In this episode, we dive into the big topics making waves today: Affirmative Action – what does it look like in today’s world, and how does it shape society? We also break down the public vs. private school debate, sharing our thoughts on access, opportunity, and how these choices impact communities. As we gear up for the upcoming presidential election, we tackle the controversial topic of voter shaming and identity politics, discussing the pressures some voters feel to vote a certain way. Plus, we’ll wrap up with our rundown of the big college football games happening this weekend, sharing our predictions and key matchups to watch. Join us for an episode packed with fresh perspectives and thoughtful takes!

In this episode of *The Middle of the Street Podcast*, hosts Ishma Valenti and Mark Bell sit down with Mental Health Therapist Lawrence Gardiner (expected regular contributor to the podcast), who brings over a decade of experience/expertise in the field of Mental Health. Together, they dive deep into pressing mental health issues, strategies for decreasing degenerate behavior, and discuss ways to bring more resources to those in need. They also touch on world politics before wrapping up with their college football picks for the week. Tune in for insightful conversations and a balanced mix of serious and lighthearted topics!

In this episode of The Middle of the Street Podcast, we dive headfirst into the aftermath of the explosive Vice Presidential debate, breaking down key moments, zingers, and what it all means for the political landscape ahead. But that's not all— we tackle other hot political topics making headlines this week, giving you the full scoop on what's happening in the world of politics right now. Plus, we take a quick detour through the sands of time with a quick look into present and the history of the Middle East Isreal in particular, shedding light on how past events still shape today's news. And to wrap it up, we're giving you our rapid-fire college football picks for the weekend—because who doesn't love a little gridiron action to balance out the politics? Tune in for an exciting mix of serious conversation, historical insights, and sports fun!