Middle Theory

This week, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announces the end of its immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota, we examine the stories of American citizens who have been injured or negatively affected by the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and later mischaracterized as "domestic terrorists."  As "Operation Metro Surge" comes to an end in Minnesota, questions linger about the effectiveness of DHS operations amid recent testimony provided to members of Congress by U.S. citizens whose lives were impacted by ICE activities. These include Marimar Martinez, a Chicago teacher's assistant who was shot five times by an ICE agent in the days after she became a target of DHS surveillance based on her online activities, and Aliyah Rahman, a disabled woman who was dragged from her vehicle during recent ICE activities in Minneapolis. Like many Americans in recent days, both of these U.S. citizens were labeled "domestic terrorists" by the DHS; we examine the mixed messaging, lies, and potential cover-up of evidence exposing wrongful actions taken against Americans like Martinez and Rahman, as well as questions over the legality of similar activities that apparently targeted several U.S. citizens during recent DHS operations. Finally, we also look at a recent bombshell report in the Wall Street Journal that exposes chaos in DHS leadership, and finally, the creeping authoritarianism evidenced by recent events that unfolded in the skies over El Paso, Texas.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the American citizens who have lost their lives, have been injured, or whose rights and property have been infringed upon during recent immigration enforcement activities undertaken in the United States.  Image Credit: Chad Davis/Wikimedia/CC 4.0 If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Jonathan Walsh  Jon Haskins   Connie Fletcher  Tania Biswas SHOW NOTES HOMAN: Trump border czar Tom Homan announces Minnesota immigration surge is ending  MARTINEZ: Lawyers of Chicago woman shot by feds say documents show DHS lies about investigations TESTIMONY: Text of Written Statement from Marimar Martinez AUDIO: Marimar Martinez describes being shot 5 times by CBP agent  DHS Panics Over New Bodycam Footage of Marimar Martinez Shooting | The New Republic  PEPPER BALLS: Judge orders restrictions on federal tactics against ICE protesters after Chicago-area pastor shot with pepper balls  RAHMAN: Minneapolis police chief says video of ICE arrest "pisses me off" - CBS News TESTIMONY: Text of Written Statement from Aliya Rahman AUDIO: Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman describes being detained by ICE  ACTIVIST: Woman dragged from car by ICE agents in Minnesota ID'd as LGBT and racial justice activist  Much of DHS set to shut down as Democrats demand new restraints on ICE  A Pilot Fired Over Kristi Noem's Missing Blanket and the Constant Chaos Inside DHS - WSJ  NOTAM EXCUSES: The Mystery at the El Paso Airport JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

This week, following the release of a massive trove of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein, we examine the main takeaways and look at why the file release is raising new questions about the disgraced financier and sex offender's death.  The sordid story of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the intrigue surrounding his fortune, his alleged associations with the U.S. Intelligence Community, and connections to American politicians and other high-profile individuals, has become a story that won't go away. In recent months, the late sex offender's past associations with President Donald Trump, as well as those he had with former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and many others, have seen renewed focus leading up to the release of millions of new documents by the DOJ related to its investigations into Epstein. This week on Middle Theory, we examine the main takeaways from the newest release amid ongoing independent reviews by media outlets (including this one), as well as why some new information coming to light has placed renewed scrutiny on the circumstances leading up to Epstein's death in a New York correctional facility on August 10, 2019.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the victims of crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his network of associates.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Matt Moninger  Declan McKiblen  Vincent Sorise  Tania Biswas  Jeffrey Lightner Neil Wilson  SHOW NOTES EPSTEIN: What 3 million new documents tell us about Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein | CNN Politics    TRUMP: How Trump Appears in the Epstein Files - The New York Times  WORST: Latest Epstein files release: Allegations of rape, murder, worse, involving Donald Trump  PIZZAGATE: The New  Files Are Reopening the Pizzagate Box | Vanity Fair  ESPIONAGE: Epstein's sex empire was 'KGB honeytrap': Pedophile financier had talks with Putin REMOVAL: DOJ Removes New Epstein Files That Mention Wild Trump Sex Allegations, Including Rape  REDACTION FAIL: Epstein victims' lawyers ask court to order DOJ to take down Epstein files website MORE: Epstein files must be taken down, victims demand  THE NIGHT EPSTEIN DIED: In cell where Jeffrey Epstein died, a scene of disarray that never underwent thorough inspection, experts said - CBS News  MYSTERY INMATE? Who entered Epstein's jail tier the night of his death? Newly released video logs appear to contradict official accounts. - CBS News  DYING BEFORE DEATH: Statement announcing Jeffrey Epstein's death emerges from files... but it's dated a day before he killed himself  TARTAGLIONE: They 'wanted both Epstein and me dead': Jeffrey Epstein's cellmate levels extraordinary claim that the government 'deliberately' left pedophile unprotected in jail cell JESSICA KRAUS: Media Is Purposely Twisting Nicholas Tartaglione's Case  KILLER CLAIM: The night Jeffrey Epstein claimed his cellmate tried to kill him - CBS News  KRAUS & TARTAGLIONE: Epstein's Cellmate: "Yes, He Killed Himself"    GHISLAINE: Transcript of Interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell IMPLICATING TRUMP? Epstein Prosecutors Offered Freedom If He Implicated Trump: Cellmate | WBZ  GHISLAINE: Ghislaine Maxwell is finally going to face Congress  CLINTONS & MAXWELL: Epstein Files Reveal Scope of Ghislaine Maxwell's Role in Clinton Circle  TIMELINE: Clintons Get One Step Closer To Potential Jail Time After House Contempt Vote UPDATE: Clintons' Latest Offer on Epstein Testimony Is Rejected by House Committee - WSJ  CAPITULATION: Clintons Capitulate on Calls to Testify on Epstein - NYT UNNECESSARY FORCE? In Forcing the Clintons to Testify on Epstein, Comer Sets a New Precedent JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here. 

This week, within days of the tragic shooting death of Minneapolis resident Renee Good, America has reached a tipping point in the aftermath of a second shooting incident involving the killing of Alex Pretti by agents with the Department of Homeland Security.  As outrage over Pretti's death ensues, we examine what videos of the tragic incident reveal, as well as the context provided by additional videos that have revealed earlier encounters between Pretti and ICE agents in Minneapolis. We also examine the contradictory statements provided by federal officials in the aftermath of the killing, and how the controversy reveals odd shifts in political ideology among Americans, as the killing of Pretti has seemingly prompted debate that conflicts with standard political views on gun ownership, the overreach of federal power, and a range of other issues.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the memory of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and to all those whose lives have been impacted by the recent events unfolding in Minneapolis and elsewhere in the country.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   SHOW NOTES TIMELINE: Minute-by-minute timeline of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti - ABC NEWS  AUDIO: NOEM Noem Speaks About Pretti Killing  AUDIO: DHS PRESS CONFERENCE: Bovino discusses Alex Pretti shooting LIAR LIAR: Jake Tap per Flags Deposition Lies After Bovino Challenge - Mediaite  NOT THE FIRST TIME: Alex Pretti Broke Rib in Earlier Encounter with DHS  VIDEO: Alex Pretti's first encounter with ICE agents  WHITE HOUSE BRIEF: White House blames shooting of ICU nurse in Minnesota on Democrats CHANGES: Timeline of Trump officials' changing comments on Pretti killing - USA TODAY  VISUAL INVESTIGATION: Visual investigation of shooting at odds with official statements - CBS MISINFO: Misinformation spreads about Alex  Pretti online  CARE FOR VETERANS: ICU nurse fatally shot by Border Patrol in Minneapolis cared for veterans BYE BYE BOVINO: Greg B ovino Loses His Job - The Atlantic  ON LEAVE: Federal Officers Who Fired at Pretti Placed on Leave - The New York Times  INVESTIGATION: DoJ opens federal civil rights investigation into killing of Pretti - The Guardian  BACKLASH: Trump reshuffles his Minnesota operation after backlash from second fatal shooting  DUELING MESSAGES: Trump Called for 'De-Escalation' in Minneapolis. It Didn't Last Long. - NYT  FALSE EQUIVALENCIES: Comparisons between Alex Pretti, Kyle Rittenhouse go viral on social media  BARNES vs FELIX: Why the Alex Pretti shooting leans toward justified force - barely : r/CCW NRA: "The NRA unequivocally believes that all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be.  CONTEXT: Trump breaks with NRA as he faults Alex Pretti for carrying a gun  SIG SOUR? DHS probes whether agents killed VA n urse following accidental discharge during ICE raid  DEATHS: List of deaths in ICE detention - Wikipedia  BIG BROTHER: Fury as Amazon Ring Cameras Are Hooked Up to ICE System  TRACKING US: The powerful tools in ICE's arsena l to track suspects — and protesters  5 YEAR OLD DETAINEE: ICE detains boy, 5, in Minnesota as lawyer claims agents used him as 'bait' NO WARRANT: US citizen says ICE took him at gunpoint in only underwear despite frigid cold FBI NEWS: Journalists confront new reality in reporting after FBI raid FCC NEWS: FCC Targets Colbert and Kimmel in New Crackdown on Late-Night TV  DON LEMON: Trump's Agents Arrested Don Lemon. Then the Story Got Even Darker - New Republic  BONDI: "At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. More details soon."  BONDI: Pam Bondi, the Attorney General Who Never Says No - The Atlantic  EPSTEIN: What 3 million new documents tell us about Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein | CNN Politics  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

It's time to get back to work.  Chaos has erupted in the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a deadly confrontation between federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a 37-year-old mother of three, Renee Good, who was shot and killed by Jonathan Ross, a 10-year ICE veteran. In our analysis of the tragic events that led to Good's killing, we examine what is currently known about the circumstances leading up to the incident, as well as responses from state, local, and federal officials, and what multiple independent analyses of videos captured as the events unfolded have revealed. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the memory of Renee Good, and to all those whose lives have been impacted by the recent events unfolding in Minneapolis and elsewhere in the country.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. SHOW NOTES HISTORY: First They Came – by Pastor Martin Niemöller - Holocaust Memorial Day Trust   PRELUDE: 2,000 federal agents sent to Minneapolis area to carry out 'largest immigration operation ever,' How Fraud Swamped Minnesota's Social Services System on Tim Walz's Watch  RENEE GOOD TIMELINE: Reports, videos show how ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good Minneapolis responds to fatal shooting of woman by federal agent NARRATIVES EMERGE: Officials Dispute Federal Account of Fatal ICE Encounter in Minnesota Video shows ICE agent in Minneapolis fired at driver as vehicle veered past him Renee Nicole Good was Minneapolis 'ICE Watch' 'warrior' who trained to resist feds before shooting What is 'ICE Watch,' the group DHS claims Renee Good worked with Renee Macklin Good's wife releases statement about ICE shooting US woman killed by ICE agent called 'domestic terrorist': What it means How Renée Good ended up in a fatal confrontation with ICE in Minneapolis  INVESTIGATION: FBI's ICE Shooting Inquiry Examines Renee Good's Possible Ties to Activist Groups Minneapolis ICE shooting live updates: Federal probe opened into Mayor Frey, Governor Walz  OUR HEMISPHERE: State Department on X: "This is OUR Hemisphere"  BAD OPTICS: Trump Labor Department's Chilling Slogan Draws Damning Comparisons  OBAMA: Obama: Imagine if I had done *ANY* of this VENTURA: "We're a third world country": Jesse Ventura on recent events in Minneapolis OPRAH: Oprah says America needs to find the "center"  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES CAWTHORN: Madison Cawthorn says 'blackmail won't win' after nude video surfaces MYSTERY MUSK: Elon Musk fans concerned after billionaire writes chilling post on Twitter about dying 'under mysterious circumstances  FED: Fed raises rates by half a percentage point — the biggest hike in two decades — to fight inflation  NO JOKE: "Nobody's Safe": Dave Chappelle Attack Raises Concerns for Performers POLARIZED: This Is The Reason American Politics Are So Polarized How Politics Got So Polarized | The New Yorker EVIDENCE: How Polarized are Citizens? Measuring Ideology from the Ground-Up Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization  CENTRIST MISCONCEPTIONS: The Problem with Balance: My Issue with Centrism Why You Shouldn't be a Centrist | YIP Institute   The Impossibility of Centrism - The Atlantic  THE MIDDLE WAY: Middle Way - Wikipedia JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, growing concerns over Russia's nuclear rhetoric in recent days have experts looking at how far Vladimir Putin might go in his quest to conquer Ukraine.  This week, as recent polls (finally) show Biden's approval ratings are on the rise, we take a look at what it could mean heading into the mid-terms in November. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has provided reporters with a few vague ideas of what he plans to do with Twitter... putting him into a unique position in terms of political perception and leanings. Then, shifting our attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders have expressed concerns about simulations broadcast on Russian state media depicting potential nuclear strike targets throughout Europe. How far might Vladimir Putin be willing to go as his back is increasingly pressed against the wall, and could this even escalate to the point of weighing the dreaded nuclear option? UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Dennis Koch  Daniel Baumberger  Jill Ellis  Brett Giles Robert Walshe  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES POLLS: Biden ticks up, but GOP holds advantage on economy, Post-ABC poll finds MUSK: Elon Musk's big plans for Twitter: What we know so far | AP News  COVID: CA cases rising. New wave? Oprah says it's too soon remove masks from planes 'We've not seen the WORST of Covid' warns Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates QUESTIONS: Reputed Deutsche Bank whistleblower and federal informant found dead  SPIES LIKE US: Russian Spies Hilariously Screw Up Putin's 'Assassination Plot' Claim  NUCLEAR OPTIONS: Russian state TV simulates nuke strike on Europe More danger than Cuban Missile Crisis? Putin is inching towards his nukes, threatening to annihilate the world if he fails to capture Ukraine, says foreign affairs expert  The Guardian view on Putin's nuclear threats: Russia is losing in Ukraine  NIP AND TUCKER: How Tucker Carlson Stoked White Fear to Conquer Cable What to Know About Tucker Carlson's Rise JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES COVID: Kamala Harris tests positive for Covid as Vice President isolates with no symptoms BAD BLOOD: Biden Left GOP Senators 'Taken Aback' With Harsh Dismissal of Harris BIG BUY: Elon Musk to buy Twitter for $44B and take it private BIG BIRD: Twitter accepts Elon Musk's buyout deal FEAR: Twitter workers face a reality they've long feared: Elon Musk as owner FREE SPEECH: Elon Musk says he wants free speech, but his track record suggests otherwise Elon Musk's Twitter revolution: Rebellious staff claim their new boss is 'dangerous for democracy' BEZOS: Jeff Bezos trolls Elon Musk over Twitter deal MYSTERIES: Elon Musk's $21 Billion Mystery: Where Will Tesla Ceo Get Cash For Twitter? Funding obscured: The family office behind buyout Takeover sets up clash with Europe regulations Trump says he won't rejoin. Some advisers don't believe him DORSEY: With Musk in Charge at Twitter, Could Jack Come Back? Dorsey's bizarre lifestyle revealedFACEBOOK: Facebook Doesn't Know What It Does With Your Data, Or Where It Goes JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES EXPATS: Americans Move to Portugal in Droves BANKRUPT WARS: Alex Jones INFOWARS Files for Bankruptcy SEEK AND DESTROY: Zelenskiy says Russia wants to 'destroy' Ukraine's Donbas region  Mariupol on brink as fighters defy surrender demands Mystery as 'dead' captain at 'survivors' parade Orthodox leader backs war, divides faith Syrians ready to join next phase of conflict TAIWAN: Taiwan says China's threats will only increase support for island  WRAP UP: BA.2 Proves Pandemic Isn't Over, but People Are Over It JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This week, we analyze Elon Musk's new influence on social media giant Twitter, and the company's issue with bots posing as users. Former President Donald Trump is back in the news for his recent controversial endorsement of television doctor Mehmet Oz in his Senate bid in Pennsylvania, which has evoked ire from conservatives. Meanwhile, as the situation in Ukraine remains at a standstill for now, what do things look like within Russia, where Vladimir Putin appears to still be suffering from delusions of grandeur and victory? Then we turn our attention to the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's recent purchase of shares in Twitter, followed by a surprise rejection of an offer to sit on the company's board amidst Tweets that the company is "dying" over the weekend. What will this mean for the social media giant, who faces new claims that a surprising number of its users may actually be bots helping to steer widespread misinformation? UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Vicki Pinderski $10 Sean Boyle $10 John Lipartito $5 If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES TRUMP CARD: Trump  faces fierce GOP backlash after endorsing TV's Dr Oz in Senate race UKRAINE: Cheering Ukrainian troops shoot down Russian drone with British missile! Inside wartime Russia, Putin isn't losing Vlad using retired soldiers to replenish forces, echo of desperate Hitler USA Weighs Shift to Support Hague Court as It Investigates Atrocities STEALTH SURGE: Covid Could Be Surging in the U.S. Right Now and We Might Not Even Know It DEEP BREATH: Humans can fight off viruses simply by breathing - Study Finds  OFF BOARDING: Elon Musk decides not to join Twitter board, says CEO Parag Agrawal Twitter stakeholder Elon Musk tweets 'Is Twitter dying?' BOT WARS: Researchers: Nearly Half Of Accounts Tweeting About COVID Are Likely Bots  FROM TWITTER: Four truths about bots  Bot or not? The facts about platform manipulation on Twitter FLASHBACK: Twitter's Bot Problem Still Seems as Bad as Ever | Vanity Fair  Twitter Can't Win The War on Misinformation Until It Fixes its Bot Problem | Digital Trends JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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 killed by Russian forces, who are now steadily retreating from the embattled country. The images prompted U.S. President Joe Biden to double down on his war crime accusations against Vladimir Putin, and now many are asking whether the Russian leader will be made to stand trial for the atrocities. Then, following our news segment, we are joined by Youtuber and essayist Peter Coffin of the Very Important Documentaries YouTube channel, who joins us to discuss his new book " UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week: Dennis Koch Daniel Baumberger Robert Westfall Jill Ellis Brett Giles If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES UKRAINE: Images of dead civilians in Ukraine shake the world - CNNPolitics Joe Biden calls for Vladimir Putin to face war crimes trial over Ukraine    Will Putin ever be held accountable for crimes in Ukraine? KING OF TWITTER: Musk takes 9% stake in Twitter to become top shareholder | Reuters CANCEL CULT: Why millennials drive cancel culture   PETER COFFIN: Peter Coffin on Twitter Very Important Documentaries on YouTube  Cancel Culture: Mob Justice or a Society of Subscriptions? JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES RUSSIAN DEATHS: Up to 40,000 Russian soldiers killed, wounded, captured or MIA, NATO says  FIGHT OR DIE: Putin 'orders execution squads to kill HIS OWN men' if they try to desert SHITSHOW: 'It's a Sh*tshow': Russian Troops Are Now Turning on Each Other  THE LATEST: Ukraine suspends evacuations amid safety fears; Russia, Ukraine prepare for face-to-face talks  Ukraine leader says he seeks peace 'without delay' in talks | AP News  BIDEN ON PUTIN: Biden says Putin "cannot stay in power"  AUDIO: Bash presses NATO rep. on walking back Biden's unscripted Putin declaration  WHAT HAPPENS AT THE OSCARS: Will Smith apologizes during Oscar acceptance speech  An unfunny, unmemorable joke changed Oscars history and Will Smith's Hollywood story Tiffany Haddish Says Smith Stood 'Up for His Wife' at Oscars: 'Most Beautiful Thing I've Seen'  Jaden Smith Tweets 'That's How We Do It' After Will Smith's Oscar Win and Chris Rock Smack  Hollywood Reacts To The Oscar Slap: "Ugliest Oscar Moment Ever", Tweets Mark Hamill  'Violence instead of words': Will Smith condemned for hitting Chris Rock at the Oscars  Will Smith and Chris Rock's Bitter History That Led to the Oscars Slap  Chris Rock isn't pressing charges against Will Smith for the Oscars slap Could Will Smith lose his Oscar? Explaining the Academy's code of conduct JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES TIME SHIFT: Daylight savings change faces trouble in House  SAUDI ARABIA ATTACK: Yemen rebels launch wide strikes on Saudi sites Jake Sullivan White House Statement on Houthi attack  HOT TOPIC:  'Madness' to turn to fossil fuels because of Ukraine war NO SURRENDER: Mariupol rejects Russian demand to surrender as war shows no let-up Captives shipped to labor camps? HYPERSONICS: Russia Claims to Use a Hypersonic Missile We Have Questions About Russia's Claimed Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile Use In Ukraine  Report to Congress on Hypersonic Weapons - USNI News  Pentagon to Speed Development of Hypersonic Weapons | Arms Control Association  STALEMATE: War could be headed toward stalemate Russia, Failing to Achieve Early Victory in Ukraine, Is Seen Shifting to 'Plan B' COUP FOR YOU: Putin 'panicking' over revolution in Moscow as he battles to control Ukraine BUYING HIS OWN HYPE: Why Zelensky is 'very frightened' of Putin believing his own claims AMERICAN AID: Frustrations of novice Americans who signed up to fight American Fighters Flying Dozens of Deterrence Missions Pentagon Work With Biological Facilities Becomes Flashpoint Biden to visit Poland JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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: Support Ukraine Relief 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES THE LATEST: Moscow widens assault in Ukraine, raising fears of humanitarian disaster NATO: Nato masses 30,000 troops & 50 warships for huge war games on Russia's border  WAR CRIMES: 'They were shooting civilians': Ukraine refugees saw abuses  THE RED LINE: Jen Psaki suggests Putin using chemical weapons is not a 'red line' for US THE WAR WITHIN: Is Russia Really "at war with U.S. inside Ukraine"?  STOP, MR. PRESIDENT: Even State TV Pleading With Putin to Stop SACRIFICE: Americans will sacrifice more to help Ukraine than most did for our own wars  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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   Robert Walshe If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES OIL: Oil Traders Bet Prices Will Pass $200 a Barrel This Month  US crude oil briefly tops $130 a barrel, 13-year high on possible Western ban of Russian oil  MUSK: Elon Musk calls for more oil and gas production 'immediately' amid Russian invasion NUKES: Blinken says Ukraine sanctions on Russia not linked with Iran nuclear talks  CONCERNS: 'Grave concern' as Ukraine Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under Russian orders Russian forces switch off mobile networks and internet at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, IAEA says  LOSERS: Russian forces are 'decimated' says top UK general LOSSES: Russia has lost 1,000 troops-a-day to ferocious Ukrainians in big blow to Putin PROTESTS: More than 4,500 antiwar protesters arrested in one day in Russia, group says  PROBLEMS: For Average Russians, Western Sanctions Over Ukraine War Begin to Bite CANCER CLAIM: Vladimir Putin 'dying in agony from terminal cancer', say sources  CHINA: China Warns US Against Forming Pacific NATO and Backing Taiwan China upholds its relationship with Russia, says negotiations needed to solve Ukraine conflict  WEST IS BEST: Who's the Imperialist Now?  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES THE LATEST: Kyiv comes under huge aerial and artillery bombardment leaving a pulsing glow over the sky LIVE UPDATES: Ukraine Agrees to Talks with Russia, as Putin Places Nuclear Forces on Alert  THE RUSSIAN POSITION: Наступление России и нового мира  CHINA: China Blames the U.S. For the War in Ukraine  Biden sends former top defense officials to Taiwan in show of support GAS ATTACK: Russia 'handing out gas masks' ahead of potential chemical attack ASSASINATORS: Putin sends militia into Kyiv to assassinate Zelensky NUKE ALERT: Putin puts nuclear forces on high alert, escalating tensions  STARLINK: Musk says Starlink active in Ukraine as Russian invasion disrupts internet  Musk says SPACEX will rescue ISS if Russia tries to drop it from orbit... WORLD WAR WIRED: We Have Never Been Here Before (Thomas Friedman)   NEW COLD WAR: It's Official: The Post-Cold War Era Is Over THE RETURN OF HOLY RUSSIA: Putin's spiritual destiny  NATO: Finland, Sweden brush off Moscow's warning on joining NATO JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES CHEMTRAILS: False posts share chemtrails conspiracy theory, claiming trails 'spread Covid-19' CLOSED COURT: Supreme Court formally ends Trump's fight over Capitol attack records TRUTH SOCIAL: Fact check: False claim that Truth Social will charge users $4.99 per  WAR: War fears grow as Putin orders troops to eastern Ukraine Defying West, Putin orders troops to Ukraine rebel regions UPDATE 1-Russia now has right to build military bases in eastern Ukraine SANCTIONS: West sanctions Russia after Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine  ADVANCE WARNING: Kremlin admits that a dramatic Security Council meeting on Ukraine was recorded in advance, after people realized a minister's watch showed the wrong time  FALSE FLAG: What are false flag attacks? Could Russia make one work in the information age?  AFTER EFFECTS: Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Cyberattacks could affect US Germany freezes Nord Stream 2 gas project as Ukraine crisis deepens JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES MASKS ON, MASKS OFF: CA ending mask requirement indoors for the vaccinated  VACCINES FOR PROFIT: Pfizer expects $54 billion in 2022 sales on Covid vaccine  JOE PRO: Joe Rogan Progressive compilation TESLA TELL-ALL: Black Workers Claims Racism Rampant Inside TESLA MUSK FIRES BACK: Elon Blasts Media for 'Relentless Hatestream' SETTLEMENT: Remington Arms Settles With Sandy Hook Families CIA SECRETS: Senators: CIA has secret program that collects American data  SPY GAMES: Clinton campaign allegedly paid internet company to 'infiltrate' Trump servers INVASION UKRAINE: Russia says some troops withdrawing from Ukraine's border BBC: Russia says it is pulling back troops from Ukraine border  Putin: Russia ready to discuss confidence-building measures  11th HOUR DIPLOMACY: Russia says diplomatic solution still possible Russia ready for more talks to end Ukraine standoff Russia expels US diplomat; Blinken speaks at UN 'to prevent' a war: What we know  DISINFO WARS: The Guardian view on megaphone diplomacy: countering Russian disinformation AUDIO: Is the Ukraine crisis ending? NATO doesn't think so  Biden believes Putin will go forward with invasion U.S. warns of 'imminent' Russian invasion of Ukraine as Blinken heads to the UN   BACKGROUND: Is Russia going to invade Ukraine and what does Putin want? How a Russian invasion of Ukraine could affect Americans JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES STELTER ON SHAKESPEARE: Stelter describes Zucker exit as Shakespearean Scathing Message to Critics: 'We're Not Going Anywhere' MASKS OF CONFUSION: Why are triple vaxxed Joe and Jill STILL wearing masks outside? 'The case for masks became hugely stronger': scientists admit their Covid mistakes  HIDDEN HISTORY: National Archives had to retrieve Trump White House records from Mar-a-Lago   Trump spent his whole presidency ripping up documents that aides had to tape back together 'Burn bags' sent to Pentagon for incineration CANCEL TALK: Joe Rogan addresses his repeated use of the N-word in viral clip Spotify's Joe Rogan Apologizes For Use Of 'N-Word' In India Arie Clips – Deadline AUDIO: India Arie gives her reasons for leaving Spotify ROCKY ROAD: Dwayne Johnson Reverses Joe Rogan Support Due to N-Word Use Donald Trump Jr calls out the Rock on Twitter for transphobic comments JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES BOMBS AWAY: What is a bomb cyclone? Here's what you need to know Explosive cyclogenesis TWITTER TRACKER: Teenager seeks $50k from Elon Musk to delete Twitter bot tracking private jet THE UNJABBED: Unjabbed NYPD officers set to be terminated next month PARTY'S OVER: Report reveals 'failure of leadership' over Johnson's "boozy lockdown parties" STUPID SOB: Biden caught on hot mic calling Fox reporter 'a stupid son of a bitch'  YOUNG GONE: Neil Young Pulls Music from Spotify, Blasts It as the 'Home of Life-Threatening' Covid Lies  Joni Mitchell joining Neil Young in protest over Spotify Harry, Meghan express 'concerns' PANIC: Spotify's Daniel Ek Panics Over Rock Star Defections: "Personally, there are plenty of individuals and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly" | Showbiz411  Spotify Loses $2 Billion as Stock Plummets After Neil Young's Joe Rogan Protest SPOTIFY Issues New Guidelines for Podcasts Rogan responds to Spotify protest, COVID advisories AUDIO: Joe Rogan addresses Spotify controversy  KEEP ON ROCKIN: Why Neil Young's Spotify Protest Matters  IN A FREE WORLD: Jim Geraghty on Joe Rogan and the "Assault on Freedom"  ROGAN'S RISE: Joe Rogan: rise of a highly controversial cultural power  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

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. Visit our Coronavirus Charities Page to learn more. 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 donate to the program here:   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, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES STAY CALM: CNBC's Jim Cramer Advises Calm as Market Craters ​It's not a tech bubble. It's tech foam. - Protocol — The people, power and politics of tech   SITUATION CRITICAL: Covid pandemic at a 'critical juncture,' WHO's Tedros says  Do not assume COVID pandemic reaching 'end game', warns WHO | Reuters  UKRAINE CALLING: Biden Could Deploy 50,000 Troops if Putin Overruns Ukraine: Report Biden admin identifying troops for possible deployment to Eastern Europe amid Russia tensions AUDIO: Ukrainian official: Biden's answer gives Putin 'green light' to invade  Ukraine: Boris Johnson warns Russian invasion would be disastrous - BBC News  NATO strengthens east European flank as Russia denounces 'hysteria' | Reuters  U.S. discussing military deployment near Ukraine with NATO allies OPINIONS: Russia-Ukraine tensions need a unified NATO response. Biden shook the alliance. Op-ed: Biden needs to channel Harry Truman to counter Putin's designs on Ukraine and beyond ASSANGE: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange wins right to take extradition case to UK's top court  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.