Righteous Media

28/08/2025

🎙🚨 Our summer break continues as we knock out our housekeeping and get things ready for a busy fall. And before we get back to all new episodes we've got another great look back at a favorite with the great actor Jeffrey Wright. He digs into his role on WestWorld, his time in Hollywood and the roles he loves to take on, and he shares the story of Nearest Green and what has become not only an inspiration but is also a very successful enterprise.

From Episode 55 - April 16, 2020:
From Angels in America to Basquiat to Syriana to Casino Royale to The Hunger Games to Boardwalk Empire to Classical Baby to Westworld. Jeffrey Wright () has played Martin Luther King Jr. and Colin Powell. He's played artists and scientists. And he's everyone's favorite Host, Bernard Lowe. He's won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, a Tony. And he's a driven supporter of causes ranging from veterans with mental health injuries to miners in Sierra Leone.

It's a look back at one of the greats. At a time when none of us were at our best, he showed us what it means to be the best. And a look at why he's one of our favorites to ever appear on the show.

More at www.IndependentAmericans.us. Join us.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/349-jeffrey-wright-replay-westworld-and-covid19-fighting-the-virus-in-brooklyn-rallying-for-restaurants-ebola-in-sierra-leone-the-slave-behind-jack-daniels-whiskey/

21/08/2025

🎙🚨 Our August break continues and we're throwing it way back to episode 34 with Aaron Mankin. A true American hero, Aaron Mankin joined Paul Rieckhoff at the Classic Car Club in New York for an incredibly powerful conversation. Having survived a catastrophic IED explosion in Iraq that left him with severe burns and countless injuries shares the story of his journey to recovery with Paul in this riveting conversation. This is about more than just survival—it's about choosing hope over despair and we're sure it will leave you feeling inspired.

Aaron's injuries have meant he's had to endure over 70 surgeries to reconstruct his face and body, but he's lifting up others by turning his recovery into a mission to inspire others. He talks about the extraordinary support of Operation Mend at UCLA, a program that not only rebuilt his face but also helped restore his soul. With his trademark humor, he recalls a memorable encounter at the Pl***oy Mansion, where he found himself in a room with more plastic surgery than any place on Earth.

It's a masterclass in turning trauma into purpose. The importance of gratitude and service, and a unique look at how you define a leader and a patriot. His powerful message is a must-listen interview with a man who has every reason to be angry but chooses to be happy and inspire others instead. And people like that are why we built this show. More at www.IndependentAmericans.us. Join us.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/348-aaron-mankin-replay-losing-your-face-in-combat-debating-sara-huckabee-sanders-in-high-school-how-to-survive-70-surgeries-aarons-playboy-mansion-story-scars-are-not-forever-operat/

14/08/2025

07/08/2025

🎙🚨 Our August break is continuing and one of our favorite conversations we've ever recorded. This one is fun. Over the next few weeks we'll be re-sharing conversations with some of our favorite guests as they share their stories of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and definitely impact.

We're kicking the series off with a conversation with comedy legend Sam Bee. And if you're a Lindsey Graham fan, this one is not for you. Recorded live from the Manhattan Classic Car Club, this episode is a candid, no-holds-barred conversation with one of America's most important voices in comedy and journalism.

As you'd expect, Sam doesn't hold back, delivering a blistering critique of the administration, the politicians who enable it, and the moral compromises being made in Washington to placate Trump. Sound familiar? This episode is a look back at 2019 when we were just getting started. But once you give it a listen, you might be surprised by just how relevant it still is.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/346-sam-bee-replay-the-kurds-are-being-slaughtered-democrats-debate-again-the-middle-east-jenga-game-sam-bee-at-the-dmv-the-daily-show-reunion-tour-fighting-back-with-comedy-djibouti-and-nau/

31/07/2025

🚨🎙Producers note: Folks, if you've been following this show for a while now, you know we go hard. All of the time. From last week's event in Washington DC to upcoming events later this year, to the non-stop news appearances (not to mention I make Paul walk around New York filming himself talking into a camera), to the multiple organizations he's helping run (Independent Veterans of America, American Veterans for Ukraine, Operation Liberty), we keep the hammer down.

But like Paul's mentor Les Gelb taught him, if you don't take a break you get stupid, and we don't want to get stupid. So today, we're taking a break. And throwing it back to one of our most popular guests and popular episodes with an American Icon that is in the headlines, and in Trump's crosshairs.

So this week we're jumping in the Righteous Media time machine and traveling way way back to Episode 78 from September 24, 2020 with Stephen Colbert. It's a great conversation and one we think you'll enjoy revisiting. 🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/345-stephen-colbert-replay-with-the-american-icon-taking-on-trump-the-supreme-court-battle-breonna-taylor-leadership-after-loss-stephens-dog-eating-ai-weiweis-art-joking-in-t/

24/07/2025

🎙🚨What's it like behind the scenes of the independent movement? What does the future look like and who will be the candidates that emerge as leaders of the movement? They're important questions we've explored now for years and this week we've got a rare opportunity to share with you, the true independent Americans.This week, our host Paul Rieckhoff () was joined by past guest and independent veteran candidate for Senate from Idaho Todd Achilles, California candidate for Governor Ethan Penner, and Tennessee's Khalil Ekulona for a discussion about what the future of the movement looks like and how it will take shape.

It was part of a fascinating day of panel discussions featuring leaders from Forward Party, Veterans for All Voters and many other leading organizations in the independent space as well as a session with Joe Manchin and his daughter, former Colorado Congressman Ken Buck and many other notable speakers. The event was organized by our good friends at the Independent Center and was hopefully the first of many conversations like this.

Not everyone that was there agreed about how to approach the challenges of the future, but we all agree on one thing. Independents are the future. And this event was in part about independents planting a flag in Washington DC and claiming what is rightfully all of ours. The movement is young and growing, and these are the kind of events that can prove historic. And these are the kind of leaders that can make history.

More at www.IndependentAmericans.us or find us on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Links in the bio. Join us.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/344-live-from-dc-the-independent-centers-independent-voice-conference-hear-from-independent-candidates-for-office-from-around-the-country-featuring-idahos-todd-achilles-californ/

17/07/2025

🚨🎙The summer of 2025 has been a time of chaos. A time of confusion. And a time of distress for many Americans. But for independent Americans it's been a little bit different. In between all of the moments of turmoil have been glimmers of hope, a chance at a better future. And that better future is being driven by independents. From Jim Walden's upstart mayoral campaign in New York City to the Badlands of South Dakota and Brian Bengs' renegade Senate run, to last episode's guest from the great state of Idaho, Todd Achilles — there's been a lot coming from independents to get excited about.

And now there's more! Independent Navy vet Dan Osborn () is back in the fight. And this time, he's running against Nebraska's other MAGA Republican Senator billionaire: Pete Ricketts. It's the ultimate David vs Goliath showdown. And this time, Dan's got some experience, a network, name recognition and is hitting the ground running.

Dan served in the Navy and later joined the Army National Guard. He's a steamfitter, industrial mechanic, and a badass labor union leader. He led a successful strike at Kellogg's Omaha plant in 2021. And ran for Senate in 2024–narrowly losing to incumbent Deb Fischer. But at the same time, Dan laid down the foundation for this run while inspiring a new generation of independent leaders across the country. His race was a direct challenge to the party system and it showed everyone a new way to run—and offered a new vision for what a political race can look like. If you've listened to the show for a while now, you'll know Dan and what he's meant to the movement. If you're new here, get ready to get fired up. In the immortal words of Vin Diesel, “We live for this….” Stuff.

And there's more as your host Paul Rieckhoff () rips into Ukraine, Waltz, SignalGate, Hegseth and all of the latest national security news that you need to stay on top of. And a megadose of inspiration with a quick hit on Youman Wilder—a New York City little league coach that stood up to ICE and has inspired millions.

Because Independent Americans is built on the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And this episode has it in spades. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. It's the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's built for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent and we're proud to stand with you.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/343-dan-osborn-the-independent-vet-is-running-again-in-nebraska-the-mechanic-vs-the-billionaire-agreeing-with-tucker-carlson-ukraines-support-grows-whos-your-favorite-ninja-tur/

10/07/2025

🚨🎙Things are hot in America this summer. And they're only getting hotter. The VA is cutting 30,000 jobs, Trump is threatening to bomb Moscow and Beijing, Hegseth is doing Hegseth things at the Pentagon, and New York City is hovering around one hundred degrees while a socialist is leading in the polls for Mayor. S**t is toasty and it's only gonna get hotter. And your host Paul Rieckhoff is here to tear into all of it with a cool head and light to contrast the heat of the mayhem, spin and partisanship.

And as the mayor's race in New York continues to heat up and show how broken America's politics and two parties are, there's some news for 2026 that is a contrast to the crazy. Independent vet Dan Osborn has announced he's again running for US Senate in Nebraska—and after a historic showing as an independent last year, he's hitting the ground running.

That now makes three independent vet candidates for Senate running next year. You've already heard from Brian Bengs in Episode 334 and we're pretty sure you'll be hearing from Dan in short order. But today we've got the third candidate, and he's one that might just make the most noise. Because he left the Democratic Party and announced his run as an independent just before July 4th. He's more evidence of the move away from the parties and towards the independent movement.

He's Todd Achilles, independent veteran candidate for Senate from the great state of Idaho. He grew up on a family farm, served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander and armor officer and led teams at T-Mobile, Hewlett-Packard, and several start-ups. He's now a teacher and advocate for veterans and is running to fight for fair markets and livable wages for all Idahoans. And he's a moderate, common-sense, patriotic, strong breath of fresh air.

It's the kind of campaign we love to see and the kind of candidate we love to share with you—the real independent Americans. Things are heating up in the independent movement from the push for open primaries to the wave of new candidates. And a lot of it is thanks to the listeners of this show. So let's keep it going with another installment of our groundbreaking and unique “Meet The Independents” series.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 342.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/342-todd-achilles-independent-veteran-for-senate-in-idaho-national-parks-under-attack-dan-osborn-is-running-again-trump-threatens-to-bomb-moscow-russia-sanctions-bill-finally-coming-va/

03/07/2025

🚨🎙It's the Fourth of July, and she might be a little dinged up, but after 249 years, America is still standing. And she will keep standing as long as there are independent Americans out there to stay vigilant and ensure that the torch that Lady Liberty holds high above her head as a beacon for all stays lit.

And this show will always stay vigilant. Especially on Independence Day. Or INDEPENDENTS Day! It's a time for us all to reflect on what independence really means. And explore who will stand up now and fight for it. Men and women of all backgrounds—united in a love for America. And a dedication to making it better.

Men and women like the fine residents of New York's 17th that are represented by this episode's guest. He's Republican Congressman Mike Lawler—and he's here to mix it up with Paul and react to the New York mayor's race, Ukraine, the AUMF, Trump's Iran strikes, the dropping popularity of his party, and his support for veterans. He's been effective in representing a rare moderate perspective inside the GOP. It's how he has won in a 2 to 1 Democrat district. And how he might try and win the New York governor's seat next year.

It's America's birthday and after the start to this year, we could all use a break. So put your feet up, kick back and press play. Listen now or watch us on YouTube.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 341.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/341-congressman-mike-lawler-independents-day-2025-what-mamdani-means-the-weakness-of-the-gop-in-ny-will-he-run-for-governor-the-aumf-must-go-ukraine-sanctions-bill-update-vets-need-bi-partisan/

26/06/2025

🚨🎙Trump has bombed Iran. And now, the spin and politics is accelerating faster than a B-2 bomber.

And a political bomb dropped on NYC this week as 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani conquered Andrew Cuomo and a cluttered Democratic primary. Now, he'll take on a wacky Republican radio host, the compromised disaster that is Eric Adams, maybe Cuomo (ugh), and true independent and recent guest on this program, Jim Walden. But there's also a big, largely-unreported story of what this really means for NYC and America. And about how 1M independents didn't get a shot to be heard.

Paul Rieckhoff is quickly tearing into it while barreling through a heatwave. And, he has a fantastic and fascinating conversation with perhaps the most powerful independent in America.

Maine maverick Senator Angus King is not a Democrat or a Republican. But he is a true independent and a powerful voice of patriotism and conscience in Washington. He joins the show for the first time and shares his views on Trump's Iran bombing campaign, his efforts to expand his power and the use of the military, and lays out how and if the Senate can do anything to slow him down. And, why he so strongly supports Ukraine—and shares a status update on the Senator Lindsey Graham-led Russia sanctions legislation. And for our Patreon members, there's some extra content including the Senator's favorite Maine drink, his first car and what's playing on his playlist.

It's smart, respectful, charming and inspiring. Everything that our divisive news and politics in Washington is not.

It's the kind of conversation you can only find on this show.

And it's the latest in our “Meet the Independents” series following other Independent leaders like Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, independent candidate for Senate from South Dakota Brian Bengs, Independent candidate for Mayor of New York Jim Walden and Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 340.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/340-senator-angus-king-the-only-real-independent-us-senator-trump-bombs-iran-now-the-spin-begins-can-the-senate-stop-him-the-spirit-of-joshua-chamberlain-socialist-mamdani-wins-nycs-ri/

19/06/2025

🚨🎙Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember.

And in tense times it's good to get a little perspective. And we've got the perfect guest to dish it out. Sebastian Junger returns and he's not holding anything back. He's been on the show five times and he's one of host Paul Rieckhoff's favorite conversations every time.

The best selling author and award winning documentary film maker returns to tear into all of the latest news and headlines. From LA to Ukraine and everywhere in between. It's an honest and heartfelt deep dive into what it means to be a man, a dad, a patriot and an American in 2025. It's a wide ranging discussion and it's the kind of content you can only get here.

America is at a crossroads. Conversations like this can help us pick the right path forward.🎙🚨

Check out the new episode here, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://independentamericans.us/339-sebastian-junger-america-at-the-breaking-point-trump-blowing-through-every-red-line-2000-more-troops-to-la-will-trump-bomb-iran-the-golden-rule-of-american-war-props-to-everyone-after-no-k/

12/06/2025

🎙🚨 We're only six months into Trump 2.0 and things are getting bad fast. He was looking for a fight. And he found it. Unrest in Los Angeles has been met with a mobilization of troops that few predicted. But your host, Paul Rieckhoff, did.

For five years we've been sounding the alarm. Thinking the unthinkable—that has often come true. From COVID, to Trump refusing to leave office, to the January 6th insurrection, to armed violence and now troops in the streets—-this is one episode you can't afford to miss.

And in times like these you need to hear from voices of experience, voices of calm, and voices of reason. Barbara Starr is all that and more and she joins Paul for a no bu****it look at where we are—and where we are going.

She's a renowned journalist, an Emmy award winning producer, and a former CNN Pentagon correspondent. She spent 21 years reporting from hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Chinese-North Korean border and is one of the most recognizable faces in conflict reporting. She's reported extensively on fallen and wounded troops, as well as the plight of homeless veterans. She's seen and covered it all. She's one of the best in the business and there isn't anybody else we'd rather talk to about all of it.

So as the world turns increasingly chaotic and dangerous, take a couple minutes to listen to this conversation, get yourself smarter and get ready for what comes next. Buckle up. And welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 338.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/338-barbara-starr-the-battle-of-los-angeles-i-tried-to-tell-you-all-trump-sends-guard-and-federal-troops-into-la-what-red-state-governors-will-do-this-is-putin-and-bin-ladens-dream-and/