The Curious Middle

You're in the middle of a full life and still asking the big questions. So are we. The Curious Middle is a podcast for intellectually curious women who want to understand the world, not just keep up with it. We are Polina and Yelena, two opinionated, warm, and endlessly curious moms bringing you sharp conversations with journalists, authors, entrepreneurs, activists, and thinkers on current events, education, culture, and the topics that come up at dinner with your circle. We also cover how AI is changing how we live and work. We ask harder questions and challenge comfortable assumptions. Expect ideas you won't forget. Follow us on Instagram @thecuriousmiddlepod or reach out at thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com

All the News That's Fit to Spin with Ashley Rindsberg 03/18/2026

All the News That's Fit to Spin with Ashley Rindsberg How much power does The New York Times really have , and what happens when that power is used to shape narrative instead of pursue truth? In this episode of The Curious Middle, we speak with Ashley Rindsberg, author of about the Times’ reporting on some of the most important stories of the last century: the Nazi invasion of Poland, Stalin’s Soviet Union, the Holocaust, Israel, the 1619 Project nd more. Ashley Rindsberg is an investigative journalist and author focused on media malfeasance, information warfare, and the hidden systems influencing public discourse. Ashley joins us to explain why he believes the paper has repeatedly protected power, buried inconvenient truths, and helped shape public opinion in ways that changed history. We also talk about the Sulzberger family, the culture inside elite newsrooms, the collapse of trust in journalism, and how listeners can build a healthier media diet today. In this episode: What first inspired Ashley to write Why the New York Times is unlike any other media institution The Times’ Holocaust coverage and what was buried How tne NYT Created a Narrative on the Soviet Unioo, Hitler, Cuba, Iraq, Israel and the Intifada, The 1619 Project and narrative-driven reporting The Tom Cotton op-ed controversy, safe spaces, silencing dissent and newsroom ideology How to find better journalism in a fractured media environment More reading: Books: Articles , who downplayed the Ukraine famine. “Committed to protecting his own influence and to a future “greater good” promised by the Soviet regime, Duranty at first dismissed rumors of the Ukrainian Famine. Then he downplayed them. Then he claimed that Ukraine’s “food shortages” were the result of local mismanagement and the work of “wreckers” and “spoilers” intent on undermining Soviet progress.” More podcasts with Ashley: Key Quotes “They set cultural agendas, they set the news agenda, they influence politics, they influence culture.” “They didn’t want to appear to be the Jewish newspaper that was advocating for Jewish lives or Jewish people. So they did the exact opposite.” “You don’t bury a story about tens of thousands of people being murdered in Europe by accident.” “The narrative was so overpowering for them that it obliterated what was in front of their faces." “It became a culture of silence." Timestamps 05:13: Origin Story of the Book Spark: reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich Shock discovery: NYT reported Poland invaded Germany (1939) Core question: “If they got that wrong, what else did they get wrong?” 08:42 – Why Focus on The New York Times 11:32 – Ochs-Sulzberger Family Ideology German-Jewish assimilation philosophy: Judaism = religion only (not identity) 14:23 – Holocaust Coverage Critique Only 6 front-page Holocaust stories in 6 years 17:56 – Historical Parallels to Today Narratives like: “Jews cause wars” “Israel manipulation” 20:34 – Could Coverage Have Changed History? 21:12 – Fascination with Power / Dictators 24:15 – Ukraine Famine Denial (Walter Duranty) 26:43 – Publishing Barriers Publishers avoided book due to: Fear of NYT retaliation Bestseller list control Insight: NYT bestseller list = editorial, not purely sales-based 30:12 – NYT Power Today Less local dominance, more global reach ~600 million monthly users Now a digital ecosystem 32:32 – NYT Lack of Accountability 35:30 – State of Journalism Today 38:48 – Misleading Image Example (Second Intifada) Photo falsely captioned: Palestinian victim → actually Jewish man being saved Example of narrative overriding facts 41:20 – Mohammed al-Dura Case Widely reported killing blamed on Israel Later forensic evidence contradicted it NYT never corrected narrative 43:10 – The 1619 Project Claim: U.S. founded on slavery, not liberty Criticism: Historians said key claims were false Still: Won Pulitzer Entered school curricula 51:54 – Tom Cotton Op-Ed Controversy 57:55 – Future of Media 59:27 – Advice for News Consumers (GREAT CLIP) 🔥 “Unbundle the news like Spotify unbundled albums” 1:01:09 – Closing + Current Work Focus on: Narrative spread across platforms Wikipedia, Reddit, AI manipulation Company: NPOV Follow Contact us: thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/40521135

If Iran Breaks Free with Jonathan Harounoff 01/21/2026

If Iran Breaks Free with Jonathan Harounoff In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jonathan Harounoff, British-Iranian journalist and author of Unveiled: Inside Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom Revolt. Jonathan takes us inside the Woman, Life, Freedom movement—how it began, why it refuses to die, and why the regime continues to answer peaceful protest with barbaric force. Drawing on years of reporting and deeply personal conversations with Iranians inside the country and across the diaspora, he shares the brutal realities of life under the regime—and the extraordinary courage of people who keep standing up anyway. We talk about hunger, fear, and economic collapse. About mothers, daughters, and young people risking everything. About why the regime blames Israel and the West—and what Iranians are actually fighting for: dignity, choice, basic freedom, and a future without constant terror. We also ask a question that feels almost unthinkable, and yet possible: What would a free Iran mean for the Middle East, and for the world? This is a sobering yet hopeful conversation about sacrifice, resilience, and the power of ordinary people to challenge unimaginable tyranny and change history. Memorable Quotes: “There’s a very clear distinction between the Islamic Republic and the 92 million Iranians it governs.” “This is a proud, resilient civilization with thousands of years of history—and they’re not giving it up for a 47-year-old regime.” “The regime will blame Israel, the U.S., even ‘cloud theft’—anything except its own mismanagement.” “Women were deliberately shot in the eyes to leave a permanent mark.” “A free Iran wouldn’t just transform the Middle East—it would transform the world.” Timestamps: 00:00 – Why this moment in Iran matters 01:46 – Jonathan’s book and the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising 04:08 – Iranians vs. the Islamic Republic 06:22 – Why Israel gets blamed for everything 08:36 – Is this the biggest uprising yet? 10:56 – What Iranians want after the regime 12:40 – How the regime crushes dissent 15:41 – Can the protests survive another crackdown? 17:15 – Do Iranians want Western help? 18:09 – What a free Iran could mean for the world 20:23 – The UN’s silence on Iran 21:30 – Stories that changed Jonathan forever 22:36 – How to truly learn Iranian culture 24:51 – Hope for a free Iran Please share this episode with a friend: Follow us on Instagram at Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39808490

When Education Turns Into One-Sided Activism with Marissa Streit CEO of PragerU 01/18/2026

When Education Turns Into One-Sided Activism with Marissa Streit CEO of PragerU We spreak with CEO of bout education, civics, and parenting in a time of cultural chaos. Marissa shares the moment that inspired her to “enlist” through education, explains why activism can show up even in math and literacy, and calls on parents to stop outsourcing values to institutions. Our discussion also explores he crisis facing young women today—marriage, meaning, dignity, and femininity—and why Marissa believes a new “revolution” is needed. Plus: practical ways to use PragerU at home in just 5–20 minutes a day. Timestamps & Key Moments 00:04 — Intro: Who is Marissa Streit & what is PragerU Why parents must play an active role in teaching civics and history. 04:36 — Education as the root of today’s cultural crisis Marissa argues education didn’t just reflect the problem—it helped create it. 06:28 — A formative moment at Yad Vashem How a visit at age 13 shaped her belief in personal responsibility and moral courage. 08:55 — America under attack—through ideas, not force Why failing to teach civics leaves the country vulnerable. 17:59 — Division vs. unity in schools From “melting pot” to identity fragmentation. 22:32 — Activism in education How ideology shows up in teacher training and classrooms. 24:55 — The NEA agenda shock What disturbed Marissa most about the union’s priorities. 29:45 — Bureaucracy, unions, and incentives A critique of the education system’s structure and power dynamics. 38:32 — Civics collapse How can kids defend a country they don’t understand? 40:53 — The parent solution Teaching values, debate, and civic responsibility at home—regardless of school quality. 45:20 — Young women, meaning, and modern feminism Marriage, family, and fulfillment in a confusing cultural moment. 54:43 — Europe as a warning What happens when a shared civic identity disappears. 57:02 — Cultural literacy Why “we all spoke American” matters. 59:23 — How parents can use PragerU A simple daily habit that works. If you enjoy this podcast and topic, check out our conversations with America’s favorite government teacher and Professor of Political Science Key Quotes “Education got us into this mess. Education is going to get us out of this mess.” (≈ 04:36) “Most people rely on others to do the fighting for them… and they don’t begin to fight until it’s absolutely too late.” (≈ 06:28) “America… is being taken down through ideas, through the erosion of what it is to be an American.” (≈ 08:55) “Civics education is reduced to just activism… How do you defend a country that you don’t understand and don’t love?” (≈ 38:32) Please share this episode with a friend: Follow us on Instagram at Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39773335

Foster Care to Yale: The Truth About Luxury Beliefs with Rob Henderson 12/20/2025

Foster Care to Yale: The Truth About Luxury Beliefs with Rob Henderson Rob Henderson, known for coining the term “luxury beliefs,” joins us to discuss his memoir Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. Rob shares his extraordinary path—from homelessness and the LA foster care system, to adoption in rural Northern California, to enlisting in the Air Force at 17, and eventually studying at Yale and Cambridge. Rob shares research that shows how childhood instability (more than poverty alone) shapes life outcomes; why the foster system is so under-resourced; how elite cultural narratives can unintentionally harm the very communities they claim to help; and how certain “status beliefs” spread through universities and media. We discuss the hypocrisy and social dynamics of campus ideology, the “Halloween costume controversy” at Yale, and why honest conversations about family structure, class, and social policy are so hard to have yet so critical for making real progress. Key themes and Quotes Luxury beliefs give status to the elite—and the costs are paid by people with the least power.” Poverty alone doesn’t predict failure. Instability does.” The people most skeptical of family are usually the ones who grew up in intact families. “They live like it’s the 1950s—and talk like it’s the 1960s.” “I benefited from structure, plan to give it to my kids—and publicly argue others shouldn’t.” “Elite students condemn capitalism on Monday and interview at Goldman Sachs on Wednesday.” Foster Care / Instability Truths “You don’t need the worst childhood to feel the damage of instability.” Privilege / Backlash Lines “Telling struggling kids they’re privileged doesn’t create compassion—it creates resentment.” Check out our website: Reach out to us: If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like these conversations: Key Topics + Timeline 01:00–02:13 – Why labels like “privileged/unprivileged” flatten real life; every story is individual 04:15 – Rob explains who he wrote the book for: the typical educated reader + the kid in chaos who needs hope 07:30–12:00 – Rob’s “three names” origin story: biological parents, homelessness, foster care, adoption 11:16 – Red Bluff, CA: family fragmentation, addiction, instability in a working-class town 12:40–16:30 – Foster-care policy: frequent moves to avoid attachment; “least bad option” dilemmas 18:15 – Why foster care gets little attention (and why stories are painful to face) 19:00–23:30 – What made Rob “successful”: curiosity + the military as structure, mentors, and environment shift 25:17–29:46 – Research distinction: harshness (poverty) vs instability (unpredictability) as predictors 27:38 – Striking stats: college graduation rates—poor kids vs foster kids (as cited by Rob) 32:10–36:52 – “Luxury beliefs”: elites “walk the 50s, talk the 60s”; the social mechanism of cultural messaging 39:18 – After-school programs, screens, and class gaps in supervision/structure 41:39–46:20 – Luxury beliefs as social currency: status signaling through “virtue” positions (white privilege, defund police) 46:20–53:21 – Ethnic studies curricula + backlash: why telling struggling kids they’re “privileged” can fuel resentment 57:46–01:02:27 – Yale 2015 Halloween controversy + the irony of Rob being told he’s “too privileged” 01:03:00–01:07:07 – Veblen → Bourdieu → Henderson: from luxury goods to cultural capital to luxury beliefs 01:09:09–01:11:18 – Careerism + hypocrisy: condemning institutions while competing to join them 01:11:18–01:15:45 – Post–Oct 7 campus protests; when beliefs meet real consequences 01:15:45–01:18:03 – Hope for higher education: reform, alternatives, and “you don’t have to go to college” 01:18:03–01:20:27 – Why the story resonates beyond foster care; instability, immigration, divorce, loneliness /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39481905

Sarah Hurwitz: Chosen for Responsibility, Judaism, Israel, and the Battle Over the Jewish Story 12/07/2025

Sarah Hurwitz: Chosen for Responsibility, Judaism, Israel, and the Battle Over the Jewish Story Former Michelle Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz joins us to explore the world of Jewish wisdom she discovered beyond ethnic jokes, bagels, and a vague sense of guilt. She shares how her culturally Jewish upbringing transformed into a deeply learned, joyful identity—and why real Jewish study is essential if we want to withstand modern antisemitism. We trace how 2,000 years of Christian anti-Judaism, Nazi antisemitism, and Soviet anti-Zionism have been funneled into today’s leftist campus ideologies—shaping the anti-Israel narratives dominating universities, media, and movements on both the far left and far right. Most people don’t even realize they’re repeating propaganda from the soviets and nazis. We also cover the idea that every human being is created in the image of God shaped democracy and human rights, and why “the chosen people” is wildly misunderstood, it’s a burden of responsibility, not a claim of superiority. Sarah also explains Judaism as a living, evolving interpretive tradition (hello, 2,500 years of commentary and argument), why dissent and chavruta-style debate are sacred. Sarah ends on a surprisingly hopeful note - so listen in to hear her message. 06:30 — Judaism as wisdom, not just religion or holidays 09:00 — Why antisemitism keeps reinventing itself 12:30 — Image of God, equality & the Jewish roots of democracy 15:00 — The title As a Jew and reclaiming identity without apology 18:00 — Internalized antisemitism & the “cultural Jew” problem 21:30 — What Jews actually are: peoplehood, tribe, civilization 24:00 — Campus antisemitism 27:30 — Israel, refugees & dismantling the “original sin” myth 31:00 — Zionism explained (without the hysteria) 34:30 — Qatar, ideology, and what’s shaping academia 37:00 — Michelle Obama, “silence,” and the problem with performative activism 40:00 — Chosenness redefined: responsibility, not superiority 43:00 — Jewish law evolves: debate, dissent & chavruta 46:00 — How observant is Sarah now? 48:30 — What gives Sarah hope for Jews in 2025 51:00 — Jewish spirituality, bodies, death rituals & chaplaincy 54:00 — Parting wisdom: why Jewish learning is the antidote Topics Discussed: The history of Israel’s founding: land purchased at inflated prices, UN partition, war, refugees on all sides and why Israel is not founded on some unique “original sin” Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and why Palestinians are treated as a unique, multi-generational refugee category in a way that has harmed both Palestinians and Israelis. Qatar’s influence and money in U.S. universities and how that has influenced academic discourse on Israel. Why Sarah, as a proud Zionist and proud American, rejects the idea that Jews can’t be loyal Americans. What “chosenness” really means in Jewish tradition (spoiler: not racial superiority) The Jewish idea that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God) and how that idea helped shape the moral core of American democracy How chavruta (study partnership) and argument “for the sake of heaven” sharpens thinking and deepens truth—illustrated live in Polina, Yelena, and Sarah’s back-and-forth What's next for Sarah Please share this episode with a friend! Follow us on Instagram at Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: , /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39309965

Your School’s Ethnic Studies Curriculum Might Be More Radical Than You Think - Monica Harris Explains Why 11/22/2025

Your School’s Ethnic Studies Curriculum Might Be More Radical Than You Think - Monica Harris Explains Why Monica Harris is the Executive Director of a Harvard Law graduate, former Hollywood executive, and author of The Illusion of Division. Monica explains how her experience as a gay Black woman in Hollywood and then in “flyover country”shattered many elite narratives about America. She describes why she believes much of our current polarization is manufactured by media and political interests, and how identity-based frameworks like liberated ethnic studies and DEI are deepening division rather than healing it. We dig into the following: Why “Liberated Ethnic Studies” is dividing students, not uniting them How modern DEI programs drifted far from genuine civil rights principles Why identity-based teaching harms kids socially and emotionally The catastrophic decline in civic education—and why it matters now more than ever How the American Experience curriculum offers a unifying alternative What parents MUST know about what’s being taught in classrooms today This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about polarization, education, and the future of democracy. Resources & Links FAIR For All: : The Illusion of Division Monica's book, If you want to know about this topic Quotes “We have so much more in common than what separates us, but division is being manufactured." “Kids don’t need to see each other as oppressors and oppressed—they need tools for civil discourse.” “The bones of America are exceptional" “At FAIR, we’re asking: what comes after polarization? Everyone can diagnose the problem; we’re focused on solutions.” “The entire liberated ethnic studies model flies in the face of reality on the ground. It pits students against each other at the exact moment in life when they most need to see each other as allies.” ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 -Welcome & Monica’s California-to-Harvard-to-Hollywood story 05:00 -Leaving Hollywood for Montana: the real story behind the culture shock 07:50 - Why Monica wrote The Illusion of Division 09:20 — What FAIR For All does across education, arts, medicine & law 13:00 — Inside the American Experience curriculum 15:00 — The problems with Liberated Ethnic Studies 19:00 — Why America’s system needs repair, not replacement 20:30 — How social media fuels division and fear 24:00 — “This isn’t capitalism”—the economic reality young people face 26:00 — The collapse of civics education & why it matters 32:00 — How FAIR’s curriculum teaches civil discourse & unifying history 35:00 — Why parents are the key to changing school districts 38:00 — What’s happening in California, Oregon & other states 42:00 — When students should take the course: age, grade level & design 44:30 — The pilot program: access, cost & rollout plans 47:00 — How ethnic studies frames Jews, Asians & successful minorities as “privileged” 50:00 — Why human beings will always choose freedom over authoritarianism 51:00 — Closing thoughts & how to learn more /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39131725

From “America Is Evil” to American Exceptionalism: Lucy Biggers’ Turnaround 11/18/2025

From “America Is Evil” to American Exceptionalism: Lucy Biggers’ Turnaround In this episode, we speak with head of social media at nd a former climate activist who has completely rethought the story she was telling the world and herself. Lucy shares how she went from a left-wing digital newsroom steeped in oppressor–oppressed ideology and climate doomsday content to slowly “re-educating” herself, especially after COVID lockdowns made her question what the climate movement was really asking of ordinary people. We talk about how smart, idealistic young people get pulled into movements, from climate activism to “Free Palestine” marches and democratic socialists like AOC and Zohran Mamdani, often in search of purpose, belonging, and someone to blame. Lucy walks us through the emotional cost of changing her mind in public, losing old followers, gaining new ones, and learning to stand on principle instead of group approval. We also go bigger: what’s happening in our universities and K–12 schools, the rise of extreme voices on both the woke left and the conspiratorial right, and why Lucy still believes in American exceptionalism, free thinking, and the courage to say, “I was wrong” as an act of wisdom, not shame. Key Timestamps + Signature Quotes 00:00 — Introduction & Lucy’s Background Quote: “I debunk the fear around climate change because people deserve the truth, not terror.” 01:10 — Why We Wanted Lucy On Quote: “So many young people today are operating from a state of fear.” — Yelena 01:52 — Lucy’s Political Journey Quote: “I lived half my twenties believing America was evil — I was completely swept up in it.” 02:30 — Inside the Newsroom Groupthink Quote: “It was ground zero for oppressor–oppressed ideology. I didn’t realize how deep it ran.” 03:50 — Her Climate Activism Years Quote: “Activism became my meaning, my identity, my way to feel good about myself.” 05:01 — COVID Breaks the Spell Quote: “The world shut down and emissions fell only 5%. I thought—what exactly do they want from us?” 05:45 — Quietly Leaving the Movement Quote: “I gave myself space to think for the first time in years.” 06:49 — Going Public With New Beliefs Quote: “I had to develop a stronger center of truth than the pushback waiting for me.” 07:05 — How Brainwashing Happens Quote: “I’d do anything to fit in — that’s how the ideology hooks you.” 09:28 — Re-Education & Books That Changed Her Quote: “I wasn’t deprogrammed overnight — I had to re-educate myself page by page.” 10:17 — Can Universities Be Saved? Quote: “Six billion dollars from Qatar changes what gets taught. Money goes a long way.” — Polina 11:05 — Why Young People Hate the West Quote: “America is imperfect — but exceptional. Most of the world can’t tell their kids to ‘follow your dreams.’” 12:43 — How Bad Ideas Spread Online Quote: “You see a headline, you don’t read the article, and your brain absorbs fear as fact.” 16:49 — Losing Followers & Building a New Audience Quote: “I lost thousands at first — then gained tens of thousands who actually want the truth.” 19:35 — Friendships & Family After Changing Beliefs Quote: “My real friends stayed. The ones who left were never real in the first place.” 20:46 — Climate Activists → Free Palestine Movement Quote: “It’s the same psychological pattern: well-meaning young people taught a black-and-white story.” 21:58 — Social Media Censorship Quote: “In 2019, I would have been banned for simply asking questions.” 23:12 — Climate Facts No One Teaches Quote: “CO₂ is 0.04% of the atmosphere. How did I not know that after years covering climate?” 25:04 — When Activism Becomes a Religion Quote: “There’s a crisis of meaning — causes become the new church.” — Yelena 26:51 — The Bigger Ideology Behind It Quote: “I used to think ‘Marxism’ critiques were crazy. Now I see they were right.” 27:33 — What Gives Her Hope Quote: “When one person stands up, it creates a resonance that gives others permission to do the same.” 30:23 — Mumdani, AOC & Democratic Socialists Quote: “Feeling like a victim is a dead end — you can’t build a life from that mindset.” 33:11 — AOC’s Brand Trap Quote: “She never had space to change — her entire identity depends on that worldview.” 34:09 — What Do We Do About Schools & Universities? Quote: “It’s time for new institutions — maybe even a Free Press University.” 36:13 — Tucker, Candace & the New Far-Right Quote: “Extremism on the right mirrors extremism on the left — it’s the same loss of grounding.” 39:01 — Why It’s Hard to Push Back on the Right Quote: “Not everyone stands on principle — the last two months showed us that clearly.” 41:48 — Accountability vs. Blame Quote: “Each side finds someone to blame. No one wants accountability.” — Yelena 42:47 — John Fetterman’s Example Quote: “He hasn’t moved — everyone else has.” — Polina 43:22 — Where to Follow Lucy Quote: “If you follow me anywhere, follow me on Instagram — it’s where I speak most freely.” 43:52 — Polina’s Closing Reflection Quote: “Wisdom is having the courage to say: I was wrong.” /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/39074805

What Love Makes Possible: Leland Vittert on His Father, Autism & a Lucky Life 11/14/2025

Undercover Billionaire Elaine Culotti is Taking on California’s Toughest Problems 10/05/2025

The Queen of Kefir: Julie Smolyansky on CEO Guts, Courage & Stamina 09/29/2025

Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethnic Studies in K-12 Schools and College Campuses 08/01/2025

Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethnic Studies in K-12 Schools and College Campuses is the newly appointed Director of the Education and National Security Program at the In this important conversation, we disciuss how today’s ethnic studies curriculum, originally intended to promote understanding among diverse communities, is instead fueling division, promoting an oppressor-vs-oppressed worldview, and teaching students that capitalism is synonymous with white supremacy and exploitation. Brandy brings deep expertise to this topic, holding a doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, an MSW from USC, and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego. Today, at least 22 states mandate ethnic studies in K–12 education, 24 more have incorporated elements of it, and California has made it a graduation requirement. Yet there are no national standards for what’s being taught, and no real education on the dangers of communism, the importance of civics, or an emphasis on nurturing diverse opinions and critical thinking. Brandy shares how you can get involved locally to push for rigorous standards, honest history, and an end to the ideological indoctrination in our classrooms. If we want to preserve a strong and free Republic, the way we educate the next generation must change. Quotable Moments: "The ideology holds that I'm suffering from internalized oppression because I'm not willingly categorizing myself as part of the oppressed class." "If you are, or simply appear to be white, you're automatically put in the oppressor category." "We cannot have the Republic we have today with an ill-informed, miseducated next generation." "It's easy to be a communist when you're living in a capitalist society." "We need to teach civics and the benefits of our system, but we also have to teach the dangers of the other." Check out our website: Reach out to us: If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: , /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/37629685

Stella Escobedo on Honesty in Journalism 07/26/2025

Stella Escobedo on Honesty in Journalism Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience, a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan. Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN). In this conversation, Stella shares how her upbringing shaped her values, her global perspective, and the causes of her disillusionment with mainstream media. Journalism was always Stella’s passion. but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. Stella began to question the media’s silence on critical issues: the voices of parents during lockdowns, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, and the dangerously skewed coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. We discuss the deeply embedded bias against Israel in U.S. media and the painful, recurring truth that Jews are violently scapegoated in every generation. When serious issues arise, too many default to an intellectually lazy and ancient habit: blame the Jews, and deflect accountability. This conversation is both a warning and a call to action. It’s about truth, courage, and refusing to stay silent while history repeats itself. Check out our website: Reach out to us: A few of our favorite quotes from this episode: "If not me, then who?" "I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless." "The media completely ignored what we should have been able to have open conversations about." "The indoctrination of their children must stop for peace to exist." If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: , Timestamps: 12:53 - Why is there such a disparity in how things are reported 23:14 - Once jihadist attacks on the homeland begin en masse, much of America will blame Jews 28:13 - Stella, a moderate voice, has been pegged asan extremist 37:38 - The teachers union in California should watch the video from October 7 41:59 - In Gaza, this will not stop until the indoctrination of their children stops 44:51 - The state of journalism in this country 49:05 - Netflix, can you help us? /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/37562765

Justice, Forgiveness, and One Remarkable Friendship 07/07/2025

Still chasing the 'retire early' fantasy? This conversation with David Bahnsen might just change your mind. 06/12/2025

Ada Palmer on Surviving the End of the World… Again and Again 06/03/2025

Ada Palmer on Surviving the End of the World… Again and Again sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we’re not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. “We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters,” she told me. “We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility.” That line really stuck with us—because it’s so easy to feel powerless right now. But Ada’s message is the opposite: we do have agency, and what we do does matter. She also reminded us that fear isn’t new. “We are not more scared than our predecessors were 50 or 100 years ago. They were just as scared as we are. The stakes were just as high. The rewards of hard work were just as real. The penalties of messing up were just as disastrous.” Ada sees change not in election cycles, but in centuries. And that shift in perspective is powerful. We talk about why we need to stop chasing “total wins” and start celebrating the small, meaningful steps forward. Progress is almost always incremental, but that doesn’t make it any less real or important. From ancient Rome to climate policy, Ada brings in vivid historical parallels that made us see our moment differently. She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges—we talk about the real stakes—but she offers something many of us arel craving: perspective, hope, and a reminder that we’ve come through hard things before. The part of our conversation that keeps echoing for us is this: Every generation has been called to save the world. They rose to the challenge. Now, it’s our turn. 🗣️ Quotes from Ada Palmer "We shouldn't think that we are living now in a uniquely apocalyptic moment. We're living in a normally apocalyptic moment." "Nothing is more similar to the future than the past." "Success isn't 100% victory. Success is mitigating the thing so that it's less bad when it happens." "Every generation has to save the world, and we can work hard at it and meet this occasion." Topics Discussed: 03:15 - Understanding the historical context of our current challenges 10:42 - The cyclical nature of apocalyptic moments throughout history 18:30 - Ada's journey as a historian and science fiction writer 25:50 - The impact of AI on society and the importance of policy 35:12 - How collective efforts can mitigate climate change 45:07 - The significance of partial victories in history 52:40 - Embracing resilience and responsibility in uncertain times Please share this episode with a friend! Follow us on Instagram at Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/36838660

From Rock Bottom to Chasing Destiny in Paris: Natasha Sizlo on Fate, Family and Love 05/19/2025

How to Live a Psychologically Rich Life with Shigehiro Oishi 05/14/2025

Why So Many Gen Zs Can't Take a Joke with Ted and Courtney Balaker 04/30/2025

Yardena Schwartz on the 1929 Massacre in Hebron That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict 04/23/2025

Yardena Schwartz on the 1929 Massacre in Hebron That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer, joins us to discuss her book, Ghosts of a Holy War. Yardena’s book focuses on the 1929 Hebron massacre, allowing us to see the shocking parallels between the historical events of 1929 and the October 7th massacre in Israel. Hebron, an ancient city with archeological finds going back some 5,000 years, is in the controlled territory of both governments. For thousands of years, Hebron has had great religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. Despite Yardena’s credentials, and her book’s relevance to the current news cycle, “Ghosts of a Holy War” book has been largely ignored by mainstream media and literary circles. It is not a stretch to assume that the historical information revealed in this book goes against the dominant stories in mass media, that seek sources that support their simplified oppressor and oppressed narrative. As history repeatedly shows us, if we don’t understand the past, we are doomed to repeat it. The misinformation leading to the 1929 massacre, and the way the massacre was interpreted by the world, is a repeat of what we have seen since October 7. We have seen denials of the recorded atrocities on October 7, misinformation and marches praising the violence as glorious resistance. How can we end the cycles of violence in the region if we don’t understand the root causes? It feels like we are trying to cure cancer by taking an Advil and screaming about the pain. Yardena’s book shares the historical root causes of the cancer of violence that has plagued the region since 1929. Yardena’s book also recounts stories of friendship and muslim families that protected their neighbors. The Jewish families and students in Hebron were not prepared for the violence because they lived peacefully and happily with their neighbors. In 1929, just as today, misinformation from leaders with bad intentions, fueled horrifying fury, and religiously driven violence. We hope that more people decide to learn the history of the region through credible journalists and historians, instead of repeating dangerous misinformation and lies. For the sake of every innocent child, please make time to find the historical truth. PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: , /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/36287920

One Semester of Civics: Sharon McMahon on the Threat You Didn’t See Coming 04/16/2025

One Semester of Civics: Sharon McMahon on the Threat You Didn’t See Coming When it comes to understanding our government, we often find ourselves asking, “What would Sharon say?” So we did. We invited Sharon McMahon, America’s favorite government teacher and the force behind @SharonSaysS, to help us unpack why civics education in the U.S. has been defunded, sidelined, and under-taught for decades. Sharon shares eye-opening insights about a troubling reality: many students graduate with little more than a single semester of civics, leaving them unequipped to understand how their government actually works. This lack of knowledge isn't just an educational failure it’s a civic crisis. When citizens don’t understand the basics of how power is structured or how change happens, we risk not only disengagement, but also a national security vulnerability and a weakening of our democracy itself. How can we make America better if we don’t understand how America works? How can we expect meaningful progress if the next generation doesn’t grasp the role of local elections or how laws are made? When people aren’t educated about their own system of government, cynicism grows. Trust erodes. And disengagement becomes the norm—followed by frustration and the belief that everything is rigged. We dive into the case for rebuilding a consistent, nationwide civics curriculum—and the enormous challenge of doing so in a country where education policy is decided by 50 separate state boards and over 14,000 local school boards. This conversation matters. Please listen, learn, and share with your community! Quotes: "We have under-educated our citizens for existence in a very complex democracy." "We need to understand the problem before we can make meaningful change." "The civil rights movement didn’t just happen because a bunch of members of Congress were like, what the right thing to do?" -Sharon McMahon "How are we supposed to make America great again if we don’t understand how it works?" ----Polina Rubin Zoom In: 06:49 Why aren't people saying in government that maybe we should prioritize civics education 08:10 The United States has an incredibly decentralized education system compared to other democracies 13:27 Whether the federal government should be involved in curriculum decisions is hotly debated 20:37 Elimination of Department of Justice or Department of Education could negatively impact students 23:23 Thoughts on the costs of education in the US compared to other countries 29:31 Every other developed nation takes far more steps to abate childhood poverty than we do 31:51 If you have two parents, you're more likely to not be in poverty Please share this episode with a friend: Follow us on Instagram at Emal us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/36197385

Communism Survivor: From Kiev to American Patriot 03/31/2025

Communism Survivor: From Kiev to American Patriot Like both of us (your co-hosts Polina and Yelena) Viktoria was born in the Soviet Union. VIktoria immigrated to the USA from Kiev with her family when she was 10. After getting interested in politics a few years ago, Viktoria started a highly successful Instagram page (communistsurivivor) , as a place to share her experiences and political opinions. Viktoria’s childhood in the former Soviet Union has shaped her politics and inspired her to share the realities of life under communism. We hope that Viktoria’s thoughts on the differences between life in the Soviet Union and the opportunities available in the U.S. encourage you to apply a critical eye when you come across communist and anti-capitalist propaganda. If you have experience of living under an oppressive regime, and when you grow up listening to the stories of how your parents and grandparents struggled, you are more likely to treasure the immense privileges that come with freedom. We feel this perspective is particularly relevant in today's heated climate, where many college students in the West are expressing hatred for their own country without a basic understanding of the historical realities and struggles that led to their freedoms. PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Sign up for our Visit our website at Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at Notable Quotes: "Being a Communism survivor is something that definitely molds you into a certain way of being." "We won the lottery because we were able to not only come here, but we have the relativity of the two worlds that make us so grateful and so patriotic." "If you're not involved in politics, politics is going to get involved in you." "The problem with communism is that it doesn't take human nature into account." Topics Discussed: 02:35 The Telepathy Tapes 03:59 Adolescence on Netflix 05:55 Intro to Viktoria 16:20 Communism will never work with humans because it's incompatible with human nature 21:27 Most people in the west don't recognize the patterns of anti-government protests 21:53 Victoria started Communism Survivor after becoming passionate about politics 25:35 Advice for those trying to grow their Instagram accounts 33:22 Being banned on Instagram several times 39:50 Trump's treatment of Ukraine 50:12 Vktoria's career in integrative nutrition /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/35943255

Erin Molan: Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity 03/07/2025

Bloom Where You are Planted, and Then Travel the World with Jeannie Ralston 02/13/2025

Raising Good Citizens - An Urgent Call to Action with Lindsey Cormack 01/29/2025

Raising Good Citizens - An Urgent Call to Action with Lindsey Cormack This conversation is about reversing the trend of cynicism and erosion of trust in our government through education. an associate professor of political science and author of , joins us to discuss the state of US Government education in our schools. You may be surprised to learn that every state decides how much time to devote to this topic, and how to test students. Due to the inconsistent and often insufficient government education for millions, our students are leaving high school without a solid knowledge of our government functions and how to be a part of it. How will there be social changes if our young adults don’t understand our government, opt out and believe that the system is rigged? Our government was designed to change slowly to ensure stability. We need to ensure our students understand how they can be forces of change through their votes and by joining coalitions and groups that they believe in. Today, many high school graduates have not read the constitution, aren’t aware of who represents them , and they lack the most basic understanding of the division of responsibilities in our government. If our students don’t understand the brilliance of our constitution, we can see why they would take it for granted and not do their part as active citizens. Lindsey’s book gives parents a framework for having discussions about government and politics with their children. In this conversation, Lindsey shares recommendations for how parents can teach their kids to be good citizens with easy to follow tips for every age group. This episode is an urgent call to action for all parents to prioritize civic education and to help their children learn how to make a difference in their communities. We want to thank all teeachers who dedicate themsevlves to our students. *************************** Follow us on Instagram at Email us thecuriousmiddlepod@gmail.com PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! + a special shout out to Mr. Armstrong, an extraordinday 8th grade History teacher from the SF Bay Area, for teaching students to become good citizens and changing lives every day. We wish for every student to have their own Mr. Armstrong! /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/35070420

Finding Success as a High School Dropout with Christopher Zara 01/21/2025

Finding Success as a High School Dropout with Christopher Zara If you have ever felt insecure about your education, or if your lack of a degree has held you back from pursuing the life you wanted, this conversation is for you. , Senior Editor at and author of "Uneducated: A Memoir of Flunking Out, Falling Apart, and Finding My Worth", is proof that traditional paths aren't the only routes to success. Despite dropping out of high school, Christopher defied the odds and carved out a successful career in journalism without a college degree. We discuss the educational requirements that prevent many from pursuing work they meant for, and the unattainable, and often unnecessary expectations of higher education. In addition to the absurd costs of college degrees, the extreme competition is making college out of reach for the majority of students. Although a college degree is almost always a hiring requirement for a top media organization, this was not always the case. Earlier in our country’s history, journalists came from a variety of blue collar backgrounds. While no one is arguing against the value of a college education, there are also unfortunate trade-offs to the public when journalists don’t represent the majority of Americans. Christopher was lucky that his teachers noticed and encouraged his skills in writing. At age 35 when Corstoopher realized he wanted more from his life, he pitched his first article to a magazine, which was accepted. This pivotal moment set him on a path that would eventually lead to his role at Fast Company. Christopher’s story is an example of following the path that feels right to you even when you dont fit into the conventional path. Don't miss Christopher's inspiring story and join us in rethinking the role of education in our lives. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone considering a career change, this episode will encourage you to forge your own path. https://www.fastcompany.com/user/christopher-zara *************************** PLEASE SHARE THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND Sign up for our Visit our website at email us directly at Timestamps: 6:21 Christopher Zara says teachers encouraged him to pursue journalism 7:22 About 10% of working journalists at that time did not go to college 13:53 How did you, how did you know writing was your thing 21:47 In the past, journalists typically were not highly educated 28:13 If you're an overtly conservative person in a newsroom, you might feel inhibited 31:35 over imposter syndrome after writing a book 35:36 What do you read to stay up to date on current events 39:05 Do you think the value of education is going to start declining in near future 45:29 What advice would you give to aspiring journalists without a college degree 47:47 Christopher Zara: A lot of hiring managers are relying on resume filters /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/34948865

Dream Orchestra Founder, CNN Hero and Hero to Hundreds of Kids 12/04/2024

Dream Orchestra Founder, CNN Hero and Hero to Hundreds of Kids Ron Alvarez, musician and educator is transforming lives through teaching kids to play music in .. Ron shares he went from a childhood in Caracas, Venezuela to changing the lives of refugee children in Sweden. Ron’s story begins when he joined El Sistema, a musical and social program in Venezuela, set the course of his life. Ron realized he wanted to pay it forward by becoming a music teacher. Eventually, Ron grabbed an opportunity to teach music to kids in an orphanage in Greenland (yes, we talk about what it’s like to actually live in Greenland). After the incredible experience in Greenland, Ron moved to Sweden for a teaching job. Witnessing the influx of unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan, Ron felt compelled to make a difference with the most powerful tool he had to change lives, the power of music. The lack of funding and language barriers did not keep Ron from starting Dream Orchestra, a sanctuary for young refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a sense of community and belonging through music. Over 400 children have had their lives transformed but also enriched through the magic and language of music. Ron is an example of the ways following what you were meant to do Quotable Moments: "Music and food always bring you back to your place and to your family." "Music can transform the life of people. When you feel completely lost or alone, music can empower you." "I always wanted to make good music. But I also remember... I didn't want to do this the rest of my life. I really wanted to make change." "We scientifically know that music can provide more oxytocin to your brain and to your body. It makes you more happy." Sign up for our Visit our website at email us directly at 12:54 " Dream Orchestra started in January 2015 with unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan 23:02 How often did the orchestra practice and how is it evolved today 23:57 How Dream orchestras is changing lives through music 30:45 Music brings an emotion unique compared to other things in life 35:55 " Dream Orchestra has grown from 13 kids originally to over 400 members now 42:04 What is it like to live in Greenland /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/34292745

Dumisani Washington, Pastor, Musician, CEO and Author of Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century 11/15/2024

Dumisani Washington, Pastor, Musician, CEO and Author of Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century In this episode, we are honored to speak with the founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel Dumisani Washington is a gifted Pastor, musician, author, speaker and a passionate advocate for the unity and solidarity between the Church and Israel. His book, "Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century," has sparked important conversations and inspired countless individuals to explore the connections between these communities. Dumisani shares his story, from a devout Christian upbringing in Little Rock, Arkansas, to becoming a prominent voice in the intersection of Black and Jewish communities. Dumisan’s transformative experience during his first trip to Israel in 2012, which inspired him to establish his organization. This conversation reminds us of the historical and spiritual ties between African American churches and Zionism, highlighting the deep-rooted connections through scripture, civil rights and music. We discuss the historical alliances between Black and Jewish communities, particularly during the civil rights movement, and the current state of these relationships. We dip into the geopolitical landscape, examining the overwhelming influence of Soviet propaganda that led to the avalanche of misinformation and anti-Semitic rhetoric we are seeing today across most media platforms and our college campuses.. Dumisani passionately advocates for a renewed sense of patriotism and unity among Americans. Follow and Sign up for our Visit our website at email us directly at Quotes from our converation: "The less we know, the more bondage we actually walk into." "The spiritual nature of things remains alive, even long after the Pharaohs and Hitlers have passed." "We are in a fight for global religious freedom." "The immediacy of the hour is what really brought the whole black Jewish synergy to light." "Our national security is at stake. Our religious freedom is at stake." /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/33938817

Sharon McMahon, America’s Favorite Government Teacher and Master Storyteller, Joins us to Discuss Civic Education and Stories About American Heroes 10/24/2024

Sharon McMahon, America’s Favorite Government Teacher and Master Storyteller, Joins us to Discuss Civic Education and Stories About American Heroes America's favorite government teacher and bestselling author of "The Small and the Mighty." shares how she went from a classroom government teacher to a social media success with over a million followers on Instagram. Once you hear this episode you will understand why Shaon’s nonpartisan videos on the electoral college and other political processes captured the hearts and attention of her followers and mass media. You may not know that there is currently a lack of standardized civic education across the United States. Each state decides how much time to allocate within their schools to teach about US Government and Civics. Yes, read that again and stop for a minute to consider the consequences of inconsistent and insufficient government education for American students. If students are not taught how to make change locally, statewide or nationally, or that their vote and participation matters, perhaps that explains a lot including why so many of us complain that the system is not representing us? We talk about Sharon’s brilliant book, "The Small and the Mighty," which profiles twelve unsung American heroes who made extraordinary impacts on history. One of the heroes is Clara Brown, an enslaved woman who became a pioneer in Colorado, through sacrifice, faith and decades of hard work. We also discuss the current election and why the majority of Americans feel they are not represented by either candidate. Sharon offers suggestions for electoral reforms and a multi-party system that would drastically change election outcomes. Sharon recommends FairVote, an organization working to improve election systems at the state level. Do not miss this episode that will challenge you to think critically about your role in democracy and we guarantee will inspire you to get poltically engaged in what matters most to you. and sign up for our Visit our website at email us directly at Favorite Quotes from this episode: "I think that you can love something while also knowing the truth about it." "No work for liberty is lost; it changes the fabric of what the country is." "Just do the next needed thing." "We are reaping the harvest of what we have sown." /episode/index/show/iwantherjob/id/33601232

Stop Shopping to Avoid Your Problems in Part 2 With Tracy McCubbin ( ICYMI ) 09/17/2024

What Are Your Shopping Triggers? Learn How to Manage Your Relationship to Stuff ( ICYMI ) 09/13/2024

The Curious Middle

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