PODCAST · history
Middle Theory
by Micah Hanks
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.
Episodes
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06.19.26. Art of the Deal
This week, an interim deal that aims to end further escalations in the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has been reached, but questions about its efficacy have left experts unconvinced—is the U.S. really any closer to bringing the conflict to an end? President Donald Trump’s UFC birthday bash at the…
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06.06.26. Patriotic Gifts for Grifts
As America barrels toward its 250th birthday, the line between national celebration and presidential spectacle is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish. This week, from proposals involving commemorative currency and passport imagery to plans for a high-profile birthday event on the...
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05.24.26. Memorial Day Mayhem
This week, we look at controversy surrounding a proposed U.S.-Iran agreement and divisions over Middle East policy, and a startling Memorial Day weekend shooting near the White House. We lead off with a Memorial Day dedication honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in…
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05.17.26. High Court Controversy
This week, CIA controversies and a growing debate over voting rights in America loom, as critics warn that recent Supreme Court rulings, redistricting battles, and efforts to weaken key provisions of the Voting Rights Act could significantly reshape political representation. This week, we dive…
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05.09.26. State of War
This week, mounting political pressure in Washington has placed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth under scrutiny amid congressional hearings on the war and a historic defense budget request. Thousands of commercial sailors remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between the United States...
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04.27.26. Chaos at the Correspondents’ Dinner
This week, a shocking turn of events at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner plunged one of Washington’s most high-profile gatherings into chaos, giving rise to the latest round of conspiracy theories about the Trump Administration. Following a concerning event involving a shooter at the...
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04.24.26. The Grand Dark Conspiracy
This week, a new conspiracy theory has gripped the United States involving a wave of mysterious deaths and disappearances, highlighting deeper, more concerning issues on the minds and hearts of many Americans. The tragic death by suicide of a controversial media personality in Colorado has...
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04.14.26. Holy Warriors
A wave of controversy has erupted around President Trump after he posted an AI-generated image appearing to depict him as Jesus, drawing sharp backlash from religious leaders, political commentators, and even segments of his own base. This week, critics across the spectrum, including prominent...
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04.10.26. Welcome to the Golden Age
This week, a series of inflammatory social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump have many Americans, and even the president’s former supporters, questioning whether he is of sound mind and fit for office. In a striking Easter Sunday message to his followers, President Trump alarmed even…
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04.02.26. Weaponized Unpredictability
This week, mixed messaging over the ongoing war in the Middle East continues, as President Donald Trump engages in “weaponized unpredictability” in advance of a possible ground invasion of Iran. Our investigations kick off this week with the odd story of a mysterious new “numbers station” that...
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03.29.26. War for Profit
This week, a sudden surge in suspicious trading activity linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict is raising concerns about the misuse of insider knowledge in prediction markets and financial systems. The ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has fueled a surge in defense spending and profits for major...
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03.22.26. Enemies in High Places
This week, the U.S. approaches a rapidly escalating geopolitical and domestic crisis, fueled by rhetoric in Washington and centered on the expanding U.S.–Iran conflict. Tensions within the United States have deepened, as political rhetoric sharpens and institutional friction grows. President…
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03.15.26. The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz
This week, the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran reaches a new flashpoint over the battle for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for the global oil supply. Two weeks into a major U.S.–Iran war, tensions have escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping...
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03.05.26. Military Industrial Complexities
This week, the United States and Israel’s war with Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” continues to escalate amid concerns over what its long term impacts could be, and echoes of Dwight Eisenhower’s warnings about a “military industrial complex.” On Saturday, the world learned that the United...
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02.26.26. Justice for the Few
This week, fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein controversy continues as new accusations of a Department of Justice cover-up emerge. Following the arrests of former Prince Andrew and former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson, and now the resignations of World Economic Forum President Borge...
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02.21.26. The Search for Nancy Guthrie
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…
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02.14.26. “Domestic Terrorists”
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...
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02.08.26. Jeffrey Epstein: An American Haunting
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…
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02.01.26. The Killing of Alex Pretti
This week, within days of the tragic shooting death of Renee Good, America has reached a tipping point in the aftermath of a second shooting incident that resulted in the killing of another Minneapolis resident, Alex Pretti, by ICE agents. As outrage over Pretti’s death ensues, we examine what...
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01.19.26. Fire and ICE
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...
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05.12.22. This is 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…
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05.03.22. Nuclear Options
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...
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04.27.22. Elon Musk and the Battle for Twitter
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...
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04.18.22. Holy War
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…
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04.11.22. Twitter: Battle of the Bots
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...
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04.04.22. Cancel Culture and the Subscription Society
In this episode, we are joined by YouTube documentarian and essayist Peter Coffin for a philosophical and economically-minded discussion about cancel culture. Earlier this week, much of the world awakened to horrifying images out of Ukraine which appear to show the bodies of civilians who were...
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03.28.22. Assault at the Oscars
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...
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03.21.22. Stalemate
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...
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03.14.22. Ukraine: The Red Line
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...
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03.07.22. Battleground: Ukraine
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...
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02.28.22. World War Wired
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...
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02.22.22. “I” is for Invasion
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...
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02.18.22. Disinformation Nation
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…
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02.07.22. Cancel Culture Wars
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...
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02.01.22: Spotify’s Joe Rogan Problem
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...
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01.24.22. Green Light
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…
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01.18.22. Countdown to Cold War
This week, we look at allegations by U.S. intelligence officials of a possible “False Flag” operation planned by Russia as justification for invading Ukraine. This week, things have been cold and wintery for many along the East Coast, where winter storms have ravaged several states. We begin our...
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01.10.21. Soylent Green
As we kick off 2022, we reflect on the dystopian themes of the 1973 film “Soylent Green” as we look at why recent polls show one thing that people across the political spectrum agree on: that Democracy appears to be in peril. Happy New Year… as we kick off another revolution around the Sun, this...
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12.20.21. Predictions
This week, as 2021 winds to a close we take a look at predictions for the coming year, and what we can expect in 2022. 2021 has been another wild year as people around the world have continued to press on in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, political upheaval, and a range of controversies.…
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12.13.21. Musk of the Year
As TIME announces Elon Musk as its pick for 2021 Person of the Year, we look at the SpaceX founder’s ideology and outlook on the future, as well as perspectives on the controversial billionaire’s achievements. This week, as tornadoes ravage parts of the Blue Grass State and the Omicron variant...
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12.06.21. First in Mandates
This week, as New York City announces the first-in-the-nation private sector vaccine mandate for New York workers, we look at the complexities surrounding the move as the omicron variant spreads in the U.S. This week, as the U.S. calls for a diplomatic ban of the Beijing Olympics and Senators…
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12.30.21. Omicronology
This week, with the arrival of the new Omicron variant of COVID 19, we look at what is known, and what experts are saying as we head toward the holidays. This week, after we present an update on Donald Trump’s prospective 2024 running mates, we analyze news that Jack Dorsey has decided to step…
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11.24.21. The Verdict
This week, we analyze media reactions to the verdict in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, and how political lines have been drawn regarding the jury’s decision. One might say we are living in divided times… and signs of that came in recent days when a pair of Fox News contributors quit their...
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11.15.21. Right to Indict
As former Trump advisor Steve Bannon becomes the first person to be charged with criminal contempt of Congress in decades, we look at what this signals for other members of the past administration. Leading off this week, we look at the ongoing controversy surrounding U.S. President Joe Biden’s...
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11.10.21. Death Trap
This week we examine the tragic Astroworld event in Houston, and the safety concerns that existed prior to the mass casualty event that some attendees have since called a “death trap.” This week, as the mystery of California’s missing governor appears to have been solved, controversy erupts...
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11.01.21. Compromised
This week, we look at struggles among Democrats to find compromise in advance of a widely anticipated vote on infrastructure and safety net bills. As we begin our analysis of news this week, alarm bells were ringing following the diagnosis of White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki with COVID 19…
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10.26.21. The Facebook Papers
This week, we look at the controversy surrounding “The Facebook Papers,” what they reveal about the company’s policies, and how they are impacting society. This week, Joe Biden’s approval ratings have dropped to the lowest they have been since he took office… which is still higher than another...
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10.18.21. The Great Resignation
This week, we look at how vaccine mandates and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic are fueling resignations and dissent among state employees, law enforcement, and other segments of the population. This week, concern erupted around a recent Financial Times report indicating that…
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10.14.21. Cancel-Proof: The Chilling Joke
In this episode, we examine the controversy over comedian Dave Chappelle, whose new Netflix special, “The Closer”, has been criticized for its depiction of LGBTQ issues and the trans community. This week, as the Biden White House warns that hard times await as we head into the holiday season,...
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10.04.21. Polarization for Profit
This week, Facebook is in the hot seat following a bombshell 60 Minutes segment with whistleblower Frances Haugen, who alleges the tech giant employs polarization for profit. This week, as renewed scrutiny is placed on many world leaders following a document dump exposing their ties to secret...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Micah Hanks
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Middle Theory have?
Middle Theory currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Middle Theory about?
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...
How often does Middle Theory release new episodes?
Middle Theory has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Middle Theory on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Middle Theory?
Middle Theory is created and hosted by Micah Hanks.
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