This week on Middle Theory we address "manufactured controversies" in society, along with a conversation with Darren Grimes and Adam Loyal about their new "Thirteen Questions" Podcast. 

Leading off this week, there's the old saying that goes, "you become the things you hate." That may never have been truer than in the Internet Age, where many who build reputations for themselves through various online platforms do so by engaging in attacks that foment controversy... but how much of it is "real" controversy, versus conflicts that are manufactured for purposes of self-gratification, or even in ways that can be monetized? We also relate this premise to the recent news pertaining to actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with having arranged a fake "hate crime" in Chicago. We also take a look at the media's response to Bernie Sanders' announcement that he will run for president again in 2020.

Then later in the program, we are joined by Darren Grimes and Adam Loyal of the new podcast, "Thirteen Questions." After regaining his footing in a once-failing marriage, Grimes was inspired to look at ways he might help others with their own individual paths toward self-improvement. In addition to their new podcast, we discuss a range of issues with Darren and Adam, which includes questions over the usefulness of mindfulness techniques like meditation, and the debate over whether science can prove its usefulness.

A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

* Jennie Vongvith

* Ali Buchan

* John Jolly 

* James Williams

* Lauren Turinetti 

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Finally, here are links to stories addressed on this week's program:

* HATE HOAX: 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett charged in alleged racist attack case

* FEEL THE BERN: Bernie Sanders Announces he’ll run again for President

Sanders' campaign announcement

* THIRTEEN QUESTIONS: Link to the new podcast

* JORDAN DOWN UNDER: Jordan Peterson threatens everything of value in New Zealand