Middle Theory

Micah Hanks
  • 4.2 (190)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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. Patriotic Gifts for Grifts | 06.06.26.

    1d ago

    Patriotic Gifts for Grifts | 06.06.26.

    As America barrels toward its 250th birthday, the line between national celebration and presidential spectacle is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish.  This week, from proposals involving commemorative currency and passport imagery to plans for a high-profile birthday event on the National Mall, much of the political conversation has focused on the growing perception that the nation's milestone anniversary is being reshaped around the image of one man: Donald J. Trump. In our analysis, after looking at recent primary elections across six states, and ongoing debates over immigration messaging and controversy surrounding White House rhetoric, and finally, renewed tensions involving Iran, we then focus on whether America's civic traditions, public agencies, and even its national symbols are increasingly being pulled into the orbit of modern political "personality cults." This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to mourning and honoring all U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces, and for lives lost in the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Lane Marshall Daniel Baumberger Constance Butterworth  Jason Ludwig SHOW NOTES ELECTION UPDATE: Six states held primary elections on Tuesday. Here's what we know : NPR  OGLES: SAY NO TO HOMOS: Republican Rep Declares 'Homosexuality Has No Place in America'  WAR UPDATE: Iran launches deadly new strikes in Gulf as latest exchange with U.S. tests ceasefire  ALIENS: Aliens – The White House  WORDS MATTER: JRS/USA Statement on White House "Aliens" Website  DEHUMANIZING: White House 'Aliens' website is disparaging to migrants, advocates say STRANGER DANGER: The White House's New "Aliens" Website Is Not a Joke  RIOTER IN THE IC: Pentagon hires convicted Jan. 6 rioter for sensitive counterterrorism job TULSI'S OUT: Tulsi Gabbard resigns as national intelligence director, citing husband's health  MORTGAGE MAN: Trump taps housing regulator turned MAGA enforcer as intelligence chief  ATTACK DOG: Housing official who targeted Trump's enemies is named director of intelligence  NEPO BABY: Trump Gives Tulsi G abbard's Job to Nepo Baby Sycophant, 38  THREAT: Trump's choice of acting intel chief threatens fragile surveillance-powers deal BIRTHDAY BOY: America's 250th birthday celebration increasingly centers on Trump AMERICA250: America's Bipartisan Birthday Commission Is Losing to Trump THE REICH STUFF: The Truth About Tr ump's Birthday Bash - Robert Reich  ARCH NEMESIS: Trump's arch is atrocious. Don't build it. - The Atlantic  OBAMA LIBRARY: Inside Barack Obama's audacious, near-windowless, $850m presidential library JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    49 min
  2. Memorial Day Mayhem | 05.24.26.

    May 25

    Memorial Day Mayhem | 05.24.26.

    This week, we look at controversy surrounding a proposed U.S.-Iran agreement and divisions over Middle East policy, and a startling Memorial Day weekend shooting near the White House.  We lead off with a Memorial Day dedication honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service to the nation, before turning to a turbulent mix of foreign policy and domestic security headlines. Much of the international focus centers on mounting controversy surrounding an emerging U.S.-Iran agreement, which reports suggest could temporarily ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz while delaying more direct negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Back on American soil, the program examines a Memorial Day weekend shooting near a White House security checkpoint that ended with the suspect killed following an exchange of gunfire involving the Secret Service. The incident quickly became a major national story after dramatic live reactions from journalists and commentators spread across social media, alongside renewed scrutiny of lone-actor violence and the effectiveness of post-9/11 counterterrorism systems. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to mourning and honoring all U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here. DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Shelly Orlandini Connie Fletcher Tania Biswass SHOW NOTES ART OF THE DEAL: US-Iran deal said to open strait for 60 days, push off talks on regime's nuclear program | The Times of Israel  HOSTILE NEGOTIATIONS: Trump said to assure Netanyahu he will thwart Iran nuke program as Israel fears 'very bad' deal  CRUZ ATTACKS: Ted Cruz, Trump ally battle online over criticism of Iran deal  RUBIO DEFENDS: Rubio fends off conservative critics of Iran deal as agreement appears imminent MEMORIAL WEEKEND SHOOTING:Suspect dead after opening fire near White House security checkpoint, Secret Service says  SECRET SERVICE STATEMENT: https://x.com/SecretSe rvice/status/2058346931542274328  SHOCK: News Reporter's Shock Reaction to White House Shooting Incident Captured on Video AUDIO: CNN Contributor with the "survival instincts of a lemming"  RESPONSE: Julie Tsirkin responds to memes on X  KNOWN SUSPECT: Man known to Secret Service dies in shootout near White House, bystander hurt  JESUS CHRIST: Shooter killed near the White House was previously arrested for trespassing EFFICACY: 'Every second matters': How effective are post-9/11 counterterrorism systems against the 'lone actor'?  SHOOTINGS IN CHICAGO: At least 2 1 people shot, wounded over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago  JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    34 min
  3. High Court Controversy

    May 17

    High Court Controversy

    This week, CIA controversies and a growing debate over voting rights in America loom, as critics warn that recent Supreme Court rulings, redistricting battles, and efforts to weaken key provisions of the Voting Rights Act could significantly reshape political representation.  This week, we dive into a whirlwind of controversies surrounding the U.S. Intelligence Community, beginning with explosive claims that the CIA allegedly removed JFK and MKULTRA files from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence—claims quickly denied by ODNI officials, who called reports of a federal "raid" false. We also examine dramatic Senate testimony from former intelligence officer James Erdman, who alleged retaliation and a broader intelligence community coverup tied to the origins of COVID-19, prompting sharp pushback from CIA officials who dismissed the hearing as "dishonest political theater."  We also explore the Trump administration's evolving counterterrorism strategy, including growing concern over new federal language identifying "violent left-wing extremists" among America's primary domestic threats, as well as criticism that some policy proposals resemble "pre-crime" frameworks targeting political ideology rather than criminal acts. Finally, we break down the Voting Rights Act and the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding voting access in America, including recent Supreme Court decisions, redistricting fights, and fears among critics that decades of civil rights protections may be steadily eroding. 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 Christopher Linton  Chris Shanahan SHOW NOTES CIA RAID: Rep. Luna claims CIA went to ODNI and removed MKULTRA files SUMMARY: CIA Denials and COVID "C overup" Allegations Fuel Turbulent Week for U.S. Intelligence LUNA ON X: "CIA Has 24 Hours to Return JFK and MKULTRA Files"  NOT SO FAST: Gabbard spokesperson pushes back on reported federal raid on office   ODNI SPOX ON X: "This is false - the CIA did not raid the DNI's office."  COVID COVERUP: CIA whistleblower who went from COVID mandate fights to Senate spotlight  AUDIO: James Erdman testifies that CIA was invovled in a COVID-19 coverup CIA RESPONDS: CIA Spox Liz Lyons on X: "nothing more than dishonest   theater" TRUTH? EXCLUSIVE: Controversy Erupts Over Alleged CIA Action at ODNI ...  U.S. COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY: USCT Strategy 2026 KLIPPITY-KLOP: Insane Pre-Crime Strategy Unveiled for Leftist "Extremists"  "INDICATORS": Trump's NSPM-7 Labels Common Beliefs As Terrorism "Indicators"  TUCKER TOO? New Counterterror Strategy Eyes Tucker Carlson  VOTING RIGHTS: Supreme Court li mits Voting Rights Act In Narrowing Voting Rights Act, Conservative Justices See Progress on Racism  EXPLAINER: What a weakened Voting Rights Act means in today's America  MAD RUSH: States rush to redraw congressional districts to gut Black voting power  BLACK REPS: Supreme Court paves way for largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    1 hr
  4. State of War

    May 9

    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.

    1h 4m
  5. Chaos at the Correspondents' Dinner

    Apr 28

    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
  6. The Grand Dark Conspiracy | 04.24.26.

    Apr 24

    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
  7. Holy Warriors

    Apr 14

    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
  8. Welcome to the Golden Age

    Apr 10

    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
See All (101)

4.2
out of 5
190 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Micah Hanks
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Micah Hanks, All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Middle Theory

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