From replacing whale oil in lamps to fueling the rise of the automobile, oil has shaped the American story like few other forces. In this episode of Project Middle, we trace the industry’s beginnings and follow its explosive growth through the vision and monopolistic grip of figures like John D. Rockefeller. We explore how oil consumption evolved, the harsh realities faced by workers, and the environmental costs of “black gold.” Along the way, we connect past to present, touching on today’s oil and gas headlines, technological shifts, and the uncertain future of global energy.

🎧 Listen or watch as we break it all down, with real stories & practical solutions for the 99%.

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In this follow-up to our deep dive on America’s public lands, we unpack the tangled history of ownership, policy shifts, and the tug-of-war between federal and state management. We explore how much land each state holds, or has sold, and the reasons behind those decisions. You’ll hear comparisons between the U.S. and other countries’ public land systems, discover the costs and revenues tied to managing these spaces, and learn who the largest private landholders really are. Along the way, we share accounts from Project Middle listeners about their own experiences with public lands, from treasured memories to concerns about access and preservation. From inspiring stories of preservation to controversial sales, we shine a light on the power and politics shaping the lands that belong to us all.

🎧 Listen or watch as we break it all down, with real stories & practical solutions for the 99%.

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Before debates over drilling, development, and conservation, America’s public lands were born out of conflict, ambition, and a vision of shared space for the people. In this first half of our two-part deep dive, we trace the history of the United States’ public land system—from the earliest land grabs and homestead dreams to the creation of the national parks we know today. Along the way, we uncover how these lands became a cornerstone of American identity, and why their story is far from finished.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the battle over selling public lands, global comparisons, and the cases for and against keeping land in the hands of the people.

In Episode 3 of the Project Middle Podcast, we tackle the rising costs of two kitchen staples: milk & eggs. Why have prices skyrocketed? How do they compare to historical trends? Who’s really driving the increases — and what can we actually do to bring costs back down? We also share surprising facts about labels (“cage-free,” "free-range", "pasture-raised", “grass-fed”) and what they really mean for your wallet and your health.

🎧 Listen as we break it all down, with real stories & practical solutions for the middle class.

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In Episode 2 of The Project Middle Podcast, we dig into one of the most pressing issues facing the middle class: housing. How has the cost of owning a home changed over the last 50 years? What’s driving today’s unprecedented housing surges—from foreign investment to the rise of corporate landlords? We examine whether homeownership, once a cornerstone of the American dream, is still within reach for the average American. Plus, we explore potential solutions to ease the squeeze, from zoning reform to new models of home ownership.

Welcome to Project Middle, a podcast exploring the realities, pressures, and personal stories of America’s middle class. In our very first episode, we lay the groundwork for what this show is all about—understanding where the middle class stands today and how the cost of the American Dream has shifted over the past 50 years.

We dig into the numbers, comparing life in 1975 to now: median income, housing, healthcare, college tuition, and more. What could a middle-class paycheck cover back then—and what does it get you today?

This episode sets the tone for the journey ahead, as we examine the economics, experiences, and evolving expectations shaping the middle class of America.