Middle Theory

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.

  1. State of War

    6 DAYS AGO

    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 and Iran continue to escalate, leaving more than 800 vessels effectively immobilized in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. Crews are facing deteriorating conditions after weeks at sea, with dwindling food, water, and medical supplies, while drone activity and missile strikes underscore the dangers surrounding them. For many, the situation has become a "nautical prison," as they wait for safe passage that has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appeared combative during recent Congressional hearings, where he maintained strong support from Republican lawmakers. Democrats pressed him on the administration's handling of the conflict, civilian casualties, and broader strategy. The hearings grew tense at times, with sharp exchanges highlighting deep divisions over the war's conduct and its consequences—both for U.S. policy and for those caught in the conflict's widening reach. In our analysis, we look at some of the most heated moments, and a range of other elements in the ongoing Iran conflict.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Lane Marshall Jon Haskins  Daniel Baumberger  Connie Fletcher Shelly Orlandini  Brian Igelman  Richard Dale  Jason Ludwig  SHOW NOTES DISCLOSURE DISTRACTION: Pentagon Releases Files on U.F.O.s SUICIDED: Judge releases Epstein suicide note allegedly discovered before he was found dazed in 2019  TRAPPED IN THE STRAIT: Trapped in the Strait: The Sailors Low on Supplies and Stuck in a War Zone HEGSETH HEARING: 4 takeaways from Hegseth's hearings on historic defense budget request, Iran war  PETE GOES POSTAL: Pete Hegseth lost his cool in front of C ongress. It was a dramatic unraveling  AUDIO: Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed over the Iran war  HIGHLIGHTS: Ro Khanna, John Garamendi, Moulton Grill Pete Hegseth, Gen. Caine on Iran War ERIKA THE OPERATIVE: Kubrick's daughter unleashes on Erika Kirk  CLIFF HANGER: Mysterious American Man Makes Mysterious Proposal in Greenland JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    1hr 4min
  2. Chaos at the Correspondents' Dinner

    28 APR

    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 White House Correspondents' Dinner over the weekend, questions quickly emerged about security protocols, with reports suggesting the event lacked the highest level of protection despite the presence of senior officials and members of the press. As details surfaced about the alleged suspect—identified in reports as Cole Allen—a complex and troubling portrait began to take shape, describing a man with a seemingly stable background who nonetheless became radicalized.  However, a parallel battle has unfolded in the information space, as competing narratives—from legitimate reporting to viral speculation—have rapidly spread online, with some framing the event as evidence of systemic security failures, while others push unfounded claims that the incident was staged. In our analysis, we dive into all the news surrounding the incident, and look at what we know, as well as what online detectives claim to have found that they believe supports the idea the incident was "staged."  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to all victims of American gun violence.   If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. DOLLARS FOR DONUTS NO DONATES TO REPORT THIS WEEK  SHOW NOTES CORRESPONDENTS DINNER CHAOS: Trump unharmed after shooting incident at White House correspondents' dinner  SECURITY ISSUES: Correspondents' dinner lacked highest security level despite presence of top officials  WHY WE NEED THE NEW BALLROOM: https://x.com/Ac yn/status/2048230184034439641    WHO IS COLE ALLEN: Details emerge of alleged shooter at White House correspondents' dinner : NPR  White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect worked as California teacher | CNN  MANIFESTO: Read Here: The full manifesto by accused shooter at White House Correspondence Dinner  NOT A BASKET CASE: Trump Describes His Mind-Set After Shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner MASHED POTATO MAN: https://x.com/R_Mishraji/status/2048264454081749254  BOOZIE BETTY: https://x.com/spencerhakimian/status/2048357181007786043?s=12  PETER GIRNUS: https://x.com/gothburz/status/2048810382093922370  PATEL HANGOUT: https://x.com/hippyygoat/status/2048281295621423150?s=12  "SHOTS FIRED": Karoline Leavitt says there will be "shots fired"  SETTING THE NARRATIVE: The Race Is on to Set the Narrative About the WHCD Shooting STAGED! Twitter trends with theories that the shooting was "staged" COLE ALLEN CONSPIRACY: Who Is Henry Martinez? 2023 'Cole Allen' Post Goes Viral, Sparks NASA Conspiracies After Trump Shooting JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    53 min
  3. The Grand Dark Conspiracy | 04.24.26.

    24 APR

    The Grand Dark Conspiracy | 04.24.26.

    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 amplified existing theories that have now been circulating for weeks, involving mysterious deaths of former U.S. officials, scientists, and others who had access to our nation's most secretive technologies. However, as the web of conspiracy now extends beyond government officials and scientists to incorporate television stars, we look at the broader roots of conspiracy theories, belief in them, and the kinds of ideas that propel them. We also examine how President Donald Trump, having once also promoted a range of conspiracy theories, is increasingly now becoming the unwelcome subject of several that peg him as "The Antichrist."  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the individuals and the families of those who have recently died or disappeared, and continue to be promoted as "targeted individuals" in a recent conspiracy theory that has been propelled by the uncritical mainstream media. May those who we have lost rest in peace, and in privacy.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Davis Richard Florio  Gareth Burge  Catherine Sahu  Tania Biswas Brett Giles  Donna Wolfram SHOW NOTES THE DEATH OF DAVID WILCOCK: UPDATE: Death Investigation Near Ridge Road - Boulder County  FAMILY SPEAKS: Family of Paranormal YouTuber David Wilcock Speaks Out After He Dies by Suicide MISSING SCIENTISTS: Feds probe 'missing scientists' list. Who has died, disappeared?  IMPACT: Relatives of 10 scientists who died or vanished grapple with impact of wild speculation TUCKER CONSPIRACIES: The Conspiracy Theory Behind Tucker Carlson's Apology TRUMP CONSPIRACIES: Trump lived by the conspiracy theory — now he pays the price  BAD BET: U.S. soldier involved in Maduro raid charged with betting on the operation  RACEY MUSK: Elon Musk's near-daily online posts about race are turning off some fans SUPPLY SHOCK: Asia's spiraling supply shock is coming for America | CNN Business  SPLC UNDER FIRE: SPLC charged with defrauding donors with payments to extremist informants JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    58 min
  4. Holy Warriors

    14 APR

    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 clergy and conservative voices, have condemned President Trump's recent post as blasphemous, while tensions escalated further after public exchanges with Pope Leo over the Iran war. The episode has fed into a broader narrative of concern about the president's recent public behavior, with some commentators and media figures raising questions about erratic conduct, mental fitness, and internal turmoil within the administration—concerns amplified by sharp rebukes from allies and outspoken critics alike. At the same time, the geopolitical and economic backdrop remains volatile. The ongoing conflict with Iran continues to drive global tensions, with China warning against U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz and analysts projecting that the war could ultimately cost American taxpayers up to $1 trillion. Domestically, the administration is pushing for a dramatic increase in defense spending—reportedly seeking a $1.5 trillion budget—while facing criticism over fiscal priorities, including statements suggesting the U.S. cannot sustain key social programs. In this week's episode, we analyze the situation, and how the headlines reflect a moment of intensifying political strain, where cultural controversy, internal discord, and high-stakes international conflict are converging into a rapidly escalating and deeply polarizing landscape. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Brett Giles John Marsh Christina Blanchard Chris Shanahan SHOW NOTES BLASPHEMY: Trump post appearing to depict him as Jesus removed amid backlash  DOCTOR TRUMP: On Jesus AI pic: 'I thought it was me as a doctor' MAGA RESPONSE: MAGA Recoils Cosplaying as Christ BLASPHEMY: 'Gross Blasphemy!' CARDINAL SLAMS: Cardinal Slams 'Sickening' Posts About War HAVE NO FEAR: Pope hits back at Trump after president blasts him as 'terrible & weak' over Iran war & posts AI pic of himself as Jesus  BENDING THE KNEE: Vance Says Pope Leo Should Stay Out of U.S. Affairs  NO SLEEP: 'He's not sleeping': Concern raised 79-year-old Trump is suffering 'mental health episode'  ERRATIC BEHAVIOR: Trump's Erratic Behavior and Extreme Comments Revive Mental Health Debate  BASHAM BASH: Megan Basham (@megbasham).  GERAUGHTY: President Trump's Self-Inflicted Divine Mess | National Review  GOSPEL OF CARNAGE: Opinion | Pete Hegseth's Gospel of Carnage ON SPEED: Trump Whitehouse "Awash with Speed, Xanax"  ALEX GOES OFF: "You Shit All Over Me & Rub It In" - Alex Jones Goes Off on Trump  CARNAGE: Hegseth's Gospel of Carnage CHINA: China calls U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz 'dangerous and irresponsible'  VANCE: How JD Vance Tried and Failed to End the War in Iran That He Opposed MILITARY SPENDING: White House Seeks $1.5 Trillion for Defense in New Budget Request AUDIO: Trump: It's 'not possible' for U.S. to pay for daycare, Medi  caid and Medicare  KIDNAPPING: MN county investigates federal agents' removal of US citizen from his home as a possible kidnapping JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    47 min
  5. Welcome to the Golden Age

    10 APR

    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 many of his supporters with an expletive-laden threat against Iran. Just two days later, Trump followed his Easter tirade with posts that reached a new level of dangerous rhetoric, claiming that an "entire civilization" would end if a deal could not be reached with Iran. Pundits, politicians, and even former supporters of Trump have pushed back… and the response hasn't been pretty. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Jason Ludwig Brian Igelman Tania Biswas SHOW NOTES POPE'S EASTER ADDRESS: Pope Leo Calls for Peace and Warns of a World Indifferent to Violence  PRESIDENT'S EASTER MESSAGE: Trump on Truth Social  LEO RISING: The Iran War Showed a New Side of Pope Leo  PENTAGON THREATS: JD Vance Confronted With Report the Pentagon Allegedly Threatened Vatican CEASEFIRE: Even as They Praise Iran Cease-Fire, World Leaders Are Whipsawed by Trump CONCERN: Trump's threat to Iran shocks global leaders, unnerves some Republicans | Reuters  AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS: "Complete demolition": Trump repeats threat to Iran power plants - YouTube  WEAKENED? Trump's Iran War Leaves the US Looking Weakened to Adversaries - Bloomberg  MADMAN: 'Unhinged madman': US politicians react to Trump's expletive-laden threat to Iran Trump's  unhinged missive reveals panic and desperation GET HIM OUT: Iran ceasefire fails to quash Dem calls for Trump's removal  MAGA REVOLT: MAGA Rebels Claim 'Grandpa' Trump Has 'Gone Mad'  TUCKER: Tucker Carlson Responds to Trump Social Media Postings MEGYN: "I'm SICK of This Shit": Megyn Kelly on Trump's Threat to Wipe Out an Entire Civilization ALEX: Alex Jones calls to REMOVE Trump from office with the 25th Amendment - YouTube Alex Jones Goes To WA R With Trump!!   NUT JOBS: Trump goes off on 'NUT JOBS' Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones over criticism  A*****E REVIEWS: "The man with the nuclear codes is writing concert reviews."  MELANIA: There Can Only B e One Reason for Melania Talking Epstein. It's Not Good  JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    52 min
  6. Weaponized Unpredictability

    2 APR

    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 began broadcasting shortly after the Iran war began, and the question over who has been trying to jam its transmissions. We then look at ongoing upsets in Washington that include the ousting of (now former) Attorney General Pam Bondi, before shifting our attention over to the question of President Trump's intentions regarding Iran. While Trump continues to say that the war will soon end, some indications point to the possibility, according to various sources, of a potential ground invasion. We examine this and other concerning realities as the conflict rages on, and global markets continue to tremor under the resulting volatility. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Daniel Baumberger  Jon Marsh  Elisa Carlson  SHOW NOTES TO THE MOON: Artemis II Launch Live Updates: NASA Astronauts Begin 10-Day Moon Mission  STRANGE    SIGNALS: A Mysterious Signal Began Transmitting as the Iran War Erupted Pam Bondi ousted as attorney general, source says | CNN Politics  GRAHAM'S FANTASY LAND: TMZ Goes After Members of Congress Living It Up Amid DHS Shutdown Lindsey Graham responds after photos show him at Disney World  BROKERS OF WAR: Pentagon denies that Hegseth's broker sou ght investment before Iran war  NO NATO: US-Europe rift widens as Trump lashes out at NATO allies over Mideast war  TRUMP ADDRESSES THE NATION: President Trump Delivers an Address to the Nation, Apr. 1, 2026  CEASEFIRE? Live updates: President Trump delivers White House address about Iran war PRICES RISE: Oil gains with Brent surging more than 8% as Trump's Iran war speech stokes fears of further escalation  GROUND INVASION? Is Trump planning a ground invasion of Iran on Good Friday?  50k TROOPS ALREADY: The U.S. Now Has Over 50,000 Troops in the Middle East  MORE FOR WAR? Thousands more US troops headed to Middle East aboard aircraft carrier  EXPIDITIONARY UNITS: Iran War: What   a Marine Expeditionary Unit is – and other US military terms THE GREAT URANIUM HEIST: Risky commando plan to seize Iran's uranium came at Trump's request  NOT THE OWNER! Judge Leon opinion on White House ballroom TRUMP TO THE COURT: Trump Attends Supreme Court Oral Arguments in a Presidential First Supreme Court justices cast doubt on Trump's birthright citizenship order BIG BULLY: Trump Accused of Trying to Bully SCOTUS to Their Faces   SWIFT DEPARTURE: Trump storms out of SCOT US birthright hearing as arguments against him begin JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    53 min
  7. War for Profit

    29 MAR

    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 military contractors, as demand for advanced weapons systems intensifies. Leading U.S. firms—including Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing—have seen rising stock prices and increased production following high-level coordination with the White House. The conflict has already driven billions of dollars in weapons use, spanning missile systems, stealth aircraft, and drones. However, amid the rise in defense spending seen in recent days, another alarming trend has emerged: an apparent series of well-timed trades has experts concerned about insider trading, prompting market observers to question the unusual activity. In our analysis this week, we look at the implications of such activity, as prediction platforms that allow users to profit from their knowledge continue to expand and intersect with global events, and what it means in the broader context of the current War in Iran.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Lane Marshall  Richard Florio  Constance Butterworth SHOW NOTES NO KINGS DAY: 5 Takeaways From the 'No Kings' Rallies as the Midterms Heat Up  TSA TROUBLES: Funding TSA won't fix long airport lines overnight Trump orders DHS to pay TSA agents during agency shutdown   INTERCEPT ON ICE: How to Kee  p ICE Agents Out of Your Phone at the Airport  KREMLIN: Kremlin issues chilling 'nuclear war' warning and blames Trump's 'gross' error FOOD FEARS: Global Food Supply Faces a Dangerous Bottleneck as Iran War Persists OIL TOILS: Oil prices close at highest level since 2022 as Iran negotiations fail to ease supply fears  STOCK SHOCK: Stock Market News, March 27, 2026: Dow falls over 790 points and enters a correction  WAR GAINS: Mysterious trading patterns follow Trump into war  $580M oil trades made minutes before Trump's key Iran announcement draw scrutiny Mystery traders may have bagged $40M-$50M on T rump's announcement to pause Iran attacks: sources   MIND-BLOWING CORRUPTION: Traders Placed Massive Bets Minutes Before Trump Post on Iran  FLASHBACK: How Anonymous Bettors Cashed In on the Ira n Strike, Just Hours Before It Happened MIC: 'It Takes Money to Kill Bad Guys': Trump's Iran War Set to Boost Profits For Defense Contractors  WAR PROFITS: Which US and Israeli military companies are profiting from the Iran war EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE: The Business of War: Who Is Profiting From the Iran Conflict  OIL BOOM: For Western Oil Companies, War in Iran Means Bigger Profits, and Risks    Democrats urge windfall tax as big oil set to make billions from Iran war ENERGY PROFITS: Trump's Iran War Is Driving Up Energy Prices. Here's Who Profits. EVEN IRAN? Trump's war is bad eno ugh, but now he's helping Iran profit | Opinion  PICKING UP THE TAB: As war raises oil prices, households pay while energy companies profit   BOVINO'S LAST STAND: Gregory Bovino's Final Days: Harsh Words and Few Regrets  CHEROKEE? Ex-border chief Greg Bovino called migrants 'filth' —  yet claimed minority status: report  JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    56 min
  8. Enemies in High Places | 03.22.26.

    22 MAR

    Enemies in High Places | 03.22.26.

    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 Donald Trump's public statements—including inflammatory remarks about political opponents and media coverage—have drawn backlash, while regulatory pressure on broadcasters and disputes over how protests are characterized raise concerns about press freedom and civil liberties. Amid such controversies, the resignation of Joe Kent, a top counterterrorism official, amid disagreements over the Iran conflict, further underscores internal strain within the administration.  Also in our analysis this week, Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil chokepoint—or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, prompting Tehran to threaten full closure of the strait and retaliatory attacks across the region. The standoff has already disrupted global shipping and driven energy concerns, while more than 20 nations signal readiness to help secure the waterway. At home, public sentiment appears increasingly uneasy, with polls indicating growing concern over rising gas prices and skepticism about the war's trajectory. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing war in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the military conflict.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Connie Fletcher Peter Shaver Catherine Sahu  Brett Giles SHOW NOTES "GLAD HE'S DEAD" Trump draws anger after celebrating the death of Robert Mueller, ex-FBI director KENT CUTS OUT: Joe Kent, a Top Counterterrorism Official for the Trump Admin, Resigns Over Iran War FAKE WAR NEWS: FCC chief threatens broadcasters as Trump criticizes coverage of Iran war TRUMP ON TS: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116235861005528220  CARR ON X: https://x.com/BrendanCarrFCC/status/2032855414233047172  CBS POLL: Iran war, rising gas prices fuel economic concerns; most say conflict not going well, don't want regime left in power, CBS News poll finds  HORMUZ HELP: Over 20 countries 'to contribute to appropriate efforts' to keep Strait of Hormuz open 48 HOURS: Trump: Iran has 48-hours to reopen Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on power plants  CLOSING TIME: Iran will completely close strait of Hormuz if Trump acts on infrastructure threats DEM ENEMIES: Trump Calls Democrats 'Greatest Enemy' After 'Death of Iran'  "KEEP YOUR RECKLESS MOUTH SHUT":  Jeffrie s Fires Back at Trump Over Dem Rhetoric ICE IN AIRPORTS: Tom Homan confirms ICE to be at airports starting Monday  TRUMP ON TS: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116268396341038197  PROTEST, OR TERRORISM? The Dangerous Drift to Redefine Protest as Terrorism JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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 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.

You Might Also Like