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. 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
  2. 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
  3. Weaponized Unpredictability

    APR 2

    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
  4. War for Profit

    MAR 29

    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
  5. Enemies in High Places | 03.22.26.

    MAR 22

    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
  6. The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz | 03.15.26.

    MAR 16

    The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz | 03.15.26.

    This week, the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran reaches a new flashpoint over the battle for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for the global oil supply.  Two weeks into a major U.S.–Iran war, tensions have escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil shipping chokepoint. Iranian forces have begun obstructing tanker traffic and striking cargo vessels in response to a joint U.S.–Israel military campaign targeting Iran's military infrastructure. The conflict follows a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to authorize military action despite warnings that Iran might attempt to shut down the strategic waterway. Senior military leaders had previously cautioned that such a move could trigger global economic disruption and an energy shock. As the war unfolds, we look at how the U.S. military has launched thousands of strikes against Iranian military assets while also attempting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping, and what the broader economic impact of the situation could potentially be in the weeks and months ahead.  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the casualties of the ongoing conflict 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 Jon Marsh  Brian Igelman  Connie Fletcher Tania Biswas SHOW NOTES AP WIRE: Live updat es: Gulf countries report new at tacks after Iran warns major UAE ports to evacuate  ISRAEL IS RUNNING LOW: Israel is running critically low on interceptors, US officials say | Semafor  FLASHBACK: MARCH 5: 'Race of attrition': US military's finite interceptor stockpile is being tested  AUDIO: John Mearsheimer warns Israel could use nuclear weapons if it lost Iran war RISK: Trump Knew the Risk of Iran Blocking the Strait of Hormuz. He Still Went to War. VISUALS: A Visual Guide to How Iran Is Holding the Strait of Hormuz Hostage  Trump demands UK and other nations send ships to Strait of Hormuz | News US  CIA SURVEILLING CARLSON? Tucker Carlson: CIA 'Read My Texts' on Iran War JOIN US To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    48 min
  7. Military Industrial Complexities | 03.05.26.

    MAR 5

    Military Industrial Complexities | 03.05.26.

    This week, the United States and Israel's war with Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," continues to escalate amid concerns over what its long term impacts could be, and echoes of Dwight Eisenhower's warnings about a "military industrial complex."  On Saturday, the world learned that the United States and Israel had launched strikes on Iran, following several weeks of unsuccessful attempts at diplomacy. Dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," the Pentagon's effort has received mixed feedback, with many still questioning the exact reasoning behind the U.S.'s decision to enter the military campaign, as well as what its longer-term impacts will be on the global economy, international relations, and more.  In our analysis, we take a deep look at the history of U.S. relations with Iran, what led to the current conflict, the present state of the campaign, and what we have learned in the first several days of Operation Epic Fury. However, broader questions about the current war in Iran and the U.S. defense establishment, which include the role of artificial intelligence, also come to mind, evoking concerns over Dwight Eisenhower's famous decades-old warnings about the influence of a "military industrial complex."  This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to all the casualties of the ongoing unrest in Iran, including U.S. military personnel and innocent civilians killed during the recent military conflict, and the Iranian citizens wrongly killed during mass protests earlier this year.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS Len Tower  Tania Biswas SHOW NOTES TRUMP: Operation Epic Fury Update, President Donald J. Trump  HEGSETH/CAINE: Secretary of War and CJCS, Air Force Gen. Dan  Caine, Hold Press Briefing HISTORY: History of US-Iran relations: From the 1953 regime change to Trump strikes   WHAT LED TO WAR: How Trump Decided to Go to War With Iran - The New York Times BUT WHY ARE WE THERE? Analysis: The Trump team's shifting story on war with Iran  The goalposts of the Iran war keep shifting  NOWHERE TO HIDE: As Maduro and Khamenei Learned, It's Harder Than Ever for Leaders to Hide MISLEADING: The Secretary of Defense Is Misleading the American People | Cato at Liberty Blog  HOLY WAR? U.S. Troops Were Told Iran War Is for "Armageddon," Return of Jesus  MAYBE NOT: Questions Mount Over Viral Claims of Apocalyptic Iran War Briefings in the Military WHAT PEOPLE THINK: Trump's airstrikes on Iran are unpopular, Post  poll finds  AFTER THE FALL: Who Would Lead a Post-Islamic Republic Iran?  ANTHROPIC ISSUES: Anthropic CEO Amodei says Pentagon's threats 'do not change our position' on AI  ADMODI STATEMENT: Statement from Dario Amodei on Anthropic discussions with the Dept. of War  SUPPLY CHAIN RISK: 'Incoherent': Hegseth's Anthropic ultimatum confounds AI policymakers To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    1h 8m
  8. Justice For the Few

    FEB 27

    Justice For the Few

    This week, fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein controversy continues as new accusations of a Department of Justice cover-up emerge.  Following the arrests of former Prince Andrew and former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson, and now the resignations of World Economic Forum President Borge Brende and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt his former associates among the powerful and elite. Yet little seems to be occurring within the U.S. Department of Justice in the way of bringing actual justice for the victims of Epstein's crimes.  We examine the renewed bipartisan effort in Washington that is bringing new demands for investigation into Epstein's associates, as well as concerning new information that has come to light, suggesting the DOJ may have intentionally withheld—or removed—shocking allegations investigated by the FBI regarding President Donald Trump that appeared in some of the Epstein files. This episode of Middle Theory is dedicated to the victims of crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his circle of associates, with the hope that justice will be brought to those responsible.  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here: DOLLARS FOR DONUTS ((( CRICKETS )))  SHOW NOTES STORAGE: Revealed: The contents of Epstein's secret storage locker  BRENDE: Epstein Files claim another scalp: President of World Economic Forum Borge Brende quits SUMMERS: Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard during review of Epstein ties  ANDREW: Former Prince Andrew arrested following Epstein files revelations MANDELSON: Police in Britain arrest former ambassador to US Peter Mandelson in Epstein probe MAD MASSIE: Thomas Massie names Epstein conspirators HILLARY CLINTON: Hillary Clinton accuses Oversight Republicans of 'political theater' CLINTON STATEMENT: Opening statement the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee MEANWHILE AT THE BUREAU: At least 10 FBI staffers who worked on Mar-a-Lago case are fired SOLLENBERGER: DOJ Removed Record of Multiple FBI Interviews with Underage Trump Accuser TRUMP WITHHOLDINGS: US justice department accused of withholding Trump-related Epstein files  SCHUMER: Schumer holds briefing after reports DOJ withheld Epstein files with Trump allegations To send us feedback, you can email us here. Follow Middle Theory on X.com here. Donate to the program here.

    44 min
4.2
out of 5
188 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.

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