Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Up the Middle: Enmeshed: Section 224 and Netanyahu's Long War with Iran

Episode 158
Episode Date 260607.3

Episode Overview

Episode BreakdownHost Commentary: Military Differences

• Topic Introduction: The host mentions that Thomas Massie will be discussed further later in the hour.
• Mandatory Service: The host highlights a major difference between the US and Israeli militaries: Israeli citizens are legally required to serve in the military.
• Political Commentary: The host claims that during "Trump 1.0", there was an attempt to bring back the military draft to create large armies at his disposal as the "President of Peace."

Audio Clip: Representative Thomas Massie

• NDAA Legislation: Republican Representative Thomas Massie (4th Congressional District of Kentucky) discusses Section 224 of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act).
• Military Synchronization: Rep. Massie warns that this section intends to synchronize and enmesh the IDF with the US military, combining technology and supply chains.
• National Security Concerns: Rep. Massie argues this creates an asymmetric relationship that compromises US national security and obligates the US to defend Israel at any cost.

Host Commentary: Geopolitics and History

• Technical Difficulties: The host briefly expresses frustration with Facebook streaming issues when using Chrome.
• Middle East Tensions: The host voices outrage over the NDAA provision and states that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has wanted a war with Iran since before the Bush 43 administration.
• Past Administrations: He notes that Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden managed the relationship without giving Netanyahu everything he wanted regarding Iran.
• Embassy Laws & Hostage Crisis: The host explains international embassy laws (an embassy is considered sovereign soil) and references the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis—and the movie Argo—as an example of this law being violated.
• Reagan Allegations: The host claims that Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan negotiated to delay the release of the hostages to sabotage Jimmy Carter's re-election.

Commercial Break

• Be Inspired Podcast: Promotes the Be Inspired podcast hosted by Jane Stall, a retired English teacher who also co-hosts Both Sides Now on Yirgs Radio.
• Best Buy Mobile: The host (Yirgs) advertises his full-time job at the Best Buy mobile department in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where he partners with Verizon from Thursday through Monday.
• Rad Rooster Coffee: Advertises Rad Rooster Coffee Roasting Company from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, owned by Cory and Lindsay Mason, offering ethically harvested beans and free shipping on orders over $50.
• Colebrookdale Railroad: Promotes historical, civil war-era train rides and first-class service in Southeastern Pennsylvania, connecting Boyertown and Pottstown.

Outro & Show Information

• Call to Action: Yirgs asks the audience to like, share, subscribe, and bookmark the show.
• Show Format Disclaimer: He explains that the podcast episodes are abruptly cut excerpts from his two-hour weekly live radio show.
• Live Broadcast Info: Listeners are invited to tune into the live broadcast of Up the Middle on Sunday evenings at 10:00 PM Eastern at www.mastiff.media/utm.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

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2026 The Yerger Group

ICE Operations in NJ: The Hidden Truth About Delany Hall

• Intro Segment
  • Show opening theme track and intro music.
  • Host Yergz opens the segment by highlighting an upcoming investigation into ICE operations.
• ICE Facilities & The New Jersey Budget Pivot
  • Yergz addresses "Delany Hall" in New Jersey as a facility being utilized by ICE as what he terms a concentration camp.
  • Discussion of a $12 million funding boost announced by Governor Murphy for the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI).
  • Yergz offers a harsh critique of ICE personnel, arguing their methods do not align with traditional federal law enforcement standards based on his 21-year tenure as a federal agent.
• The History of DHS & Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
  • A deep-dive into the organizational transition from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Bush administration.
  • How the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and U.S. Customs merged to create modern-day ICE.
  • Yergz recounts his personal history in the Secret Service and details high-profile legal scandals involving ICE contractors and prison guards.
• Commercial Break Block
  • Jane Stahl plug for the Be Inspired and Both Sides Now podcasts.
  • Yergz promotes his personal schedule at Best Buy mobile in Wesley Chapel.
  • Ad copy for Rad Rooster Coffee Roasting Company (Boyertown, PA) and the historical Colebrookdale Railroad excursions.
• Moms for Liberty and the San Diego Library Ransom Scandal
  • A transition into Pride Month discussions, looking back at a scandal where "Moms for Liberty" checked out all LGBTQ+ literature from a San Diego library and held them for "ransom."
  • How the community out-funded the censorship attempt, resulting in $30,000 for new books.
  • Yergz analyzes "Moms for Liberty" and links their playbook to the Christian nationalism policies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
• Disney Pride & Jet Trends Maintenance Spotlight
  • Reflections on "Disney Pride" week in Orlando and how the gay community historically takes over the theme parks.
  • A rapid local business spotlight on Jet Trends on US-19 in New Port Richie for specialized watercraft maintenance.
• Outro Segment
  • Standard disclaimer regarding show segments being cut straight from the longer, live weekly broadcast.
  • Livestream schedule details for tuning in Sundays at 10 PM Eastern.

Episode Date: 260607.2

Episode: 157

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

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[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

Blame it on the Rain: Trump’s Interview Walkout and the Milli Vanilli Defense

Monologue Part 1
Host Yergz addresses his tardiness, technical issues with TikTok, and challenges MAGA supporters to justify their allegiance.

Monologue Part 2
Yergz compares Trump's walkout during a Meet the Press interview to the disgraced lip-sync duo Milli Vanilli, specifically referencing the song "Blame it on the Rain."

Audio Clip / Commentary
Audio of Milli Vanilli's "Blame it on the Rain," followed by Yergz commenting on the duo's downfall and comparing lip-syncing to modern pop stars like Britney Spears.

Monologue Part 3
Yergz pivots to election fraud investigations in the California primary and points out that Rep. Thomas Massie was recently defeated via mail-in ballots.

Audio Clip: CNN / NBC
A CNN broadcast covering Trump's abrupt walkout during an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, featuring fact-checking from Daniel Dale.

Commercial Break
Promos for the Bear Fever book, Mastiff Media, Momentum Fitness & Wellness, and Inn on the Gulf.

Outro
Show wrap-up and live broadcast schedule.

Episode Date:
260607.1

Episode 156

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

MAGA Listener vs The World

Yergz critiques a MAGA listener, then speaks "From The Heart"

www.Mastiff.Media/utm

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

MAGA Gets Even MORE Pathetic; Ofc Kristen Yeager Dies in the Line of Duty

Donald Trump cries about musical performers backing out of the 250th Celebration.  Even former Apprentice star and Poison front man Bret Michaels has left The Donald hanging.

Central Berks County, Pennsylvania, says good-bye to one of their finest.  Officer Kristen Yeager, a 42 year old mom, wife, daughter and sister-in-blue died on Friday in a vehicle crash in Earl Township, PA (the home of Yergz' parents!) while responding to assist another department in an emergency.  Services are being held Monday evening, June 1st at 8pm.

www.Mastiff.Media/utm

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

James Talarico Warns Texas About Paxton, Trump Says HE'S the Main Event

In an extended Campaign Message, James Talarico points out the corruption of Republican Opponent, James Paxton.  Donald Trump cries about performers bailing out and says HE'S the main event!

www.Mastiff.Media/utm

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

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[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

Another MAGA, Adam Hoffman,  Gets Out of Jail Early

Prominent Waco, TX lawyer, and MAGA mouthpiece, Adam Hoffman, gets out of jail, courtesy of a plea deal with Ken Paxton's Office, another MAGA Minion.

www.Mastiff.Media/utm

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

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To advertise with use, please write to:

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2026 The Yerger Group

In this episode Yergz tells about where Mastiff.Media and "Up The Middle" are going by using an analogy from, and a quote by, "The Great One," Wayne Gretzky.  Instead of going where independent journalism IS, Yergz is taking Mastiff.Media to where independent journalism is GOING!  That's what distinquishes us from the other big dogz!

"Up The Middle," by Mastiff.Media

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

In this episode Yergz takes a look at the difference between the presidential security of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump - and the fact that, at first, Trump talks all about what happens, while real presidents don't say a word or otherwise give a would-be assassin the time of day.  Then, Trump suddenly doesn't talk about them, anymore; almost like he wants you to forget!

So Yergz asks the question: "Does that really sound like Trump to you?!  Is Trump inappropriately camera happy?!"

www.Mastiff.Media

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group

When the Raptor was called "gay," the Ford Motor Company stepped up and made it just that - GAY!  For Cologne Pride, in Germany, Ford painted a Rainbow Flag over the hood and front grill, while making the rest of it sparkle - on gold colored glitter!  Finally, the color gold with some class!  Are you hearing us, Donald?!

Then Yergz talks about last Friday's decision by a federal judge to declare the charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be what most people believe them to be - #MaliciousProsecution.  It then begs the question (again): With ethical and Constitutional violations like this every day, what do you see in Donald Trump?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!

For more information, please visit:

www.Mastiff.Media

To advertise with use, please write to:

[email protected]



2026 The Yerger Group