The Far Middle

Episode 51 of The Far Middle features a first dual-dedication to Ichiro Suzuki and Dick Butkus—two great number 51’s who, while opposites in their approach, shared greatness. Their success was grounded in a “good old-fashioned work ethic,” says Nick, before quoting Calvin Coolidge: “All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” Nick goes on to discuss America losing its work ethic and how government policies are the root cause; including higher education and today’s college admissions game. Nick also shares a few observations on the state of America’s cities following a recent night out in Pittsburgh. He concludes with a few tidbits on the prolific Agatha Christie, the best-selling novelist of all time.

Episode 50 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the elite NHL players who’ve scored 50 goals in the first 50 games of a season, and in particular the Islanders’ Mike Bossy. Nick recounts the dramatic final five minutes of the 50th game of the 1980-81 season where Bossy netted his 49th and 50th goals. Next in this episode’s line-up, Nick provides an overview of the oil industry, from the different types of crude grades to how production and refining work in tandem. “The next time you hear someone spouting off on oil-import-this or oil-export-that or corporate greed babble or oil industry blabber—be skeptical, head back to the reality, to the science,” says Nick. Nick goes on to discuss government corruption; academia circumventing the laws the private sector and individuals must abide by; education funding, student academic proficiency, and teachers unions; a new federal government research initiative to identify the “pain points” to make agencies more user friendly; and, Treasury Secretary Yellen’s theatrics. Nick concludes with a review of the documentary, “Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police.”

Episode 49 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Robert “Bobby” Mitchell. For those unfamiliar, Bobby was the original four-way threat, the Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders before there was a Bo or a Deion. Nick begins by discussing a recent CNBC survey and its design, which looked at President Biden’s approval rating and Americans’ top concerns. Next, Nick discusses the latest restrictions being imposed on Afghan girls and women by the Taliban’s “Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” and the White House’s response. And on the subject of the White House, Nick recommends they stop fibbing on the smallest of matters to start to build trust. Additionally, Nick delves into his recent column on the difference between a liberal and a leftist, his concerns over our lady “TINA,” and closes with a look at Stephen King’s recent novel “The Institute.”

Episode 48 of The Far Middle is uniquely dedicated to “the strikeout.” Listen as Nick connects the number 48 to Major League Baseball strikeouts. Nick highlights Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, aka the Strikeout King, as he discusses the risk/reward of pitching for strikeouts. While on the topic of risk/reward, Nick examines ESG investing. “Doing right—sometimes—that correlates to amping up risk. Change is risky,” says Nick. Next, Nick looks at what airpower means on the modern-day battlefield and air superiority’s evolution. And while Russia invades Ukraine, the United Nations is focused on a “climate catastrophe.” Next, Nick analyzes Europe’s energy mix; escalating violence in America’s major cities and society’s need for public safety; and, another basic societal need, a reliable electric grid. Nick concludes by marking the 116th anniversary of the Great 1906 San Francisco earthquake and noting its silver lining.

Episode 47 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Steelers cornerback Mel Blount, the lynchpin of the Steel Curtain. After reflecting on the four-time Super Bowl champ’s playing career and post-football work supporting and mentoring youth, Nick proposes we deputize the Hall of Famer to straighten things out with criminals looting and vandalizing train cargoes in California. Next, Nick discusses environmental groups and their attorneys stopping the training of America’s Navy SEALs: “Putin and the Chinese Communist Party, their best friends, more often than not, are environmental groups.” Nick then examines the latest from “perhaps Putin’s second-best friend” Pope Francis, who continues to not name Russia as the aggressor in their war on Ukraine. Nick goes on to comment on the federal government awash in tax revenue, the “Iron Triangle” in action, and closes with a must-listen reflection on Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti—the first album to ever go platinum on advance orders alone (add it to your playlist after this podcast, especially if it’s been ten years gone since last listen).

Episode 46 is uniquely dedicated to both Buddy Ryan’s 46 Defense and strong safety Doug Plank, “probably the most impactful player in football history that you never heard of.” After reflecting on the Chicago Bears 1985 season, Nick draws similarities to virtue signaling surrounding pandemic management, specifically New York City Mayor Eric Adams exempting athletes and performers from the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. “Shows how the elite have one set of rules, and then the rest of us have to live with a very different, less-free set of rules, that are much more stifling,” says Nick.Next, Nick discusses President Biden’s recent comments on America’s “dependency on fossil fuels.” Followed by an analysis of gasoline prices and the Democratic response, as well as a look at how the prices of everything—from food containers to mortgages—is rising. Nick goes on to discuss the recent Bloomberg column “Inflation Stings Most If You Earn Less Than $300K. Here's How to Deal.”; comments on companies that continue to do business with Russia; and reflects on P.J. O'Rourke and John Hughes.

Episode 45 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson—the ultimate intimidator while on the mound. In this installment, Nick discusses several troubling trends, starting with America’s mass transit systems. Despite ridership declines, government continues to pour taxpayer dollars into “keeping the rails greased.” Next, Nick questions why we’re not paying closer attention to environmental groups’ funding sources. Another troubling trend is the softening of American patriotism, revealed by a recent poll asking Americans if they would stand and fight if the U.S. was invaded. Also discussed are: NYU’s new class on Taylor Swift; Milton Friedman’s four ways to spend money; and, today’s anniversary of the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley.

Episode 44 of The Far Middle—dedicated to Hammerin’ Hank—focuses again on the Russia/Ukraine crisis. While episode 43 examined the international response to Russia’s invasion, episode 44 focuses on the disappointing leadership from President Biden and his administration. “President Biden is doing everything he can do to determine Ukraine’s fate early, and not in a good way from the perspective of Ukraine,” says Nick. Next, Nick comments on the foolishness of John Kerry, as well as President Biden’s recent State of the Union address. Nick explains how Russia’s invasion into Ukraine has cornered President Biden and the Left. He reiterates Putin’s invasion, as well as inflation, supply chain issues, diminished energy security, are all symptoms of the deeper underlying root cause: the West’s climate change policies. Nick also addresses Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Federal Reserve and much more. In closing, Nick wishes a happy birthday to guitarist and Pittsburgh native George Benson, “the greatest jazz guitarist of his generation.”

Episode 43 of The Far Middle is a must-listen emergency, special edition focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nick examines the root cause of Vladimir Putin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia/Putin is a symptom of the West’s destructive energy policies. Extreme climate change policies and environmentalism gift Putin leverage and the opportunity for aggression, explains Nick. He walks through the responses of the U.S., Germany, Poland, Germany, India, and other countries. Nick cautions that things will likely worsen until we reverse course on disastrous climate change policies and we take back our energy independence from radical environmentalism. This installment also includes a dedication to two of the NFL’s great safeties to don #43, Troy Polamalu and Cliff Harris. Both were two-time Super Bowl champions, and Nick notes the difference in the cost of Super Bowl advertisements between Super Bowl X (played in by Harris and the Cowboys against the Steelers) and last month’s Super Bowl LVI. This episode’s focus on Russia/Ukraine will continue in episode 44.

Episode 42 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the extraordinary Jackie Robinson and includes four insights you might not know about the groundbreaking second baseman. Nick reflects on a few myths that are about to deliver societal jolts, including the fallacy that climate change policies will improve America’s geopolitical standing and weaken our adversaries. “Guess what, just the opposite is occurring,” says Nick. Another myth addressed is the idea that excluding fossil fuel investments and doubling down on so-called ESG-worthy investments will deliver superior portfolio returns versus one that is not screening under such arbitrary criteria. Nick goes on to offer his thoughts on Canada’s trucker protests, the 2022 Winter Olympics, recent comments from Climate Czar John Kerry, historic policy moves by FERC that will chill infrastructure investment, and more. Nick concludes with wishing a happy birthday to the late Robert Conrad.

Episode 41 of The Far Middle is dedicated to 12-time All-Star Tom Seaver. In looking back at “Tom Terrific’s” career, Nick notes his career stats, including an earned run average below 3.00. “The only thing lower than Tom Seaver’s career ERA seems these days to be office occupancy rates in big cities,” says Nick as he examines the causes and consequences of people not returning to in-person work. Next, Nick discusses the concept of “the resource curse” and how environmentalism and climate change policies have succeeded in reversing the resource curse. Nick highlights how leverage has shifted back to Iran’s favor; and, he doesn’t see a resource curse today, but rather a lack of energy independence curse for Western nations. “When you look at resources, and when look at carbon, does it matter where the carbon dioxide comes from?” asks Nick before explaining environmentalism and government’s obsession with ideology over science and facts. Nick continues with a discussion on society’s blind eye toward how products are manufactured, followed by a look at one of the latest meaningless corporate “net zero” announcements, and closes with birthday wishes to novelist John Steinbeck.

Episode 40 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Gale Sayers, the “Kansas Comet.” Nick recalls the legendary rusher’s famous quote, "Give me 18 inches of daylight. That's all I need.” And he compares that to the use-to-be work ethic of the American worker, “just give me a job, that’s all I need.” Nick examines America’s declining workforce participation and how that will have far-ranging economic impacts. Nick goes on to discuss: his attempt at tackling James Joyce’s Ulysses; Winston Churchill’s sage observations on the elite class (and the relationship to the themes discussed in Precipice); and, the elite class’ suppression of the Great Barrington Declaration. Nick concludes with an insight on how the NFL playoffs apparently cured the league’s Covid cases and closes with a few Super Bowl reflections.

Episode 39 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the one-and-only Dave Parker, aka “The Cobra.” Nick recounts how Parker was a feared, force to be reckoned with—both in the field and in the batter’s box. While The Cobra didn’t play it safe, Nick discusses how the same can’t be said of our education system today. Across American schools the term “out of an abundance of caution” has taken precedence over the term “student proficiency.” Nick goes on to question our tally of government-paid holidays, stressing the need to improve inclusiveness, celebrate more, but also spend less and serve taxpayers more. Nick next explains how he defines a sustainable business model, highlights the reasons behind the year-to-date success of the S&P 500 Energy Index, and once again stresses investment caution as numerous metrics set the stage for a looming market correction.

Episode 38 is dedicated to Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ray Dandrige, “the greatest third baseman you’ve never heard of.” While Ray was playing stellar ball at the hot corner, across the globe Joseph Stalin was tearing up humanity and giving rise to the “whole of government” approach we hear so much about today. Next, Nick examines coastal big city real estate markets; questioning that if the elite class is so worried about climate change, then why are they buying real estate that will soon be underwater? Nick then discusses the price increases of a range of commodities due to ill-advised government policy. Nick concludes with calling out a couple stark differences between China and the U.S. in terms of STEM, juxtaposed against similar optical approaches between the two countries when it comes to the Olympics and the Super Bowl.

Episode 37 is dedicated to the great sport of boxing, with a special focus on the 1970s—the Golden Age of heavyweights. Nick pays tribute to the self-described greatest of all time Muhammad Ali (and his 37 career knockouts), before transitioning to one of the self-described medical profession greats, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Following this week’s “Fauci Focus,” Nick’s “Mask Mania” segment addresses the reporting by NPR over an alleged mask tiff between Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch. Nick goes on to discuss the ramifications of “anti-carbon ideology” being championed by Pope Francis, the Federal Reserve and Chairman Powell, and the ideology’s impact on inflation and rising food costs. Nick concludes by addressing student loan debt, arguing the higher education system is broken and schools need to be held accountable.

Episode 36 is dedicated to “The Bus.” Nick reflects on Jerome Bettis’ prowess on the football field. However, the most impressive force from number 36 is what he’s done off the field—supporting underprivileged youth and communities through the Bus Stops Here Foundation. Nick discusses Jerome’s understanding of the equation mass times acceleration, and connects it to another equation, MV=PY, as he examines the Federal Reserve and its attempts to curb inflation. “I fear that rates can’t be raised by the Federal Reserve even if they wanted to,” says Nick, highlighting the ramifications of higher interest rates on the federal debt. Next, Nick discusses the scary “whole of government” approach to “tackling climate change,” and the government restricting banks’ ability to lend to the fossil fuel industry. Additional topics in this episode include the 2020 election, geopolitics, and a reflection on Sidney Poitier.

Episode 35 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro. Nick describes the five-time All-Star knuckleballer as, “proof positive the unconventional and different is a way to make a mark in chosen field.” This Far Middle installment centers around the twisting, turning, and volatility of managing the pandemic. “Our current leaders’ management of pandemic in this nation is now getting as shaky and fluttery as a Niekro knuckleball,” says Nick. Also included in this episode are new “Mask Mania” and “Fauci Focus” segments, as well as a discussion of three industries that the pandemic’s damage will have long-lasting effects on. Nick concludes by wishing a happy birthday to Alexander Hamilton—a well-deserved icon to continue to be the face of our $10 bill.

Episode 34 is dedicated is to an athlete Jim Brown called “the epitome of greatness” – Walter Payton. In this Far Middle episode, Nick connects the explosive running of “Sweetness” to the hot-running stock market. Nick urges caution as anything and everything seems to cause a market rally these days. Meanwhile, a key spread continues to be ignored – the difference between inflation and Treasury bond yields. Are the Fed’s massive interventions to blame? Nick transitions from government rigging the bond and equity markets to government rigging pandemic science in this week’s “Fauci Focus.” Next, the latest geopolitical dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and the central role energy is playing are examined. Nick closes this episode’s set with a review of his ten greatest rock guitarists.

Episode 33 is dedicated to NBA superstar Larry Bird, aka “Larry Legend.” Nick notes the hardworking shooter’s many accomplishments, and also pays tribute to Bird’s contemporary Magic Johnson (who was boxed out by Jim Brown for Far Middle episode 32’s dedication). Continuing the Far Middle’s connections theme, Nick transitions from Larry Bird to the factors involved in wine purchasing—Nick argues that optics are the primary determinant when it comes to deciding which bottle of vino individuals buy. Next, Nick reflects on a recent holiday party and reminds us that time truly does fly. In commenting on U.S. population moves, Nick asks if we’re going through our own version of the Berlin Wall? Episode 33 concludes with two special segments on “mask mania” and a “Fauci Focus,” and wraps with a note on Superman’s new motto.

Episode 32 is dedicated to the awesome Jim Brown, while no saint, Nick describes him as “the purest of athletes.” There’s a lot of competition for the greatest to wear number 32, but Nick outlines why Brown’s athletic prowess makes him the clear choice. Nick transitions from Brown to the experience of going to an NFL game today (with an e-ticket) versus watching from the comfort of home. While also on the topic of the NFL, Nick comments on their new Covid testing protocols. Next, Nick examines the scientific community’s audible on their view of the efficacy of lockdowns and quarantine before and after Covid’s arrival in the U.S. This episode also includes the latest example of academia’s non-accountability culture, the would-be disaster of the Left and President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal, and much more.

Episode 31 is dedicated to former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donnie Shell. Nick discusses the Hall of Famer’s NFL career and his unique path to joining the Steelers, aided by the great Bill Nunn, Sr. “The risk/reward math you see with safeties in football, it’s the same type of important skill when it comes to pension and fund managers...we want our money managers really astute at risk/reward wizardry…unfortunately that’s not happening today in too many instances, in particular with pensions,” says Nick. He demonstrates how political science and ideology are supplanting fund managers’ fiduciary responsibility. Nick next explains how this same dynamic is occurring outside the investment world, followed by a discussion on the manipulation of statistics. And be sure to listen to the full episode to catch Nick’s top three Christmas albums.

Nick dedicates episode 30 to the greatest goalie of all time, Martin Brodeur. The three-time Stanley Cup champion amassed records that will unlikely be achieved again. Nick discusses how a goalie is the foundation of a hockey team’s success, similar to how energy is the foundation of a society and its economic success: “It’s no secret that I see domestic energy as the crucial bedrock foundation of our economy, national security and quality of life.” Nick next reflects on his recent speech at last week’s DUG East Conference, a speech highlighted by a proposed new social contract of “gives and gets” between the natural gas industry and the regions where it operates.

Episode 29 of the Far Middle is dedicated to the legendary hitting machine Rod Carew. Nick discusses how the 18-time All-Star’s career was marked by keen risk-reward analysis (especially when it came to stealing home). Nick connects the idea of risk-reward analysis to investing in markets, “these days you see growing risks and diminishing rewards,” says Nick. He goes on to examine the state (and his concern) of geopolitics, the elite class’ obsession over tackling climate change and how that’s exacerbating much more pressing issues. Nick closes with a half-dozen examples of issues, from drug addiction to quality of life in Africa, being made worse due to climate zealotry.

In Episode 28, Nick looks at how the times they are a-changin'. In recognition of number 28, Nick dedicates this episode to hall-of-fame pitcher Bert Blyleven whose career highlights include 242 complete games pitched, but how the times are a changin’ for the role of a starting pitcher. Nick next recounts a few observations suggesting positive changes occurring on college campuses following a couple of recent visits. After a few thoughts on academia, Nick examines the lack of moral absolutes we’re seeing across society—if shoplifting and looting is now okay, how far will this change go? Nick concludes by closing the loop on how the times they are a-changin’ with a review of Bob Dylan’s recent concert outside Pittsburgh.

Episode 27 begins with a reflection on Carlton Fisk, one of the most-iconic number 27’s of the sports world. An 11-time All-Star catcher and Hall-of-Famer, Fisk’s fire and drive embodied 1970s baseball. Fisk was also no stranger to a collision, and this Far Middle episode connects a few “collision dots.” Specifically, government policy colliding with the real economy, education, science, and urban life. Listen as Nick discusses education in California, New York City and Virginia; government creating partisan science; the failed idea of opportunity zones; widening division amongst urban populations; and, the embarrassing investment return on film subsidies.

Nick dedicates Episode 26 to three-time Super Bowl champ, and Philadelphia native, Herb Adderley. Continuing Nick’s “connections” theme, serendipitously, by reversing 26 to 62, we arrive at the subject of this installment: America’s paltry 62 percent labor participation rate. Nick peels back the onion on the collective causes, from COVID shutdowns to school shutdowns, that have resulted in America’s labor crisis. Moreover, you gain a vivid understanding of how the U.S. economy will never function properly if entitlements, asset bubbles, and government spending continue to expand, and vaccine mandates remain. But don’t worry, the glamour elite have it all under control.

Nick kicks-off episode 25 of the Far Middle with a salute to Raiders’ Wide Receiver Fred Biletnikoff—Super Bowl MVP, Pro and College Football Hall of Famer, and recipient of many other awards and a career marked by numerous accomplishments. This Far Middle installment is a sequel to episode 24 and continues Nick’s observations following a recent trip to Los Angeles. This episode's “connections" include: the restaurant and service economy; government regulation; the pandemic’s benefits to California state government; carbon powering California’s economy and quality of life; inflation; crime, and more. Nick closes with a discussion on how governments at all levels and elites are eroding both our negative and positive liberty.

Say hey! It’s episode 24 of the Far Middle and Nick leads off by tipping his cap to the epic Willie Mays. In this edition, Nick reflects on a recent trip to Los Angeles and several subsequent observations. “On one hand you’ve got the potential that remains exponential when it comes to California…and you also see the risks, the problems and the wall of worry that is accumulating steadily,” explains Nick. Nick goes on to discuss the bottleneck at the Port of Long Beach and broader supply chain issues, misguided government policies, LA’s homelessness epidemic, and more. Look for next week’s episode when Nick offers a few more observations on LA and California.

In episode 23, Nick pays homage to the athlete he considers the greatest of all time, “if you want to see heart in action, watch those playoffs with Michael Jordan.” Nick then outlines six simple, commonsense recommendations that if adopted would significantly improve America and chart a course for a more prosperous future. Recommendations include eliminating all “regulations, laws, treaties, and accords that are aimed at tackling climate change and saving the planet…these moves do not save the planet and in fact will make the environment worse.” Nick says he’s on Team USA, “and if you favor mandates for wind and solar, frankly you’re on Team CCP.”

Nick marks episode 22 of The Far Middle with a salute to the iconic #22—Emmitt Smith—the NFL’s all-time rushing leader. This episode centers around true, legitimate threats to humanity, versus created threats and convenient distractions. Nick discusses five topics, including the true facts and data on climate change, which Nick questions the medical profession’s leadership misplaced concern over. The profession doesn’t seem too focused on more pressing issues, like Big Tech’s impact on health and wellness, the crumbling urban education system, and the rising cost of housing.

In episode 21, Nick pays tribute to the great Roberto Clemente, followed by a discussion of Bob Dylan’s views on the media. He then examines three connected stories, beginning with a profile of Peter Boghossian, a now former Portland State University Philosophy Professor. Nick next highlights China’s leverage on elite institutions, using the World Bank as an example. He concludes with an analysis of how government policy, monetary policy, and radical environmental policy are converging to fuel inflation and product scarcity. And finally, Nick discusses the new title of his forthcoming book—Precipice.

In episode 20 of The Far Middle, Nick again connects a series of subjects (“dots”) that on the surface appear to be separate. Nick addresses the current vibe in Washington D.C.; where at least the bureaucrats used to have to actually show up for work. He next discusses the accumulating dishonesty and incompetency from President Biden and his administration. “Whenever you have incompetence coupled with dishonesty, it’s not going to be a good optic—it’s not a good approach to anything in life and it’s certainly not a winning formula politically or for our nation,” says Nick. He goes on to tackle Fed monetary policy converging with federal fiscal policy, the federal government cooking its own books, company valuations, and even football coaches Belichick and Saban find themselves in this week’s episode.

In episode 19 of The Far Middle, Nick begins by discussing today’s college graduates, who leave school implanted with leftist ideology and a dysfunctional demeanor. These soft, entitled young people are allowing big corporations to hide behind social justice issues and the veneer of their wokeness.Meanwhile, CEOs jet set to Davos to lecture on the climate change crisis, yet the hypocrisy of Jeff Bezos truly can’t be matched. Further, the big three investment firms are trying to assign a climate change score to only American and European companies while they seek to expand and invest in China. “I’m betting that these very large financial institutions that are looking to grow into the Chinese market, I’m betting they’re going to drop that exercise of things like temperature alignment metrics for their Chinese holdings,” says Nick. He closes by discussing the United States and China setting climate policy. All this can best be summarized by the Kinks, “It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world,” concludes Nick.

Episode 18 of The Far Middle and the first day of fall 2021 arrive today. In this week’s episode, Nick connects the dots of Bernie Sanders, academia’s unethical business model and the need for a new freedom of viewpoint civil liberty. “Our Leftist higher education system has built a very, very profitable model,” explains Nick. “And it did so amazingly by doing a couple of things, which really makes it even more impressive. First it did all this while it was parading as a not-for-profit. And that’s a not-for-profit in name only because academia has become a massive money—I’ll call it raking, not money-making, it doesn’t really make money, it rakes in money—a money-raking monster.” Nick goes on to address the debt being accumulated by today’s college graduates, and by extension taxpayers, as well as the scheming between government and academia, and more.

In episode 17 of The Far Middle, Nick discusses America’s exit from Afghanistan, American credibility, and lack of leadership from President Biden and his administration. “You took a situation, regarding exiting Afghanistan, from a ready-aim-fire, as you normally would execute a plan, into one of ready-fire-aim,” says Nick, and he lays out the costs of that jumbled execution. Nick goes on to “connect the dots” to his underlying concerns with the unique auction of the Chelsea Hotel’s doors, the cultural wars in the U.S. being won by the elites, and closes with academia’s influence on America’s young adults and the age group’s level of American pride.

In The Far Middle episode 16, Nick begins by reflecting on the BBC’s television series “Connections,” hosted by James Burke. Nick goes on to discuss the culture, importance and dignity of work; the role of work in America’s national fabric; and, he contemplates whether the American work ethic is still alive and well. “It is incredibly difficult today to get people to show up for work…there is a situation today, sort of an epidemic…where a lot of individuals simply just refuse to go to work. And that from my perspective is hugely troubling,” explains Nick. He goes on to discuss the demoralization of the work ethic following the pandemic, science as a philosophy versus science as an institution, and more.

Episode 15 of The Far Middle marks the next phase of the podcast series as Nick moves on from episodes tied to his book, The Leech. However, this and future episodes will continue to expand upon ideas and concepts discussed in The Leech as Nick addresses a range of topics and current events. In this installment, Nick tackles his issues with preseason football, discusses the state of Major League Baseball and how a competitive market can be wired and skewed a certain away—concluding with a comparison to energy policy today.

This installment of The Far Middle marks a close to episodes previewing and covering The Leech chapter releases. In this episode, Nick revisits and expands upon what motivated him to write The Leech and summarizes many of the book’s key takeaways.

In this week’s The Far Middle episode, Nick dedicates this installment to The Leech’s epilogue. Nick discusses what he says might be the greatest “coaching tree in the history of mankind”—that tree being Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Nick then delves into the concept of the “noble lie,” which isn’t a true lie but has truth within it, and how the noble lie relates to themes and issues discussed in The Leech.

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs is the focus of this week’s The Far Middle. While Nick notes his “begrudging admiration” for Sachs’ academic and professional achievements, he explains Dr. Sachs has become “almost the gold standard” when looking how to work the system to procure resources, dollars, interest and exposure.

Nick, a decades-long fan of U2, discusses the group’s front man, Bono, in this week’s episode of The Far Middle. “Although Bono is a great example of a successful server…doing everything right…there is one arena where he’s doing something quite wrong…what Bono is saying and preaching is very different at times from he’s actually doing, there’s an element of inconsistency, and hypocrisy perhaps, at work that does need to be called out,” says Nick. “If you’re doing something that is very different than what you’re preaching or advocating for, then that has the potential to make you a useful instrument of the Leech.”

Pope Francis is the focus of the 10th episode of The Far Middle. Nick asserts that the Catholic Church has fundamentally evolved under Pope Francis’ leadership. Nick explains that his excitement and pride of being a Catholic when Pope Francis was elected in 2013 has since done a complete 180. “Today, I’ve got a much darker view of Pope Francis because we’ve had over seven years of a record…the actions that you see are quite troubling,” says Nick. “Pope Francis has not been leading and paying attention to the stuff that matters and to the stuff that is subject-matter relevant to the Pope; he’s instead shifted his attention and dragged the Church into arenas and areas and subjects where no expertise exists and that do not have to do with faith, morals, or ethics tied to the Catholic faith.”

Nick tackles the issues facing most American cities today in this installment of The Far Middle. “Today, in most major urban areas across the U.S. we’ve got this dichotomy,” says Nick. “On one hand, you’ve got the glitzy image, vision that you see out there…you’ve got typically a multibillion-dollar, shiny airport facility…high rises, skyscrapers, and great skyline from afar…sports venues and entertainment venues…so the big picture and view that a big city presents is quite positive, and then there’s the reality.” Nick discusses that reality is an urban homeless epidemic, abandoned streets, substance abuse, graffiti, a public safety crisis, deteriorating infrastructure, failing urban education and more—all these challenges are being paid for by the poorest and most disadvantaged people in society.

Public pension plans are the focus of this week’s The Far Middle podcast. Nick explains why public pension plans are a big deal. The annual benefit payments from these plans represents roughly 1.5% of U.S. GDP. Unfortunately public pension plans are in escalating financial trouble as liabilities increase and funding decreases. Nick argues that managers and leaders of these funds have lost their fiduciary compass, and that compass has been replaced by “the Leech way.”

In this episode of The Far Middle, Nick examines the critical role of the Federal Reserve and the epic power its amassed. “Most people hear the Fed and they think it’s a very complicated, obtuse entity in the background,” says Nick. “So why the focus on it? Why the importance of it from my perspective? Well the answer to that stems from the importance of money in our society, in our culture and in our economy.” Nick goes on to explain how the Fed is playing an outsized role when it come to money, and thus our economy, society and quality of life.

STEM education is the subject of this week’s The Far Middle episode. Right now, China has more universities ranked in the top ten for engineering than the U.S., and worse yet, China is graduating roughly eight times as many STEM graduates as the U.S. Whatever metrics you use, it’s evident the Chinese are doubling or tripling down on their STEM aptitude while the U.S. is doing the exact opposite. Listen for more on how The Leech is hijacking STEM.

“Academia is both a big issue as well as a personal one for me,” Nick explains in episode five of The Far Middle. Nick explores a number of issues facing academia today; the cost of college tuition, the culture of academia, how the college campus is no longer a marketplace of ideas, the impact of administrative bureaucracy on students/families/taxpayers, Title IX, and much more.

In this fourth episode of The Far Middle, Nick examines professions that have a proud history and play a vital role in society, but today have become targeted by the Leech. Such Leech-targeted callings beyond the government bureaucrat include the legal profession, teachers’ unions, and the media.

In The Far Middle episode three, Nick discusses how the reach of government’s tentacles (a.k.a. the Deep State) are everywhere today. Nick looks at the Deep State’s origins and evolution, the growth of government bureaucracy, and more.

In this episode of “The Far Middle” podcast, Nick introduces the four different jobs and professions in society. On one side are Creators, Enablers and Servers, and on the other side is the Leech. While the first three improve society and our quality of life, the Leech on the other hand grows by controlling and feeding off the Creators, Enablers, and Servers.