The Far Middle

In milestone Far Middle episode 200, Nick reflects on the series’ nearly four-year history and announces upcoming format changes. “Like all good things in life, evolution is part of the process and journey toward continuous improvement,” says Nick. Despite upcoming changes in format, the Far Middle’s mission and message are built to last. Similarly built to last, and a fitting sports dedication for a landmark episode, Nick celebrates America’s iconic sports statues that dot cities across the country and provide a legacy for future generations to know and recall their cities’ sports greats. While such a tribute could fill a three-hour-plus Far Middle discussion (maybe someday it will), Nick proceeds to highlight his “Mount Rushmore of sports statues in the Steel City.” The four honorees include Pirates legend Honus Wagner (dedicated in Far Middle Episode 137), 1960 World Series hero and Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, the great Roberto Clemente (dedicated in Episode 21), and prolific Penguin Mario Lemieux. Le Magnifique is among a select group of multi-featured dedications. Including, of course, Super Mario’s feature in Episode 66, as well as his 1992–1993 season spotlight in Episode 93. These statues—crafted by artists like Susan Wagner (Mazeroski, Clemente), Frank Vittor (Honus Wagner), and Bruce Wolfe (Lemieux)—symbolize Pittsburgh’s rich sports legacy while immortalizing both athletic greatness and the sculptors who transformed history into bronze. Nick then revisits the Far Middle’s origins as a companion to his book Precipice: The Left’s Campaign to Destroy America, which evolved into a standalone platform for rational discourse on policy, culture, and current events. Across its four-year run, the show has regularly tackled topics like administrative overreach, climate policy, education, geopolitics, and capitalism, consistently advocating for “the doers” – working-class innovators and flyover America – while critiquing elitism and ideological policymaking. Key pillars of The Far Middle’s ethos include: Defending individualism against the tyranny of the majority and the wisdom of the elite experts. Promoting civil discourse even amid polarizing topics. Championing capitalism as the optimal economic system: “It's not perfect, far from it, but it's the best economic system to elevate the human spirit we've come across in history,” says Nick. Prioritizing data-driven analysis over emotional or speculative arguments. Announcing a major format shift, Nick reveals the podcast will transition from weekly 25-minute episodes to a less frequent, deeper-dive format. New episodes will focus on single themes (e.g., history, science, music) with supplemental visuals or companion articles, aiming for “predictably unpredictable and uniformly unconventional” explorations. The evolution mirrors bold reinventions in rock history, prompting Nick to present his “Magnificent Seven” of rock acts that successfully reinvented their style to achieve new heights. Those artists include Genesis, U2, and Bob Dylan, but you’ll have to...

As the Far Middle approaches its 200th episode, Nick begins with the series’ first sports dedication to honor a soccer great. That legend is Diego Maradona, whom Nick describes as the most dynamic, charismatic, and clutch athlete in soccer history. Nick recounts Maradona's humble beginnings in Buenos Aires, his rise to stardom, and his iconic transfer from Barcelona to Napoli in 1984, which resonated personally for Nick given his family roots in Naples. Maradona's arrival transformed Napoli from an underdog southern Italian club into champions, symbolizing a victory for the working class against wealthier northern teams. Despite Maradona's off-field controversies—including drug issues and alleged mafia connections—Naples maintained deep affection for him, eventually renaming their stadium in his honor. Highlighting Maradona's ascent to mythical status at the 1986 World Cup, Nick recalls his controversial 'Hand of God' goal and another widely considered the greatest goal in World Cup history, both from the quarterfinal match against England. While admiring Maradona's unparalleled talent on the field, Nick also critiques his Leftist political leanings and associations with controversial figures like Fidel Castro and Nicolás Maduro. From Maradona's undeniable soccer greatness, Nick connects to climate alarmism within sports journalism. He examines an article asserting soccer faces threats from climate change, criticizing the piece’s lack of evidence and sensationalist tone. Initiatives like stadium solar arrays, batteries, and relying on wind-powered electricity are more about virtue signaling than genuine environmental benefit, and they often result in higher actual carbon footprints compared to conventional energy sources. Continuing to address the realities of affordable and reliable energy, Nick next highlights a recent editorial from author Bjorn Lomborg, “Green Energy Costs a Bundle.” Citing examples from Germany and other European countries, Nick shows how greater reliance on renewables leads to higher electricity costs and less reliable energy supplies. He also explains how subsidies mask the true cost of renewables in the United States, advocating for transparency and efficiency reforms. And as the waning seconds of extra time in episode 199 tick away, Nick connects back to the episode’s soccer start, recommending the 1981 film "Escape to Victory." Starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Max von Sydow, Pelé, and other professional soccer players, the movie is set in World War II and centers on Allied POWs playing a soccer match against German opponents amidst escape plans and propaganda schemes. “The ending is great,” says Nick without revealing any spoilers. “You’ll have to watch it to see it.”

In Far Middle episode 198, Nick opens with a tribute to one of the NFL’s most violent games—the early November 1984 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders. The game featured Buddy Ryan’s “46 Defense” thatfocused on relentless quarterback pressure (exemplified by their 11-sack performance against Archie Manning the prior week). That pressure led to Raiders’ quarterbacks Mark Wilson (knocked out twice) and David Humm (incurring a career-ending injury) exiting the game. The Raiders’ emergency, third-string quarterback and punter, Ray Guy, refused to enter the game, fearing injury. On the other side of the battle, resembling “World War I trench warfare,” Bears’ quarterback Jim McMahon played through a game-suffered lacerated kidney. McMahon and the Bears prevailed 17-6, but moreover the game symbolizes a bygone era of raw physicality. Contrasted to today’s offense-driven, safety-conscious NFL, Nick calls it a “world where a Tom Brady or a Lamar Jackson wouldn't have a chance of being the greats that we've had the pleasure of seeing them become.” Next, Nick dives into a series of connections and great trends in history, specifically trends identified and articulated by American historian Daniel J. Boorstin (1914–2004). Boasting a resume that includes distinguished author and Pulitzer Prize winner, Librarian of Congress from 1975 to 1987, renowned historian, college professor and more, Nick proceeds to explore Boorstin’s theories and work, including: Consensus History: Emphasizing American unity over class conflict and celebrating inventors and entrepreneurs as societal pillars. Creators vs. Discoverers: Creators (artists, musicians) forge new paths without linear progress. Discoverers (scientists, explorers) build incrementally on collective knowledge. And the observation that discoverers, like Christopher Columbus, receive individual credit for collaborative efforts. Meanwhile creators like Led Zeppelin are grouped into “schools” that obscure their individuality. The Convergence of Technology with Political History: The U.S. Constitution, Boorstin argues, emerged not from divine inspiration but from practicality. Printed drafts allowed 55 delegates to debate and refine ideas—a process impossible without the era’s nascent printing technology. Even America’s discovery, Nick adds, was a “happy accident” born of Europe’s quest for Asian trade routes. An example of Boorstin’s view on creativity and knowledge is encapsulated in his line from The Discoverers (1983). He writes, “The great obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents, and the oceans was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge.” In closing, Nick offers a playful yet profound coda: Ross Bagdasarian, the Armenian-American creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks. A Broadway actor, Hitchcock film extra, and hit songwriter, Bagdasarian epitomized Boorstin’s “creator-inventor” hybrid. His sped-up vocals birthed a cultural phenomenon, proving innovation often thrives at the intersection of art and unconventional experimentation. And what is Nick’s favorite Chipmunks album? Press play and find out! For more on the Chicago Bears’ defense, see where the 1985 squad lands on Nick’s “Ten Greatest NFL Defenses in the Super Bowl Era.”

As Far Middle episode 197 arrives with Cactus and Grapefruit League play underway, Nick opens with a fitting baseball dedication to legendary Cincinnati Red, Ted Kluszewski, aka “Big Klu.”  Nick highlights Big Klu’s four ingredients for success—ability, confidence, work ethic, and the will to win. Those ingredients transcend baseball and apply to professional success no matter one’s career path.  Nick shifts from the power hitter’s insights of the 1950s to Voltaire’s wisdom from the 1700s. Nick proceeds to explore Voltaire's Alphabet of Wit, a collection of short essays offering timely commentary on many issues society faces today.  For those unfamiliar with Voltaire, Nick explains he was one of history’s great writers, and a prolific one as well, authoring approximately 20,000 letters and over 2,000 books and pamphlets. And his Alphabet of Wit is a perfect, condensed introduction to Voltaire’s philosophy and genius.  In Alphabet of Wit, Voltaire presents an alphabetical series of short and insightful essays examining words/terms from A to Z, from animals to eloquence, from morality to slavery, and more. Here are just a few of Nick’s observations:  Books: Voltaire lamented that despite their abundance, few people invest the time to read—a problem amplified today. Government: Voltaire mocked humanity's obsession with governing despite its perpetual incompetence, a critique that resonates with modern bureaucratic inefficiency. Happiness: True joy, Voltaire argued, stems from disposition, not circumstance-a reminder for today's pursuit of contentment. Right: Voltaire's critique of paper currency (“a sham for real wealth”) parallels modern critiques of central banking, while his observations on religious institutions resonate with current debates on institutional power. Nick also discusses Voltaire's perspective on self-love, which echoes the philosophy of Ayn Rand, particularly her concept of rational self-interest. In exploring Voltaire’s view on war, Nick notes that Voltaire's take that leaders should exhaust all alternatives before resorting to conflict resonates strongly today.  In closing, Nick connects Voltaire’s discussion of the alphabet and language to L.L. Zamenhof's Esperanto, a constructed language developed in the late 1800s intended to promote peace and understanding. Though it failed to achieve widespread adoption, Esperanto serves as a reminder of humanity's ongoing quest to bridge divides and foster lasting connection.  Episode 197 is another masterful set of connections, spanning Kluszewski’s ingredients for success to Voltaire’s wit, stressing reason and timeless wisdom to navigate modern complexities.

In Far Middle episode 196, Nick starts with a blend of basketball history and intrigue for the installment’s sports dedication—recounting how basketball giants Red Auerbach and Wilt Chamberlain met back in the summer of 1954. Nick explains how Chamberlain and Auerbach’s paths crossed as player and coach at a country club in Monticello, NY. He reflects on the clash between the young, headstrong Chamberlain and the up-and-coming Coach Auerbach. For more on Coach Auerbach, revisit Far Middle episode 119 for Nick’s tribute to the legendary coach and executive. And for more commentary on Chamberlain, see episode 152 and episode 69 which honors the 69-win NBA season by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers. Transitioning from the hardwood to hard economic issues, Nick explores the possibility of the new administration getting serious about fiscal responsibility and the need to balance America’s budget. Nick explains, “The levers in the end are indeed simple. You can raise taxes to increase revenues. That's one option. You can cut spending by government. There's a second one. Or you can scale back entitlements. And each lever, although simple, brings to bear many complexities in endless policy debates.” Inspired by Thomas Sowell, Nick discusses an additional lever, which is the potential of selling federally owned land. He notes the concept isn’t new, and the move could not only generate revenue but also reduce maintenance costs and stimulate economic growth. The episode then shifts to a curious contradiction: the decline of religious practice in America despite centuries of religious freedom. Drawing from recent studies and exit polls from the 2024 election, Nick points out the growing number of religiously unaffiliated Americans and how faith seems to correlate with political preferences. Next, Nick dives into the impact of inflation over the past four years, presenting a sobering list of rising prices across multiple sectors, from car insurance to airfare and from gas to groceries. This leads to a critique of price controls as a solution to inflation, with Nick citing the work of Henry Hazlitt and Brian Wesbury in, The Dangers of Price Controls. “Movement toward a dictated and authoritarian economy is never a good thing,” says Nick. “It takes freedom away from the individual business entity and worker and places power in the hands of government. Bad move under any circumstance and price controls are never a cure for inflation, despite how they are marketed.” Nick further underscores that the complexity of our economy makes price controls impossible. He also addresses the root cause of inflation, which is the growth of America’s money supply since 2008.  In closing, Nick offers a tribute to “the greatest name in science fiction writing and film screenwriting that you never heard of.” That writer is the acclaimed Lee Brackett, a pioneering science fiction writer and screenwriter often overlooked despite her significant contributions. Nick describes Brackett as one of the most prominent female writers during the golden age of science fiction. Nick touches on Brackett’s extensive resume and career highlights, which includes writing and co-writing many films (including The Big Sleep that starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall), working on Westerns alongside director Howard Hawks, and much more. One of her last works and her final scre...

As spring training gets underway during the premiere week of Far Middle episode 195, Nick leads off with a timely and heartfelt dedication to one of baseball’s greatest leadoff hitters—the late, great Rickey Henderson. Nick recalls Henderson's distinctive style and personality, including his crouched batting stance and his tendency to refer to himself in the third person. Reflecting on Henderson's record-breaking career, Nick highlights his unmatched stolen base prowess, which rightfully earned him the nickname “Man of Steal.” Leaving the diamond, Nick delves into the writings of Ayn Rand. He examines her thoughts on civil discourse and advocacy, emphasizing their relevance to the challenges of today's political landscape. Rand's focus on well-reasoned arguments and the importance of clarifying ideological divides provides an important framework for analyzing contemporary issues. Nick highlights Rand’s quote from her essay Conservatism: An Obituary: “Nothing is as futile as a movement without goals, or a crusade without ideals, or a battle without ammunition. A bad argument is worse than ineffectual: it lends credence to the arguments of your opponents. A half-battle is worse than none: it does not end in mere defeat—it helps and hastens the victory of your enemies." To illustrate Rand’s argument, Nick critiques a recent Wall Street Journal article on energy policy. He examines flaws in the article’s logic and rebuts its assumptions, raising concerns about bias and a lack of rigor in business media reporting, particularly regarding energy and climate issues. Shifting from Rand’s wisdom to insights from The Heritage Foundation’s Kevin Roberts, Nick explores Roberts’ essay Populist Conservatism and Constitutional Order. Nick highlights Roberts’ observation that “the Left as we know it today has rejected populism out of hand, embracing instead Big Government, Big Business, Big Banks, Big Tech, Big Pharma, Big Labor, Big Ag, Big Media, and Big Entertainment.” Roberts includes a quote by composter Gustav Mahler, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” Nick reflects on this important message, which he says has been true since the Enlightenment and is central to the Far Middle’s mission. Ending on a high note, Nick offers a tribute to legendary guitarist Joe Walsh while acknowledging Walsh’s omission from Nick’s list of top rock guitarists. He delves into Walsh’s musical journey beyond the Eagles, spotlighting his influential album So What and his contributions to rock history. Tune in to not only hear Nick’s favorite Joe Walsh song but to learn more about Walsh which will likely have you searching Spotify for Rocky Mountain Way.

Far Middle episode 194 is another exploration of multiple interconnected topics, beginning with a tribute to Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, a legendary boxing trainer and mentor. D'Amato's life story is remarkable. From his humble and rough beginnings in the Bronx to becoming a transformative figure in boxing, Cus went on to train champions such as Floyd Patterson and Mike Tyson while developing the innovative "peek-a-boo" boxing technique. “You won't find a figure who had more of an impact on boxing, who loved it more, and who was dedicated to it more, and whose career spanned a longer time than that of Cus D'Amato,” reflects Nick. Stepping out of the ring, Nick observes how many issues today, particularly those revolving around policy, seem to rely on the faith of rhetoric and perception versus data and facts. He proceeds to analyze criminal justice statistics, challenging popular perceptions about mass incarceration. Contrary to common narratives, the U.S. prison population has been declining for 15 years, with only 17% of prisoners being drug offenders and most inmates being violent criminals or repeat offenders. Nick examines how the increased incarceration rate since 1960 is attributable to higher crime rates and improved criminal justice system effectiveness, not necessarily harsher sentencing. Continuing to focus on the data, Nick then examines federal anti-poverty programs, exposing their inefficiency. In 2023, the government spent $29,402 per person in poverty, with total federal outlays exceeding $1 trillion. Despite this investment, poverty remains largely unaddressed, highlighting government’s systemic ineffectiveness. Shifting to social media’s impact on political discourse, Nick draws parallels between Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats with Donald Trump's use of X/Twitter. He critiques left-leaning calls for social media regulation, framing it as an attempt to control narrative and information flow. In closing, Nick offers a philosophical reflection on species extinction, noting that 99.99% of all species that ever existed are now extinct, and humans have been around for approximately 4 million years - coincidentally the average lifespan of complex species. Throughout the episode, Nick underscores the importance of examining facts and data rather than relying on rhetoric and perception. For related commentary on the importance of facts and data, revisit Far Middle episode 173, “Data Driven Truth,” where Nick highlights CNX Resources' Radical Transparency initiative. And if you missed episode 137, “The Fellowship of Data and Facts,” listen as Nick examines the actual data on Western Pennsylvania’s air quality, in addition to examining the Institute for Energy Research’s Environmental Quality Index, as well as the unsettling state of America’s finances.

In Far Middle episode 193, Nick follows up last week’s dedication to the American Football League with a timely tribute to legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. Belichick, known for his six Super Bowl wins as head coach of the New England Patriots (plus two more as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants in Super Bowls XXI and XXV), recently surprised many, including Nick, by accepting a position as head coach at the University of North Carolina. However, given Belichick's NFL success and passion for the game, Nick suggests that perhaps the eight-time Super Bowl champ is looking to take on a new challenge as a head coach at the college level. From Coach Belichick’s Super Bowl victories, Nick connects to President Trump’s victory this past November and subsequent inauguration last week. He highlights the new administration's focus on improving government efficiency and reducing both the administrative state and regulations. “It’s exciting to someone like me who is a combo of libertarian, socially liberal, and fiscally conservative,” explains Nick. Nick references polling results that indicate most American voters are more concerned about government interference in private affairs than the dangers of capitalism and free markets. He says it’s time for tangible action to put Americans’ fears to rest by reining in the administrative state so that it falls within bounds more in line with reasonableness and our Constitution. Next, Nick discusses needed reforms at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including linking research grants to academic freedom rankings and addressing issues of research fraud. “Elite academia and the scientific research that it performs are mired in a culture of conformity, one that ostracizes dissenting views or unconventional thinking from the consensus,” says Nick. “We see that occurring across every imaginable arena of scientific research, and then we see that research setting every imaginable arena of policy.” The conversation then turns to education, discussing Thomas Jefferson High School in Virginia and its financial connections to China. Nick explains how the school's curriculum and model have been copied in China, raising concerns about technology transfer and educational partnerships. The episode also revisits retirement and workforce trends (discussed in episode 192), using an anecdote about an American retiring in Belgium to illustrate demographic challenges facing developed nations. Nick stresses his concern about “the system” incentivizing early retirements and the impact on workforce productivity and economic competitiveness.  In closing, Nick celebrates Motown icon Smokey Robinson, detailing his career achievements, songwriting credits, and immense impact on the music industry. He also notes Robinson’s lifelong friendship with Aretha Franklin. For more on Franklin, check out Nick’s four favorite singles from the Queen of Soul at the close of episode 111. 

Far Middle episode 192 arrives as most of the US shivers amidst a polar vortex. Nick begins by coincidentally noting that 54 years ago tomorrow marks the day when Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska, experienced the lowest temperature ever in the United States, -80 degrees.  Beginning this week’s connections, Nick shifts from bitter cold to the intense heat of the march to Super Bowl LIX as only four teams remain. With less than three weeks until Super Bowl Sunday, Nick offers this episode’s sports dedication to the American Football League (AFL). The AFL operated from 1960 to 1970 before merging with the National Football League (NFL). While the fourth major attempt to compete with the NFL, Nick explains the factors and tactics that led to the AFL’s success; its exciting, offense-oriented style of play alongside TV contracts helped the league survive and eventually thrive. The AFL's history includes football legends like Joe Namath and Pete Rozelle, who were honored in previous Far Middle sports dedications (episodes 106 and 146). Nick then shifts to a frequent Far Middle subject, tax policy. “With so much talk these days centered around making sure that individuals and businesses, particularly those making the most, pay their fair share of tax, I thought it would be interesting to move away from the rhetoric and focus on the objective math,” says Nick. Looking at the federal tax system and its progressive structure, Nick notes that in 2022, the top 1% of income tax filers provided over 40% of federal tax revenue, while the top 10% shouldered over 70% of the total tax burden. “Yeah, the reality is that one filer out of every hundred is providing more than 40% of income tax revenue,” says Nick. “And that top 1% is about one-and-a-half million tax returns. That group comprises over 22% of the nation's total reported earnings.” On the topic of paying one’s fair share, Nick also analyzes the tax-exempt status of large non-profit organizations. He points out that in 2019, tax-exempt nonprofits generated over $3 trillion in income and held $8 trillion in assets. The episode concludes with a discussion of global demographic trends, comparing and contrasting China's response to the declining working-age population to that of Japan, Europe, and the United States. He highlights China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is helping solve its demographic problems while also expanding its global influence. As time expires on episode 192, Nick shares his appreciation for the 1970s TV show "Barney Miller” (which premiered 50 years ago this week) and follows with a closing thought on personal motivation by referencing a line from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead.

Nick opens Far Middle episode 191 with a sports dedication highlighting a sport that’s evaded the podcast series’ nearly four years (and counting) run of tributes. Nick heads back to 1972 to celebrate that summer’s World Chess Championship match between Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union—dubbed the "Match of the Century" (not to be confused with “The Mile of the Century” highlighted in episode 168). The historic confrontation, held in Iceland, saw Fischer become the first American-born world chess champion, ending 24 years of Soviet chess dominance. Nick examines Fischer's eccentric behavior, unpredictable playing style, strategies, and Fischer’s life following the unprecedented win. Beginning the episode’s connections, Nick shifts to the cold hard truth in refuting President Biden’s assertion that extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer in the US. From the Oval Office, Nick connects to the judicial branch to discuss Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch's book "Overruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law," which critiques the voluminous growth of regulations in the US. He highlights Justice Gorsuch’s anecdote about a magician needing a license for a rabbit to illustrate the absurdity and cumulative onslaught of the bureaucratic state. This leads to a broader discussion on the concept of natural law, “some of its core characteristics,” and its influence on the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Nick then delves into Russian influence on Western environmental movements. “Russia and its controlled interests have been large funders and backers and supporters of the Western environmental movement, particularly with respect to anti-fossil fuel and anti-fracking groups,” says Nick. “It's true, even if it sounds like something out of a Hollywood conspiracy thriller.” Russia’s manipulation of public opinion also extends to recent protests against a lithium mine in Serbia, which would threaten Russia’s energy dominance over Europe. Staying on foreign policy, Nick addresses the United Nations' "Pact for the Future" and "UN 2.0" initiative, and the power they give to global institutions. Nick describes UN 2.0 as scarier than the original UN monster and praises Argentina's President Milei for opposing these measures. Nick highlights President Milei’s recent speech before the UN General Assembly, where the president called the UN "a multi-tentacled Leviathan that seeks to decide what each nation state should do and how the citizens of the world should live." On the topic of disinformation and misinformation, Nick looks at Wikipedia's role in shaping public perception, discussing how Vice President Harris's role as "border czar" was manipulated on the platform. In closing, Nick returns to the episode’s opening topic of chess to discuss the musical Chess, which was inspired by the Bobby Fischer vs. Boris Spassky match. The production’s music was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and notes "One Night in Bangkok” is featured on the 18-track album. “Stay humble over this coming week until we convene again, and always stay connected to that far middle,” says Nick signing-off.