEW EPISODE · JULY 2, 2026 · EP 565
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Vol. V · No. 565Friday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 370

General Mark Hertling

Army General Mark Hertling returns for a must-hear conversation with host Paul Rieckhoff ( @PaulRieckhoff ), just in time for Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Ken Burns on why the founders would be shocked not by a stro. Ken Burns on why the founders would be shocked not by a strongman but by a Congress that abdicated Article I

02

The Wounded Knee medals reversal and what Burns calls "obvio. The Wounded Knee medals reversal and what Burns calls "obvious racist editing" of American history

03

Renaming forts back to Confederate generals. traitors, in Burns' words — and the cost of that message

04

Baseball as a barometer of America. immigration, Jackie Robinson, and why every player wears 42 on April 15



Retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling returns for a must-hear conversation with host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), just in time for Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday. As America faces political gridlock, rising division, a historic government shutdown, and critical questions about military readiness, Gen. Hertling offers hard-hitting analysis and real-world leadership lessons that matter now more than ever. Dive deep into the state of American values, why leadership and character still count, the collapse and comeback potential of the Democrats, and why drone warfare—and the Pentagon’s internal purges—matter to all of us.

Plus: Paul and the General break down the most important under-covered stories in Washington and around the world, from Venezuela military action to Ukraine’s frontline tactics with drones, with candor and context you won’t get anywhere else. Hertling opens up about his new book, “If I Don’t Return: A Father’s War Journal,” and shares powerful, personal stories about combat, family, teaching, and character that inspire—and challenge—listeners at every level.

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.

-Listen to General Hertling’s previous appearance: Episode 72 from August 13, 2020.

WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now.

Pre-order a signed first edition of the General’s new book.