All Episodes

November 20, 2025 59 mins

David Wheeler introduces a trio of independent candidates shaking up the 2026 U.S. Senate races, highlighting their commitment to reforming a political landscape dominated by party machines. Ty Pinkins, a Mississippi veteran, emphasizes the urgent need for independence in Washington to address issues that matter to everyday Americans, while Brian Bengs from South Dakota shares his journey from the Democratic Party to an independent run, focused on fiscal responsibility and accountability. Todd Achilles from Idaho rounds out the group, critiquing the failures of both parties to represent the interests of their constituents. They all unite in their goal to expose the corruption within the political system and advocate for a government that truly represents the people. As they gear up for their campaigns, they invite listeners to join their movement for a more honest and effective government.

A compelling discussion unfolds as David Wheeler introduces a trio of independent candidates shaking up the 2026 U.S. Senate races. Each candidate—Ty Pinkins from Mississippi, Brian Bengs from South Dakota, and Todd Achilles from Idaho—brings a unique background and perspective to the table. They share a common frustration with the existing two-party system, which they argue has led to a gridlocked Washington that fails to address the pressing needs of American citizens. Ty, a decorated Army veteran, emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families against corporate greed, while Brian highlights his military precision in exposing the financial mismanagement of both parties. Todd, a former Democratic state representative, passionately calls out the bipartisan failures that have left rural communities struggling. The conversation dives deep into the candidates' motivations, their visions for reform, and the dire need for a more accountable political landscape. They stress the importance of independent voices in governance, arguing that only by breaking free from party loyalties can they truly represent the interests of their constituents. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they articulate their commitment to serving the people and the challenges they face in fundraising as independents in a system dominated by party politics. The episode closes with each candidate sharing their campaign details, urging listeners to support their efforts to bring real change to Washington, D.C.

Takeaways:

  • In this episode, David Wheeler highlights the rise of independent candidates who are shaking up the traditional U.S. Senate races, aiming to break the two-party hold on American politics.
  • Ty Pinkins, a veteran and candidate from Mississippi, shares his commitment to fighting for working families and challenging the status quo of political gridlock.
  • Brian Bengs, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government, calling for a reform of the current political system.
  • Todd Achilles, running in Idaho, critiques the failure of both major parties to address key issues like the national debt and public health, advocating for independent representation.
  • The panel discusses the need for independence in politics to push forward issues that truly matter to the American people, focusing on healthcare and economic reform.
  • The episode underscores the urgency for voters to consider independent candidates as viable alternatives to the entrenched political system that often neglects their needs.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this...

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.