The MiddleGround Mic

🚨 Stop scrolling — and go to TheMiddleGroundMic.com right now. Sign up for the newsletter , and subscribe on Buzzsprout Premium for ad-free, exclusive episodes that the mainstream won’t touch. 🎙️ Hosted by Joe Steagall , The MiddleGround Mic is one of Apple’s Top 10 News Commentary Podcasts , where politics meets truth — without tribalism. From CIA insiders to community leaders, this is where Ame...

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 Joe and Nathan Smolenski dig deep into America’s polarized momen t — from media distrust to the rise of political homelessness — and explore what it takes to find common ground in 2025. They also connect mental health struggles, economic pressures, and the need for a viable third party that represents the “ politically homeless. ”   If you’re tired of the noise and ready for real conversations, s...

Michigan’s new $81B budget is finally done — but does it actually help everyday people?  Joe breaks down the facts: more money for schools, free lunches staying, a new marijuana tax for roads, and small tax cuts for working families.  We’ll also talk about what got trimmed, who’s calling it a win, and what Michiganders should watch next. 💡 Join the newsletter for all show updates and behind-the-s...

In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic , author Mark Smoler discusses his book The Clinton Consequences and the lasting impact of the Clinton era on American politics and culture. We cover: Why respect and authenticity are crucial in today’s political discourse How echo chambers damage open dialogue The role of media influence in shaping public perception The importance of parenting & teachin...

Office politics. Leadership. Burnout. Communication. In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic , Joe talks with TEDx Speaker Amit about navigating the challenges of modern workplaces while staying authentic and resilient. What you’ll learn: Why perception often becomes reality in leadership The CCC Framework—Calm, Clear, Collaborate—for effective communication Tools to build leadership confidence an...

We break down America’s week ahead with no spin, no echo chambers — just real talk that puts solutions and community first. 🇺🇸 #TheMiddleGroundMic #FindingTheMiddle #America #SundayEdition #ForwardTogether This episode is brought to you by Brio. Most trimmers are built to fail after a year or two. Loose guards. Weak batteries. Uneven cuts. The Brio Beardscape V1 changes that completely with a cera...

 Can laughter really heal our divides? In this inspiring conversation, multifaceted artist Scott Grace shows how humor, poetry, and vulnerability can transform political and personal dialogue. From confronting the “MYHY virus” (Make You Hate Yourself) to uncovering the shared desires behind different political strategies, Scott reminds us that peace begins within — and spreads outward. This is mor...

What happens when a mergers and acquisitions lawyer walks away from corporate success to confront trauma, conflict, and systemic failure? In this powerful episode, Leah Brown shares her journey from chaotic beginnings to becoming a mediator and advocate for restorative justice. Leah unpacks how childhood trauma shapes adult lives, why COVID-19 worsened mental health struggles, and how institutiona...

Faith, politics, and leadership in Christian America.        Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer , member of the White House Faith Council , close friend of Charlie Kirk , and founder of Pastors For Trump , joins The MiddleGround Mic with Joseph Steagall. From standing with President Trump at the signing of the Faith Council Executive Order to leading a national grassroots movement, Lahmeyer shares his powerf...

 Strong and balanced commentary on today’s news: Candace Owens doubles down on conspiracy theories, Charlie Kirk’s accused assassin faces a death penalty case, the Fed cuts rates under political fire, and Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension raises free speech questions.  This episode is brought to you by Brio. Most trimmers are built to fail after a year or two. Loose guards. Weak batteries. Uneven cuts. Th...

 Dr. Tenia Davis shares her inspiring journey from overcoming hardship to becoming a leader in education, law, and community advocacy. In this episode, The MiddleGround Mic dives into how resilience, accountability, and restorative approaches shape her work. From breaking barriers in leadership to rethinking justice, Dr. Davis offers a unique perspective on creating lasting change. Tune in for a p...

 Unfiltered News Commentary, Politics, and Honest Debate   Who was the shooter, what’s real about the transgender partner rumors, and how true are Candace Owens ’ claims? Nathan Smolensky joins us to break down Charlie Kirk’s assassination, FBI missteps, and the possible congressional response.  This episode is brought to you by Brio. Most trimmers are built to fail after a year or two. Loose guar...

 The MiddleGround Mic | America’s Home for Balanced News Commentary   In this episode of Finding The Middle Sunday, Joseph Steagall explores Charlie Kirk’s legacy and how extremism is reshaping politics in Michigan. From the Whitmer kidnapping plot to school board fights, we look at real-world examples of how division spreads — and why balance is the only way forward.  This episode is brought to y...

In this engaging conversation, Joseph M. Leonard joins The MiddleGround Mic to explore today’s most pressing political and social issues. From the shifting political landscape in Wayne County to authenticity in politics, Leonard dives deep into healthcare reform, immigration, education, charity, and environmental policies. He challenges the way we think about constitutional amendments, mental heal...

 Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. In this special episode, The MiddleGround Mic reflects on his life, faith, and legacy of civil disagreement. We examine the facts of the tragic incident, bipartisan reactions, and what this moment means for America’s political future.  This episode is brought to you by Brio...

 Adam Swart, founder of Crowds On Demand , joins The MiddleGround Mic to pull back the curtain on protests, media influence, and the growing divide in U.S. politics. From the money fueling social movements to the ethical dilemmas in marketing and activism, Swart reveals the untold stories behind America’s most powerful demonstrations.  Key Takeaways: How wealthy donors and corporations fund protes...

President Trump says he’ll sign an executive order to ban mail-in voting nationwide — except for the military and the severely ill — while requiring strict voter ID across the board. Critics say it’s an unconstitutional power grab that risks disenfranchising millions. Supporters say it’s a necessary step to restore trust in elections. Courts have already challenged Trump’s earlier voting orders, s...

This week on Finding the Middle: Local Edition , Joseph Steagall breaks down Detroit’s most urgent headlines: Should the National Guard be deployed in Detroit? What’s really at stake in Lansing’s budget showdown ? Why is a $20 million MEDC grant under investigation ? And can new bipartisan bills actually crack down on human trafficking ?Subscribe to The MiddleGround Mic — ranked Top 10 in U.S. New...

Join our Newsletter:  https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com In this engaging conversation, Ricky Lee Travolta shares his extensive experience in branding and entertainment, discussing his journey from working with major brands to his connections in Hollywood, particularly with the Star Trek franchise. He emphasizes the importance of customer loyalty, positive branding, and the power of honesty in bus...

On this episode of The MiddleGround Mic , we sit down with Ronald Bee , a U.S. foreign policy expert with decades of experience across Washington, NATO, Russia, and the Middle East. Ron has taught at the U.S. Naval Academy, San Diego State, University of San Diego, and directs programs with Oxford’s Study Abroad in International Relations. Beyond his teaching and media commentary (BBC, NBC, Fox, K...

🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter: www.themiddlegroundmic.com On August 27th, 2025, tragedy struck Minneapolis when a former student opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and wounding eighteen. The suspected shooter, Robin Westman, identified as transgender — sparking immediate political firestorms, culture-war talking points, and a flood of misinformation. In this special...

Join our Newsletter!!! Season 1 of The MiddleGround Mic featured powerful voices like Dr. Glenn Toby, CIA insights from Brent, economic analysis from Dan Schafer, and unforgettable Finding the Middle conversations. Season 2 is here — Adam Swart on protest power, Tenia Davis on leadership, Rikki on youth and media, and Ron Bee on foreign policy clarity. No Left. No Right. Straight Forward. Follow n...

Michigan lawmakers are locked in a budget standoff. Schools face layoffs, road funding is on hold, and an $86 billion spending plan sits in limbo. In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic , we unpack the facts behind the headlines and explore how Michigan can move forward without partisan gridlock. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter: www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter 👉 Support us on Patreon: Help...

Join our Newsletter:  https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter Joe and Joel Bouchard explore how philosophy, music production, and independent thinking shape our lives. This conversation touches on curiosity, the impact of technology on creativity, the challenges of local government, and the long game of urban planning with hydrogen. From generational politics to the pursuit of truth, the dia...