

As Ukrainian officials say the "Battle of Donbas" has begun, we look at how one controversial Russian cleric has urged for "holy war" as the conflict in Ukraine wears on. 

This week, news that record numbers of retirees are fleeing to countries like Portugal is making headlines amidst reports about economic woes around the world, and news about the latest strain of the coronavirus sweeping the United States. That, in addition to the unsurprising news that Alex Jones' INFOWARS company has filed for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have now said that their fears about battle in the Donbas region have come to fruition. However, the views of one controversial Russian cleric take center focus in this week's analysis, and the notion that some in Russia view the invasion that has led to the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians alike is tantamount to a "holy war." We explore this, and other themes in recent news this week on Middle Theory.

Image Credit: Міністерство оборони України, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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 	* Connie Fletcher
 	* Jonathan Taylor
 	* Shelly Orlandini
 	* Doug Davis
 	* James Knight 

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SHOW NOTES

 	* EXPATS: Americans Move to Portugal in Droves
 	* BANKRUPT WARS: Alex Jones INFOWARS Files for Bankruptcy
 	* SEEK AND DESTROY: Zelenskiy says Russia wants to 'destroy' Ukraine's Donbas region 
 	* Mariupol on brink as fighters defy surrender demands
 	* Mystery as 'dead' captain at 'survivors' parade
 	* Orthodox leader backs war, divides faith
 	* Syrians ready to join next phase of conflict
 	* TAIWAN: Taiwan says China's threats will only increase support for island 
 	* WRAP UP: BA.2 Proves Pandemic Isn't Over, but People Are Over It

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04.18.22. Holy War

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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This week, we ask how we became so polarized, and look at the underlying reasons for division in our culture in a discussion about the meaning behind the "Middle Theory."  

Can't we all just get along? What are the roots of the conflicts we see in the world around us... from the geopolitical stage, to our neighborhoods and communities? Although polls over the years offer mixed results, a recurring theme is that voters often tend to be more moderate than the politicians they vote for. Why, then, does there appear to be so much polarization in society, both in politics, and in other areas of life? One result has been that many profess to be politically independent, entirely apolitical, or political "centrists" in an attempt to avoid the polarized viewpoints that so often predominate discussions in the media. And yet, an analysis of the range of ways people define "centrism" even gets confused... how can we have a discussion over the merits, or lack thereof, of a political philosophy when no one seems to agree on a definition for it? This has been one of the long-running themes of the Middle Theory podcast, and one that we explore in depth on this special edition of the podcast. This... is Middle Theory. 

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief
DOLLARS FOR DONUTS
A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

 	* Jon Haskins 
 	* Victoria Pinderski
 	* Jonathan Taylor
 	* John Lipartito
 	* James Malone

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:


We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 
SHOW NOTES

 	* CAWTHORN: Madison Cawthorn says 'blackmail won't win' after nude video surfaces
 	* MYSTERY MUSK: Elon Musk fans concerned after billionaire writes chilling post on Twitter about dying 'under mysterious circumstances 
 	* FED: Fed raises rates by half a percentage point — the biggest hike in two decades — to fight inflation 
 	* NO JOKE: “Nobody's Safe”: Dave Chappelle Attack Raises Concerns for Performers
 	* POLARIZED: This Is The Reason American Politics Are So Polarized
 	* How Politics Got So Polarized | The New Yorker
 	* EVIDENCE: How Polarized are Citizens? Measuring Ideology from the Ground-Up
 	* Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization 
 	* CENTRIST MISCONCEPTIONS: The Problem with Balance: My Is...

05.12.22. This is Middle Theory

This week, we ask how we became so polarized, and look at the underlying reasons for division in our culture in a discussion about the meaning behind the "Middle Theory."   Can't we all just get along? What are the roots of the conflicts we see in the world around us... from the geopolitical stage, to our neighborhoods and communities? Although polls over the years offer mixed results, a recurring theme is that voters often tend to be more moderate than the politicians they vote for. Why, then, does there appear to be so much polarization in society, both in politics, and in other areas of life? One result has been that many profess to be politically independent, entirely apolitical, or political "centrists" in an attempt to avoid the polarized viewpoints that so often predominate discussions in the media. And yet, an analysis of the range of ways people define "centrism" even gets confused... how can we have a discussion over the merits, or lack thereof, of a political philosophy when no one seems to agree on a definition for it? This has been one of the long-running themes of the Middle Theory podcast, and one that we explore in depth on this special edition of the podcast. This... is Middle Theory.  UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:  Jon Haskins Victoria Pinderski Jonathan Taylor John Lipartito James Malone  If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:    We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES  CAWTHORN:  Madison Cawthorn says 'blackmail won't win' after nude video surfaces MYSTERY MUSK:  Elon Musk fans concerned after billionaire writes chilling post on Twitter about dying 'under mysterious circumstances  FED:  Fed raises rates by half a percentage point — the biggest hike in two decades — to fight inflation  NO JOKE:  “Nobody's Safe”: Dave Chappelle Attack Raises Concerns for Performers POLARIZED:  This Is The Reason American Politics Are So Polarized  How Politics Got So Polarized | The New Yorker EVIDENCE:  How Polarized are Citizens? Measuring Ideology from the Ground-Up  Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization  CENTRIST MISCONCEPTIONS:  The Problem with Balance: My Issue with Centrism  Why You Shouldn't be a Centrist | YIP Institute    The Impossibility of Centrism - The Atlantic  THE MIDDLE WAY: Middle Way - Wikipedia  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

This is Middle Theory | 05.12.22.



This week, growing concerns over Russia's nuclear rhetoric in recent days have experts looking at how far Vladimir Putin might go in his quest to conquer Ukraine. 

This week, as recent polls (finally) show Biden's approval ratings are on the rise, we take a look at what it could mean heading into the mid-terms in November. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has provided reporters with a few vague ideas of what he plans to do with Twitter... putting him into a unique position in terms of political perception and leanings. Then, shifting our attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders have expressed concerns about simulations broadcast on Russian state media depicting potential nuclear strike targets throughout Europe. How far might Vladimir Putin be willing to go as his back is increasingly pressed against the wall, and could this even escalate to the point of weighing the dreaded nuclear option?

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief
DOLLARS FOR DONUTS
A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

 	* Dennis Koch
 	* Daniel Baumberger
 	* Jill Ellis
 	* Brett Giles
 	* Robert Walshe

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:


We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 
SHOW NOTES

 	* POLLS: Biden ticks up, but GOP holds advantage on economy, Post-ABC poll finds
 	* MUSK: Elon Musk's big plans for Twitter: What we know so far | AP News 
 	* COVID: CA cases rising. New wave?
 	* Oprah says it’s too soon remove masks from planes
 	* 'We've not seen the WORST of Covid' warns Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates
 	* QUESTIONS: Reputed Deutsche Bank whistleblower and federal informant found dead 
 	* SPIES LIKE US: Russian Spies Hilariously Screw Up Putin's 'Assassination Plot' Claim 
 	* NUCLEAR OPTIONS: Russian state TV simulates nuke strike on Europe
 	* More danger than Cuban Missile Crisis?
 	* Putin is inching towards his nukes, threatening to annihilate the world if he fails to capture Ukraine, says foreign affairs expert 
 	* The Guardian view on Putin's nuclear threats: Russia is losing in U...

05.03.22. Nuclear Options

This week, growing concerns over Russia's nuclear rhetoric in recent days have experts looking at how far Vladimir Putin might go in his quest to conquer Ukraine.  This week, as recent polls (finally) show Biden's approval ratings are on the rise, we take a look at what it could mean heading into the mid-terms in November. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has provided reporters with a few vague ideas of what he plans to do with Twitter... putting him into a unique position in terms of political perception and leanings. Then, shifting our attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, world leaders have expressed concerns about simulations broadcast on Russian state media depicting potential nuclear strike targets throughout Europe. How far might Vladimir Putin be willing to go as his back is increasingly pressed against the wall, and could this even escalate to the point of weighing the dreaded nuclear option? UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief DOLLARS FOR DONUTS A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:  Dennis Koch  Daniel Baumberger  Jill Ellis  Brett Giles Robert Walshe   If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:    We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button.  SHOW NOTES  POLLS:  Biden ticks up, but GOP holds advantage on economy, Post-ABC poll finds MUSK: Elon Musk's big plans for Twitter: What we know so far | AP News  COVID:  CA cases rising. New wave?  Oprah says it’s too soon remove masks from planes  'We've not seen the WORST of Covid' warns Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates QUESTIONS:  Reputed Deutsche Bank whistleblower and federal informant found dead  SPIES LIKE US:  Russian Spies Hilariously Screw Up Putin's 'Assassination Plot' Claim  NUCLEAR OPTIONS:  Russian state TV simulates nuke strike on Europe  More danger than Cuban Missile Crisis?  Putin is inching towards his nukes, threatening to annihilate the world if he fails to capture Ukraine, says foreign affairs expert   The Guardian view on Putin's nuclear threats: Russia is losing in Ukraine  NIP AND TUCKER:  How Tucker Carlson Stoked White Fear to Conquer Cable  What to Know About Tucker Carlson's Rise  JOIN US: REACH OUT TO MIDDLE THEORY To send us feedback, you can email us here. Also, follow Middle Theory on Twitter too... this is highly recommended, and may even be vital for some of you. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some may be further compelled to donate to the program, which helps keep ads for survival gear, water filters, male enhancement supplements, and do-it-yourself earthworm farming kits off the program.

Nuclear Options | 05.03.22.



With Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, controversy ensues over issues of transparency and freedom of speech, and whether the platform can improve under Musk's leadership.

This week, the White House announced that Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19, which may be the least of her problems based on a new book that reportedly reveals tensions between she and other members of the Biden Administration, including the President. We also look at the current situation involving statements this week by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which shed new light on the U.S. military's role in the war in Ukraine. Elsewhere, controversy has erupted around Elon Musk's sudden acquisition of Twitter... and many are concerned about what this means for the future of the company, and issues related to free speech and transparency. We look at all of these stories this week on Middle Theory. 

UKRAINE FUND: Support Ukraine Relief
DOLLARS FOR DONUTS
A special thank you to those who donated to the podcast this week:

 	* Robert Cramer
 	* Jennie Vongvith
 	* Jessica Riley
 	* Jennifer Garland
 	* Kevin Webb
 	* Mark Hankins II
 	* Stacia Schwartz
 	* Ali Buchan
 	* Brian Davis

If you like Middle Theory and want to help support the show, you can donate to the program here:


We also offer SUBSCRIPTION accounts for those who would like to make recurring monthly payments to Middle Theory. If you would prefer to SUBSCRIBE to the program, click here to visit our DONATES page, and scroll down below the primary DONATE button. 
SHOW NOTES

 	* COVID: Kamala Harris tests positive for Covid as Vice President isolates with no symptoms
 	* BAD BLOOD: Biden Left GOP Senators 'Taken Aback' With Harsh Dismissal of Harris
 	* BIG BUY: Elon Musk to buy Twitter for $44B and take it private
 	* BIG BIRD: Twitter accepts Elon Musk's buyout deal
 	* FEAR: Twitter workers face a reality they've long feared: Elon Musk as owner
 	* FREE SPEECH: Elon Musk says he wants free speech, but his track record suggests otherwise
 	* Elon Musk's Twitter revolution: Rebellious staff claim their new boss is 'dangerous for democracy'
 	* BEZOS: Jeff Bezos trolls Elon Musk over Twitter deal
 	* MYSTERIES: Elon Musk's $21 Billion Mystery: Where Will Tesla Ceo Get Cash For Twitter?
 	* <a href="https://finance.yahoo.

04.18.22. Holy War

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