Middling with Eden and Brock

Today we're talking to someone whose immense talents helped shape The Middle ! Julie Anne Robinson ( Bridgerton , Doctor Who ) talks to us about a creative decision she fought that made it into the pilot, a funny story story about Patricia Heaton, and how her husband helped with Eden's casting process! Check out her Substack to read all the amazing things she has to share: https://holdingf...

Today it's just as as we talk all about episode 512, "The Carpool." Brock points out the 'Nepo-Niece' of John Travolta, Eden performs a redo of one of her lines, and we read a listener email that asks about a real life Patricia Heaton-ism that made it into this episode. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deep...

On today’s agenda: Episode 510, “Sleepless in Orson!" We’ve got behind-the-scenes tidbits, including the original, innuendo-filled name of the hot dog restaurant where Brad worked, a funny story about Eden handwriting Sue's speeches on consent, and just how polite Derrick Glossner (David Chandler) is in real life. Plus, we go off on plenty of tangents about Laura Dern and The Wizard of Oz...

We're recapping episode 509, "The Christmas Tree" and Eden is gobsmacked that Brock has never heard "Cats in the Cradle." We're going behind the scenes on how specifically Eden had to sneeze and we've got plenty of Blue Bag Grab questions regarding Brick's Ponzi scheme! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week...

Today, it's just us as we recap episode 508, "The Kiss!" We're talking about a limping Eden, a wonderful behind the scenes story about sharing readers, and a rewrite we have for the diner scene. Plus, a voicemail from a listener about her thoughts on Kenny's full life that the audience never sees! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patr...

One of our favorite episodes! We're recapping ep 507, "Thanksgiving V," and we've got lots of BTS scoop! We talk about Jerry Van Dyke changing a particular line for the sake of comedy, how a storyline came to fruition because of a scheduling conflict, and Eden's body double! Will Harris' Interview with Jerry Van Dyke for Popdose, CLICK HERE . Will Harris' Interview with Jack McBrayer for Bullz-Eye...

We've got Brooke Dillman ( The Office , Wrecked , Kickin' It ) on the pod today! We're breaking down episode 506, "The Jump," and we're talking about the scene that gave the cast some grief, animal actors (Colin Firth!), and just how fabulous Brooke is in her debut episode as Coach Tink Babbitt! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive...

Just us as we recap The Middle 's 100th episode! We're talking about how Eden broke her foot hours before filming, the inspiration behind Sue and Brad's Summer Lovin ' routine (and the price tag to get the rights!), and what the cast and crew gift was to celebrate this monumental moment for the series. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, w...

This week, we're breaking down episode 502, "Change In The Air!" Everything from Brad's iconic locker decorations, The Middle 's use of cell phones, and just how spot on this storyline is. Plus we have some fact checks from our listeners! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, focusing on specific 'hea...

We can't believe we're already at season 5! And to kick off the new season, we have a very special guest. You know the back of his head - and now you get to see his gorgeous face. Tommy Bechtold ( Abbott Elementary , Glee ) who played Kenny - Axl's college roommate - is here with us today! We're breaking down ep 501, "The Drop Off," and we're talking about Tommy's audition, Kenny's wig, and what i...

We're joined by Tim Hobert ( Scrubs , Community ) who wrote today's episode! He's helping us break down episode 424, "The Graduation" - but first, Eden's raving about Tim's kid, Audrey Hobert. Then we talk about Eileen Heisler's first episode as a director, Patricia Heaton and Charlie McDermott's stunt doubles, and the iconic Marion Ross as Brick's Vice Principal! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Rep...

There are four distinct storylines, and we're talking about each one! For episode 423, "The Ditch" we're discussing everything Brick and his unique fear of going to middle school, Mike and Axl's mud-filled obstacle, what makes Frankie such a good character, and Sue's exaggerated physical comedy on her anything-but-relaxing day off. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclus...

Keeping it between us today as we breakdown episode 422, "Hallelujah Hoedown." We're discussing all things yellow pants! How they were made and where the story came from. Plus, driving on camera, Galadriel Stineman's phenomenal performance, and we get quizzed on our Middle knowledge with our listener voicemail. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Eac...

We're joined today by none other than Robin Shorr ( Diary of a Future President , T he Carmichael Show ) as we break down her episode 421, "From Orson With Love!" She's got her notebook with her thoughts on the episode, how she'd adjust the storyline today, and a hilarious story about Jerry Van Dyke and his on-set nudist tendencies. It's a riot - and we're so lucky to have her on! Our bonus episod...

If you're looking for episode 419, "The Bachelor" - head our archives! We originally recapped it in September 2025 with Galadriel Stineman! Today, we're recapping episode 420, "Dollar Days!" Before we dive in, we're reading some listener comments - including one about a pair of adoptable dogs with the greatest names of all time. Then it's on to the episode as we talk all things Dr. Goodwin and Jac...

Just us today as we recap episode 418, "The Name!" We're discussing all things Molly Shannon, a reference to a classic cinematic moment in Axl's storyline, and - of course - Sue Sue Heck's almost-name-change. Plus, we answer a fun question from a listener who called in! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s ep...

Today we're joined by Jessica Marie Garcia ( On My Block , Liv and Maddie , How to Get Away With Murder ) as she helps us breakdown episode 417, "Wheel of Pain!" She's telling us about her audition, what she learned from The Middle that she takes with her to every job, and gives us her hot takes on this episode! Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Ea...

We've got quite the guest for today's episode! Carolyn Hennesy ( General Hospital , Cougar Town ) helps us breakdown episode 416, "Winners and Losers!" Carolyn played room parent on steroids - Connie - and we've created an entire backstory for her that may or may not include a loveless marriage and a tennis teacher. Plus, we answer a fan voicemail about the use of wigs in sitcoms! Our bonus episod...

We're recapping episode 414, "The Smile," and it's just us today! We're covering everything from the amazing Roger Rees as Sue's tough teacher, Red Lobster's ad within our episode, and we even spot Eden's acting teacher in a role! Plus we answer a listener voicemail who has a question about filming with mirrors. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Ea...

She directed over 80 episodes of The Middle, and she's back with us today! Lee Shallat Chemel joins us to revisit ep 413, "The Friend!" We dive into the challenges of shooting the big cheer-off scene, talk about how Lee navigates kissing scenes between co-stars, and even share rehearsal footage from the unforgettable Fame dance routine. Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, e...

Reminder: we're skipping ep 410 ("Twenty Years") because we already recapped it as an Ehlert's Exclusive bonus episode back in Nov. '25 -- only on Patreon! If you want to listen or watch, that's at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod . Today, we're recapping an episode many fans have deemed as their favorite -- and we can see why! We're chatting about episode 411, "Life Skills," and we're recounting the momen...

Snack Daddy Paul Hipp is here with us today! That's right... Reverend Tim Tom himself joins us to break down ep 409, "Christmas Help." No one makes us laugh like Paul, and today is no exception. He shares stories about horsey school and ice skating school he had to do for The Middle , and even reads some unused Tim Tom lyrics he wrote for the episode. We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops...

A fabulous episode of The Middle , from start to finish. We're breaking down 408, "Thanksgiving IV," and we're talking all about one of Brad's best scenes of the series, hot marines, and we both give a whack at our Jerry Van Dyke impression. We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, focusing on specific '...

Just us today as we breakdown episode 407, "The Safe." We’re spotlighting two TV legends who pop up in this episode: Jane Kaczmarek as Frankie’s dental school teacher and Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars. Plus, we’re sharing some unfiltered thoughts on the Axl & Cassidy storyline and playing an adorable voicemail from one of our youngest listeners. We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops ev...

Today, we’re breaking down episode 406, “Halloween III: The Driving!” We’ve got a fun email from one of our directors, behind-the-scenes stories about filming the scene where Axl’s foot gets run over, and we chat about the wonderful and hilarious late Sam Lloyd. We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, f...