NEW EPISODE · OCTOBER 12, 2026 · EP 646
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Vol. V · No. 646Tuesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 456

Sebastian Junger

In this all-new episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff hits all the breaking news and most urgent topics with bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe , war reporter, and documentarian Sebastian Junger for

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Ken Paxton’s corruption and infidelity. not his wardrobe — are what Texas voters actually can’t stomach

02

Trump calling his own Senate candidate “a pain in the ass” o. Trump calling his own Senate candidate “a pain in the ass” on a rally stage, and why he owns this race completely

03

The 1.7 million Texas veterans and 16% independent voters wh. The 1.7 million Texas veterans and 16% independent voters who could decide whether Texas tilts

04

Stuart Stevens on the “cyclospora lettuce” theory of Trump’s politics. when you’re the problem, don’t double the dose



In this all-new episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff hits all the breaking news and most urgent topics with bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe, war reporter, and documentarian Sebastian Junger for a raw, unflinching conversation about the unfolding war in Iran, a US Senator snapping the arm of a protestor, the follies of regime change wars, the human costs of American adventurism, Trump and Hegseth’s nasty brand of fake-leadership, courage, patriotism, and what it really means to live — and almost die — for something bigger than yourself. 

Together, Paul and Sebastian dig into the cost of America’s forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and journalists, and the hard truths most politicians would rather ignore. Paul and Sebastian dig into the real cost of our forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and war reporters, and why so many Americans feel unmoored and alone in their own country right now. If you’re sick of the spin and hungry for a tough, honest, independent conversation about where we go from here, this one’s for you.​