Middle Theory

News, current events, history, and politics... without the slant of the mainstream. On the Middle Theory podcast, Micah Hanks provides an independent, nonpartisan look at what's happening in the world, and always with a nod to the lessons history can teach us. The tone is often dark, but with a penchant for humor, aimed at creating images in the mind and colors in the listener's ear while diving into the issues of today. Hanks takes an approach that is skeptical and highly caffeinated, asking hard questions about news, politics, cultural trends, historical events, and other relevant topics. Middle Theory is willing to ask questions and address viewpoints that many listeners will disagree with, but also cause them to think critically and challenge their own ideas and ideologies. Join us for a mental foray into the "radical center" on Middle Theory.

This is Middle Theory | 05.12.22. 05/12/2022

This is Middle Theory | 05.12.22. 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 areas of life? One result has been that many profess to be politically independent, entirely apolitical, or political "centrists" in an attempt to avoid the polarized viewpoints that so often predominate discussions in the media. And yet, an analysis of the range of ways people define "centrism" even gets confused... how can we have a discussion over the merits, or lack thereof, of a political philosophy when no one seems to agree on a definition for it? This has been one of the long-running themes of the Middle Theory podcast, and one that we explore in depth on this special edition of the podcast. This... is Middle Theory. UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Jon Haskins Victoria Pinderski Jonathan Taylor John Lipartito James Malone If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES CAWTHORN: MYSTERY MUSK: FED: NO JOKE: POLARIZED: EVIDENCE: CENTRIST MISCONCEPTIONS: THE MIDDLE WAY: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/23087957

Nuclear Options | 05.03.22. 05/03/2022

Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter | 04.27.22. 04/28/2022

Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter | 04.27.22. 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 Defense Lloyd Austin, which shed new light on the U.S. military's role in the war in Ukraine. Elsewhere, controversy has erupted around Elon Musk's sudden acquisition of Twitter... and many are concerned about what this means for the future of the company, and issues related to free speech and transparency. We look at all of these stories this week on Middle Theory. UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Robert Cramer Jennie Vongvith Jessica Riley Jennifer Garland Kevin Webb Mark Hankins II Stacia Schwartz Ali Buchan Brian Davis If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES COVID: BAD BLOOD: BIG BUY: BIG BIRD: FEAR: FREE SPEECH: BEZOS: MYSTERIES: DORSEY: FACEBOOK: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22945028

Holy War | 04.18.22. 04/19/2022

Holy War | 04.18.22. 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 the Donbas region have come to fruition. However, the views of one controversial Russian cleric take center focus in this week's analysis, and the notion that some in Russia view the invasion that has led to the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians alike is tantamount to a "holy war." We explore this, and other themes in recent news this week on Middle Theory. Image Credit: Міністерство оборони України, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Connie Fletcher Jonathan Taylor Shelly Orlandini Doug Davis James Knight If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES EXPATS: BANKRUPT WARS: SEEK AND DESTROY: TAIWAN: WRAP UP: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22845353

Twitter: Battle of the Bots | 04.11.22. 04/12/2022

Cancel Culture and the Subscription Society | 04.04.22. 04/05/2022

Assault at the Oscars | 03.28.22. 03/29/2022

Assault at the Oscars | 03.28.22. 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, stormed the stage and slapped host Chris Rock following an unmemorable joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident has received an unprecedented amount of attention since Sunday, and we attempt to analyze the media response, as the Academy weighs options that might include disciplinary action against Smith for what many viewed as an assault on live television. UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Sean O’Neal Connie Fletcher Mark Hankins II Stacia Schwartz Ali Bucan Kevin Webb Brain Davis Sascha Neubauer If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES RUSSIAN DEATHS: FIGHT OR DIE: SHITSHOW: THE LATEST: BIDEN ON PUTIN: AUDIO: WHAT HAPPENS AT THE OSCARS: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22610267

Stalemate | 03.21.22. 03/22/2022

Stalemate | 03.21.22. 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 the broader messaging coming out of Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying recently that perhaps the most frightening thing of all could be the idea that Vladimir Putin is buying his own hype. However, while the Russian leader continues to propagandize claims of Russian unity, what is the likelihood that a takeover attempt from within Russia could occur, in an effort to oust Putin as the Russian military continues to lose soldiers by the thousands, while innocent Ukrainians are captured, deported, and killed in the conflict? UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Sean Wick Robert Cramer Jessica Riley Jennie Vongvith Shelli Orlandini Jennifer Garland If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES TIME SHIFT: SAUDI ARABIA ATTACK: HOT TOPIC: NO SURRENDER: HYPERSONICS: | Arms Control Association STALEMATE: COUP FOR YOU: BUYING HIS OWN HYPE: AMERICAN AID: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22531397

The Red Line | 03.14.22. 03/16/2022

The Red Line | 03.14.22. 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 won't get into "speculations" about future conflict, is there a red line? Then later in the program we are joined by reporter Tim McMillan of The Debrief, who has been covering the developing situation in Ukraine since the outset. McMillan offers his perspectives on the developing situation, and offers insights as to why things aren't going so well for Russia at the moment... could the invasion attempt actually buckle in the days ahead? UKRAINE FUND: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Connie Fletcher Vicky Pinderski Jonathan Taylor Doug Davis James Malone If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES THE LATEST: NATO: WAR CRIMES: THE RED LINE: THE WAR WITHIN: STOP, MR. PRESIDENT: SACRIFICE: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22469609

Battleground: Ukraine | 03.07.22. 03/09/2022

Battleground: Ukraine | 03.07.22. 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 possibility that Russia's invasion may not have its intended result... but more importantly, what are the possible factors driving Putin's choice in proceeding with the now very costly move? We explore all these questions, and much more, this week on Middle Theory. Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Julia Gali Betty June Daniel Baumberger Rick Dale Robert Westfall Jill Ellis If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES OIL: MUSK: NUKES: CONCERNS: LOSERS: LOSSES: PROTESTS: PROBLEMS: CANCER CLAIM: CHINA: WEST IS BEST: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22385249

Battleground: Ukraine | 03.07.22. 03/09/2022

World War Wired | 02.28.22. 03/01/2022

World War Wired | 02.28.22. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ensues, we examine the complicated dynamics between nations, and the new face of warfare in the technological age of the 21st century. Last week, Vladimir Putin ordered his military forces to enter Ukraine in what the Russian leader had likely believed would be a swift capture of Ukraine. Now, as a full week into the conflict steadily approaches, the world has watched as Ukraine defends itself against a surprisingly slow movement of Russian forces, with an irritated Putin ordering nuclear forces to be at ready. The battle that ensues is unlike anything the world has ever seen, and many commentators are observing that 21st century conflict in our modern, “wired” world will help to ensure that it is never quite the same ever again… even in the midst of what has been characterized as a conflict more akin to the conquests of centuries past. This week, in addition to geopolitical perspectives and analysis of the response of other world leaders to the conflict, we also examine the deeper cultural and historical roots behind the current Russian invasion of Ukraine on this special edition of Middle Theory. Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Emily Taylor Sean O’Neal Connie Fletcher Kevin Webb Brain Davis Mark Hankins II Stacia Schwartz Sascha Neubauer If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES THE LATEST: LIVE UPDATES: THE RUSSIAN POSITION: CHINA: GAS ATTACK: ASSASINATORS: NUKE ALERT: STARLINK: WORLD WAR WIRED: (Thomas Friedman) NEW COLD WAR: THE RETURN OF HOLY RUSSIA: NATO: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22297415

"I" is for Invasion | 02.22.22. 02/23/2022

"I" is for Invasion | 02.22.22. This week, western nations impose sanctions against Russia as Vladimir Putin moves military forces into two regions of Ukraine in the early stages of an apparent invasion. In recent days, one of the leading French fact-checking agencies took time to debunk a social media post about chemtrails... we ask whether this was really worth all the trouble, before shifting our attention to why USA today was also taking time to fact-check claims about former president Donald Trump's new Truth Social app, and what the Supreme Court recently had to say about Donald Trump's invocation of executive privilege. Then, as the situation in Ukraine worsens, the U.S. and its allies have recently been warming up to using the words "invasion" and "war" in reference to the escalation of tensions in Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. We analyze the current state of the situation, along with a video released by Russia containing something odd that eagle-eyed internet sleuths managed to spot... what does all this say about Russia, and its intentions going forward with the invasion of Ukraine? Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Robert Cramer Jessica Riley Jennie Vongvith Jonathan Taylor Vicky Pinderski Sean Boyle Jon Lipartito Ali Buchan Jennifer Garland Doug Davis If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES CHEMTRAILS: CLOSED COURT: TRUTH SOCIAL: WAR: SANCTIONS: ADVANCE WARNING: FALSE FLAG: AFTER EFFECTS: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22229789

Disinformation Nation | 07.18.22. 02/18/2022

Disinformation Nation | 07.18.22. Tensions 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? Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . 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 If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES MASKS ON, MASKS OFF: VACCINES FOR PROFIT: JOE PRO: TESLA TELL-ALL: MUSK FIRES BACK: SETTLEMENT: CIA SECRETS: SPY GAMES: INVASION UKRAINE: 11th HOUR DIPLOMACY: DISINFO WARS: AUDIO: BACKGROUND: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22179836

Cancel Culture Wars | 02.07.22. 02/08/2022

Cancel Culture Wars | 02.07.22. This week, the cancel culture wars continue to be waged over controversial podcaster Joe Rogan's position with Spotify, and the National Archives goes in search of missing Trump-era documents at Mar-a-Lago. To say that we live in strange times is an understatement... and this week, as CNN anchor Brian Stelter goes "rogue" in attempting to explain some of his employer's recent controversies, he leaves many viewers asking, "who is he trying to convince?" Meanwhile, we also look at odd contradictions and controversies surrounding mask mandates, why President Joe Biden has been called out by some in the UK for wearing a mask in public, and why several doctors have changed their views on the science of battling the coronavirus pandemic. Then, we shift our attention to the recent raid of Mar-a-Lago by the National Archives, who went in search of missing "love letters" and other documents kept as mementos by former President Trump. As the National Archives goes in search of historical information that is intended to be left to future generations, many celebrities are now trying to hide their past statements from "Internet Archaeologists" who are diligently digging up artifacts from the past that have recently led to further problems for podcaster Joe Rogan. We examine the current state of the controversy, and much more on this week's edition of Middle Theory. Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Julia Gali Emily Tayor Robert Westfall Robert Walshe If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES STELTER ON SHAKESPEARE: MASKS OF CONFUSION: HIDDEN HISTORY: CANCEL TALK: AUDIO: ROCKY ROAD: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/22067822

Spotify's Joe Rogan Problem | 02.01.22. 02/01/2022

Spotify's Joe Rogan Problem | 02.01.22. This week, comedian Joe Rogan stokes the fires of controversy, putting the streaming platform Spotify at the center of a debate over the content it features. This week, as a "bomb cyclone" has caused bizarre winter weather in the Eastern United States, one 19-year-old has found himself the recipient of direct messages on Twitter from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and for a peculiar reason. Meanwhile, we look at the bad behavior that has British PM under investigation, and the shocking comments by U.S. President Joe Biden that have even liberals critiquing him for what he was recently overheard saying. Finally, we examine the protests by artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and others that have Spotify now saying it will place an advisory on podcasts by comedian Joe Rogan... and the controversy is only just beginning. We wade into all this, and more on this installment of Middle Theory. Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Sean O’Neal Jill Ellis Connie Fletcher Stacia Schwartz Brett Giles If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES BOMBS AWAY: TWITTER TRACKER: THE UNJABBED: PARTY'S OVER: STUPID SOB: YOUNG GONE: PANIC: AUDIO: KEEP ON ROCKIN: IN A FREE WORLD: ROGAN’S RISE: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/21986345

Green Light | 01.24.22. 01/25/2022

Green Light | 01.24.22. As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, this week we turn our attention to statements by U.S. President Biden which some believe may have just given Russia a green light for invasion. What is a "tech foam", and why does it have some economists and tech analysts concerned? As we wade into the fray this week, we look at economic issues affecting the tech industry, as well as why the leader of the WHO says that the conditions are right for more COVID variants... but that 2022 still might be the year our concerns about the pandemic finally change. However, the concerning situation going on in Ukraine remains at the forefront of our analysis, as some worry that statements by U.S. President Biden could have just signaled to Russia a green light for invasion. Then, we look at the recent courtroom win by Julian Assange, and what that may mean for the U.S.'s continued attempts to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to America... all this and more on this edition of Middle Theory. Coronavirus Charities: If you are able, please consider supporting the following charities that are offering relief for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. . DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Rick Dale Robert Cramer Jessica Riley Jennie Vongvith Ali Buchan Jennifer Garland If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can : We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, , and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. SHOW NOTES STAY CALM: SITUATION CRITICAL: UKRAINE CALLING: AUDIO: OPINIONS: ASSANGE: JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can . Also, follow too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to , which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program. /episode/index/show/middletheory/id/21895679