This week we celebrate 4/20 with a look at the political upheaval following Attorney General William Barr's release of the controversial Mueller Report. 

This week we lead off 4/20/19 with a breakdown of the latest statistics in relation to marijuana use in America, along with attitudes towards its legalization, and various stigmas that remain about it. We also examine the ways the Federal laws conflict with State laws with regard to marijuana, and what this means for proponents of legalization who would like to see state regulation and taxation of the substance. We also look at the latest updates with regard to the NXIVM cult, and how politically divisive attitudes are affecting late night television and its former stars.

Then getting to the MID, Attorney General William Barr's recent press conference prior to the release of a redacted version of Robert Mueller's controversial report on possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election made waves this week, with many in the media calling for Barr's resignation. However, was Barr really behaving more like Trump's attorney, as some have suggested, or was he merely following the legal standards for the release and discussion of Mueller's report? Finally, we see what Noam Chomsky has to say about the idea of Trump colluding with Russia, and whether the so-called "Witch Hunt" may have effectively handed Trump the election in 2020.

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

* RUNE

* Shelly Orlandini

* Sascha Neubauer

* Kathleen Hunter

* Jessica Riley

* Jamie Craven

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* 420: What Do Americans Think About Weed? Here’s A Major National Poll On Politics And Use.

* NXIVM UPDATE: Heiress pleads guilty in sex cult case

* SWEET RELIEF: Tina Fey 'Relieved' She's Not On 'Saturday Night Live' In 'Truly Ugly' Political Climate

* BARR NONE:

This week, after taking a look at the biology behind politics and partisan attitudes, we present an update on the recent arrest of Julian Assange on behalf of the United States.

We lead off with an election update... Israel's election, that is, where Benjamin Netanyahu has performed well despite corruption charges. Also, the "secret life" of actress Audrey Hepburn suggests her past work as part of the resistance during wartime. Elsewhere, Covington High School student Nick Sandeman is pressing charges against the Washington Post, who argues that the charges should be dropped and that Sandeman (after allegedly receiving death threats following the incident) was portrayed largely favorably in the press (???). Sandeman was famously shown in video in Washington DC wearing one of Donald Trump's red MAGA hats... and on the subject of that hat: Politico recently did an expose on the Trump team's own bizarre "Secret Society"... about time he made one of his own (for more details, see the full show notes at the bottom of this post).

Then in the second part of the show, we are joined by Daniel Lieberman, MD, and Michael Long, authors of the book The Molecule of More, which shows a variety of ways the chemical dopamine affects human behavior. However, turning the discussion toward politics, we look at the role it plays in belief, ideology, and partisanship in politics, in a fascinating discussion about the biology behind political attitudes.

Then in an extended wrap-up segment, we give a complete breakdown of the recent revocation of asylum by Ecuador of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who was subsequently arrested by British police on behalf of the United States.

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

* James Malone

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* BIBI’S BACK: Israel's Netanyahu wins reelection with parliamentary majority

* AUBREY INSIDE: Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn was a WWII resistance spy

* SPIES LIKE US: Barr says he thinks spying occurred on 2016 Trump campaign

* TRUMP’S SECRET SOCIETY: Ins...

This week on Middle Theory, we look at how modern "tribalism" influences political attitudes, as well as recent controversies involving 2020 Presidential hopeful and former Vice President Joe Biden. 

Leading things off, newly released photos from early U2 spy plane missions are now helping archaeologists... and on the subject of "spy games," we touch on how Prince William was recently tapped by British intelligence for a brief stint on the streets... well, sort of. We also explain why our very own McNonymous may be a better candidate for intelligence work and covert spying. We also touch on a mysterious illness being reported by the New York Times, and what this has to do with our fascination with zombies, and more importantly, our concerns about diseases like Ebola, and more broadly, "doomsday scenarios" that speculate about what would happen to humanity in the event that the fecal matter ever really did hit the fan. Would humanity survive such threats, and more importantly, could we survive each other? 

On the subject of human conflict, we then look at a recent PBS News Hour poll which finds that people are more polarized and prone to 'tribalism." In fact, humans have largely evolved in a way that makes political partisanship a part of who we are... which can be problematic when it comes to things like politics, and the ever-controversial Mueller Report.

Then in the latter half of the program, we look at recent controversies that include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being accused of affecting a "southern accent" during a recent speech she gave, and also allegations against Joe Biden that are calling his actions into question. Namely, a number of women accusers are saying he made them uncomfortable in a series of allegations that have become all-too-common in the "Me Too" era.

Finally, we address an interesting op-ed that appeared over the weekend, penned by none other than the attorney representing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, as well as the odd series of Tweets made by the WikiLeaks foundation, claiming Julian Assange may soon be kicked out of the Ecuadorian embassy, where he has remained now for six years.

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

* Betty June

* Daniel Baumberger

* Robert Westfall 

* Robert Walshe  

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* OH NO, NOT U2:

This week, bizarre connections begin to arise between several high-profile court cases in "Chicagoland," affected by the controversial decision by authorities to drop charges against actor Jussie Smollett. 

As we lead off, we take a look at a recent report which found that federal spending is at an all-time high... much like it has been over the course of the last several U.S. presidencies. While things are business as usual in Washington, we also check in on the outcome of the Mueller report, and divided responses to it in the Capital, before taking a look at conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who during a recent deposition statement that appeared online referred to his own conspiracy theorizing as being akin to a form of "psychosis."

Then later in the program, as connections begin to arise between several high-profile court cases in Chicago, all of which have been affected by the controversial decision by authorities to drop charges against actor Jussie Smollett, we look at how pending charges against singer R. Kelly might be affected, and what it means for celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti, who represents one of the accusers in Kelly's case, as well as a Seagram's heiress who is out on bond after fainting in court during questioning in relation to her alleged involvement with the bizarre NXIVM sex cult. However, it doesn't help that Avenatti is looking at legal troubles of his own, after being accused of attempted extortion of the Nike shoe company.

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

* Jill Ellis

* Grimerica

* Jessica Zuccarello

* SteveDave

* Mark Hankins II 

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* AJ ON TRIAL:Alex Jones compares conspiracy thinking to “psychosis” during deposition

* Joe Rogan appears on InfoWars

* MUELLER: Poll: After Barr Letter, Overwhelming Majority Wants Full Mueller Report Released

* Dems mock ‘scaredy-cat’ GOP, demand Mueller’s full 300 pages

*

This week on Middle Theory, we look at the problems young boys and their families face, in a discussion with Warren Farrell, Ph.D., author of The Boy Crisis. 

Well, it was an interesting weekend full of eventful news, that ended up being less eventful than everyone expected... that's a good summary of the findings of Robert Mueller and his team's long-awaited report on possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election.

Moving on to other topics, why was the libertarian website Zero Hedge banned from Facebook for a time? Also, many will remember Mark Zuckerberg testifying before Congress and being asked about whether our phones really listen to us; he said that Facebook doesn't use such technologies and that their alleged existence is a "conspiracy theory." But what do experts say, as well as a recent investigation by a journalist who began to notice unusual things her phone had been doing?

Then later in the program we are joined by Warren Farrell, Ph.D., whose many works deal with issues of families and problems faced by men and young boys. Dr. Warren Farrell is the only man in the US ever elected three times to the Board of Directors of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in New York City. He has been chosen by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders, and he has been featured on ABC’s 20/20, also in The New York Times, and U.S. News and World Report.

Dr. Farrell’s books are published in over 50 countries, and in 13 languages. They include two award-winning international best-sellers, Why Men Are The Way They Are and The Myth of Male Power, and today we will be talking with him about his book The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys are Struggling and What We Can Do About It.

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

* Shelly Orlandini 

* Jennie Vongvith 

* Ali Buchan

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* BAN BABY BAN: Zero Hedge Says Facebook Banned Users From Sharing Its Posts

* Facebook says Zero Hedge ban was a 'mistake' amid uproar over big tech censorship

* DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO: SPLC President Richard Cohen Resigns

This week we look at the history and evolution of political correctness, as well as the allegation that there are trillions of dollars that are missing or otherwise being "hidden" by the U.S. Government. 

Leading off this week, we remember the "glory days," back when friends and neighbors could sit together and enjoy a cup of Cowboy Juice while not necessarily agreeing on everything all the time. These days, that kind of honest and simple disagreement will get you banned on social media, or maybe even from family gatherings... the question is, how did it get that way? One way might have to do with political correctness, and Micah takes us down the rabbit hole in search of answers.

The real rabbit hole doesn't reveal itself until later, however, as we begin to look at the questions related to government secrecy that include a proposed change to the Freedom of Information Act process, as well as how millions are wasted each year so that federal agencies can maintain their budget expectations. But if you think millions is bad, then consider the proposition of a pair of economists, who argue there could be trillions missing from the U.S. defense budget... is this really the case, and if so, where has the money gone?

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

* RUNE 

* Steven Marlow

* Jon Haskins

* Jessica Riley 

* Sascha Neubauer

* Chris Fossan

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* TOO POLITICALLY CORRECT FOR POLITICS: 2020's politically correct presidential election

* Britannica Online definition for Politically Correct

* 'Politically Correct': The Phrase Has Gone From Wisdom To Weapon

* The Rhetoric of "Political Correctness" in the U.S. Media (March 1995)

* Dilemmas of Political Correctness (Journal of Practical Ethics)

*

On this edition of Middle Theory, we look in-depth at the facts pertaining to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 on the fifth anniversary of the plane's disappearance. 

On this edition of the program, we lead off with news in the area of government surveillance, with the recent report that the NSA may be ending its long-running phone surveillance program, first revealed to the public by whistleblower Edward Snowden. In related news, another famous whistleblower, Chelsea Manning, is looking at jail time after refusing to testify in a hearing concerning Wikileaks, the government transparency organization headed by controversial Australian Julian Assange.

Then shifting our attention to the timely story of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, on the fifth anniversary of the plane's disappearance we examine all the available facts of significance pertaining to the case. We begin by looking at the events leading up to its disappearance, and technical aspects of the search effort that indicate what little is known about the flight path the aircraft took that night. With half a decade behind us since the plane's ill-fated final flight, what are the prospects for future searches, and will the ultimate fate and final location of the plane ever be revealed?

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

* Betty June

* Rick Dale

* RUNE

* Emilio Villalpando

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* SNOWDAY: NSA will end its phone surveillance program

* JAIL TIME: Chelsea Manning jailed for refusing to testify in Wikileaks probe

* MH370: STILL MISSING: Malaysia Says It's Willing to Restart the Search for the MH370 5 Years After It Disappeared

* May 2018: MH370 captain 'deliberately evaded radar' during final moments of doomed flight

* July 2018: New MH370 probe finds someone veered the plane off course

*

On this edition of Middle Theory, we offer commentary on the recent appearance of Alex Jones on Joe Rogan's podcast, as well as the media event that became Michael Cohen's testimony before Congress.

We lead off with some bad news for beer drinkers: tests of 20 different alcoholic beverages found evidence of the toxic agent found in a common weedkiller. However, levels were low enough that we shouldn't be concerned... should we?

Also, the recent return of Alex Jones to the Joe Rogan Experience has people talking... and scratching their heads. Nazis running the government, a "breakaway civilization," human body part farms, DMT, fractal elves, and aliens... need we say any more?

Then we shift our attention over to the recent testimony given by Michael Cohen before Congress. Did Cohen and his explosive claims seem credible, or was he lying? Opinions are divided, and we wade into the muck to find out of some semblance of truth can be had.

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

* Betty June

* Dan Baumberger

* Grimerica

* Jill Ellis

* John Lipartito

* SteveDave

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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

* BAD DAD: Weedkiller Chemical Found in Popular Beer and Wine

* MR. JONES: Alex Jones returns to Joe Rogan experience

* Alex Jones And Joe Rogan Made Peace With A Bizarre Podcast

* COHEN DOWN: How’s the Cohen Hearing Go? That Depends on Your Filter Bubble

* John Dean on Michael Cohen

* Michael Cohen's Credibility Has Never Been More Certain

* Opinion: The Real Reason for the Michael Cohen Hearing

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 

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

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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

This week, we look at Donald Trump's recent declaration of a National Emergency, along with the precedent for the decision, and it's possible implications.

As we lead off, we ask, "how did things ever get so weird?" Although there are plenty of simple answers to this question, politically-speaking (especially in relation to Donald Trump's presidency), could it be that there are actually deeper problems here? We also look at some of the tone-deafness shown by Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 Presidential Campaign hopeful, who recently was revealed to have exaggerated her Native American heritage (or lack thereof) on an application form a number of years ago.

Then getting to the MID, we shift our attention over to Donald Trump's recent declaration of a National Emergency, as a means by which he can fund his border wall project. This has resulted in mixed responses from members of the House and Senate on both the political Right and Left, resulting in the House Judiciary Committee's announcement about a possible investigation into Trump’s declaration of a National Emergency.

Finally, "Empire" star Jussie Smollett is in hot water after his claims of being a victim of a hate crime in Chicago now may be a proven hoax... what are the lasting implications of such a fraudulent claim? We look into all of this on this week's edition of Middle Theory.

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

* Sascha Neubauer

* RUNE

* Jessica Reilly

* Jamie Craven

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

We are now also offering 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. 

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. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter, and get news alerts, articles, and podcasts from Middle Theory sent right to your inbox:

[email-subscribers namefield="YES" desc="" group="Public"]

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

* NOT DA GOV: Mistress' Brother Leaked Bezos' Racy Texts to Enquirer, Sources Say

* 1/2020: Elizabeth Warren heckled over lies about Native American heritage

* THE UNITED STATES OF EMERGENCY: Trump Declares National Emergency

* House Judiciary Committee to Investigate Trump’s Declaration of a National Emergency