Episode 47 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Steelers cornerback Mel Blount, the lynchpin of the Steel Curtain.

After reflecting on the four-time Super Bowl champ’s playing career and post-football work supporting and mentoring youth, Nick proposes we deputize the Hall of Famer to straighten things out with criminals looting and vandalizing train cargoes in California.

Next, Nick discusses environmental groups and their attorneys stopping the training of America’s Navy SEALs: “Putin and the Chinese Communist Party, their best friends, more often than not, are environmental groups.” Nick then examines the latest from “perhaps Putin’s second-best friend” Pope Francis, who continues to not name Russia as the aggressor in their war on Ukraine.

Nick goes on to comment on the federal government awash in tax revenue, the “Iron Triangle” in action, and closes with a must-listen reflection on Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti—the first album to ever go platinum on advance orders alone (add it to your playlist after this podcast, especially if it’s been ten years gone since last listen).

Episode 46 is uniquely dedicated to both Buddy Ryan’s 46 Defense and strong safety Doug Plank, “probably the most impactful player in football history that you never heard of.”

After reflecting on the Chicago Bears 1985 season, Nick draws similarities to virtue signaling surrounding pandemic management, specifically New York City Mayor Eric Adams exempting athletes and performers from the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. “Shows how the elite have one set of rules, and then the rest of us have to live with a very different, less-free set of rules, that are much more stifling,” says Nick.

Next, Nick discusses President Biden’s recent comments on America’s “dependency on fossil fuels.” Followed by an analysis of gasoline prices and the Democratic response, as well as a look at how the prices of everything—from food containers to mortgages—is rising. Nick goes on to discuss the recent Bloomberg column “Inflation Stings Most If You Earn Less Than $300K. Here’s How to Deal.”; comments on companies that continue to do business with Russia; and reflects on P.J. O’Rourke and John Hughes.

Episode 45 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson—the ultimate intimidator while on the mound. In this installment, Nick discusses several troubling trends, starting with America’s mass transit systems.

Despite ridership declines, government continues to pour taxpayer dollars into “keeping the rails greased.” Next, Nick questions why we’re not paying closer attention to environmental groups’ funding sources. Another troubling trend is the softening of American patriotism, revealed by a recent poll asking Americans if they would stand and fight if the U.S. was invaded. Also discussed are: NYU’s new class on Taylor Swift; Milton Friedman’s four ways to spend money; and, today’s anniversary of the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley.