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The MiddleGround Mic — News
The MiddleGround Mic

The MiddleGround Mic is a centrist politics and news commentary podcast for independent voters, moderates, and anyone tired of partisan talking points. Hosted by Joseph Steagall, the show covers elections, foreign policy, Michigan and Detroit local politics, media accountability, and the economy — grounded in verifiable receipts instead of tribal loyalty. No Left. No Right. Forward.Ranked Top 30 in Politics (June 2026) with more than 1.3 million downloads, the show brings bipartisan analysis and long-form interviews with journalists, policymakers, foreign policy experts, candidates, and everyday people — not scripted talking heads. Recent conversations have covered Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, the Wayne County SMART bus millage, media trust and investigative journalism, election law and ballot access, and the collapse of institutional trust in America.Being centrist isn’t fence-sitting. It’s refusing to hand either party a free pass, and having the spine to say what the loudest voices on both ends won’t. If you’re an independent, a moderate, or just exhausted by the screaming, this is politics without the team jersey.Watch full video episodes on YouTube and Spotify. Support the show at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tmgm. Subscribe, follow, and leave a rating — it’s the biggest way new listeners find the show. No sacred cows protected. No side gets a free pass.

Latest Episodes:

Navigating Free Speech & Education Funding Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode October 31st!!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter:https://tmgm.short.gy/aGNsm8
👉Episode Youtube: https://tmgm.short.gy/rLJZ59
👉Full Episode Spotify: https://tmgm.short.gy/GirEzG

What happens when free speech collides with funding for higher education?
In this compelling conversation Joe and Mike explore the often-overlooked role of community colleges in promoting equity and access, the chilling effect of federal funding freezes, and the political dynamics that influence education policy. We confront the steep drop in trust toward higher education, the mounting burden of student debt, and the way diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being misunderstood or misapplied.
With a centrist lens, we argue that higher education must be reimagined—shifting from institutions to outcomes, from mandates to individuals, from slogans to solutions. Community colleges matter. Free speech matters. Access matters.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Free Speech & Education Funding
01:33 – Community College Success & Equity
04:31 – Impact of Federal Funding Freezes
10:00 – Political Dynamics in Education Funding
15:49 – Accountability and Cancel Culture in Higher Education
19:46 – Trust in Higher Education & Societal Changes
24:56 – Reimagining Higher Education
27:51 – Impact of Economic Hardship on Education
32:10 – Defending DEI: Misconceptions & Realities
36:03 – Role of Community Colleges in Democracy
40:08 – Understanding DEI: Misconceptions & Realities
48:24 – Personal Experiences with Autism & Education

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Adam Mizel on Reuniting a Divided America Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 29thth!

👉Sign up for the Newsletter:https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter
👉Full Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/wQQwX9qsHyc

In a time when division dominates headlines, Adam Mizel chose a different path — leaving the corporate boardroom to co-found US United, a grassroots movement bringing Americans together through action, not outrage.
Host Joseph Steagall explores how Adam Mizel and Sheriff Chris Swanson’s partnership is inspiring real change in communities across America.

💬 Topics Covered:
• How business leadership can fix civic division
• US United’s community projects and road tours
• Sheriff Chris Swanson’s partnership for empathy-based policing
• The psychology and economics of America’s divide
• The rise of “The Polarization Industry” — and how to stop feeding it

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What Happens When War Goes Too Far? Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 29thth!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter
👉Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/wQQwX9qsHyc
👉Full Episode Buzzsprout:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465711/episodes/18054282

The discussion touches upon the ongoing situation in the **middle east**, specifically regarding **gaza** and **israel palestine**. The speaker expresses concerns about **israel**'s response and its impact on civilians, especially in light of the **gaza war**, urging a more measured approach to the conflict after the initial attacks, with more **israel news** coming out daily, as well as news from **palestine**.

This episode is brought to you by Brio.
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Support the show

Feeling Hopeless About America? Watch This! Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 29thth!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter
👉Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/wQQwX9qsHyc
👉Full Episode Buzzsprout:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465711/episodes/18054282

Feeling hopeless? This video provides some much needed motivation and inspiration for those struggling. Learn how to shift your mindset and start on a path of personal growth with these self help tips and start positive thinking today!

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 ceramic blade system, powerful motor, long battery life, and the precision to hit the spots cheap trimmers always miss.

Use code MIDDLEGROUND for 10% off your order.

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Support the show

The SECRET to BUILDING unity Through Sports Events Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 29thth!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter
👉Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/wQQwX9qsHyc
👉Full Episode Buzzsprout:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465711/episodes/18054282

Highlights an initiative to bring **people** together at **sports events**! Witness moments of **comedy** and **funny** scenarios as strangers connect. This is a unique form of **sports** **animation**.

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 ceramic blade system, powerful motor, long battery life, and the precision to hit the spots cheap trimmers always miss.

Use code MIDDLEGROUND for 10% off your order.

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Support the show

The Secret to Better Arguments Revealed! Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 29thth!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter
👉Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/wQQwX9qsHyc
👉Full Episode Buzzsprout:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465711/episodes/18054282

The importance of **communication** and **listening** to different perspectives. Emphasizing the need for **respect** in **relationships**, it offers insights into **self improvement** and **self help**. Learn how better **communication skills** can bridge divides.

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 ceramic blade system, powerful motor, long battery life, and the precision to hit the spots cheap trimmers always miss.

Use code MIDDLEGROUND for 10% off your order.

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Support the show

The Untold Story of America’s Divided Future Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode October 27thth
👉Sign up for the Newsletter: https://tmgm.short.gy/aGNsm8
👉Episode Youtube: https://tmgm.short.gy/rLJZ59
👉Full Episode Spotify: https://tmgm.short.gy/GirEzG

America isn’t just divided — it’s fragmenting.
In this episode of The MiddleGround Mic, we uncover *The Untold Story of America’s Divided Future — the political, economic, and social fractures changing daily life for millions.

We break down:
✅ The rise of political tribalism
✅ The growing economic inequality across regions
✅ How Gen Z’s independence might reshape our politics
✅ A new hope for rebuilding trust and belonging in America

If you're tired of choosing a side and ready to find clarity, courage, and common ground, this episode is for you.

This episode is brought to you by Brio.
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Support the show

Michigan's BIG Decisions Will SHAPE Detroit's Future Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

We break down the top 10 Michigan stories driving the future of our neighborhoods, economy, and elections:
🗳 Detroit Elections (Mayor, Council, Police Oversight)
🚔 Crime down double-digits — what’s working, what isn’t
⛽ Gas prices hit 2025 lows — will it last?
💰 Michigan’s new $81B budget — where the money actually goes
⚡ Gotion EV deal collapses — state seeks clawbacks
🚛 Gordie Howe Bridge delayed — early 2026 timeline
🏥 Health insurance price warning — Open Enrollment Nov 1
🚧 Roads reopening — M-30 Bridge done, more changes coming
🌳 New Detroit riverfront park — 22 acres opened
🏈 Lions hype + Detroit’s national moment
👇 Chapters
00:00 Detroit’s Week — No Spin
02:30 Elections: What Changes?
10:00 Crime: Good News + Reality
16:00 Gas Prices & Cost of Living
20:00 $81B State Budget Breakdown
27:00 EV Incentives Reset
33:00 Detroit–Windsor Border Economy
38:00 Health Care Costs
43:30 Roads & Detours
48:00 Riverfront Park Opens
52:00 Sports & The City’s Mood
55:30 How to Take Action
🔔 Subscribe for more Michigan News: YouTube.com/@TheMiddleGroundMic
📍 Detroit. 📍 Michigan. 📍 Real.
No Left. No Right. Forward.

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 ceramic blade system, powerful motor, long battery life, and the precision to hit the spots cheap trimmers always miss.

Use code MIDDLEGROUND for 10% off your order.

Brio Beardscape V1

Support the show

Portland 2025: Antifa and the Fight for Truth Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 24th!
👉Sign up for the Newsletter https://www.themiddlegroundmic.com/newsletter

Portland, Antifa, and America’s protest divide — The MiddleGround Mic breaks through the noise. Joe Steagall sits down with activist Luis Enrique Marquez to unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines. No spin. No sides. Just truth.

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Project 2029 and the Government Shutdown Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Full Episode Release October 22nd!

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER BELOW!

👉Full VIdeo Episode Youtube: https://youtu.be/qx4qMyk6SuE
👉Check out our new YouTube Segments playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT8S268aAty7N99fFg0UHSC_t9FRhRHlF

This episode dives into Project 2029 — a bold but controversial roadmap for America’s future — and examines how the U.S. budget process gives us the illusion of choice while serving entrenched power. Joe & Lisa breaks down what’s at stake for taxpayers, workers, and democracy itself.

👉00:00 Intro – Project 2029 & The Illusion of Choice
👉 02:10 How Shutdowns Keep Power in the Same Hands
👉 10:45 The Four Pillars of Project 2029 Explained
👉25:30 The Budget Process That Protects the Powerful
👉40:55 What Both Parties Don’t Want to Fix
👉55:00 A Middle-Ground Plan for Real Accountability
👉01:07:20 Closing – Join the Finding the Middle Newsletter

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