Middle Theory
This week, we ask how we became so polarized, and look at the underlying reasons for division in our culture in a discussion about the meaning behind the "Middle Theory." Can't we all just get along? What are the roots of the conflicts we see in the world around us... from the geopolitical stage, to our neighborhoods and communities? Although polls over the years offer mixed results, a recurring theme is that voters often tend to be more moderate than the politicians they vote for. Why, then, does there appear to be so much polarization in society, both in politics, and in other...
info_outline Nuclear Options | 05.03.22.Middle Theory
This week, growing concerns over Russia's nuclear rhetoric in recent days have experts looking at how far Vladimir Putin might go in his quest to conquer Ukraine. This week, as recent polls (finally) show Biden's approval ratings are on the rise, we take a look at what it could mean heading into the mid-terms in November. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has provided reporters with a few vague ideas of what he plans to do with Twitter... putting him into a unique position in terms of political perception and leanings. Then, shifting our attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders...
info_outline Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter | 04.27.22.Middle Theory
With Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, controversy ensues over issues of transparency and freedom of speech, and whether the platform can improve under Musk's leadership. This week, the White House announced that Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19, which may be the least of her problems based on a new book that reportedly reveals tensions between she and other members of the Biden Administration, including the President. We also look at the current situation involving statements this week by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Secretary of...
info_outline Holy War | 04.18.22.Middle Theory
As Ukrainian officials say the "Battle of Donbas" has begun, we look at how one controversial Russian cleric has urged for "holy war" as the conflict in Ukraine wears on. This week, news that record numbers of retirees are fleeing to countries like Portugal is making headlines amidst reports about economic woes around the world, and news about the latest strain of the coronavirus sweeping the United States. That, in addition to the unsurprising news that Alex Jones' INFOWARS company has filed for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have now said that their fears about battle in...
info_outline Twitter: Battle of the Bots | 04.11.22.Middle Theory
This week, we analyze Elon Musk's new influence on social media giant Twitter, and the company's issue with bots posing as users. Former President Donald Trump is back in the news for his recent controversial endorsement of television doctor Mehmet Oz in his Senate bid in Pennsylvania, which has evoked ire from conservatives. Meanwhile, as the situation in Ukraine remains at a standstill for now, what do things look like within Russia, where Vladimir Putin appears to still be suffering from delusions of grandeur and victory? Then we turn our attention to the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's...
info_outline Cancel Culture and the Subscription Society | 04.04.22.Middle Theory
In this episode, we are joined by YouTube documentarian and essayist Peter Coffin for a philosophical and economically-minded discussion about cancel culture. Earlier this week, much of the world awakened to horrifying images out of Ukraine which appear to show the bodies of civilians who were killed by Russian forces, who are now steadily retreating from the embattled country. The images prompted U.S. President Joe Biden to double down on his war crime accusations against Vladimir Putin, and now many are asking whether the Russian leader will be made to stand trial for the atrocities. Then,...
info_outline Assault at the Oscars | 03.28.22.Middle Theory
This week, violence erupts at the Oscars during an unscripted episode between Best Actor Award recipient Will Smith and host Chris Rock. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have now reached a standstill, as Russian and Ukrainian officials meet to discuss moving toward an end to the conflict that has now raged for almost a month. However, the world's attention put toward the crisis unfolding in the East was temporarily diverted on Sunday, when during the 94th Academy Awards, actor Will Smith, who would later the same night go on to win the award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard,...
info_outline Stalemate | 03.21.22.Middle Theory
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, world leaders ask how long the present stalemate might continue, and whether an attempt at removing Putin from power could soon occur from within Russia. The Ukrainian conflict has now been underway for almost a month, as many western leaders and commentators look at the apparent stalemate that has erupted between the embattled country and Russian invaders. However, as the crisis continues to unfold, many are asking questions about Russia's claims that it recently used hypersonic weapons against targets in Ukraine. Meanwhile, many are also wondering about...
info_outline The Red Line | 03.14.22.Middle Theory
This week, we discuss the latest on the developing situation with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, whether there is a "Red Line" for the Biden Administration, and insights on the conflict with reporter Tim McMillan. As the Russian Invasion of Ukraine continues, more experts and analysts are becoming worried about the possibility of humanitarian threats from Vladimir Putin amidst rumors of possible use of chemical weapons. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Pskaki has said the Biden Administration remains committed to avoiding war with Russia... but while Psaki says the White House...
info_outline Battleground: Ukraine | 03.07.22.Middle Theory
With Russian forces meeting stronger resistance from Ukraine than expected, we look at recent anti-war protests in Russia, and possible motives driving Putin's decision to invade the country. This week, the United States and other countries make the difficult move toward banning oil imported from Russia, a decision which leaves open both the necessity for reliance on the Middle East, but also the prospect of returning to oil production at home. Elsewhere, with the war in Ukraine leaving the Russian military several thousand fewer in numbers, some officials are now weighing the...
info_outlineTensions remain high on the Ukrainian border, as reports of Russian withdrawals are met with skepticism by NATO and the US amid claims of disinformation from both the East and West.
This week, as many states are beginning to lift their mask requirements indoors for the fully vaccinated, we feature a report on Pfizer's earnings in recent months, as well as the problem with reporting about COVID-19 on sites like YouTube. We also touch on an entirely different take on the Joe Rogan controversy, illustrating how sound-byte culture can misrepresent information before taking a look at stories that include the Remington firearms company settling with Sandy Hook victims' families, a CIA surveillance program that has Congress worried, and what one columnist had to say about similar spying efforts within Presidential campaigns. Lastly, we shift our attention to the crisis on the Ukrainian border, as reports claim Russia may be withdrawing some of its forces. NATO and the U.S. are wary of the claims, amid new reports of rising tensions. Is there still time for diplomacy, or is an invasion imminent?
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DOLLARS FOR DONUTS
A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:
- Julia Gali
- Betty June Farkas
- Jon Haskins
- Shelly Orlandini
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SHOW NOTES
- MASKS ON, MASKS OFF: CA ending mask requirement indoors for the vaccinated
- VACCINES FOR PROFIT: Pfizer expects $54 billion in 2022 sales on Covid vaccine
- JOE PRO: Joe Rogan Progressive compilation
- TESLA TELL-ALL: Black Workers Claims Racism Rampant Inside TESLA
- MUSK FIRES BACK: Elon Blasts Media for 'Relentless Hatestream'
- SETTLEMENT: Remington Arms Settles With Sandy Hook Families
- CIA SECRETS: Senators: CIA has secret program that collects American data
- SPY GAMES: Clinton campaign allegedly paid internet company to 'infiltrate' Trump servers
- INVASION UKRAINE: Russia says some troops withdrawing from Ukraine’s border
- BBC: Russia says it is pulling back troops from Ukraine border
- Putin: Russia ready to discuss confidence-building measures
- 11th HOUR DIPLOMACY: Russia says diplomatic solution still possible
- Russia ready for more talks to end Ukraine standoff
- Russia expels US diplomat; Blinken speaks at UN 'to prevent' a war: What we know
- DISINFO WARS: The Guardian view on megaphone diplomacy: countering Russian disinformation
- AUDIO: Is the Ukraine crisis ending? NATO doesn't think so
- Biden believes Putin will go forward with invasion
- U.S. warns of ‘imminent’ Russian invasion of Ukraine as Blinken heads to the UN
- BACKGROUND: Is Russia going to invade Ukraine and what does Putin want?
- How a Russian invasion of Ukraine could affect Americans
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