The Middle

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 74 – Screen time In this episode, Andy and Roger discuss Jonathan Haidt’s latest book about the impact of screen devices on children. Andy and Roger discuss their own attitudes towards the topic, whether they believe this is a real risk for the next generation or whether this is just a moral panic. Andy and Roger also discuss differences in opinion about how to paren...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 73 – Bad bosses In this episode, Andy and Roger discuss what it takes to be a good boss. What is the right balance between pushing staff hard verses being kind and friendly, but also kind of weak. Andy and Roger discuss what Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have in common, and no, it is not their love of Android. Andy and Roger have some interesting differences of opinion th...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 72 – Bad parents In this episode, Andy and Roger discuss their views on parenting. Andy and Roger explore a series of parenting-puzzlers, including letting kids ride alone on a subway, monitoring kids’ social media accounts, the age kids should be allowed smartphones, spanking, what to do with a bad report card, ‘mental health days’, drinking beer and wine, and compe...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 71 – Smokes on a plane In this episode, Andy and Roger go back to the 90s and explore what used to be okay, including smoking on a plane. Topics covered include Nazis at football matches, the free Britney movement, Michael Jackson, the Smashing Pumpkins, forced affection from Pepé Le Pew, gender roles and more. Andy also finds a way to weave in a certain sex tape fro...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 70 – Moral hazards In this episode, Andy and Roger consider some of life’s big challenges and moral conundrums. Are you on the right side of history? Roger has a messy situation involving bins and another sticky car parking situation, Andy grapples with hugs in social settings, Roger can’t work out whether speaking over people in meetings is okay, Andy wonders whethe...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 69 – Crypto king In this episode, Andy and Roger interview fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried from his prison cell - or at least they thought they would be until he cancelled at the last minute. Andy and Roger consider the ethics of stealing billions of dollars from investors and whether SBF is evil or not. They discuss effective altruism, the eerie similarities between SBF...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 68 – The iliterati In this episode, Andy and Roger take a look at their empty bookshelves and wonder what went wrong. They discuss the rise of audiobooks and how they consume information in this contemporary world where books are not what they once were. They discuss the best way to find new book leads, top tips to cry like a man and get in trouble when they again tr...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 67 – Is that racist? In this episode, Andy and Roger examine two high profile “racist incidents” that caused a stir over the past few weeks. Roger serves as our in field reporter, asking the good people of Castle Hill whether Sam Kerr is racist. Andy and Roger also discuss the Spencer Leniu NRL “monkey” incident, and whether it's okay for kids playing gorilla tag...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 66 – Building Beautifully In this episode, Andy and Roger are joined by Sharath from the YouTube channel Building Beautifully. Sharath joins the Middle to discuss housing affordability, the generational divide and ways to make homes more affordable for young people. Sharath explains what a YIMBY is and shares with us some anecdotes about his YouTube channel. This pod...

Welcome to The Middle Podcast with Andy and Roger

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 65 – Empathy In this episode, Andy and Roger delve into a wide-ranging discussion on societal norms, focusing on another parking dispute that escalates into a broader conversation about cultural differences, gender dynamics, and the perception of fairness in public spaces. They explore how these seemingly small conflicts can reveal deeper societal issues and personal...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 64 – Taylor Swift In this episode, Andy and Roger explore Taylor Swift's unprecedented rise in popularity, trying to unpack whether it’s okay for middle-aged men to go to her concerts. They delve into the societal impact of her music, fan culture, and the phenomenon of celebrity in the digital age. The conversation also touches on fame's downsides, and the un...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 63 – Tax cuts In this episode, Andy and Roger touch on the recent decision to deny higher income earners their stage 3 tax cuts promised at the last election. Andy and Roger examine taxation and economic policy in Australia, touching upon the complexities of navigating public expectations and political promises, reflecting on the implications of tax reform and its im...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 62 – Boomer food Can boomers cook? In this podcast episode, Andy and Roger discuss the cultural evolution of food, focusing on the transformation of Australian cuisine and barbecue culture. They explore how the food landscape has shifted from basic, unseasoned dishes to a more diverse and sophisticated palate influenced by various cultures. The conversation includes...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 61 – Pianogate Special video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSc_uVZUJ0Y In this intriguing podcast episode, Andy and Roger explore the complexities of public behaviour and cultural misunderstandings. First up, special guest Reuben returns to discuss his experience dobbing himself into the police over a parking incident. Then, the trio explore themes of just...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 60 – Australia Day In this podcast episode, Andy and Roger discuss nationalism, cultural identity, and the mediocrity of Australia’s flag on this Australia Day long weekend. They delve into the recent controversy surrounding Australian supermarket chain Woolworths' decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise, exploring the implications of this move in term...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 59 – The parking garage In the parking garage, Andy and Roger get lost like Jerry, Kramer, George and Elaine when they engage in a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation about cultural norms and their impact on societal behaviour. They specifically delve into an incident involving a parking spot dispute, where cultural differences lead to conflict and misundersta...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 58 – Friends In this podcast episode, Andy and Roger discuss the evolution of their personal lives and friendships, especially in the context of balancing family, work, and social connections. They delve into the nuances of maintaining relationships as adults, touching upon the dynamics of friendship, the impact of social media, and the challenges of navigating diffe...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 57 – Crime and punishment In this thought-provoking and humorous podcast episode, hosts Andy and Roger dive into the intricacies and moral dilemmas surrounding the justice system, touching on themes of wrongful convictions, the psychology of interrogation, and the existential debates about free will and personal agency. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and broader...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 56 – New years eve In this episode, hosts Andy and Roger engage in an year-end discussion, reflecting on their personal experiences and cultural observations from 2023. They cover a wide range of topics, from personal achievements and struggles, such as weight loss journeys and home improvement projects, to broader societal issues like climate change and the complexi...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 55 – Christmas eve In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Andy and Roger delve into the festive spirit with discussions about the pressures and joys of Christmas preparation. They explore various aspects of the holiday season, including the impact of economic factors like inflation and interest rates on Christmas celebrations, the complexities of gift-giving, and th...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 54 – Immigration In this podcast episode, Roger and Andy discuss immigration, primarily focusing on its impact in Australia. The hosts explore the complexities of immigration policies, cultural integration, and economic effects. They consider how immigration shapes society, delving into topics such as cultural diversity, societal challenges, and the balance between m...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 53 – The Middle fails pt.2 In this two part special, guest Reuben returns to grill Roger and Andy on their biggest mistakes, failures and bad takes in celebration of the first anniversary of the Middle. In Part 2, hosts Roger and Andy and guest Reuben turn to the infamous world cup kiss, updates on the Israel Palestine conflict, and the indigenous Voice to Parliament...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 52 – The Middle fails pt.1 In this two part special, guest Reuben returns to grill Roger and Andy on their biggest mistakes, failures and bad takes in celebration of the first anniversary of The Middle. Hosts Roger and Andy celebrate their podcast's journey beginning with a humorous tale from guest Reuben about his elderly father's escapades. The episode revi...

🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE Episode 51 – Dollars up, pounds down In this episode, Andy and Roger cover a range of topics beginning with Black Friday shopping habits and the influence of American consumer culture in Australia. The discussion then shifts to the Australian housing crisis, reflecting on the challenges young families face in affording homes and the evolving nature of cities like Sydney. The...