Hegseth’s Pulp Fiction Prayer. RFK Jr’s Raccoon Penis. with the Bulwark’s John Avlon.

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff sits down with journalist, author, and former CNN anchor and Daily Beast Editor John Avlon—now with The Bulwark— for a fast, insightful, and hopeful conversation about how to fix American politics—before it breaks us. From Iran and the spiraling Middle East crisis, to Trump’s second term, to the Democrats’ brand problem, Avlon brings his “How to Fix It” mindset to moderates, independents, veterans, and frustrated voters who are tired of the bullshit and hungry for reality-based solutions. They dig into the rise of independent voters, the weakness of the Democrat brand, the failure of both parties to provide real leadership, the dangers of performative extremism, and what Teddy Roosevelt’s “man in the arena” can teach us about citizenship, courage, and showing up in 2026 and 2028.