Gridiron Surprises and Global Challenges

In Far Middle episode 193, Nick follows up last week’s dedication to the American Football League with a timely tribute to legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. Belichick, known for his six Super Bowl wins as head coach of the New England Patriots (plus two more as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants in Super Bowls XXI and XXV), recently surprised many, including Nick, by accepting a position as head coach at the University of North Carolina. However, given Belichick's NFL success and passion for the game, Nick suggests that perhaps the eight-time Super Bowl champ is looking to take on a new challenge as a head coach at the college level. From Coach Belichick’s Super Bowl victories, Nick connects to President Trump’s victory this past November and subsequent inauguration last week. He highlights the new administration's focus on improving government efficiency and reducing both the administrative state and regulations. “It’s exciting to someone like me who is a combo of libertarian, socially liberal, and fiscally conservative,” explains Nick. Nick references polling results that indicate most American voters are more concerned about government interference in private affairs than the dangers of capitalism and free markets. He says it’s time for tangible action to put Americans’ fears to rest by reining in the administrative state so that it falls within bounds more in line with reasonableness and our Constitution. Next, Nick discusses needed reforms at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including linking research grants to academic freedom rankings and addressing issues of research fraud. “Elite academia and the scientific research that it performs are mired in a culture of conformity, one that ostracizes dissenting views or unconventional thinking from the consensus,” says Nick. “We see that occurring across every imaginable arena of scientific research, and then we see that research setting every imaginable arena of policy.” The conversation then turns to education, discussing Thomas Jefferson High School in Virginia and its financial connections to China. Nick explains how the school's curriculum and model have been copied in China, raising concerns about technology transfer and educational partnerships. The episode also revisits retirement and workforce trends (discussed in episode 192), using an anecdote about an American retiring in Belgium to illustrate demographic challenges facing developed nations. Nick stresses his concern about “the system” incentivizing early retirements and the impact on workforce productivity and economic competitiveness.  In closing, Nick celebrates Motown icon Smokey Robinson, detailing his career achievements, songwriting credits, and immense impact on the music industry. He also notes Robinson’s lifelong friendship with Aretha Franklin. For more on Franklin, check out Nick’s four favorite singles from the Queen of Soul at the close of episode 111.