Righteous Media (2025)

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/

11/06/2025

Independent Americans host joins Connell McShane for his weekly segments with more on the latest from Los Angeles as the tensions around the protest grow. New episode out tomorrow. 🚨

05/06/2025

Republicans have gone off the rails.

And Democrats can't win.

But Independent veterans can. Especially for the US Senate in 2026.

The New York Times reached out to find out why our IVA candidates are different, why they can win, and how we are seriously shaking things up in ways that are long overdue.

The majority of veterans in America are independent/unaffiliated.

And more and more of us are declaring our independence from the broken two parties every day.

If you're one of them, if you want to be, or if you want to support us, join the movement now.

We're uniting independent vets and supporters that will always put country ahead of party. And elevating a new generation of fighters that can meet the moment, unite people across partisan lines, and represent all Americans with integrity, strength and honor.

We're empowering veterans to and 🐺🇺🇸

https://independentveteransofamerica.org/nyt-five-independent-senate-candidates-in-the-mold-of-mr-osborn-could-run-in-2026/

05/06/2025

🎙🚨 America needs leaders. And leaders are in short supply. That seems to be the case in Washington at least. Whether it's Pete Hegseth's ongoing hateful attacks on the LGBTQ service members under his command or his self aggrandizing ad or the ongoing chaos at the Pentagon, none of it is efficient and none of it is making any of us any safer.

America needs leaders.

They're out there. And more and more frequently they aren't claiming either political party. Independent leaders we've profiled in recent episodes. 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. The future is independent—and chances are good that you're going to hear from those leaders of the future here, first.

That includes Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly. He's just gotten reelected for a second term by a huge margin. And that's in large part because he's getting hard things done. Housing, crime, community relations and making the trains run on time. And, fixing potholes! He's also bringing business, international sports and excitement to this important crossroads American city. Much of what Kelly had been doing and saying in Chattanooga could be a model for the rest of America. And he could be running for higher office one day down the line.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 337.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/337-mayor-tim-kelly-the-independent-mayor-of-chattanooga-trumps-extreme-new-recruiting-ad-elon-is-leaving-dc-hegseth-attacks-the-usns-harvey-milk-during-pride-vets-rally-in-dc-open-pri/

29/05/2025

🎙🚨 Summer is almost officially here and things are already heating up. From the increasing pressure from Republicans to back Ukraine (a massive win for everyone) to Trump's new half-baked “Golden Dome” defense system to another horrific antisemitic attack on two Israeli embassy staffers in DC, your fearless and always independent host Paul Rieckhoff has you covered.

And as the onslaught of crazy news continues to drop, it's easy to lose sight of the wins. To forget about the small victories that keep you during the hard times. And so it seemed like the perfect moment to bring back a returning champion. He's one of the most prominent independents in the country—and his national profile is continuing to grow. Mayor Yemi Mobolade is back and he's here to check in and let you know how it's going—and what he thinks about the future of the movement and the challenges and opportunities the times are presenting.

It's a deep look at the state of the independent movement, at what is happening in cities nationwide as Trump continues to expand his reach (especially on immigration), and maybe most importantly, at what is possible for independent political leaders. It's the kind of conversation you're only going to get here. Welcome to the beginning of the Summer of 2025.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 336.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/336-mayor-yemi-mobolade-the-independent-immigrant-mayor-in-the-crosshairs-of-trumps-immigration-crackdowns-trumps-goldendome-another-attack-on-jews-senator-redneck-for/

22/05/2025

🎙🚨 It's Fleet Week in New York City. The Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in decades, the Yankees are in first in their division. It's a good time to be in New York. But this week as we head into Memorial Day weekend, there are a lot of reasons for you to stay vigilant.

From Trump's ridiculous and shameful performance with the visiting South African president, to SECDEF Pete Hegseth's latest announcement of a sham inquiry into the Afghan debacle, to Deceptive Doug Collins spinning his way through the VA , it's a time we could all use a helper.

And this episode's guest is a true helper. Bonnie Carroll () has helped to guide countless people through their worst days. Along with the amazing volunteers that she works with at TAPS, Bonnie helps the survivors learn to carry the burden of their grief.

It's a conversation that will move you. Will inspire you. And it might just surprise you.

Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 335.🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/335-bonnie-carroll-a-special-memorial-day-conversation-with-saint-bonnie-its-memorial-day-every-day-in-ukraine-ben-not-jerry-manhandled-in-dc-noems-immigrati/

15/05/2025

🎙🚨 There's a spirit that's sweeping across America. A growing desire for change. The system is broken. You know, we know it. And it's kind of starting to feel like everybody knows it. So when the DOGE axe was going to come down on his group of rangers, he started planning. And even though he was later protected from being fired because he was a veteran, the fear and uncertainty didn't sit with him.

Retired Air Force Colonel Brian Bengs () is setting out to bring an independent voice to Washington and to protect the place he calls home. He ran before, and was urged to run as a Democrat. You'll hear how he regrets that move and how it closes doors in the states where Democrats can't win. States like South Dakota where he lives. States like Nebraska where Dan Osborn made his run at it. And in red states nationwide.

It's the second conversation in our “2025 Meet The Independent Candidates” series. And it's one you don't want to miss. It's a refreshing dose of independence and inspiration you probably need after all of the other crazy news of the last week.

And we cover all of that too. Because if it's related to National Security and veterans, we've got you covered. From a chance for peace in Ukraine to Trump's absurdly corrupt new plane, the hits keep coming. And your host Paul Rieckhoff is there to cover it all—while taking you on a walk through Lower Manhattan in the rain. Including a stop the September 11th Memorial. No other podcast is like this.

There's a movement sweeping across the heartland of America, and it ain't red or blue. It's independent.

Welcome to Independent Americans Episode 334. 🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/334-brian-bengs-independent-vet-for-senate-in-south-dakota-retired-ltc-and-almost-doged-park-ranger-the-toxicity-of-the-democrat-brand-running-as-a-d-vs-i-the-new-pope-is-american-trump-a/

08/05/2025

🎙🚨 This show is dedicated to helping elevate the heroes and the helpers. And to identifying the people in our government and political arena that don't live up to either of those descriptions. From the consistent cruelty of the Trump administration's attacks on our values and, now, our allies, to our national security being continually degraded by the gutting of the Pentagon ranks, the volume of outrageousness is increasing and the hits keep coming.

But every once in a while, even in Washington, there is a brave and bold individual willing to stand up for what's right. If you've listened to the show you know that the Democrats will not save you. But that doesn't mean they can't help. That they can't be a part of the solution. And that's what today's guest wants to do.

Senator Ruben Gallego hails from the great state of Arizona. He served as a Marine, as a Congressman and now he's a Senator—and his ambitions might even extend beyond that horizon. But for now, he's taking a stand and making an impact. And most importantly, he's fighting back. Against Trump, and for veterans and the good people of his state.

And before the conversation starts, Paul Rieckhoff's gonna take you on a fun and illuminating walk through historic Union Square in NYC to run through the latest chaos at Pete Hegseth's Pentagon, Trump firing Mike Waltz and crapping in Canada, the Supreme Court ruling on the trans purge, RFK Jr messing up healthcare for 9/11 First Responders, VA Secretary Collins spinning, and why the surging New York Knicks can teach America a thing or two.

It's an inspiring episode that just might leave you a little more hopeful than you were before you started. So buckle up for Episode 333 folks. And enjoy the ride.
🎙🚨

https://independentamericans.us/333-senator-ruben-gallego-is-he-running-for-president-hegseth-firing-20-of-generals-mike-waltz-is-out-our-apologies-to-canada-scotus-upholds-trumps-trans-purge-even-trump-wont/

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