Leo Shane III. The Legendary Military Times Reporter on Hegseth’s History and Rocky Nomination. Collins for VA Secretary—Who Is This Guy? Assad Goes Down. Musk and Ramaswamy Wanna Cut All Vets Benefits. Army Navy Week. Remembering Eddy Schrank.

Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody. He’s covered Capitol Hill and the White House bureau chief for the Military Times for 20 years and has countless awards for his commitment to his craft and tireless dedication and outstanding reporting. He’s an inspiring journalist who has stood alongside veterans for decades as an ally and truth teller. His reporting has led to reforms for how the military deals with journalists and he has shown light in places where light was sorely needed. He’s here to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckhoff, and it’s another wild week of national security news. From the arrest of the United Healthcare CEO’s shooter to the acquittal of Daniel Penny in New York it’s been a wild ride and we’re hitting all of it with the no holds barred style you’ve come to expect. It’s a dose of reality the cable news spin machine doesn’t want you to hear and you can only get it here.  Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and reach out if you’re interested in running in 2025 or 2026.  -WATCH video of Paul and Leo’s conversation on our YouTube channel. -Support the family of Eddy Schrank by making a donation here. -Eddy Schrank’s obituary.  -Eddy singing the National Anthem. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra exclusive content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices