NEW EPISODE · JULY 14, 2026 · EP 573
573 EPISODES SUBSCRIBE →
Vol. V · No. 573Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 163

UKRAINE WAR REPORT: Joe Cirincione

The war in Ukraine has shifted into a new phase. Putin is quickly becoming more and more isolated.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Lindsey Graham's death, his sister Darlene's appointment to. Lindsey Graham's death, his sister Darlene's appointment to his seat, and the national-security cost of a family placeholder

02

Why Graham's Russia sanctions bill for Ukraine should be nam. Why Graham's Russia sanctions bill for Ukraine should be named for him and passed ASAP

03

Mitch McConnell's silence, his "proof of life" photo, and wh. Mitch McConnell's silence, his "proof of life" photo, and what compromised 85-year-old senators mean for our enemies

04

The collapsed Iran ceasefire. 140 US strikes, retaliation across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman

The war in Ukraine has shifted into a new phase. Putin is quickly becoming more and more isolated. And more and more brutal. But Ukraine is on the offensive. And more and more by the day, the mighty Ukrainians are looking like they can win this thing. Almost single-handedly. On behalf of the world. But make no mistake. It can get worse. MUCH worse. Especially in Ukraine. 

Worse than the targeting of schools and churches. 

Worse than the shelling of civilians flying. 

Worse than shooting missiles that kill kids.

Worse than that? Yes. Worse than that. 

What’s the worst that could happen?

One word: NUKES.

Yep, nukes. 

We’re getting to the ground truth about what the real nuclear threats are, what the most dangerous nuclear threats are, and what the most likely nuclear threats are. 

Joe Cirincione (@Cirincione) is back. He worked on nuclear weapons policy in Washington for more than 35 years and is one of the top experts in the field. He was the Director for Non-Proliferation at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of Deadly Arsenals: Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Threats, and co-author of Universal Compliance: A Strategy for Nuclear Security. He was the president of Ploughshares Fund, a global security foundation. Taught at the Georgetown University Graduate School of Foreign Service. He’s one of America’s best known weapons experts, appearing frequently in print and on FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, PBS, NPR and occasionally on Comedy Central. After joining us for Episode 141 – Nov. 18, 202, he’s back to drop knowledge bombs about nukes. And it’s an episode you don’t want to miss.

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. 

-Get extra content, connect with guests, attend events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon

-Read Joe’s latest article in Responsible Statecraft: Let’s curb loose talk of using lower-yield nuclear weapons

– WATCH video of Paul and Joe’s conversation here.

-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 

-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us

-Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm