NEW EPISODE · JUNE 14, 2026 · EP 549
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Vol. V · No. 549Monday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 410

Ron Perlman Unloads On Trump, Venezuela, Robber Barons,

  Ron Perlman is back. The man, the myth, the legend joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff on Paul’s birthday for a wild, unfiltered and deeply hopeful conversation that only these two could have, from

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Paul says the closed primary system isn't broken. it's rigged, with parties acting as both players and referees

02

How open, voter-driven primaries in California, Washington,. How open, voter-driven primaries in California, Washington, and Alaska point to a fairer playing field

03

Maine, Angus King, and why independents. not progressives — will decide the Collins–Platner Senate race

04

The 'worst ceasefire ever'. forty percent of the Navy in the region and missiles still flying



 

Ron Perlman is back. The man, the myth, the legend joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff on Paul’s birthday for a wild, unfiltered and deeply hopeful conversation that only these two could have, from Venezuela to Hollywood, Trump to Teamsters, the Nuremberg trials to the magic of movies. They dig into why Ron thinks “the cockroaches’ days are numbered,” how authoritarianism spreads, the loss of empathy in our leadership, and why—despite the rage and the urge to burn it all down—there are still far more “beautiful people who just want to love each other and get a fair shot.”​

Ron also pulls back the curtain on his next great act: Asylum Studios, a radically new model for filmmaking where every single person on a project—from the director to the person cleaning the toilets—owns a piece of the movie, restoring ownership, dignity and respect to the people who actually make the art. He and Paul connect that vision to the kind of America they want for their kids, as Paul shares birthday reflections, what this tense moment in the country feels like, and why independent voices—especially independent veterans—are more important than ever. It’s candid, profane, patriotic and hopeful—and guaranteed to give you fuel for the fights ahead.

And they have the most fun Football Friday yet. On Oregon vs Indiana, all the NFL Playoff games and the amazing three celebrities that joined Ron for his first ever golf game. It’s what you need to end this trying week. 

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. It’s 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.