NEW EPISODE · JUNE 15, 2026 · EP 550
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Vol. V · No. 550Monday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 229

Luke Russert

  It’s America’s birthday. or INDEPENDENTS Day.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why a UFC event at the White House will cost taxpayers an es. Why a UFC event at the White House will cost taxpayers an estimated $10-12M in security and overhead alone

02

"Wasteful barbaric desecration". the WBD framing for how this money could feed hungry American families instead

03

The Orbán parallel. how corruption, not ideology, ultimately toppled Hungary's strongman

04

Paul on training in MMA in the military. and why a lifelong UFC fan still calls this the bastardization of the people's house



 

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It’s America’s birthday. July 4th. Independence Day. or INDEPENDENTS Day. Our favorite day of the year around here. And as we load up the car for the beach, or fire up the BBQ, or work the holiday shift, America’s birthday is always a time to stay vigilant. 

As the Ukrainians fight a brutal war for their survival, as LGBTQIA+ individuals fight for the recognition of their right to exist and, shamefully, as Ron DeSantis fights his fake war on woke, it’s time for our annual discussion of freedom here on Independent Americans. Time to reflect on what freedom means—and what kind of state it’s in. With a special, important, inspiring and iconic American leader who has shaped what America has been, is now, and will be in the future. 

In past July 4th specials, we’ve talked to Willie Geist a few times. Lindsay Church. Leaders who really understand America in a deep way. And can help us understand July 4th—and where we’re going. And this Independence Day, we’ve got another great one. As we really dive into summer, hit the road or the parks or the beach, and walk, hike or drive with the sound of a steady guide in our ears. A voice of America—a conscience—that we can take on the road with us. 

He’s a humble and thoughtful and trusted voice of America—for America. A younger generation of leader, and now, writer, who is helping us all understand who we are—as he’s sought to understand himself. 

He’s an author and an Emmy Award winning journalist who served as an NBC News correspondent from 2008 to 2016. Primarily covering American politics, he was seen on popular outlets such as NBC Nightly News, Today, NBCNews.com, and MSNBC.

In addition to his NBC News post, he co-hosted the critically acclaimed 60/20 Sports with political pundit James Carville on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio. He also served as a guest host on a range of MSNBC programs such as The Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd, Way Too Early with Willie Geist, Andrea Mitchell Reports and NOW with Alex Wagner. He also appeared as a panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press.

And now, he’s the author of his own best selling book, Look for Me There. He’s Luke Russert (@LukeRussert)

Luke joins our host, national security and political analyst, 9/11 First Responder and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America. 

Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that 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 vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. 

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