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The MiddleGround Mic

Joseph Steagall

The MiddleGround Mic is a centrist politics and news commentary podcast for independent voters, moderates, and anyone tired of partisan talking points. Hosted by Joseph Steagall, the show covers elections, foreign policy, Michigan and Detroit local politics, media accountability, and the economy — grounded in verifiable receipts instead of tribal loyalty. No Left. No Right. Forward.

Ranked Top 30 in Politics (June 2026) with more than 1.3 million downloads, the show brings bipartisan analysis and long-form interviews with journalists, policymakers, foreign policy experts, candidates, and everyday people — not scripted talking heads. Recent conversations have covered Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, the Wayne County SMART bus millage, media trust and investigative journalism, election law and ballot access, and the collapse of institutional trust in America.

Being centrist isn't fence-sitting. It's refusing to hand either party a free pass, and having the spine to say what the loudest voices on both ends won't. If you're an independent, a moderate, or just exhausted by the screaming, this is politics without the team jersey.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube and Spotify. Support the show at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tmgm. Subscribe, follow, and leave a rating — it's the biggest way new listeners find the show. No sacred cows protected. No side gets a free pass.

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  • S3 · E20
    Monday · 31 min

    We Are Failing Our Children (And How to Fix It) | Dr. Robert Saul

    Are we raising our children to succeed, or are we simply hoping they survive? In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, host Joseph Steagall sits down with Dr. Robert "Bob" Saul, a pediatrician, author, and children's advocate with more than four decades of experience, for an important conversation about conscious parenting, raising responsible citizens, and rebuilding stronger communities. Drawing on his remarkable medical career and his book My Children's Children: Raising Young Citizens in the Age of Columbine, Dr. Saul explores why parenting goes far beyond providing food, shelter, and education. It's about teaching empathy, accountability, compassion, and the responsibility we all share for the next generation. At the heart of our discussion is Dr. Saul's powerful 12-word mantra: "I am the problem. I am the solution. I am the resource." What would happen if more parents, educators, and community leaders embraced that philosophy? We discuss the lessons Dr. Saul has learned from decades of working with families, the challenges facing today's parents, the importance of conscious parenting, and why building healthier communities starts with each of us. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or someone concerned about the future of our children, this conversation offers a different way to think about the responsibility we share. CONNECT WITH DR. ROBERT SAUL Official Website: https://mychildrenschildren.com/ My Children's Children — Book: https://mychildrenschildren.com/book/my-childrens-children/ Explore Dr. Saul's Other Books and Resources: https://mychildrenschildren.com/ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Cold Open: The 12-Word Mantra 01:15 – Welcome Dr. Bob Saul 04:30 – Lessons From Decades in Pediatrics 12:45 – What Is Conscious Parenting? 22:10 – My Children's Children: The Inspiration 31:20 – Why Community Building Matters for Kids 42:00 – Challenges Facing Modern Parents 51:30 – Final Thoughts and the Path Forward FOLLOW THE MIDDLEGROUND MIC Official Website: https://themiddlegroundmic.com/ Subscribe for more conversations that challenge assumptions, explore difficult issues, and bring people together. No Left. No Right. Forward.

  • S3 · E13
    October 9 · 34 min

    How Politics is Destroying the Nuclear Family & The Hidden Healthcare Agenda (ft. Sidney Pines)

    What happens when partisan politics become more important than your own family? Right now, parents and children are literally stopping speaking to one another over differences of opinion—but it doesn't have to be this way. Author Sidney Pines returns to The MiddleGround Mic to break down the intentional division of the American public, the shifting tides of social media, and how everyday Americans can start healing the political rift in their homes. Later in the episode, we go down a massive rabbit hole into the modern healthcare system. We discuss the origins of Big Pharma, the loss of natural holistic treatments, and why taking control of your own health has never been more critical. If you’ve ever felt like we are all being played to stay divided, this is the episode for you. 📚 GET SIDNEY PINES' BOOKS: Awakening: A Patriot's Diary of American Deception https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Patriots-Diary-American-Deception/dp/1966625529 Golden Age Rising: Book Two of A Patriot's Diary https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Age-Rising-Patriots-Diary/dp/B0H8CTB52M CHAPTERS / SHOW NOTES: 00:00 - Intro: Why Are Families Ripping Apart Over Politics? 01:58 - The True Cost of Political Division 02:49 - Kid Rock, Eminem, and Finding Common Ground 05:43 - Why Sidney’s Books Are Resonating with Everyday Americans 09:42 - Are People Changing Their Minds on Social Media? 11:58 - Is the Division Being Intentionally Fed? 15:17 - The Collapse of the Nuclear Family & Old School Values 18:59 - Big Pharma, the Healthcare System & Lost Natural Cures 25:49 - Questioning Chemotherapy and Modern Medicine 30:55 - Who Do We Hold Accountable? 35:39 - What’s Next for Sidney Pines’ Book Series? 43:26 - Where to Find Sidney’s Books

  • September 23 · 30 min

    Anthony Forlini: Election Security, Voter Rolls & Trust in Michigan Government

    What actually happens behind the scenes of Michigan’s election system? Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds and Michigan Secretary of State candidate Anthony Forlini joins Joseph Steagall for a wide-ranging conversation about election administration, voter-roll maintenance, security procedures and public trust. Forlini explains why he has raised concerns about noncitizen registrations and what changes he believes should be made to Michigan’s voter-registration system. The conversation also covers: • Election equipment, verification and security procedures • Voter-roll maintenance and eligibility checks • E-poll books and election administration • College-campus voting • Customer service and wait times • Notary fraud • The Office of the Great Seal • Forlini’s priorities for the Secretary of State office Rather than campaign slogans, this episode focuses on the actual systems, procedures and disagreements surrounding how Michigan elections and Secretary of State services operate. The MiddleGround Mic features long-form conversations that give guests enough time to explain their positions — and listeners enough information to make up their own minds. Learn more about Anthony Forlini and his campaign: forliniforus.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Anthony Forlini on Michigan Election Security 02:15 Noncitizen Voting & Michigan Voter Rolls 07:40 How Michigan Voting Machines Are Secured 12:30 Cutting Wait Times & Improving Service 18:10 College Campus Voting & Election Procedures 23:45 Notary Fraud & Michigan’s Great Seal 29:00 Why Forlini Is Running for Secretary of State

  • September 21 · 27 min

    Xi's Washington Visit, Iran's Pickaxe Mountain & the Risk of $7 Gas Ron bee

    What do China, Greenland, Iran, artificial intelligence and the price of gasoline have to do with each other? Potentially quite a lot. Ron Bee returns to The MiddleGround Mic to connect several of the biggest geopolitical stories happening right now — and explain how international decisions can eventually reach American consumers and businesses. Joseph and Ron discuss: • The new U.S.-Denmark-Greenland security agreement • Greenland, the Arctic and strategic competition • Rare earth minerals and China’s leverage in global supply chains • Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to Washington • U.S.-China tariffs and trade negotiations • Artificial intelligence as a geopolitical battleground • Iran and the mysterious Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz • Satellite intelligence and nuclear uncertainty • Oil markets and global energy disruption • Whether another major shock could push gasoline toward $6–$7 per gallon Instead of treating each headline as an isolated story, Ron connects the pieces and explains how geopolitical decisions thousands of miles away can eventually affect prices, businesses and households at home. 00:00 How China, Iran & Energy Prices Connect 02:10 Greenland, the Arctic & Rare Earth Minerals 08:30 Xi Jinping’s Washington Visit & U.S.-China Trade 15:45 Iran, Pickaxe Mountain & Nuclear Concerns 22:30 The Global AI Trade War 28:15 Could Global Conflict Push Gas to $7?

  • September 16 · 36 min

    Can an Independent Beat the Machine? with Mike Thurow

    Can an Independent candidate realistically win a seat in Congress? Former firefighter Mike Thurow joins host Joseph Steagall on The MiddleGround Mic to share why he bypassed party politics to run in Wisconsin's 6th District. Thurow breaks down the corrupting power of corporate money, the challenges of third-party ballot access, and how direct public service shapes his approach to representation. Connect with the campaign: Official Site: https://www.thurowforcongress.com/ Text & Updates: https://mtwi6.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Can an Independent Win? 2:15 - From Firefighter to Congressional Candidate 6:40 - Breaking Free from the Two-Party Machine 12:10 - How Corporate Money Ruined Politics 18:35 - The Strategy to Win WI-06 25:10 - Restoring Faith in Public Service

  • September 14 · 40 min

    Can a High School Principal Flip a Trump +10 Seat? | Pia Dandiya

    Former high school principal, Apple alum, and White House Fellow Pia Dandiya is running to flip Florida’s 22nd Congressional District—a seat Donald Trump won by 10 points—on a central motto: "Make Common Sense Great Again." In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, Pia breaks down why voters across party lines are hungry for outcome-based education, practical housing expansion, healthcare accountability, and an immediate ban on congressional stock trading. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Outcome-Based Education: Shifting focus from funding inputs to measuring 4th-grade literacy and 8th-grade math results. • Housing & Cost of Living: Expanding supply through office building conversions rather than artificial price caps. • Healthcare & AI Denials: Curbing middleman PBM markups and stopping automated insurance claim rejections. • D.C. Integrity: Banning individual stock trading for members of Congress. CONNECT & LEARN MORE: Campaign Website: https://piaforcongress.com TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Managing High Schoolers vs. Managing D.C. 0:29 - Flipping a +10 Trump District in Florida 02:40 - Gerrymandering and Political "Seed Chopping" 04:21 - How to Turn 86% Poverty into 100% College Acceptance 07:42 - Fixing Public Schools: Measuring Outcomes Over Inputs 12:59 - Rent Caps vs. Housing Supply: Real Economic Solutions 17:53 - "Make Common Sense Great Again": Bipartisan Appeal 20:56 - Fixing Healthcare: PBM Abuse & AI Claim Denials 34:43 - Why Congress Must Ban Individual Stock Trading

  • September 9 · 29 min

    Commanding Drones With Natural Language: Ex-Amazon AI Lead Krishna Kumaar Sharma on Omokai & Autonomous Warfare

    What happens when you shift AI out of text chats and into physical machines operating on the battlefield? Ex-Head of AI at Amazon Germany Krishna Kumaar Sharma joins Joe Steagall to explain how his startup, Omokai, is engineering a speech-driven intelligence layer for autonomous drones and robotics. From sovereign AI development in Europe and the stark realities of AI-driven warfare between Russia and Ukraine to the core principles in his UC Berkeley research paper and upcoming book "Agentic Coding the Boring Way," Krishna shares an engineer's perspective on building reliable, zero-hallucination guardrails for autonomous hardware. Venture & Platform: https://omokai.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction & Building the Future of Human-Machine Interaction 01:12 - What Sovereign AI Means for Global Defense 02:24 - Leaving Amazon: Corporate Constraints vs. Startup Innovation 07:10 - Why Physical AI Requires More Than Large Language Models 10:10 - Eliminating Hallucinations With Multi-Algorithmic Guardrails 14:15 - The Reality of Autonomous Drones in Modern Warfare 17:35 - Ethics, Governance, and Legal Responsibility in AI Operations 21:28 - The Essential Guardrails for Autonomous Targeting 22:40 - Agentic Coding the Boring Way: Sustainable Software Architecture 26:37 - The Ultimate Goal: Safe Human-Robot Collaboration

  • S3 · E20
    September 7 · 40 min

    Sidney Pines: The True Cost of Political Division & 'A Patriot's Diary'

    Is America fundamentally broken, or are we being manipulated into division? Sidney Pines, author of Awakening and Golden Age Rising (A Patriot’s Diary series), joins Joe Steagall to discuss the personal toll of American political tribalism. From family estrangement to media distrust and healthcare investigations, Sidney shares the events that shifted her worldview and led her to document the current cultural landscape for future generations. If you’re seeking to understand the growing divide and how we move past the "conspiracy theorist" labels to find common ground, this conversation delivers. BUY SIDNEY’S BOOKS: Awakening: A Patriot’s Diary of American Deception https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Patriots-Diary-American-Deception/dp/1966625529 Golden Age Rising: Book Two of A Patriot’s Diary https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Age-Rising-Patriots-Diary/dp/B0H8CTB52M CHAPTERS: 00:00 My Cousin’s Son Disowned Her Over Politics 01:20 Why I Wrote A Patriot's Diary 03:03 What the Mainstream News Was Hiding 05:27 The Catalyst for Awakening 08:26 The Real Cost of Political Tribalism 10:19 When the Culture War Enters Your Home 12:30 The Pronoun Debate & Cultural Shifts 16:34 An Unfiltered Record for Future Generations 20:39 How Healthcare Failed Our Children 26:20 The "Conspiracy Theorist" Label 31:28 Media Distrust: Reporters or Actors? 32:39 Reaching the Bestseller List

  • August 31 · 33 min

    Why Making More Money Costs You Money (The Welfare Trap) with Clarence Carter

    We spend over $1.5 trillion every year fighting poverty in the United States, so why does taking a raise or getting a better job leave a struggling family worse off? In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, host Joe sits down with Clarence H. Carter, author of Our Net Has Holes in It and a 35-year public service veteran who has served under two presidents, four governors, and a mayor. Clarence breaks down the systemic reality of the "benefit cliff" and why having 114 separate government assistance programs traps people in dependency. In this episode, we unpack: The Welfare Trap: How earning a small wage increase can instantly strip away vital family benefits. Systemic Failure: Why fragmenting the safety net creates administrative chaos instead of human growth. Work Requirements: Overcoming real-world barriers like childcare and transportation. Relational Capital: Why local nonprofits and communities succeed where federal bureaucracies fail. The Generational Divide: Addressing the reality that younger Americans feel the economic system is entirely stacked against them. Connect with Clarence H. Carter: 📖 Our Net Has Holes in It https://evolveglobalpublishing.com/show-book/B0G2HRSZ3S 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarence-carter-aaa0096 Episode Chapters: 00:00 — Why a Raise Can Leave Families Worse Off 01:20 — Understanding the Safety Net 03:36 — The Benefit Cliff 06:58 — The Debate Over Work Requirements 08:23 — Barbara’s Story and Real-World Barriers 15:48 — Why 114 Assistance Programs Aren’t Working 21:39 — Government Bureaucracy vs. Community Support 24:06 — Why the Welfare System Has Barely Changed 27:39 — Washington vs. Local Communities 29:32 — The Economic Reality Facing Younger Americans

  • August 26 · 24 min

    Inside the Paid Protest Industry: Adam Swart on Manufactured Outrage & Astroturfing

    Adam Swart runs Crowds on Demand, the largest protest-for-hire firm in America. He doesn't call himself an activist—he calls it what it actually is: paid public relations and political machinery. In this episode, Swart pulls back the curtain on how modern American political campaigns and grassroots movements are manufactured behind closed doors. Key Topics Covered: How political movements rely on hidden funding, astroturfing, and paid crowd mobilization How closed-door institutional endorsements determine elections long before voters step into the booth Why traditional political polling has lost reliability in modern elections The economic reality of blind party loyalty in both red and blue districts Why viewing politicians as transactional employees gives voters real leverage If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help expand the show's reach!

  • S3 · E20
    August 21 · 38 min

    Why the "Civil War" Narrative is a Lie (18-Month Journey)

    Are we actually on the brink of a national collapse, or is mainstream media selling us a profitable lie? During the height of the pandemic, digital nomad Wesley Warshawer packed up his car, left his Silicon Valley bubble, and spent 18 months living in rural, conservative America. His mission: bypass the political noise and find out if everyday Americans are truly as divided as we are told. In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, Wesley breaks down the eye-opening revelations from his journey. From the surprising immigration pride of North Dakota to massive media-driven blind spots, we explore why ignorance is routinely mistaken for malice and why the foundational ethics of everyday citizens remain remarkably united. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The "Divided America" Myth 00:39 - Escaping the Silicon Valley Bubble 06:41 - Misinformation vs. Malice: Lessons from Rural Indiana 10:17 - Cultural Blind Spots: India, Togo, & South Korea 24:04 - Overcoming Tribalism at an Alabama BBQ 33:13 - The Unspoken Immigration History of North Dakota 36:16 - Reclaiming the Centrist Majority Support the show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tmgm

  • August 20 · 44 min

    1 VOTE DECIDES? How Iowa Independent Michael Bridgford Plans to Leverage the Speaker's Gavel

    What happens when the balance of power in Washington comes down to a single independent vote? This week on The MiddleGround Mic, we sit down with Michael Bridgford, an Independent candidate running in one of the tightest congressional districts in the country. With the House of Representatives divided by the slimmest of margins, Bridgford outlines a bold strategy: using the crucial Speaker of the House vote as leverage to force the establishment parties to agree on common-sense reforms. Bridgford explains how breaking the two-party gridlock can pave the way for highly demanded legislation, including strict congressional term limits and a total ban on members of Congress trading individual stocks. We also explore his perspective as an independent financial advisor on stabilizing the economy, protecting the middle class, and implementing federal policies to manage the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. If you are exhausted by partisan echo chambers and want to understand the exact mechanics of how a third-party candidate can wield real power in Washington, this episode breaks down the math and the strategy. Support or learn more about Michael Bridgford’s campaign here: 🔗 Michael Bridgford Campaign Website To learn more about election information, voter registration, or to find official resources in your area, please visit the Iowa Secretary of State official election portal. Audio Chapters / Timestamps: 0:00 - The Math: How 1 Vote Decides the Speaker of the House 2:23 - Using Leverage to Force Bipartisan Compromise 4:08 - Banning Congressional Stock Trading 6:43 - The "Spoiler" Question: Can an Independent Win in Iowa? 8:41 - Tackling Inflation & The Economy 13:47 - The Urgent Need for Federal AI Policy 18:19 - Engaging Younger Voters & The Future of American Politics 24:15 - Building a Coalition Across the Aisle

  • S3 · E15
    August 10 · 30 min

    How Companies Use AI to Replace Workers | Danny Carpio

    Is your corporate career actually risk-free, or are you sitting on an unseen risk transfer? In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, host Joe sits down with organizational architect and author Danny Carpio to dissect the structural changes hitting the modern workforce. We break down the reality of "corporate labor arbitrage," how companies are actively training AI platforms on human labor to scale down their employee overhead, and why the traditional 40-year corporate playbook is fundamentally broken. Danny shares the core operational architecture from his book, The Unfirm, detailing how high-agency operators can reclaim their operating leverage, maximize their return on time, and build independent, anti-fragile business models in a permanently volatile market. Get Danny Carpio's book "The Unfirm" and review his frameworks here: https://unfirm.com Connect with MiddleGround Media Network for unscripted, non-partisan data analysis and long-form investigative interviews: joe@themiddlegroundmic.com

  • August 8 · 38 min

    Iran's Nuclear Countdown: The Canceled Strike | Ron Bee

    On August 1st, President Trump called off what was set to be one of the largest military strikes in the Middle East. Why did he call it off, and how close was Iran to actually deploying a nuclear weapon. Today, foreign policy expert Ron Bee joins Joseph on The MiddleGround Mic to pull back the curtain on the geopolitical chess match happening behind closed doors Key Topics Covered: • The Secret Pressure: Why Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar asked the U.S. to hold back. • The 7-Day Window: Inside the intelligence that triggered Operation Midnight Hammer and the B-2 bomber strikes. • China’s Hidden Role: Reports of 400 handheld missiles smuggled through Pakistan. • The Economic Stranglehold: How the blockade on Iran’s $400M daily oil revenue changes the equation. • The Border Ripple Effect: How European energy demands are driving crisis events across North Africa. About the Guest: Ron Bee is a leading foreign policy expert and author specializing in international security, nuclear non-proliferation, and Middle Eastern relations. Connect with The MiddleGround Mic: Follow the show for grounded, balanced commentary on national and global affairs.

  • S3 · E20
    August 5 · 39 min

    Inside 60 Minutes: The Iraq War Lie | Amjad Tadros

    In this investigative journalism episode of The MiddleGround Mic, 33-year senior CBS News and 60 Minutes Middle East producer Amjad Tadros pulls back the curtain to reveal the incredible stories viewers never saw on television. Amjad spent four years hunting “Curveball,” the Iraqi defector whose fabricated WMD claims became a key part of the case for the 2003 Iraq War. He located Osama bin Laden’s former bodyguard in Yemen over trips to KFC, helped expose Abu Ghraib, and survived a U.S. cruise missile strike in Baghdad before receiving a hospital visit from Saddam Hussein himself. He also explains why the aftermath of regime change in Iraq should serve as a warning when discussing Iran today, what Western audiences misunderstand about the Middle East, how warfare is changing through technology, and what three decades inside CBS taught him about today’s collapse in media trust. His message about modern journalism is simple: credibility is your only capital. Once you lose it, you’re done. Amjad Tadros is the author of The Fixer: A Journalist’s Accidental Journey Through the Middle East. 📘 Get The Fixer: https://amjadtadros.com ☕ Buy me a cup of Coffee to keep powering the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tmgm CHAPTERS 0:00 Curveball: The WMD Source Behind the Iraq War 1:33 What a 60 Minutes “Fixer” Actually Does 5:53 Finding Bin Laden’s Bodyguard 9:04 The 4-Year Hunt for “Curveball” 11:16 What Americans Get Wrong About the Middle East 16:10 Putting a Human Face on Terrorism 19:25 How War Is Changing 21:14 From Engineer to War-Zone Producer 25:40 Why Yemen Matters 26:43 “Fake News” and the Media Trust Crisis 32:41 Abu Ghraib 34:43 The Fixer 🎙️ The MiddleGround Mic No Left. No Right. Forward. Follow the show and leave a rating — it’s one of the biggest ways you can help new listeners discover The MiddleGround Mic.

  • S3 · E18
    July 27 · 38 min

    Why Men Over 40 Feel Tired and Foggy: Low Testosterone

    Many men reach their forties and begin feeling tired, foggy, unmotivated, overweight, or simply unlike themselves. Because the change happens gradually, they often accept it as an unavoidable part of getting older. Kevin Dahlstrom, founder and CEO of Bolt Health, joins Joe to explain why these symptoms deserve a closer look. Kevin describes building a successful corporate career while feeling miserable internally, walking away to rebuild his life around rock climbing and health, and eventually discovering that low testosterone was affecting how he felt and performed. Kevin explains the common symptoms of low testosterone, why standard laboratory ranges may not tell the entire story, and why comprehensive blood testing can give men a clearer picture of their health. The conversation also covers testosterone stigma, Bolt Health’s microdosing approach, the difference between sick care and health optimization, and the difficult first step of admitting that something may be wrong. • Why successful men can still feel miserable internally • Kevin’s corporate career and life-changing move to Colorado • Common symptoms associated with low testosterone • Why men gradually accept low energy as normal • “Normal” testosterone results versus optimal health • Comprehensive blood testing and knowing your numbers • The free testosterone questionnaire at yourtscore.com • Why Kevin founded Bolt Health • Testosterone microdosing and personalized treatment • The stigma connecting testosterone with bodybuilding • Sick care versus preventative health optimization • Why getting tested is often the hardest step • Defining your ideal life and moving toward it 00:00 Men Forget What Feeling Great Feels Like 01:23 Meet Kevin Dahlstrom 02:35 Success, Rock Climbing, and Starting Over 05:51 The Symptoms Men Learn to Accept 09:41 “Normal” Results vs. Optimal Health 15:15 The Free Testosterone Questionnaire 17:25 Why Kevin Founded Bolt Health 20:17 A Responsible Approach to Testosterone 29:31 Sick Care vs. Health Optimization 33:34 The Hardest Step: Getting Tested 36:10 Building Your Best Life Kevin Dahlstrom is the founder and CEO of Bolt Health. He is a four-time founder, former chief marketing officer at three public companies, angel investor, and lifelong rock climber. After experiencing symptoms of low testosterone in his late forties, Kevin began researching men’s hormone health and eventually created the men’s health service he wanted as a patient. This episode is provided for general informational purposes and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning, stopping, or changing any medical treatment. Support the show

  • S3 · E17
    June 26 · 46 min

    Cancel Culture Has No Sentence | Tim Kelley

    What happens when someone gets canceled — and there’s no way back? Tim Kelley — MIT alumnus, former Navy commanding officer, global leadership advisor, and founder of canceledleader.com — joins The MiddleGround Mic to make the case that cancel culture’s real crisis is not the cancellation itself. It is the complete absence of any defined path to re-entry. Tim and Joe cover why Kevin Spacey’s full exoneration in court bought him nothing in Hollywood, what happened to Puerto Rico Governor Ricky Rosselló when a manipulated chat log went viral before anyone checked the facts, why being innocent does not protect you when it becomes a competition of narratives, and what a real “uncanceled” system would actually look like. If you believe in the political middle — that most people want accountability without permanent exile — this conversation is for you. canceledleader.com | The MiddleGround Mic --- CHAPTERS (00:00) Tim Kelley: MIT, Navy, and the Change Agent Mindset (02:15) Cancel Culture’s Real Problem: No Sentence, No Re-Entry (06:45) Kevin Spacey — Exonerated in Court, Still Exiled in Hollywood (10:30) Ricky Rosselló — When a Manipulated Chat Log Ends a Career (13:45) The Trauma of Ostracism: Why Being Canceled Hits Like Physical Pain (20:00) False Accusers and the Accountability Gap (27:30) Who Tim Works With — and Who He Doesn’t (35:00) The Political Middle: Centrism Isn’t Standing for Nothing (43:00) How to Actually Help Someone Who’s Been Canceled (46:40) Find Tim: canceledleader.com --- GUEST Tim Kelley is a leadership advisor, MIT alumnus, former Navy commanding officer, and founder of canceledleader.com. Tim has spent decades coaching leaders, executives, and public figures through career crises and is one of the leading voices on structured re-entry after cancellation. Website: canceledleader.com Support the show

  • S3 · E16
    June 24 · 1 hr

    Digital Detox and AI Dependency | Colin Corby

    Digital detox expert Colin Corby joins The MiddleGround Mic to talk about digital detox, AI dependency, smartphone habits, burnout, and how to get control back from technology without throwing your phone away. Learn more about Colin Corby and his digital detox resources at thedigitaldetoxcoach.com. Colin is the founder of Technology Wellbeing Limited and creator of The Digital Detox Coach. In this conversation, he explains why digital detox can be as simple as short offline breaks, why phones keep us from fully resting, how AI can make people dependent, and why being present is becoming harder in an always-connected world. Joe and Colin also discuss phone addiction, screen time, kids and technology, loneliness, AI companions, and practical steps like the “Just One Thing” challenge and avoiding scrolling for the first 45 minutes of the day. Learn more about Colin at thedigitaldetoxcoach.com. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Intro: Digital Detox and AI Dependency 01:25 — What Digital Detox Actually Means 04:16 — Why Phones Keep Us From Resting 05:44 — Being Present With People Again 07:32 — The Attention Business Model 11:23 — What Tech Insiders Understand 12:09 — AI Detox and Outsourcing Your Skills 14:40 — Why AI Dependency Matters 19:48 — Warning Signs of Digital Burnout 22:11 — The Phone Test With Friends and Family 24:56 — The Just One Thing Challenge 27:09 — Stress, Burnout, and the Tipping Point 30:01 — Why Environment Changes Habits 32:40 — Accountability and Changing Habits 33:12 — Loneliness, Technology, and AI Companions 36:33 — Small Steps and the Marathon Mindset 40:42 — Kids Growing Up With Smartphones 43:54 — AI at Work and Why People Still Matter 47:51 — When Mistakes Live Online Forever 50:35 — Parents Have to Set the Example 54:51 — Where to Find Colin Corby 57:12 — The Five Day Digital Reset 58:13 — Final Takeaway: You’re Not Weak, You’re Outgunned Support the show

  • S3 · E15
    June 22 · 1 hr

    Wayne County SMART Bus Tax: $570M Millage Fight Explained

    Wayne County voters will decide on the August 4 SMART bus millage, a public transportation proposal tied to SMART bus service, the Wayne County Transit Authority, and former opt-out communities. Matt Wilk and Patty Pozios from Not SMART Wayne join Joe Steagall to explain why their group opposes what they call a new $570 million SMART bus tax after House Bill 6088 changed the opt-out system in Wayne County. This episode covers the Wayne County SMART bus tax fight, the Wayne County SMART millage, local control, Detroit and DDOT, Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Canton, Van Buren, Downriver, fare revenue, taxpayer subsidy, senior transportation, ballot language, and where voters can check the receipts before the August 4 ballot. Matt and Patty argue that Wayne County voters need to understand what changed before this proposal reached the ballot. They say communities that had the ability to opt out of SMART for decades lost that local control after House Bill 6088, and they believe many voters are being sold a softened version of the cost, the service guarantees, and the financial reality behind the system. The conversation covers Not SMART Wayne’s claims about 3% fare revenue, 97% taxpayer subsidy, 3.88 riders per bus, a $570 million Wayne County cost, senior transportation, existing local transit programs, broken promises from Oakland County, pension and legal liability concerns, and why opponents believe the word “replacement” in the ballot language deserves a much closer look. This is not about telling voters what to think. It is about understanding what is on the ballot, what changed with opt-out communities, what the opposition is claiming, and where Wayne County voters can verify the information before they vote. In this episode: What is the Wayne County SMART bus tax? What is the Wayne County SMART millage on the August 4 ballot? Why Not SMART Wayne calls it a new SMART bus tax How House Bill 6088 changed opt-out communities Why local control is central to the opposition argument What Detroit, DDOT, Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Canton, Van Buren, and Downriver have to do with the issue Why opponents focus on the $570 million Wayne County cost The “only $8/month” framing and why opponents reject it The 3% fare revenue and 97% taxpayer subsidy claim The 3.88 riders-per-bus claim Whether the proposal changes existing senior transportation What “replacement” means in the ballot language Where voters can check Not SMART Wayne’s receipts Chapters: 00:00 — Cold open: 3% fares and 97% taxpayer subsidy 01:12 — Matt Wilk and Patty Pozios introduce Not SMART Wayne 02:21 — What changed with House Bill 6088 06:59 — Why local control and opt-out communities mattered 08:36 — What the Wayne County SMART millage could cost 11:53 — Why Not SMART Wayne says $570 million is only Wayne County’s portion 12:27 — Fare revenue, taxpayer subsidy, and SMART’s financial picture 16:56 — The 3.88 riders-per-bus claim 18:42 — Traffic, roads, bus weight, and emissions 21:29 — Senior transportation and existing local programs 25:48 — Ballot language and the word “replacement” 30:51 — Patty reads the ballot language 33:37 — Pension hole, legal costs, and financial concerns 37:23 — Broken promises and Oakland County’s 2022 transit plan 43:56 — Government efficiency and the economic argument 47:45 — Where voters can check the receipts 55:32 — Closing statements and August voting information Guests: Matt Wilk Not SMART Wayne Patty Pozios Not SMART Wayne Website: NotSmartWayne.org Support the show

  • S3 · E14
    June 1 · 1 hr 6 min

    Beyond Burnout: Finding Purpose After 40 | Dr. Kyle Hulsebus

    Are you constantly exhausted, stressed, and feeling like you're just going through the motions? The wellness industry will sell you a thousand ways to “manage your stress,” but my guest today argues they may be treating the wrong disease. Dr. Kyle Hulsebus joins The MiddleGround Mic to deliver a grounded, no-BS diagnosis for modern burnout: what if the problem is not just overwork, but a loss of purpose, direction, and connection? GUEST LINKS: Dr. Kyle Hulsebus / 40 Over 40: https://40over40.com Free resources mentioned in the episode: - 40 inspiring insights from 40 individuals - 7 signs that you are living off purpose Dr. Kyle’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKyleHulsebus In this conversation, we dive into why a life driven only by duty can drain your soul, while a life guided by mission can have you working late into the night and waking up energized. We also get into phones, news overload, creating vs. consuming, life after 40, and why stress may be a signal that something deeper needs an adjustment. This is not just a wellness episode. This is a conversation about purpose, burnout, modern life, and what happens when your body, mind, and direction are no longer lined up. CHAPTERS: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: - The critical difference between eustress, the kind of stress that builds you, and distress, the kind that breaks you down. - Why burnout may not always mean you are weak or lazy — it may mean something in your life is no longer aligned. - How phones, social media, and news overload can disconnect you from real life while pretending to keep you informed. - Why creating something can energize you while constant consumption drains you. - How your life experiences before 40 may be the foundation for your next chapter, not proof that you are behind. - A simple action you can take tonight: stop, breathe, and ask what you would love to be doing five years from now. CONNECT WITH THE MIDDLEGROUND MIC: Website: https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com Newsletter: https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter The MiddleGround Mic No Left. No Right. Forward. Check out our links below all support is appreciated! Support the show

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