Middle Outcast

📌 Our guest, Bobby Vickers joins the conversation at 1:37:27 We’re back after a long stretch. The last episode came out in March, and since then it’s been tough not only to stay consistent but to bring in guests who don’t just echo our own worldview. Episode 5 was recorded on April 2nd, the day after Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day.” What began as a throwaway recording became something more whe...

In a world where religion has done as much harm as good, what does faith even mean anymore? In this episode, we talk with Tona Rowett and Michelle Scott-Huffman about what happens when belief gets messy, and how people are reclaiming spiritual identity after trauma. We get into the damage done by the Church, the quiet power of personal theology, and why it’s okay to question everything. In a cultu...

In this episode of Middle Outcast, we talk with Elijah Haahr, former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, about the shifting landscape of American politics. We discuss how long-form conversations are changing political engagement, the role of social media in deepening polarization, and whether the United States is truly headed for a national divorce. Elijah shares his thoughts on poli...

In this episode of Middle Outcast , we take a step back and introduce ourselves—Tom and Myke—and share the stories that shaped who we are today. From Myke's journey as a Midwest tinkerer turned community-building tech guru to Tom’s path from a small-town kid to a Marine Corps veteran with a passion for creating and problem-solving, we explore the unique experiences that drive our perspectives. We...

In the inaugural episode of Middle Outcast , hosts Myke and Tom set the stage for their ambitious mission to foster real conversations in a fractured world. They discuss the challenges of polarization, the harm of “memeification,” and the power of honest dialogue in bridging ideological divides. With humor, humility, and a vision for connection, they share their motivations, outline their goals, a...