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The Search for Nancy Guthrie | 02.21.26.

Middle Theory

Release Date: 02/21/2026

The Search for Nancy Guthrie | 02.21.26. show art The Search for Nancy Guthrie | 02.21.26.

Middle Theory

This week, as the desperate search for Nancy Guthrie continues, we examine the latest developments in the tragic disappearance that has shocked the entire nation.  Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-agency investigation that has gripped Americans as law enforcement works against the clock to determine her whereabouts. The 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy was last seen entering her home after being dropped off by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, at her residence in Catalina Foothills, Arizona.  As the...

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"Domestic Terrorists" | 02.14.26.

Middle Theory

This week, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announces the end of its immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota, we examine the stories of American citizens who have been injured or negatively affected by the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and later mischaracterized as "domestic terrorists."  As "Operation Metro Surge" comes to an end in Minnesota, questions linger about the effectiveness of DHS operations amid recent testimony provided to members of Congress by U.S. citizens whose lives were impacted by ICE activities. These include Marimar...

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Jeffrey Epstein: An American Haunting | 02.08.26. show art Jeffrey Epstein: An American Haunting | 02.08.26.

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This week, following the release of a massive trove of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein, we examine the main takeaways and look at why the file release is raising new questions about the disgraced financier and sex offender's death.  The sordid story of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the intrigue surrounding his fortune, his alleged associations with the U.S. Intelligence Community, and connections to American politicians and other high-profile individuals, has become a story that won't go away. In recent months, the late sex offender's past associations...

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This week, within days of the tragic shooting death of Minneapolis resident Renee Good, America has reached a tipping point in the aftermath of a second shooting incident involving the killing of Alex Pretti by agents with the Department of Homeland Security.  As outrage over Pretti's death ensues, we examine what videos of the tragic incident reveal, as well as the context provided by additional videos that have revealed earlier encounters between Pretti and ICE agents in Minneapolis. We also examine the contradictory statements provided by federal officials in the aftermath of the...

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Fire and ICE | 01.19.26. show art Fire and ICE | 01.19.26.

Middle Theory

It's time to get back to work.  Chaos has erupted in the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a deadly confrontation between federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a 37-year-old mother of three, Renee Good, who was shot and killed by Jonathan Ross, a 10-year ICE veteran. In our analysis of the tragic events that led to Good's killing, we examine what is currently known about the circumstances leading up to the incident, as well as responses from state, local, and federal officials, and what multiple independent analyses of videos captured as the events...

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This is Middle Theory | 05.12.22. show art This is Middle Theory | 05.12.22.

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...

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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...

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Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter | 04.27.22. show art Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter | 04.27.22.

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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...

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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...

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Twitter: Battle of the Bots | 04.11.22. show art 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...

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More Episodes

This week, as the desperate search for Nancy Guthrie continues, we examine the latest developments in the tragic disappearance that has shocked the entire nation. 

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a multi-agency investigation that has gripped Americans as law enforcement works against the clock to determine her whereabouts. The 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy was last seen entering her home after being dropped off by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, at her residence in Catalina Foothills, Arizona. 

As the investigation continues, we examine what is known about the case, what the imagery of the suspect filmed outside her doorstep on the night of her disappearance reveals, and the crucial missteps early in the investigation that have complicated the search, which has now remained underway for weeks amid concerns for the missing woman's well-being. 

This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to Nancy Guthrie and her family: our hearts remain with them in this difficult time, and we continue to pray for her safe return to her loved ones. 

Image Credit: Federal Bureau of Investigation/Public Domain.

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