NEW EPISODE · JULY 14, 2026 · EP 573
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Vol. V · No. 573Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 181

Senator Jon Tester

Summer is supposed to be a time to chill, relax and enjoy life. And we’re all trying to do that.

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

Summer is supposed to be a time to chill, relax and enjoy life. And we’re all trying to do that. But the threats and challenges and wars and insurrectionists and viruses don’t take summers off. As our host, Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) just found out the hard way. After two years of dodging it like Neo from The Matrix, COVID finally got him. 

He shares what that’s been like, flies through the political landscape, explains the controversial demise of Choco Tacos, and lands on a breakdown and update on the most important piece of veterans legislation in decades: The PACT Act. It’s a bill that’s showing all of America all that’s right about Washington–and even more so–all that’s wrong. And we’ve got a powerful guest to dig into it, explain the stakes, and share the likely path forward. We’ll also dig into Roe’s growing impact on veterans, whether it’s better in Montana to be a Democrat or an independent, if the VA will ever change its sexist motto, and of course, waffles vs pancakes. 

He started out as a farmer. He’s been an elementary school music teacher. He’s a grandfather. A moderate, and a maverick, now, he’s the senior Senator from the Great State of Montana: Democratic Senator Jon Tester (@SenatorTester).

The Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is an influential voice on many issues. He’s also a lot of fun. He likes to crack jokes, doesn’t take himself seriously, and legitimately cares about people. They say America usually elects the candidate for President that they’d most like to have a beer with. There’s no politician in America we’d rather have a beer with than Jon Tester. And after this conversation, you’ll understand why. 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can.

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

-Watch video of Paul and Senator Tester’s conversation here.

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

Here’s the full roll call with the names of the 41 cowards and hacks that voted NO on the PACT act for vets with toxin exposures.

-Hear the new song “In The Clouds” by our friends from O.A.R. 

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

-Wanna advertise on the pod? Hit us up

-Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed