Project Middle: Stories From & For The 99%

Project Middle

What happened to the American Dream—and what’s it like trying to chase it today? Project Middle dives into the heart of America’s disappearing middle class. Hosted by Jon and Tony, this podcast tells honest, unfiltered stories about life in the middle—navigating rising costs, stagnant wages, and the growing sense that no matter how hard you work, it’s getting harder just to stay afloat. Each episode explores real experiences from real people—workers, parents, neighbors—who are living the squeeze. Through candid conversations, historical context, and a deep look at money, work, family, and the systems that shape them, Project Middle asks the big question: Why does it feel like we’re falling behind? This isn’t a show about celebrities or experts. It’s about the rest of us. The backbone of the country. The people holding things together while the middle gets pulled apart. Welcome to the conversation. Welcome to Project middle.

  1. Holiday Trivia For the Season

    12/24/2025

    Holiday Trivia For the Season

    In this holiday edition of Project Middle Trivia, we engage in a festive trivia game covering various holiday traditions, songs, and historical facts related to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. The conversation flows through questions about presidential history, popular holiday foods, and the origins of beloved traditions like the Christmas pickle and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the most common types of Christmas trees and the significance of holiday celebrations in American culture. 👉 Got some trivia you want us to use? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765

    49 min
  2. Thanksgiving Trivia for the Dinner Table

    11/23/2025

    Thanksgiving Trivia for the Dinner Table

    Join us for a lively Thanksgiving trivia episode where John, Tony, and friends dive into the quirkiest facts about this beloved holiday. From presidential proclamations to the origins of Black Friday, and even the surprising state that leads in turkey production, this episode is packed with laughter and learning. Discover the truth behind Benjamin Franklin's turkey tale, and find out which side dish reigns supreme at Thanksgiving tables across America. Whether you're a trivia buff or just here for the fun, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten! 👉 Got some trivia you want us to use? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765

    1h 1m
  3. Meeting in the Middle: Healthcare Debate, Gov Shutdown, Epstein & Venezuela

    11/20/2025

    Meeting in the Middle: Healthcare Debate, Gov Shutdown, Epstein & Venezuela

    Summary In this episode of Project Middle, John and Tony discuss pressing topics including the rising costs of healthcare and the implications of the Affordable Care Act. They delve into the impact of government shutdowns on healthcare access, analyze Trump's healthcare proposals, and explore the controversial bailout for Argentina. The conversation also touches on the release of the Epstein files and the ongoing issues of political accountability and justice in the legal system. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the disparities faced by average citizens compared to wealthy individuals, and the inconsistencies in marriage laws and age of consent. 👉 Got a news story you want us to dig into? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com — we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch or listen to full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765 Political Hypocrisy and Leadership Concerns car manufacturing, layoffs, corporate responsibility, CEO salaries, healthcare funding, immigration policy, ICE raids, national security

    1h 1m
  4. The Great American Halloween Trivia

    10/27/2025

    The Great American Halloween Trivia

    That's right, all the Halloween trivia that you can handle! Ever wonder where all those pumpkins come from for those PSL's? or how much money Americans spend on Halloween candy each year? Do you think the United States agrees with your favorite Halloween candy? (13% of the country just might!). We have a ton of Halloween facts to bring to your ears. Listen in for more excellent Halloween trivia for the 99%. 👉 Got some trivia you want us to use? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765

    34 min
  5. Meeting in the Middle: Navigating Corporate Layoffs and Economic & Social Challenges

    10/16/2025

    Meeting in the Middle: Navigating Corporate Layoffs and Economic & Social Challenges

    We discuss various pressing issues affecting the American economy and society, including the recent layoffs in car manufacturing, corporate responsibility, CEO salaries, the government shutdown, healthcare funding, and immigration policy. They explore the cultural differences in corporate practices, the impact of layoffs on employee morale, and the need for better training and accountability within organizations like ICE. The conversation also touches on the disconnect between political leaders and the average American's experience, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking in corporate and governmental decision-making. 👉 Got a news story you want us to dig into? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com — we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch or listen to full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765 Political Hypocrisy and Leadership Concerns car manufacturing, layoffs, corporate responsibility, CEO salaries, healthcare funding, immigration policy, ICE raids, national security

    1h 1m
  6. Trivia for the 99% #1

    10/14/2025

    Trivia for the 99% #1

    In this engaging trivia session, the hosts explore various topics related to U.S. history, taxation, and social programs. The conversation covers the evolution of federal income tax rates, the implications of Prohibition, the history of minimum wage, and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, the discussion highlights unique tax exemptions for Puerto Rico residents, the significance of SNAP benefits, and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on healthcare coverage. Through trivia questions and insightful commentary, the hosts aim to educate listeners on these important subjects while fostering a fun and interactive atmosphere. In this engaging conversation, the participants delve into various topics including healthcare, life expectancy, and the impact of cultural factors on health. They explore trivia related to life expectancy across different countries, analyze the results, and discuss the implications of universal healthcare. The conversation also touches on historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt and urbanization trends in America, culminating in a trivia challenge about firearms per capita and the middle class's share of national income. 👉 Got some trivia you want us to use? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com we’d love to hear from you. 🎧 Watch full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765

    1h 8m
  7. All Good News #1

    10/02/2025

    All Good News #1

    All Good News is our new biweekly installment designed as a break from the doom-scrolling and media gloom. Instead, we spotlight the positive, fascinating, and hopeful stories shaping our world right now. In this episode, we cover: LEGO’s big move to expand U.S. manufacturing A promising gene therapy slowing Huntington’s disease progression The boom in women’s sports bars and new community-friendly spaces Reports that China shot down a meteor with air defense systems Delta Air Lines tackling toxic cabin fumes Signs of possible ancient life on Mars Astronomers confirming 6,000+ planets beyond our solar system A UK school investing $150,000 to support low-income parents with uniforms and laptops Boston turning abandoned office space into affordable homes for over 1,000 people A grandmother donating her lottery winnings to charity for dementia research ✨ From science breakthroughs to acts of generosity, All Good News is here to remind you the of the good and cool things going on in the world. 🎧 Watch full episodes & subscribe to Project Middle for more: 🌐 Website: www.projectmiddle.com 👕 Shop our merch: https://projectmiddle.com/collections/project-middle-merch 💖 Patreon: https://patreon.com/ProjectMiddle 🎙️ Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Zs2BMYHvZFTtLPfEoKAWi?si=bdc85c0ed3ef4bbc 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1823107765 Potential Life on Mars: https://science.nasa.gov/mars/the-mars-report/2025-september-special-edition/ Astronomers Have Found 6000 Planets https://www.wired.com/story/6000-planets-have-been-found-outside-the-solar-system/

    19 min
  8. Meeting in the Middle: Power, Politics & the Price We Pay

    09/30/2025

    Meeting in the Middle: Power, Politics & the Price We Pay

    In this new biweekly format we call Meeting In the Middle, we aim to cut through the noise and meet in the middle — where real people live. From behind-the-scenes military meetings at Quantico with Pete Hegseth, to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, we unpack what these headlines mean beyond the spin. We dive into the latest redistricting battles reshaping political power in Texas and 13 other states, examine the controversy behind Jimmy Kimmel’s firing, and break down what’s next in the ongoing fight over vaccine mandates. Also on the table: a potential peace deal for Gaza and the rising electricity costs hitting households nationwide. No hype, no outrage — just grounded insights, honest questions, and conversations for the 99%. It’s time to meet in the middle. 👉 Got a news story you want us to dig into? Drop it in the comments or email us at info@projectmiddle.com — we’d love to hear from you.

    1h 11m
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About

What happened to the American Dream—and what’s it like trying to chase it today? Project Middle dives into the heart of America’s disappearing middle class. Hosted by Jon and Tony, this podcast tells honest, unfiltered stories about life in the middle—navigating rising costs, stagnant wages, and the growing sense that no matter how hard you work, it’s getting harder just to stay afloat. Each episode explores real experiences from real people—workers, parents, neighbors—who are living the squeeze. Through candid conversations, historical context, and a deep look at money, work, family, and the systems that shape them, Project Middle asks the big question: Why does it feel like we’re falling behind? This isn’t a show about celebrities or experts. It’s about the rest of us. The backbone of the country. The people holding things together while the middle gets pulled apart. Welcome to the conversation. Welcome to Project middle.

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