Podcasts

 

Tune in weekly to Nick’s Far Middle Podcast. Episodes 1-14 walk through Nick’s thoughts on his book, Precipice, chapter by chapter. Hear his perspective on how the book came to be, expanded thoughts on key topics in the book, the interconnectivity of themes, and how many of the troubling trends in Precipice dominate life today.Subsequent episodes of the Far Middle cover a range of timely and interesting topics spanning business, energy, sports, culture, politics, and policy. Each installment of the Far Middle offers an entertaining stroll through a variety of subjects that Nick ties together in a common theme at episode’s end. Never predictable, but always engaging, the Far Middle is a must-listen for those looking for straight talk in a world of facade.

The Free Exploring Mind

The Free Exploring Mind

The Far Middle episode 105 falls between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day—presenting an opportunity to clarify the differences between ...
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Birds and Rabbit Holes

Birds and Rabbit Holes

The Far Middle episode 104 is dedicated to former Major League Baseball pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych who made his first Major ...
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Outsized Impacts

Outsized Impacts

The uniqueness of The Far Middle shines in episode 103. In under 30 minutes, Nick covers topics spanning World Donkey ...
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Track Records

Track Records

As The Far Middle episode 102 lands between National Teachers Day and National Nurses Day, Nick tips off the episode ...
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One-Hit Wonders

One-Hit Wonders

The Far Middle episode 101 begins the next chapter in sports dedications as the series enters the triple digits. To ...
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Knockin’ Out 100

Knockin’ Out 100

The Far Middle has reached its 100th episode. A podcast that began as companion commentary paired with the release of ...
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The Left’s Grinding Long-Term Game

The Left’s Grinding Long-Term Game

The Far Middle episode 99 honors “the Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, who “re-established the standard for greatness in the NHL,” ...
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Back in the Summer of ‘98

Back in the Summer of ‘98

The Far Middle episode 98 begins with a look back on the origin of April Fools' Day, which coincides with ...
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Executive Power

Executive Power

The Far Middle episode 97 is dedicated to the hockey force, Connor McDavid. While just eight years in the NHL, ...
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Breezin’ into Spring

Breezin’ into Spring

The Far Middle episode 96 begins with birthday wishes to jazz guitarist Geroge Benson, and moves on to a timely ...
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The Externality Reality

The Externality Reality

Far Middle episode 95 begins with Nick offering, “everything you wanted to know about daylight saving time but were afraid ...
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A Serious Math Problem

A Serious Math Problem

Far Middle episode 94 begins with a remembrance of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. whose birthday is ...
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Penguins and Polar Bears

Penguins and Polar Bears

The Far Middle episode 93’s release date, March 1, coincides with the birthday of the late actor, Robert Conrad. Nick ...
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Tenacity

Tenacity

The Far Middle episode 92 features a unique dedication to a group of professional athletes who showcased a tenacity for ...
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Greatness

Greatness

The Far Middle episode 91 is dedicated to a triumvirate of sports greats—Mario Lemieux, Michael Jordan, and Nolan Ryan—and their ...
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Runnin’ and Disruptin’

Runnin’ and Disruptin’

The Far Middle episode 90 is dedicated to the 1989-90 UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team and Coach Jerry Tarkanian, aka ...
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The Two-Party Cartel

The Two-Party Cartel

The Far Middle episode 89 is proudly dedicated to perhaps the greatest professional football player that most people never heard ...
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An Eruption of Illogical Moves

An Eruption of Illogical Moves

The Far Middle episode 88 honors defensive great Alan Page, the anchor of the Minnesota Vikings’ famous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. Nick ...
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Accumulation, Accountability, and Advocacy

Accumulation, Accountability, and Advocacy

The Far Middle episode 87 is dedicated to Sidney Crosby, who “epitomizes greatness on the ice,” says Nick as he ...
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Climate Policy and the Damage Done

Climate Policy and the Damage Done

Far Middle episode 86 celebrates the “Fab Five Record Setters of 1986.” These record setters span professional sports, from the hockey rink to ...
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Hollow Proclamations

Hollow Proclamations

Far Middle episode 85 marks the series start to 2023. As The Far Middle enters its third calendar year, Nick ...
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Appalachia First

Appalachia First

As 2023 nears, Nick goes back to 1984 for episode 84’s dedication—commemorating the seven-game NBA Finals series between the Boston ...
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Leading by Inspiring

Leading by Inspiring

The Far Middle episode 83 takes off with a dedication to “the Mad Stork,” aka NFL Hall of Famer Ted ...
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December Clouds

December Clouds

In Far Middle episode 82, Nick rewinds the clock 40 years to November of 1982—a golden year in the golden ...
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Watching the River Flow

Watching the River Flow

The Far Middle episode 81 arrives amidst the holiday season, with Hanukkah and Christmas just around the corner. Someone you ...
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Welcome to The No-Growth Hotel

Welcome to The No-Growth Hotel

The Far Middle episode 80 features a co-dedication to both the 1980 U.S. Men's Ice Hockey Team, and to the ...
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Unrest in the Forest

Unrest in the Forest

The Far Middle episode 79 is a special Thanksgiving edition, dedicated to the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. The 1970s Pirates were known as ...
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The Trenches

The Trenches

The Far Middle episode 78 is dedicated to the NFL’s unsung heroes of the trenches; including many legendary linemen who ...
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Paying Your Dues

Paying Your Dues

The Far Middle episode 77 celebrates two of the NHL’s greatest defensemen, number 77’s Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque. Nick ...
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A Double-Whammy World

A Double-Whammy World

The Far Middle episode 76 pays homage to two great sports achievements from 1976: Anthony Dorsett’s Heisman Trophy-winning season, and ...
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Insult to Injury

Insult to Injury

As The Far Middle reaches episode 75, the milestone installment is appropriately dedicated to the greatest Pittsburgh Steeler of all time, “Mean” Joe ...
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Always Keep Swinging

Always Keep Swinging

The Far Middle episode 74 is dedicated to four notable events from the 1974 Major League Baseball season, specifically three great achievements ...
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Partnerships

Partnerships

The Far Middle episode 73 is dedicated to one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, John Hannah. Hannah ...
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Bridgers vs. Catalysts

Bridgers vs. Catalysts

The Far Middle episode 72 honors the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Now 50 years since the Dolphins achieved their perfect 17-0 ...
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Intervention Versus Intervention

Intervention Versus Intervention

The Far Middle episode 71 is dedicated to a sports trio, spanning from the diamond to the gridiron to the ...
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Compromised Academia and Media Standards

Compromised Academia and Media Standards

The Far Middle episode 70 is dedicated to a pair of NFL defensive greats: Hall of Famers Ernie Stautner and ...
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Perpetual Change

Perpetual Change

The Far Middle episode 69 celebrates the 69-win NBA season by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, a record for victories ...
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Let’s Ride the Lightning

Let’s Ride the Lightning

The Far Middle episode 68 is dedicated to the great NHL right winger Jaromir Jagr—member of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 1991 ...
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Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon

The Far Middle episode 67 is dedicated to two epic 1967 sports performances. These include NASCAR’s Richard Petty and his 27-win season that ...
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The Inflation Equation and Twisted Economic Logic

The Inflation Equation and Twisted Economic Logic

The Far Middle episode 66 is dedicated to Pittsburgh Penguins’ icon Mario Lemieux, “one of easiest decisions in the history ...
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Answering Constant Listeners’ Questions

Answering Constant Listeners’ Questions

The Far Middle episode 65 commemorates the 65 World Series games that Mickey Mantle played in, accumulating numerous records. Among ...
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Current Expectations on the Future Determine the Future

Current Expectations on the Future Determine the Future

The Far Middle episode 64 features a unique dedication, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, aka March Madness. While the tournament ...
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Buckle Up Your Chinstraps

Buckle Up Your Chinstraps

Far Middle episode 63 features a co-dedication to two NFL hall-of-fame number 63’s: the Oakland Raiders’ Gene Upshaw and Kansas ...
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Global Rivals

Global Rivals

The Far Middle episode 62 is dedicated Steph Curry and his career-high 62-point game, which took place on January 3, 2021, against ...
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The Casual Hum of the Heartland

The Casual Hum of the Heartland

The Far Middle episode 61 is dedicated to Roger Maris and his 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe ...
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Compromising Standardization and Improved Transparency

Compromising Standardization and Improved Transparency

Episode 60 of The Far Middle goes to the 1960 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Nick looks back on the 1960 Fall Classic ...
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Markets and Competition Work

Markets and Competition Work

Episode 59 of The Far Middle continues the streak of NFL linebacker dedications, with this installment commemorating one of the ...
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Hypocrisy: Running Like the Bulls in Pamplona

Hypocrisy: Running Like the Bulls in Pamplona

Episode 58 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the “poster child of the middle linebacker,” four-time Super Bowl champ Jack Lambert ...
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Studies Show and Experts Agree

Studies Show and Experts Agree

The Far Middle episode 57 is dedicated to boxer, Carmen “The Upstate Onion Farmer” Basilio. “If you’re going to fight this guy ...
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Realizing Untapped Greatness

Realizing Untapped Greatness

Episode 56 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Lawrence Taylor, arguably the NFL’s greatest defensive player and one of ...
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Massive Potential

Massive Potential

Episode 55 of The Far Middle is dedicated to a sports record—Wilt Chamberlain’s 55 rebounds against the Celtics on Nov ...
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Big Policy Stuff Matters

Big Policy Stuff Matters

Episode 54 of The Far Middle is dedicated to “The Manster” – Cowboys’ defensive great Randy White. Much like Randy ...
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High and Tight

High and Tight

Episode 53 of The Far Middle comes in high and tight, just like a Don Drysdale fastball—the namesake of this ...
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Regrets to Gilded Glamour

Regrets to Gilded Glamour

Episode 52 is a special milestone installment marking The Far Middle’s one-year anniversary. Once again Nick connects a series of ...
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Disciplined, Fierce and Prolific

Disciplined, Fierce and Prolific

Episode 51 of The Far Middle features a first dual-dedication to Ichiro Suzuki and Dick Butkus—two great number 51’s who, ...
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Rules For Thee But Not For Me

Rules For Thee But Not For Me

Episode 50 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the elite NHL players who’ve scored 50 goals in the first ...
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Four-Way Threat

Four-Way Threat

Episode 49 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Robert “Bobby” Mitchell. For those unfamiliar, Bobby was the original four-way ...
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The Strikeout

The Strikeout

Episode 48 of The Far Middle is uniquely dedicated to “the strikeout.” Listen as Nick connects the number 48 to Major League Baseball strikeouts ...
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Steel to Iron to Platinum

Steel to Iron to Platinum

Episode 47 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Steelers cornerback Mel Blount, the lynchpin of the Steel Curtain. After reflecting on the ...
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The 46 Defense

The 46 Defense

Episode 46 is uniquely dedicated to both Buddy Ryan’s 46 Defense and strong safety Doug Plank, “probably the most impactful ...
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Troubling Trends

Troubling Trends

Episode 45 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson—the ultimate intimidator while on the ...
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Far Middle 44

Russia/Ukraine Part Two

Episode 44 of The Far Middle—dedicated to Hammerin’ Hank—focuses again on the Russia/Ukraine crisis. While episode 43 examined the international ...
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Far_middle_43

Russia/Ukraine Part One

Episode 43 of The Far Middle is a must-listen emergency, special edition focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nick examines the root cause of ...
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Emboldening Our Adversaries

Emboldening Our Adversaries

Episode 42 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the extraordinary Jackie Robinson and includes four insights you might not ...
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Far-Middle-41

Shifting Leverage

Episode 41 of The Far Middle is dedicated to 12-time All-Star Tom Seaver. In looking back at “Tom Terrific’s” career, Nick notes his ...
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Far Middle 40

Eighteen Inches of Daylight

Episode 40 of The Far Middle (available below, on Apple, Spotify and Amazon) is dedicated to Gale Sayers, the “Kansas ...
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Cobras Don’t Play It Safe

Cobras Don’t Play It Safe

Episode 39 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the one-and-only Dave Parker, aka “The Cobra.” Nick recounts how Parker ...
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Connections: “Whole of Government” to Shark-Infested Markets

Connections: “Whole of Government” to Shark-Infested Markets

Episode 38 is dedicated to Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ray Dandrige, “the greatest third baseman you’ve never heard of.” While Ray was ...
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Combinations and Connections

Combinations and Connections

Episode 37 is dedicated to the great sport of boxing, with a special focus on the 1970s—the Golden Age of ...
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Simple Equations: From Football to the Economy

Simple Equations: From Football to the Economy

Episode 36 is dedicated to “The Bus.” Nick reflects on Jerome Bettis’ prowess on the football field. However, the most ...
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Knuckleballing Policy

Knuckleballing Policy

Episode 35 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro. Nick describes the five-time All-Star ...
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Never Die Easy

Never Die Easy

Episode 34 is dedicated is to an athlete Jim Brown called “the epitome of greatness” – Walter Payton. In this ...
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Theater and Optics

Theater and Optics

Episode 33 is dedicated to NBA superstar Larry Bird, aka “Larry Legend.” Nick notes the hardworking shooter’s many accomplishments, and ...
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Connections: From Jim Brown to Build Back Better

Connections: From Jim Brown to Build Back Better

Episode 32 is dedicated to the awesome Jim Brown, while no saint, Nick describes him as “the purest of athletes.” ...
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Risk/Reward Math Demoted for Political Science and Ideology

Risk/Reward Math Demoted for Political Science and Ideology

Episode 31 is dedicated to former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donnie Shell. Nick discusses the Hall of Famer’s NFL career and ...
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Domestic Energy: America’s Goalie

Domestic Energy: America’s Goalie

Nick dedicates episode 30 to the greatest goalie of all time, Martin Brodeur. The three-time Stanley Cup champion amassed records ...
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Prepare for Blindside as Elites Tackle Climate Change

Prepare for Blindside as Elites Tackle Climate Change

Episode 29 of the Far Middle is dedicated to the legendary hitting machine Rod Carew. Nick discusses how the 18-time ...
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The Times They Are A-Changin’: From Pro Athletes to Dylan

The Times They Are A-Changin’: From Pro Athletes to Dylan

In Episode 28, Nick looks at how the times they are a-changin'. In recognition of number 28, Nick dedicates this ...
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Collisions-Between-Bad-Government-Policy-and-the-Real-World

Collisions-Between-Bad-Government-Policy-and-the-Real-World

Episode 27 begins with a reflection on Carlton Fisk, one of the most-iconic number 27’s of the sports world. An ...
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Analyzing America’s 62% Crisis

Analyzing America’s 62% Crisis

Nick dedicates Episode 26 to three-time Super Bowl champ, and Philadelphia native, Herb Adderley. Continuing Nick’s “connections” theme, serendipitously, by ...
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LA Observations of Negative and Positive Liberties, Part II

LA Observations of Negative and Positive Liberties, Part II

Nick kicks-off episode 25 of the Far Middle with a salute to Raiders’ Wide Receiver Fred Biletnikoff—Super Bowl MVP, Pro ...
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Ode to and Observations of LA (Part I)

Ode to and Observations of LA (Part I)

Say hey! It’s episode 24 of the Far Middle and Nick leads off by tipping his cap to the epic ...
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Six Simple Things to Improve Economy, Culture and Society

Six Simple Things to Improve Economy, Culture and Society

In episode 23, Nick pays homage to the athlete he considers the greatest of all time, “if you want to ...
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Connections: Legitimate vs Red Herring ‘Code Reds’ for Humanity

Connections: Legitimate vs Red Herring ‘Code Reds’ for Humanity

Nick marks episode 22 of The Far Middle with a salute to the iconic #22—Emmitt Smith—the NFL’s all-time rushing leader ...
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Connections of Elite Reality: Campus Casualty to China Forces Fiction to Inflation/Shortages for All

Connections of Elite Reality: Campus Casualty to China Forces Fiction to Inflation/Shortages for All

In episode 21, Nick pays tribute to the great Roberto Clemente, followed by a discussion of Bob Dylan’s views on ...
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Connections: Washington D.C. to Biden’s Incompetency to Fiscal Policy and Market Bubbles

Connections: Washington D.C. to Biden’s Incompetency to Fiscal Policy and Market Bubbles

In episode 20 of The Far Middle, Nick again connects a series of subjects (“dots”) that on the surface appear ...
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Connections: Entitled Grads to Bezos Hypocrisy to China’s Fleecing of the U.S. and Czar Kerry

Connections: Entitled Grads to Bezos Hypocrisy to China’s Fleecing of the U.S. and Czar Kerry

In episode 19 of The Far Middle, Nick begins by discussing today’s college graduates, who leave school implanted with leftist ...
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Connections: Bernie to the Academia Monster to Freedom of Viewpoint

Connections: Bernie to the Academia Monster to Freedom of Viewpoint

Episode 18 of The Far Middle and the first day of fall 2021 arrive today. In this week’s episode, Nick ...
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Podcast #17 — Connections: Afghanistan to Swanky Doors to Culture Wars to American Pride

Podcast #17 — Connections: Afghanistan to Swanky Doors to Culture Wars to American Pride

In episode 17 of The Far Middle, Nick discusses America’s exit from Afghanistan, American credibility, and lack of leadership from ...
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Podcast #16 – Ode to James Burke’s Connections

Podcast #16 – Ode to James Burke’s Connections

In The Far Middle episode 16, Nick begins by reflecting on the BBC’s television series “Connections,” hosted by James Burke ...
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Podcast #15 – Connecting Dots: NFL Preseason Stinks, MLB Ruining Team Legacies and Energy Policy

Podcast #15 – Connecting Dots: NFL Preseason Stinks, MLB Ruining Team Legacies and Energy Policy

Episode 15 of The Far Middle marks the next phase of the podcast series as Nick moves on from episodes ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #14 – Author's Note

The Far Middle Podcast #14 – Author’s Note

This installment of The Far Middle marks a close to episodes previewing and covering The Leech chapter releases. In this ...
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The Far Middle Podcast  #13 - Epilogue

The Far Middle Podcast #13 – Epilogue

In this week’s The Far Middle episode, Nick dedicates this installment to The Leech’s epilogue. Nick discusses what he says ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #12 - Jeff Sachs

The Far Middle Podcast #12 – Jeff Sachs

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs is the focus of this week’s The Far Middle. While Nick notes his “begrudging admiration” for Sachs’ ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #11 - Bono

The Far Middle Podcast #11 – Bono

Nick, a decades-long fan of U2, discusses the group’s front man, Bono, in this week’s episode of The Far Middle ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #10: THE POPE

The Far Middle Podcast #10: THE POPE

Pope Francis is the focus of the 10th episode of The Far Middle. Nick asserts that the Catholic Church has ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #9: CITIES

The Far Middle Podcast #9: CITIES

Nick tackles the issues facing most American cities today in this installment of The Far Middle. “Today, in most major ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #8: PENSIONS

The Far Middle Podcast #8: PENSIONS

Public pension plans are the focus of this week’s The Far Middle podcast. Nick explains why public pension plans are ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #7: THE FED

The Far Middle Podcast #7: THE FED

In this episode of The Far Middle, Nick examines the critical role of the Federal Reserve and the epic power ...
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The Far Middle Podcast #6: STEM

The Far Middle Podcast #6: STEM

STEM education is the subject of this week’s The Far Middle episode. Right now, China has more universities ranked in ...
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