The Far Middle - SoundSage

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Far Middle episode 168, released on August 7, 2024, falls on the 70th anniversary of the historic one-mile race in Vancouver, B.C., between England’s Sir Roger Bannister and Australia’s John Landy.

Known as, “The Mile of the Century,” Nick looks back on the race and how Bannister and Landy challenged consensus and broke the 4-minute mile mark, thereby sparking higher levels of performance by athletes in the years following. It’s a lesson that applies beyond competitive sport, explains Nick.

Contrasting the levels of performance by Bannister and Landy, Nick returns to present day to discuss the less-than-high levels of performance across America’s federal government workforce. Now four-and-a-half years since the start of the COVID pandemic, and despite calls from the president and his chief of staff for federal employees to return to their offices, remote work “has become an ingrained culture within the federal government workforce.”

Nick comments on not only the cost to taxpayers of paying for and maintaining unoccupied office space, but also the broader economic implications on Washington, D.C., and other government-heavy cities when only 6 percent of federal workers are working full-time in their offices.

And wherever the administrative state is working these days, their quest for “regulation by strangulation” hasn’t taken any breaks. Nick discusses a recent summation by author and energy journalist Robert Bryce of “four recent climate-related rules issued by the administrative state.”

These climate rules, issued between March and May this year, total 1.3 million words. When you add these voluminous and complex rules on top of other rules and regulations being issued, Nick questions how a business, individual, or entity can comply with or even know what these laws say. “We've moved beyond absurd, but this is the environment the real economy must operate in, and I don't think that's going to bode well for America,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick highlights Bob Dylan’s song, “If Not for You,” from Dylan’s October 1970 album New Morning. In less than a year, subsequent recordings of “If Not for You” came from Dylan alongside George Harrison, as well as Olivia Newton-John. The song is another example — like Bannister and Landy running a sub-four-minute mile — of “greats pushing greats to the next level.”

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Episode 167 of the Far Middle continues the series’ recent focus on California, beginning with a nod to National Avocado Day and California’s state fruit. Nick’s sports dedication then proceeds to celebrate California basketball royalty: Cheryl and Reggie Miller.

Reflecting on Cheryl and Reggie’s achievements, Nick notes how wildly similar their careers are: both played college basketball in Los Angeles, both wore number 31, and each has those jersey numbers retired (at USC for Cheryl and the Pacers for Reggie), both won Olympic gold, both pursued careers in broadcasting, and now both are in halls of fame.

Nick pivots from the Miller siblings to a broader conversation on the evolution of professional sports, discussing changes in hockey, football, baseball, and basketball, and the differing priorities between the game, athletes, and leagues.

Nick critiques the current state of professional sports leagues, highlighting their hypocrisy and inconsistency in their values.

“Leagues today they virtue signal every chance they get,” says Nick. “Yet when you see how each league ignores its supposed values to pursue financial interests in the mighty dollar it creates a cred problem; each league quickly forgets and jettisons its teachings and preachings to the fan base and that comes across as incredibly hypocritical and inconsistent.”

From sports, Nick shifts gears to a McKinsey study that finds 57% of American Millennial electric vehicle (EV) owners are likely to switch back to gasoline-powered cars. Nick examines the hidden costs and challenges that are likely driving those attitudes towards EVs.

Next, in response to listener inquiries, Nick analyzes the New York court case against former President Trump, critiquing the prosecution and judicial process as politically motivated. He compares the case to Hillary Clinton's campaign finance violations, suggesting a double standard in legal accountability.

In closing, Nick discusses the current stock market and investing environment, expressing concern over high valuations, low volatility, government debt, and geopolitical risks. And while talking dollars and cents, Nick makes one final connection to today’s episode release date by noting the historical significance of July 31st, 1792, when the cornerstone for the first U.S. Mint building was laid in Philadelphia.

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In “Hard Truths,” Nick continues his discussion from prior Far Middle episode 165 where he revisits his June address at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. But before delving into this week’s hard truths, Nick pays tribute to NBA legend Jerry West, highlighting "Zeke from Cabin Creek’s" incredible journey from Chelyan, West Virginia, to becoming the most iconic figure in basketball, literally “The Logo.”

Nick then transitions to discuss the second part of his recent speech and tackles several critical issues facing the U.S., including:

Government Overreach: Nick argues that the government (specifically the “deep state”) has overstepped its constitutional boundaries, becoming a "voracious beast" that requires extensive bureaucratic approval for individual actions.
Debt Crisis: Nick highlights the alarming levels of national debt, projecting that the U.S. government is likely to either default or devalue its commitments, with significant shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare. “The fiscal plane is flying right into the mountain and there is not going to be enough time or space to gain sufficient altitude,” says Nick.
Education System Failures: Nick criticizes the declining proficiency rates in education, particularly among disadvantaged demographics, providing sad proof that the system today prioritizes optics over substance.
Persistent Inflation: Nick explains how inflation is a long-term issue driven by government policies, regulatory burdens, and geopolitical factors, rather than short-term fluctuations. For more on contributors driving inflation, see Nick’s commentary, “20 Reasons Why the Worst is Yet to Come with Inflation.”
Radical Environmentalism: Nick then reviews a fifth truth as a bonus for Far Middle constant listeners: the impact of radical environmental policies on agriculture in California, specifically how protections for a small fish species, the smelt, are leading to water shortages for farmers, ultimately harming food production and economic stability.

Nick stresses the need to recognize these challenges, aka hard truths, as part of a broader trend affecting the nation, particularly as Leftist policies gain traction in California and beyond.

And in one of the more frightening Far Middle closes, Nick draws a connection to the book and subsequent film, The Amityville Horror, perhaps one to add to your reading list if you’re looking for a little horror genre this summer.

For more Far Middle “truths,” check out recent episode 153, “Big Truths.”

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Far Middle episode 165 premieres during the dog days of summer and the day after this year’s Midsummer Classic. While last night’s All-Star Game was held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Nick heads to Los Angeles for this installment’s sports dedication to Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium, also known as “Chavez Ravine,” has hosted two All-Star Games, numerous World Series games, and legendary concerts over its rich 62-year history. Despite its memorable moments, Nick also examines the stadium’s troubling origins.

Nick then connects to a recent talk he gave only a couple miles south of Dodger Stadium last month to Southern California business leaders. A summary of that address is available at NickDeiuliis.com, see “Address to the Jonathan Club, World Affairs Group.”

Reflecting on the speech, Nick discusses:

The importance of rational thought and objectivity in policymaking, criticizing the vilification of classical liberal and fiscally conservative views.
The significance of protecting individual rights from the tyranny of the majority and government overreach.
The concept of minimal government intervention and maximum governance.
The U.S. domestic energy industry, particularly the natural gas sector, and America’s ascendency to the world’s largest global producer and net exporter of natural gas. That success was realized from free-market principles and innovative technologies like horizontal drilling.
The local, regional, and national benefits of the natural gas industry, including economic growth, job creation, and enhanced energy security. These successes are contrasted against the myths and regulatory challenges posed by the Left.
Sustaining the natural gas industry's growth and broader economic impact via continued free-market solutions and minimal government interference.

In closing, Nick returns to “Blue Heaven on Earth” for another unique event that Dodger Stadium hosted. Despite its 56,000-plus capacity, the stands were empty on June 4, 1979, when Fleetwood Mac recorded its video for "Tusk" alongside the USC Marching Band.

Far Middle Connections: Five years before that June 4, 1979, “Tusk” recording, the infamous “Ten-Cent Beer Night” in Cleveland occurred on June 4, 1974. Revisit Nick’s reflection on that wild night, alongside three other more distinguished 1974 baseball achievements in Far Middle episode 74, “Always Keep Swinging.”

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Kicking off Far Middle episode 164, Nick heads to the NFL for this installment’s sports dedication.

As players report to training camp this month and the 2024 season approaches, Nick picks up where he left off in episode 159 to highlight the crucial role of the offensive line. Without the O-line succeeding in the trenches, “you're not going to have a successful football team, and its stars are not going to be able to be stars.”

Earning dedication honors is the Oakland Raiders O-line of the early 1970s, which Nick argues is the greatest in offensive line history. That dominating line included Hall of Famers: Jim Otto, Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, and Bob "Boomer" Brown. After reflecting on each player’s contributions and their collective powerful impact, Nick transitions by noting Bob Brown’s playing days at the University of Nebraska, which connects to the episode’s focus: William Jennings Bryan.

William Jennings Bryan moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1887. Four years later he was elected to Congress to represent Nebraska’s 1st congressional district. While Bryan would only serve two terms in Congress and go on to lose three presidential elections (1896, 1900, 1908), his campaigns and policies would have a lasting and powerful impact on American politics and public policy that is still evident today.

“I sense Bryan was obviously onto something with his policies and how they took root in American politics and society,” says Nick. “Yet I also sense they got completely out of control after Bryan's time to the point where the Frankenstein monster is now running wild. No matter how you cut it though, William Jennings Bryan was a great American—perhaps one of the greatest—and more Americans, they need to know his story.”

In closing, Nick follows the yellow brick road from Nebraska to Kansas, looking back on The Wizard of Oz, as it’s rumored The Cowardly Lion was based on William Jennings Bryan. Nick concludes with a few interesting notes and connections from the film.

For more Far Middle, The Wizard of Oz was released in 1939, the year “Teddy Ballgame” would make his Major League Baseball debut. Head back to episode 130 for Nick’s dedication to Ted Williams, “the greatest hitter that ever played the game.”

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The Far Middle episode 163 arrives on the eve of the Fourth of July, “which brings to mind all kinds of imagery for Americana, perhaps none bigger than baseball,” begins Nick. Fittingly, the episode’s sports dedication goes to a key figure in the national pastime’s history: Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis.

While Landis served as the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball, elected in 1921 and serving until his death in 1944, Landis also had a storied legal career. Nick recounts how Judge Landis was known for his unique and often controversial rulings, which were frequently overturned on appeal.

In one instance, “He charged Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany with murder after the sinking of the Lusitania, because the casualty list included residents of Illinois, which fell within the judge's district,” says Nick. “Unfortunately, Landis also trampled over individual rights. As a classic liberal, I don't like that at all.”

Nick then examines Judge Landis’ role as Commissioner, including banning eight White Sox players involved in the 1919 World Series “Black Sox” scandal, as well as his behind-the-scenes efforts to prohibit African American players from playing in the Major League. For more on the Black Sox scandal, listen to Nick’s dedication to Arnold “The Brain” Rothstein in Far Middle episode 149.

While Judge Landis was just assuming his role as Commissioner of Baseball, another much more significant incident would take place in the summer of 1921: “One of the saddest and most outrageous chapters in American jurisprudence, and it's one that had tragic consequences and led to a reputational black eye for the United States globally,” says Nick.

That incident would come on July 14, 1921, when Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were found guilty of murdering Alessandro Berardelli and Frederick Parmenter, a few miles south of Boston.

Sacco and Vanzetti, Italian immigrants, were arrested and charged with the crime despite lacking evidence and procedural flaws. Nick proceeds to describe how the trial highlighted the systemic prejudices against immigrants, particularly Italians, at the time.

Despite global protests and notable figures like Albert Einstein and Felix Frankfurter speaking out against the injustice, Sacco and Vanzetti were executed in August 1927. For further commentary on the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, conviction, and execution, see Nick’s recent essay, “The Trial of Sacco and Vanzetti: Tragic Failure of the American Ideal.”

As Sacco and Vanzetti were preparing for execution in August 1927, and Commissioner Landis was watching the Babe chase 60 homeruns, Nick closes with an interesting juxtaposition, the dedication of Mount Rushmore that took place on August 10, 1927.

While Mount Rushmore symbolizes the ideals of American democracy, its creation also symbolizes the flaws of government, such as funding delays extending the seven-year project out 14 years, and the inclusion of Teddy Roosevelt due to his friendship with the project's architect.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for July 10 for the release of episode 164, when Nick delves into a great figure in American history, William Jennings Bryan.

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Released on June 26, 2024, the Far Middle episode 162 arrives on the anniversary of baseball legend Frank Robinson’s June 26, 1970, double grand slam game. Nick uses the connection to reflect on the 1982 Hall of Fame inductee’s powerful career, both on and off the field.

Following Robinson in the episode’s lineup is a discussion on the rising demand for electricity driven by the growth of data centers for AI across the U.S. This power demand clashes with current energy policies that prioritize intermittent renewable energy over reliable sources like natural gas. The result is compromised grid reliability and increased energy costs, which will challenge the tech industry’s growth.

“You cannot adopt draconian net zero plans and climate alarmism ideology, and at the same time hope to be able to grow the data center and AI economy at an efficient pace—mutually exclusive under the laws of math and physics,” says Nick.

Staying on the topic of climate alarmism ideology, Nick connects to New Jersey’s multi-year effort to infuse climate change into its primary and high school science curriculum, and more recently the state is incorporating climate change into all school subjects. “New Jersey public schools are now religious institutions,” says Nick. And while New Jersey schools focus on indoctrinating students into the religion of radical environmentalism and climate alarmism, student proficiency rates in English, math, and science are declining sharply.

Nick then pivots to the power the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has over the Catholic Church, criticizing Pope Francis for compromising with the CCP. “The Vatican surrenders more and more to China and the CCP simply to keep the optics of a good relationship alive,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick makes a final connection to June 26, which is also the birthday of British mathematician, physicist, and engineer William Thompson, also known as Lord Kelvin.

Born in 1824, Thompson’s numerous scientific contributions include creating the absolute temperature scale, now known as the Kelvin scale. Thompson was also involved in the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable, serving “as a founding father connection to the artificial intelligence industry of today,” says Nick as he ends on “a science history connection that Dr. James Burke would be proud of.”

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The Far Middle episode 161 lands amidst a string of holidays—released on Juneteenth, and just following Flag Day, Father’s Day, and just ahead of summer’s official arrival.

June is indeed a special time of year, and it’s also the month this episode’s sports dedication would be selected by the New York Yankees in the 1982 MLB draft, however, that multi-talented athlete would instead choose to head to Auburn.

In this Far Middle, the theme is examining binary opposites, specifically contrasting pairs where on one side is an issue of distraction while on the other is reality. Before jumping into those pairings Nick honors Bo Jackson who for a time dominated a pair of pro sports while also becoming a cultural icon through the "Bo knows" Nike ad campaign.

The connections begin by using Jackson’s alma mater, Auburn University, as an example of the financial issues facing higher education due to the collegiate spending arms race. Nick juxtaposes the Auburn example with community colleges, which focus on affordability, job readiness, and “breeding a culture of doers.”

For the next pair, Nick tackles urban government distractions, using San Francisco's pickleball court controversy as an example, and contrasts it with the significant issue of increased student absenteeism in K-12 education post-COVID, emphasizing the need for city leaders to prioritize real problems.

“Stop worrying about zoning for public pickleball courts and start focusing time and attention toward making sure that students attend school so they can at least be in a position to begin learning basic stuff when it comes to comparing these twin issues our city governments are focusing on and ignoring respectively,” says Nick.

And in the final pairing, Nick highlights the West’s intense focus on climate change, versus the stances and actions of countries like China and Russia. Nick quotes former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's astute observation, “A country which thinks that the greatest economic, political and moral challenge of our times is climate change is, at the very least, going to be extremely distracted if it comes to fighting a war, or even running a cold war. The Ukrainians aren’t worrying too much about climate change right now. I don’t think the Israelis are obsessing about emissions at the moment.”

In closing, Nick notes a pair of birthdays coinciding with the episode’s release date, Moe Howard from The Three Stooges and the cartoon character Taz, aka the Tasmanian Devil.

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The Far Middle episode 160 begins with a sports dedication to Sonny Vaccaro, a game-changing figure at the intersection of sports, business, marketing, and fashion.

Nick discusses Vaccaro's journey from a schoolteacher to a pivotal player in Nike's entry into the basketball market, including Vaccaro’s strategy of paying college coaches to have their teams wear Nike shoes, leading to a significant increase in Nike's presence in basketball. Vaccaro’s most notable achievement was convincing Nike to sign Michael Jordan, leading to the creation of the highly successful Air Jordan line (the subject of the 2023 film, Air).

Vaccaro helped Nike become a behemoth global business, which Nick pivots off for the episode’s central topic: today’s behemoth administrative state and the conflict between it and executive power. It’s a topic familiar to Far Middle listeners, one “I'm always running out of Far Middle time to fully cover,” says Nick.

Nick explains the impetus for the episode was an early 2024 Wall Street Journal column, ‘Trump Allies See Path to Pad His Power.'

“Power in our Federal Government has been shifting from the legislative branch in Congress to the presidential or executive branch in the White House,” says Nick. “Most of us have been asleep as this shift in power from legislative to executive branch has occurred, partly because it happened slowly and methodically over a century.”

Nick argues shrinking the “bureaucratic deep state” would be a win for individual rights, for the private sector, and for capitalism. And if Donald Trump is elected again as president in November, Nick questions why the elite and expert class view a second Trump administration’s potential reduction in the bureaucratic state as a power grab of presidential authority. It’s nonsensical to describe ceding power as also grabbing power.

Nick critiques the Biden administration for its unconstitutional actions, such as selectively enforcing laws and delaying aid to Israel and compares this to the hypothetical concerns about a future Trump administration. He also stresses the need for a consistent application of constitutional principles and warns against the dangers of an unchecked bureaucratic state.

In closing, episode 160’s release date of June 12 provides a connection to the massive anti-nuclear demonstration that took place in New York City on June 12, 1982. Nick reflects on that protest, as well as global nuclear threats today.

“It's a dangerous world, constant listeners, and we best stick to the proven formula of America. Individual rights, strong defense, small government, and a market based private sector,” Nick concludes. “It's worked in the past and it's going to work in the future. And it's captured in the Constitution. Trust those things, not the bureaucrat.”

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The Far Middle episode 159 kicks off with a dedication to legendary football coach Joe Moore. Nick describes Moore, a western Pennsylvania native, as, “the greatest name in the region's football history that you've probably never heard of.”

Moore made lasting impacts at both the high school and collegiate levels, particularly during his tenure at Pitt and Notre Dame, where he developed numerous NFL-bound offensive linemen. Nick highlights Moore's straightforward, intimidating - but in a good way - coaching style.

While Coach Moore sadly passed away in 2003, his legacy continues today through the Joe Moore Award and the Joe Moore O Line Camp. “He wasn't an offensive line football coach, he was a leadership guru,” says Nick.

Nick then connects to “another leader, not just of young adults or men and women, but of a nation, and frankly, the world or the free world at the time.” That leader, President Eisenhower, is the focus of this installment as Nick examines Ike’s 1961 farewell address, also known as his ‘military industrial complex’ speech.

Drawing parallels between Eisenhower’s warnings about the military industrial complex and today's concerns that result from the overarching agenda of the Left, Nick expands upon his recent essay, “Echoes from 1961: Ike’s Fear of Red Scare Consequences and Today’s Crisis of Code Red.” Nick highlights President Eisenhower’s call for an alert and knowledgeable citizenry and stresses the desperate need for such a citizenry today “if we wish to preserve this wonderful human experiment known as the United States of America.”

Nick closes by delving further into 1961, highlighting the release that year of “The Guns of Navarone,” one of Nick’s favorite films. And on the airwaves, the Billboard music charts were dynamic, illustrating the cultural shift between easy listening and rock and roll.

For more from The Far Middle, 1961 also marked Roger Maris hitting 61 home runs in a season, a milestone honored in the opening dedication for Far Middle episode 61.

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The Far Middle episode 158 tips off with a sports dedication that bookends episode 121’s dedication to the great John Wooden. The episode's dedication centers around UCLA booster Sam Gilbert, a behind-the-scenes figure essential to UCLA basketball's success during John Wooden's coaching era.

Gilbert, though controversial and often breaking NCAA rules, provided significant support and resources to the players, contributing to the Bruins’ dominance in the 1960s and 1970s. This duality between Wooden's public integrity and Gilbert's covert rule-bending serves as a lesson in the complexities of ethics and legacy. “What you associate with, they set your legacy sometimes as much as you do, whether it's going to be for the better or for the worse,” says Nick.

The discussion around ignoring and breaking the rules then transitions to the progressive prosecutor movement that’s been methodically executed by the Left in America for the last several years. Nick references analyses by The Heritage Foundation’s Charles “Cully” Stimson as he examines the implications of rogue district attorneys and prosecutors refusing to prosecute certain crimes.

“The progressive prosecutor movement believes that the criminal justice system is broken,” says Nick. “And the only way to fix it is to replace law and order district attorneys with soft-on-crime and anti-police district attorneys. And when you do that, a community is going to suffer an epidemic of crime and decreased quality of life. And it will hit the working poor and hit minorities harder, which are the very groups the progressives claim to be advocating for.”

Highlighting examples from cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia, Nick illustrates the negative impact (increased crime and declining quality of life) of prosecutors undermining the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, essentially rewriting laws without authority.

Nick connects the progressive prosecutor movement to the broader issues of ballooning administrative power, warning once again of the dangers of unchecked bureaucratic authority. “The other branches of government, they're not pushing back and doing their jobs,” says Nick. “It's not a small problem, it’s a massive problem…it’s a theme that The Far Middle has been discussing for years, and it's one growing worse by the episode.”

In closing, Nick wraps with a nostalgic dive into rock history, highlighting songs from several bands including AC/DC, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, and other greats centered on crime and punishment.

Zeppelin fans: For more on the London rockers, check out Nick’s closing tribute segment in episode 142 celebrating Led Zeppelin II, and his reflections in episode 96 on Led Zeppelin IV and in episode 47 on Physical Graffiti.

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The Far Middle episode 157 begins with a tribute to America’s servicemen and women following Armed Forces Day, celebrated the preceding Saturday, May 18.

Leading off with the episode’s sports dedication, Nick goes back 40 years to the infamous “bean-brawl game” from August 12, 1984, between the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves.

Nick walks through the “train wreck” of a game that included three separate brawls, 17 players and coaches ejected, and several fans arrested. After hearing Nick’s review of the game that umpire John McSherry described as setting “baseball back 50 years,” relive the madness via YouTube.

After revisiting the Padres-Braves drama, Nick asks, “What if my summary was delivered exclusively from the perspective of a devout Braves fan, or how would it differ and contrast if I delivered a summary from a purely partisan Padres fan perspective?”

Those hypothetical competing takes on the game leads to the episode’s primary discussion: examining the evolution of journalism from its objective, balanced coverage of societal issues, to its biased state today.

Nick focuses on two of the most established names in journalism—The New York Times and National Public Radio (NPR)—delving into their Leftist-bias progression. For the Times, Nick explains how that progression has been occurring for almost a century, while NPR’s biased shift is a relatively more recent change of course.

While discussing NPR, the Far Middle’s “Fauci Focus” returns for a special reprise as Nick discusses NPR’s dismissal that COVID could’ve originated from a Chinese lab, “basically backing up 100 percent the positions that Anthony Fauci and NIH took.”

In closing, Nick stresses the importance of balanced and objective journalism, expressing hope for the future of news organizations like NPR. Nick concludes by connecting back to 1984, noting the year’s top TV shows, one of which was a news show that’s still airing today.

Far Middle Connections: Today’s episode release date coincides with the anniversary of the Pirates’ Willie Stargell hitting three home runs, a double, and a single in a May 22, 1968, win against the Cubs. Stargell would help the Pirates win the 1971 World Series, their fourth in franchise history, alongside teammate Al Oliver. Oliver is included on Nick’s list of baseball greats deserving a plaque in Cooperstown.

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The Far Middle turns three with episode 156; representing three years and hundreds of unique “connections,” thought-provoking and surprising insights not found anywhere else.

Following the recent 150th milestone episode that explored core themes of the podcast’s journey, from limited government to individual liberty, Nick opts for a fun approach this special episode, navigating a web of cultural icons and their connections within connections.

Continuing to carry on the tradition of Dr. James Burke’s BBC “Connections” series, Nick begins the discussion on the heels of Mother’s Day.

Nick highlights the role Ted Williams’ mom played in his ultimate signing with the Boston Red Sox. A difference of $500 separated Williams and Joe DiMaggio from being pinstripe teammates. For more on “Teddy Ballgame,” revisit Nick’s dedication to Williams in episode 130.

The three-year episode’s release date, May 15, serendipitously also falls on the anniversary of the start of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak back in 1941. Revisit that streak in Nick’s closing segment from episode 56.

Breaking from the well-known Far Middle analyses on public policy and cultural trends to business and finance and more, Nick features an all-star, award-winning lineup of connections spanning screen and stage.

Nick notes Joe DiMaggio was not only a great baseball player, but a hopeless romantic, “and the object of his affection was none other than the legend Marilyn Monroe.” From there the connections turn to Ernest Hemingway, playwright Arthur Miller, actor and acting teacher Lee Strasberg, actors John Malkovich, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Daniel Day-Lewis, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, alongside a few other greats.

A truly entertaining episode, Nick celebrates the series’ run by highlighting a range of accomplished figures, connected linear and fascinatingly intertwined—a great transition as year four gets underway in episode 157.

Boxing fans: the third anniversary episode’s release date of March 15 also marks Rocky Marciano’s first world heavyweight title defense. In 1953, Marciano knocked out former champion Jersey Joe Walcott in the first round at Chicago Stadium. Head back to Far Middle’s 100th episode for Nick’s dedication to “The Brockton Bomber.” And if you have four minutes, watch that May 15, 1953, fight.

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Nick begins episode 155 by paying respect to Holocaust Remembrance Day, sadly observing, “The ability and degree of humans to harm other humans, it's one of those attributes that make us unique in the animal kingdom, badly unique.”

Nick then shifts the episode’s focus to California, revisiting a state often in the Far Middle spotlight (see Nick’s commentary, “Ode to Los Angeles From a Wary Admirer,” and Far Middle episode 113 for some of Nick’s prior observations).

Beginning just south of San Francisco, the installment’s sports dedication is a Far Middle first as the honor goes to a high school, Junípero Serra High School, and its legendary lineup of alumni athletes. That roster spans football coach John Robinson and quarterback Tom Brady to baseball player/manager Jim Fregosi and MLB home run king Barry Bonds, and many others.

From athletes launching their epic careers at Serra High School, Nick pivots to the downward spiral of the Golden State, in particular declining quality of life in the Bay Area, thanks to continued Leftist governance and policies.

Nick questions a study ranking San Francisco as the healthiest city in America as the reality on the ground (crime, homelessness, substance abuse) doesn't reflect this assessment. “Living and functioning in San Francisco these days can be quite the threat and danger to one's health, both physical and mental,” says Nick.

Meanwhile, in Oakland, restaurants are closing due to crime and public safety concerns. “Crime has been a major issue in Oakland,” says Nick. “Robberies grew 38% last year, according to police data. Burglaries are up 23%, and motor vehicle theft jumped 44%. That's unbelievable. Roughly one of every 30 Oakland residents had a car stolen last year.”

While crime soars, Oakland’s leadership is more focused on threatening a 102-year-old man with fines for graffiti on his property. Nick also examines the state of education in the Bay Area.

“The potential of California, it's always been to serve as the ideal for the rest of us, it used to epitomize so much of the positive of the American dream,” says Nick. “But today the reality of California is the truth of what happens when the Left runs things and what it will bring to all of us eventually.”

In closing, Nick reflects on a few California cultural icons (including John Steinbeck, Joan Didion, The Mamas & the Papas, the Beach Boys, and others), and how their depictions of California unfortunately differ from life in California today.

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In Far Middle episode 154, Nick examines a string of connections demonstrating how a lack of consistency is becoming the norm in society—raising questions about fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.

In the lead-off spot and serving as the episode’s sports dedication, Nick discusses Major League Baseball's inconsistent handling of the Shohei Ohtani and Pete Rose gambling scandals. In addition to contrasting MLB’s Ohtani and Rose investigations, Nick also note’s MLB’s inconsistent stance on gambling. While the League says gambling is evil, and will result in severe punishment, at the same time the League enjoys profitable deals with gambling platforms.

“The nice thing about baseball is that even though the handling of gambling sagas may lack consistency, the scoring and player statistics, they require consistency,” says Nick, connecting to inconsistencies in standardized test scoring for college admissions and explaining how wealthy students are manipulating the system to gain extra time on exams through dubious means.

Nick then asks whether the law is consistently applied these days, or rather, is it subjectively applied depending on the person and the circumstances. That troublesome question leads to analyzing the judgement against former President Trump for the alleged fraud in New York regarding his real estate valuations.

“The $454 million bond to appeal the ruling marks the highest bond ever recorded in United States history against a single individual,” says Nick. “For doing what, some people's experience has shown, all kinds of firms and banks engage in every day, which is negotiating and debating the value of assets to set loan levels and covenants.”

Nick underscores that it’s not about liking or disliking Donald Trump, but rather, “it’s about whether the law applies to everyone consistently or whether the law gets selectively applied to those we don't care for.”

Nick follows by addressing comedian Jon Stewart's comments on the Trump judgement by scrutinizing Stewart’s own lack of consistency regarding his personal real estate actions. “Using Stewart's anti-Trump logic, paying less in property taxes due to an artificially low assessed value, that would deny government of needed tax revenue,” says Nick. “Is that tax evasion or fraud? Of course it is not—we'd all be potentially liable for such.”

Walking toward the end of episode 154’s line, Nick closes by reflecting on two giants in the history of music, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. Both individuals’ careers were marked by inconsistency, “so a lack of consistency isn’t always a bad thing,” concludes Nick.

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Episode 153 of The Far Middle delves into "Big Truths," a contrasting theme to the prior episode's focus on "Little Lies."

Leading off, Nick presents a few hard truths on the economics of professional sports for the installment’s sports dedication. Those truths include the challenge of becoming a professional athlete, and for the elite few that make it to the highest level of their respective sport, it’s a sad truth that many face financial struggles post-retirement.

Shifting from sports, the next big truth centers on how different asset classes perform over time versus the inflation benchmark. “That's a crucial question because the objective of investing is to achieve a rate of return that exceeds inflation over your investment horizon,” says Nick. “If your return exceeds inflation, you've enjoyed a real rate of return, and your portfolio grew in value.”

What’s been the best major investment class outperforming inflation over a 20-year investment horizon the past nearly hundred years? The answer may surprise you.

From investment trends, Nick examines recent data and projections from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding the depressing financial health of our federal government. “By the early 2030s, the CBO is estimating that all, as in 100 percent, of federal government revenues are going to be consumed by two things, entitlements and interest on the federal debt,” explains Nick. Presuming the CBO is correct, Nick discusses the country’s options to avoid the big financial truth that spells trouble ahead.

Nick continues the theme of big truths as he draws a connection to President Biden’s low approval ratings juxtaposed to his job creation performance since taking office. “When it comes to payroll growth since inauguration, and after those 1,000 days plus in office, Biden is tracking quite well versus his post-World War II predecessors,” says Nick. “In fact, only two presidents saw a bigger percent increase in payroll growth than Biden.”

But despite the payroll growth, Nick suggests it’s simply been the economy rebounding to pre-pandemic numbers. “Maybe the American public realizes that big truth more than we give it credit for, which would explain President Biden's abysmal approval ratings,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick highlights big songs about truth from two awesome groups, The Police and Depeche Mode. Take a break from enjoying the silence, and enjoy episode 153!

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Following a recent coincidental listen of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies," Nick examines a series of connections all based on little lies that have major consequences, particularly little fibs steering energy policy today.

Marking episode 152’s sports dedication, Nick runs through a historic trifecta of sports related lies; including, George O'Leary's false resume claims, George Steinbrenner’s comments he planned to be an absentee owner, and Wilt Chamberlain's exaggerated sexual exploits. Nick notes there are many famous fibs from the annals of sports, such as the denials of fixing the 1919 World Series discussed in episode 149, as well as other moments that will likely be featured in future Far Middle sports dedications.

Transitioning to energy policy, Nick argues those claiming wind and solar are zero-carbon energy sources are propagating a harmful misconception as their production carries significant carbon footprints.

“Let's dispense with all those convenient little lies out there that underlie a flawed set of climate policies and energy transition efforts,” says Nick. “Until we do that, we're only going to be building our economy and society on a foundation of sand.”

Nick then challenges the notion of U.S. energy independence, highlighting the country's increasing reliance on imported wind, solar, and EV components from China. And while America’s energy security erodes to reliance on China, Nick calls out another little lie that China is a growth market for renewable energy like wind and solar. Nick juxtaposes America’s removal of 95 gigawatts of coal-fired electric generation from its grid since 2015 to China adding 223 gigawatts of coal plant capacity to its grid.

"What's all the coal-fired electricity and energy being used for in China?" Nick asks rhetorically. "It's often used to mine, process, and manufacture all the components and feedstocks needed to make more and more wind, solar, and EV products, which are then exported and shipped to places like the United States, where our energy policies mandate their use because we pretend they’re zero-carbon forms of energy. It's nuts."

The discussion then shifts to the administrative state and bureaucratic behavior during the Trump administration, with examples of resistance from elite academia and entrenched government employees. Nick warns of potential future conflicts depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

“If Trump wins the 2024 election, and I know that's a big if and I'm not saying he should, but if he wins the election, bar the door, because we're about to see one of the greatest freakouts in the history of government,” says Nick. “It could make 2016 and those prior Trump-term years look mild by comparison.

“They say ‘rust never sleeps,’ neither does the need to make informed decisions regarding the maintenance of our energy ecosystem. There comes a time when scientific reality must check the environmental ideology,” continues Nick.

Nick then connects those references to “rust never sleeps” and “comes a time” to the likewise-named Neil Young albums. And concludes with a reflection on Neil Young's boycott of Spotify over COVID-related content on Joe Rogan's podcast, touching on the irony and controversy surrounding the decision. Nick’s favorite Neil Young album? Give a listen!

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Far Middle episode 151 features a series of topics connected by the theme of “by the numbers, through the years, and through the lens of consistency.”

That theme begins with the installment’s sports dedication honoring Bill “Wink” Winkenbach. Transforming the way fans watch and follow sports today, Winkenbach invented fantasy football in 1962. Nick looks at fantasy football’s growth, by the numbers and through the years, these past six decades.

While Winkenbach was laying the foundation for modern fantasy sports in the 1960s, the Eisenhower administration would start counting the number of foreign nationals “apprehended” or “encountered” when crossing into the U.S. over the southern border. Nick proceeds to examine the immigration crisis by the numbers and through the years to present day.

“Being part of a family who got its start here in America through immigration, I always lean toward being pro-immigration, but under, of course, reasonably defined sets of rules and criteria,” says Nick. “And that is far from what we have today… over the past three years, there’s a total of about ten million unauthorized, undocumented immigrants that have entered the United States…By the numbers on the immigration crisis should freak all of us out.”

From the sobering and shocking data on America’s immigration crisis, Nick switches gears to World War II and the shocking tally of how many Soviet troops were killed by Stalin in conjunction with his ‘Not a Step Back’ order. Nick suggests a range of 300,000 to 900,000 Soviet troops were killed by their own government and fellow soldiers.

Fantasy sports, the immigration crisis, and the Soviets killing their own troops—they reveal the importance of consistency and the danger of inconsistency. This leads to a discussion between the inconsistency of how former President Trump and President Biden were respectively charged and not charged for retaining classified documents.

“Rules are rules,” says Nick. “When you break them, account for them. When you enforce them, do so consistently. To do otherwise is asking for trouble, both politically and culturally.”

Continuing his focus on Washington, D.C., Nick shifts to the Inflation Reduction Act and specifically the Act’s sections to jumpstart the hydrogen economy. Nick explains the unique opportunity of coal mine methane (CMM) as a hydrogen feedstock and highlights the recent co-authored editorial, “Seizing Western Pa.’s unique hydrogen opportunity.”

In the editorial by Matt Smith, Darrin Kelly, and Greg Bernarding, they write, “If properly enabled and maximized, CMM-based hydrogen production will be able to create over 696,000 jobs in the Pittsburgh region over the next two decades and infuse over $213 billion into the regional economy. We have identified over 30 unique projects, each with the potential to create close to 20,000 jobs.”

Key to unlocking the economic and environmental benefits of these projects is the U.S. Treasury Department.

Nick explains the Department “needs to finalize the 45V hydrogen production tax credits within the IRA. That's consistent with what the law intended. And that will facilitate a significant climate positive set of actions and impacts when it comes to fugitive methane's beneficial use. If you do that, it aligns with the original congressional intent. And it also aligns with President Biden's signature on the IRA. And it follows the process defined by the good old Constitution. What a thought.”

In closing, Nick looks at the past century of electric vehicle history, by the numbers and through the years, and through a consistent lens.

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Marking the milestone 150th episode of The Far Middle, Nick reflects on the podcast’s nearly three-year journey and inspiration from Dr. James Burke's "Connections" series.

“With such a prominent episode number, we need a compelling sports dedication, one that sits atop the greats, as a great of greats, and one that epitomizes and embraces the attributes of doing, achieving, hard work, and being rational,” says Nick, presenting the honor to Gordie Howe, aka “Mr. Hockey.”

After reviewing Howe’s legendary career, work ethic, and transformative impact, Nick connects to The Far Middle’s impact on helping foster civil discourse and the importance of expressing diverse opinions.

Looking back on the history of The Far Middle, Nick describes his philosophy on strategic thinking akin to that of a chess player, versus a checkers player’s mentality. However, the podcast’s beginnings resembled more of a checkers style before evolving into that of a chess player’s approach. He explains that each Far Middle episode is distinctly unique, with no two episodes exactly alike, yet all 150 episodes tie together a handful of core themes consistently and uniquely connected.

“Strangely enough, applying a checkers player's mindset over the years helped me to become better at applying the chess player's mindset when thinking ahead,” says Nick. “It's one of life's interesting ironies.”

Next, Nick references Ayn Rand’s essay, “Who Will Protect Us from Our Protectors?”, in discussing a core theme of The Far Middle, which is the state justifying control of the individual under the cover of looking after the helpless individual’s best interests or the public good. “The state is promoted as the protector for the individual, the little guy's shield,” says Nick. “But who then protects the individual from the out-of-control protector when that protector explodes in size and scope?”

The episode delves into the Founding Fathers' vision of limited government and individual sovereignty, contrasting it with the growth of bureaucratic control. Drawing parallels to Orwell's "1984" and Huxley's "Brave New World," Nick warns against the dangers of state manipulation and the erosion of individual freedoms.

In closing, Nick reaffirms his commitment to advocating for individual liberty and civil discourse as The Far Middle journey continues.

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The Far Middle episode 149 explores various forms of manipulation across society, spanning government, finance, electric vehicles, real estate, and more.

In one of The Far Middle’s more unique sports dedications, the episode highlights an unlikely honoree: Arnold “The Brain” Rothstein. Nick explains that while the manipulative Rothstein didn’t excel in professional sports as a player or coach, his infamous role in fixing the 1919 World Series (which he denied) would transcend the sports world.

Beginning this installment’s connections, Nick transitions to the evolution of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency “has succumbed to ideological pressures from the Left, the radical environmental movement, and the code red crowd,” says Nick. Those interests have skewed IEA’s demand forecast for global oil and natural gas use, and they then use that manipulated data as evidence there isn’t a need for further oil and natural gas investment. The argument is then parlayed into energy policy decisions, such as the Biden administration’s pause on new U.S. liquefied natural gas export facilities.

Revisiting prior episode 148, “Fields of Resistance,” Nick highlights the German government’s budget manipulation attempts that ultimately sparked the German farmer protests.

“Manipulation by government is not unique to Europe,” says Nick. “Our government here in the United States is fully capable of manipulation of its own.” This leads to a conversation about the U.S. EPA’s vehicle emissions rule, which is a de facto EV mandate. Nick reviews a paper by Paul Bonifas and Tim Considine, “Analyzing the EV Rule,” which finds, “The EPA’s EV rule would cost the U.S. economy and taxpayers $1,407 billion, an underestimation of $3,007 billion.”

Next up is a topic familiar to readers of Precipice, which is the magnitude of public pension underfunding. Examining state and local government unfunded pension obligations, Nick references a Hoover Institution analysis that, “As of fiscal year 2021, the total reported unfunded liabilities of [state and local government pension] plans is $1.076 trillion. In contrast, the market value of the unfunded liability is approximately $6.501 trillion.”

Switching from the public sector, Nick explains the manipulative tactics housed in the commercial real estate market to raise property values artificially.

Perhaps one of the biggest manipulators is the Federal Reserve, which “has set interest rates far below normal for decades resulting in negative real interest rates, and such monetary manipulation has massive ramifications across society, much of them negative,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick questions the absence of the media and journalism who, by not calling out the manipulations discussed, are a willing accomplice by reporting opinions and the image rather than facts and the truth.

As episode 149 reaches twilight time, Nick pays tribute to what might be the greatest song in rock and roll history about manipulation.

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Far Middle episode 148 arrives at a special time: March Madness is here, spring has sprung, and America is celebrating National Agriculture Week.

At this time of renewal, farming is the featured theme and focus. Nick begins in “heaven,” aka Iowa, for this episode’s sports dedication, which goes to “the Heater from Van Meter", Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller.

While Felller eventually landed in Cooperstown, his stretch to more than 2,500 Major League strikeouts began with playing American Legion ball in Iowa, with Nile Kinnick behind the plate. Learn more about Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick in The Far Middle episode 138, “The Truth of the Matter.”

Bob Feller, who grew up on a family farm, plants the seed for this episode’s examination of the roots of American farmer activism in the late 19th century and the parallels to Europe today. Nick discusses the recent surge of farmer protests across several European countries, from Ireland to Romania. The conversation further explores Nick’s recent commentary, “Harvesting History: Farmer Activism is Democracy’s Early Warning System.”

In this episode, Nick offers both an American agriculture history lesson and an update on current issues and strife affecting European farmers. Learn how and why climate change policies are the singular root cause of today’s European farmer protests, and why other so-called causes are simply associated symptoms of those climate policies.

“Farmers matter greatly in society—let's not mess with them,” says Nick. “They’re one of America’s great value creator classes—amongst creators, enablers, and servers—making society function, as I wrote in Precipice. Unfortunately, farmers are finding themselves under attack with this ever-pressing value appropriation by what might some call the takers, and that I reference in Precipice as the Leech.”

In closing, Nick wraps with a fitting look back at the first Farm Aid concert. Now nearly 40 years ago, Nick pays tribute to Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar’s first performance together on stage.

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The Far Middle episode 147 begins with an only-in-America connection as Nick presents the unique link between U.S. Senator Rand Paul and the installment’s sports dedication, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Jim Bunning. Nick discusses Bunning’s accomplishments on the diamond that took him to Cooperstown, as well as his post-baseball career that took him to the United States Congress.

“It's another sports dedication that isn't so much about sport as it is about the unique journeys and opportunities that present themselves in America,” says Nick.

The conversation then transitions into a discussion of John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty," Mill’s formative essay on individual freedom and the role of government in society. Nick’s commentary extends from and expands upon his recent article, “Revisiting On Liberty: Magnificent Guide in Troubling Times.”

Nick explores many themes from Mill’s 1859 masterpiece, such as the importance of protecting individual rights from societal and governmental coercion, the dangers of suppressing dissenting opinions, and the need for tolerance of nonconformity. Nick draws connections to present day issues, such as vaccine mandates, censorship on social media, and ideological polarization.

Regarding that polarization and today’s thought police, Nick notes that “Mill pointed out that society benefits from genius, but genius, it requires individuality and freedom. Everyone appreciates a genius in art. So, when some musical or literary genius comes on the scene, everybody loves that. But the same people often disdain contemporary genius that disrupts political, economic, religious, or scientific status quo and power. It's quite inconsistent.”

In the closing lines of On Liberty, Mill writes, “The worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it…a State which dwarfs its men, in order that they may be more docile instruments in its hands even for beneficial purposes, will find that with small men no great thing can really be accomplished.” Nick contends that the individual is going to have to reign once again supreme in the U.S. if we want to secure a bright future.

Concluding the episode, Nick connects back to 1859, the publication year of On Liberty, to reflect on another milestone that year. And that breakthrough event took place in Titusville, Pa., where Edwin Drake struck oil giving birth to America’s oil industry.

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The Far Middle episode 146 highlights two contrasting transformations—the first positioned the NFL to become the league it is today, while the other transformation finds New York City on the precipice of ruin.

This installment’s sports dedication goes to visionary NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Earning the job at age 33, Nick looks back on Rozelle’s role in transforming the NFL into the immensely popular financial success it is today.

Rozelle’s leadership on revenue sharing and new television contracts not only increased the league's revenue and exposure but also made football America’s number one sport. Rozelle shaped the NFL into a cultural and economic powerhouse. “Rozelle is someone who transcended sport and represents what America has to offer, no matter what your profession or cultural interests,” says Nick.

That powerhouse’s headquarters, New York City, connects to this episode’s focus, which is the myriad challenges facing the Big Apple largely due to years of leftist policies from the city’s leadership.

Nick recounts a trip last month to New York and delves into the city's decline over the past few years, exacerbated by pandemic policies. While only in town for a couple of days, “I made it a point to talk to as many residents and businesspeople and workers and business owners as possible,” says Nick, proceeding to summarize the concerns and frustrations of those he spoke with along with personal observations.

Nick first addresses crime, describing the city’s vibe as tense and on edge, followed by a discussion on the controversial leadership of Mayor Eric Adams as he’s “suffering from a host of issues.” Those issues span affordable housing to corruption allegations, but most notably a migrant crisis.

That crisis made disturbing national news just before Nick’s visit, after a recent assault by migrants on New York Police officers in Times Square and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s ensuing response. “D.A. Bragg made a mockery of the entire justice system,” says Nick.

Nick also examines once again the city’s transportation mess, from the deteriorating condition of the subway to the implementation of the regressive tax that is congestion pricing.

Concluding his observations on the headwinds facing New York City, Nick shares troubling insights evidenced from a lunch at a friend’s Little Italy restaurant. And visible from that lunch was the mysterious and windowless Long Lines Building in Tribeca, which serves as an intriguing close for Far Middle episode 146.

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Episode 145 of The Far Middle begins with a sports dedication that continues a recent theme of honorees and tributes whose stories transcend beyond sports. Professional baseball pitcher, and longtime Pittsburgh Pirate, Dock Ellis is remembered in this installment. Nick describes Ellis’ intriguing story as one that’s reached urban legend status, but one that’s also sad and tragic.

Nick looks back on Ellis’ career, specifically recounting Ellis’ infamous no-hitter from June 12, 1970, which Ellis accomplished after taking LSD earlier in the day. Ellis “was a personality, an advocate for causes, an addict, an individual, a lightning rod, and in many ways, he epitomized much of the late 1960s and 70s,” says Nick, paying respect to Ellis and his “wild ride.”

Transitioning from Ellis, Nick notes the geopolitical instability during Ellis’ playing days, and how those trying times—from the Vietnam War to the Cold War—resemble many of the myriad threats and “wall of worry” we face today. And amongst the multi-faceted wall of worry spanning the globe today, Nick delves into his greatest concern, which is China and its potential attack on Taiwan.

Nick proceeds to examine a China-Taiwan analysis led by Mark Cancian (Colonel, USMCR, ret.), which looked at “what would happen if China attempted an amphibious invasion of Taiwan?”

Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS) International Security Program, alongside co-authors Matthew Cancian and Eric Heginbotham, “developed a wargame for a Chinese amphibious invasion of Taiwan and ran it 24 times. In most scenarios, the United States/Taiwan/Japan defeated a conventional amphibious invasion by China and maintained an autonomous Taiwan. However, this defense came at high cost.”

After reviewing the CSIS China/Taiwan wargaming report, Nick considers several follow-up questions. Including:

How effectively do the Chinese and American militaries fight?
If China invades Taiwan and is left vulnerable, will the U.S. attack Chinese military locations on China’s mainland?
Will the Taiwanese fight, or will they fold and collapse when confronted with the brute force of a Chinese invasion?
Will public opinion in the United States be able to stomach the level of losses likely to be suffered to save Taiwan?
How will the conflict end? Does China go all in resulting in a global conflict?

If the worry of a potential China-Taiwan conflict is keeping you up at night, Nick has an appropriate 1983 film directed by John Badham for you…shall we play a game?

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Episode 144 of The Far Middle falls just after Presidents’ Day 2024. Accordingly, Nick notes a few U.S. presidents that are underrated, overrated, and a pair he continues to enjoy learning about.

Connecting from Presidents’ Day to this installment’s sports dedication, Nick revisits President Jimmy Carter spearheading the boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. Nick examines the many geopolitical dynamics of the boycott that resulted from the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. Interestingly, the boycott—a move to force the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan—came just after the U.S. beat the Soviets in Lake Placid in the “Miracle on Ice,” which you can hear more about in prior Far Middle episode 80.

Drawing on themes and issues surrounding the 1980 Summer Games boycott, Nick moves to present day and explores the contrasting views of “elites” versus those of average Americans on several economic, social, and political issues.

Nick first highlights a comment from Jamie Dimon, who recently called out the insulated progressive elites in a CNBC interview, before next analyzing the results of a sobering poll by RMG Research for the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

That poll, “Them vs. U.S.: The Two Americas and How the Nation’s Elite Is Out of Touch with Average Americans,” offers interesting to shocking to frightening insights on America’s elite demographic.

Of those many insights, Nick calls out that “almost 50 percent of elites believe that America provides too much individual freedom. And meanwhile, 60 percent of voters believe that there's too much government control. That's what you call contrasting views.” He also highlights elites’ views of climate change, restating a frequent Far Middle topic that “climate change policies have nothing to do about atmospheric levels of CO2, and they've got everything to do with control of the individual across society and economy.”

Unfortunately, the poll results offer a validation of the themes and arguments Nick makes in Precipice: The Left’s Campaign to Destroy America.

“Although I wrote that book years ago, looking at where the minds of elites are today and how they are driving Western societies, they serve as proof points for the hypothesis laid out in Precipice…I wish Precipice would have been a false alarm, but instead, what's going on in America, is definitely not a drill,” says Nick.

Referencing his discussion on the broken state of college and academia described in Precipice, Nick connects to academia’s unwillingness to reform, using Henderson State University in Arkansas as an example. This leads to a broader look at the societal value of a four-year college degree today, which “has never been worth less.”

Moving from elites in academia, Nick discusses elites in bureaucracy, specifically former National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins, who “was as bad as it got when it came to running over science and individual rights to justify draconian pandemic policies.”

In closing, Nick flips the conversation to a positive side, telling the story of Pittsburgh’s Paul Mawhinney, his record store Record-Rama, and his three-million-plus record collection.

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The Far Middle episode 143, released on Valentine’s Day 2024, begins with a darker reflection from the holiday’s history: the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929.

Nick then begins this installment’s connections, shifting from “illegal gangland Prohibition-era fights, with blood flowing and bullets flying on the streets, to another form of tough competition—the legally sanctioned NBA with blood in the paint.” Nick fast-forwards 73 years later to Allen Iverson’s legendary “practice” interview.

Nick examines the rest of the story behind Iverson’s interview and explains how it’s “a great example of how media can morph things to fit their desired narrative for whatever reason or for whatever motive.” Incidentally, Allen Iverson joins a select group of repeat Far Middle sports dedication honorees, checkout episode 92 for more.

The theme of morphing the narrative then encompasses the episode’s focus as Nick counters many so-called experts’ claims that inflation has been tamed and run its recent short-lived course. Nick’s analysis is an extension from his recent essay, “20 Reasons Why the Worst is Yet to Come with Inflation.”

Those 20 contributors of inflation—and their many underlying dynamics—can be broadly categorized into government spending and regulation, monetary policy, and geopolitics. A few of the inflationary drivers include:

The growth of the regulatory state making everything more expensive.
The impact of languishing worker productivity continuing to increase the costs of goods and services.
Higher taxes and fees at every level of government escalating the cost of everything, everywhere, every day.
Climate policies fueling energy scarcity and raising energy costs, and more.

“Each of these individual factors are their own contributors, but all of them together, that helps drive an incremental step-up of inflation, a cumulative effect that occurs when they all manifest together,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick makes one more connection to February 14, as he remembers Richard Stanley Francis. The British champion jockey and author passed away today, 14 years ago.

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In The Far Middle episode 142, Nick once again starts the discussion with a sports dedication honoring an athlete whose accomplishments extend beyond sports. This installment’s honoree is the late Pat Tillman.

While recognizing Tillman’s football achievements, Nick focuses on Tillman’s service and principles. Nick describes Tillman as an exemplar of a great American doing exceptional things throughout his very unique life.

Nick then shifts the discussion back to his recent video series, “A Rational Thinker’s Guide to Climate Change and Related Policies.” Nick brings home his commentary spanning the prior two Far Middle episodes, and further examines his arguments from the concluding chapter of the series, “Forces Driving Present Climate Policies.”

Those forces driving climate policies today can be best categorized as external and internal; with external coming from outside the United States, and internal being pressures and influences within the United States and West.

Examining external forces, Nick covers OPEC, dynamics between Russia and Europe, Venezuela's aggression towards Guyana, and of course, China who “clearly is the biggest single example of who benefits the most with respect to climate policies and net zero journeys to really bad places.”

Then there’s the internal driver of present climate policies. And the “best way to define it is as the Left within the West itself, whether it's the United States or Europe,” says Nick. “The Left at the end of the day, more than anything, despises the individual and specifically disdains the freedom of the individual to choose for themselves.”

Nick proceeds to highlight several trends that are justified as “tackling climate change,” but at their core, they're about curtailing individual rights and greater control over individual choice. Examples today span what you can eat and drink, driving and EV mandates, 15-minute cities, and climate policy bleeding into government use of emergency powers.

Nick rambles on with a final music segment, as he pays tribute to Led Zeppelin’s Led Zeppelin II album. Led Zeppelin II would mark the band’s first UK No. 1 album—a milestone occurring today, 34 years ago. For more Led Zeppelin commentary, check out Nick’s reflection on Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti.

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The Far Middle episode 141 tips off with a sports dedication once again highlighting a great performer both on and off the field (or court).

Nick pays tribute to the great David Robinson, aka “The Admiral.” Nick reflects on the two-time NBA champion’s unique path to the Naval Academy, his time with the Spurs and the U.S. national team, and his commitment to education and supporting young people.

“David Robinson put his money and actions where his mouth was; you just don't get a better-quality person than David Robinson,” says Nick. “And if more of us are like him, it's a winning formula for the nation and society.”

Connecting from Robinson’s service in the Navy, Nick discusses America’s military today, who’s being told by our current leaders that climate change is America’s biggest threat. This sets up the episode’s primary focus, which is the continuing examination of his recent video series, “A Rational Thinker’s Guide to Climate Change and Related Policies.”

Nick expands upon his analysis in part two of the series, “Consequences of the Experts' Cures,” beginning with the significant carbon footprint of so-called “renewables,” from their supply chain to installation. Their misunderstood, or perhaps ignored, life cycle carbon footprints are arguably the foundational flaw of the experts’ climate “cures.”

The bad medicine, which is those cures, will have materially worse impacts on economies and quality of life for citizens across the globe than the actual symptoms of climate change, whether legitimate, manufactured, or imagined, explains Nick.

The ignored carbon footprints of wind, solar, electric vehicles, and batteries underpin why the consequences are not going to be positive by pursuing the medicine or cures that the experts and the elites have prescribed.

Nick next connects to how the experts’ cures are driving inflation and destabilizing the geopolitical map. Nick examines the aggression by Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, Venezuela, and others that are rooted in energy policy. Moreover, Nick calls out the hypocrisy of the “experts” who refuse to practice what they preach.

In closing, Nick offers a great tribute to “the first president of the United States to enjoy rock star status.” Who was that president? Well not Obama or JFK. Press play to discover who, and rock on.

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Episode 140 of The Far Middle is a must-listen for hockey fans as Nick looks back at both the history of the game and the origin of the name "hockey." He recounts the game’s early forms in ancient Greece, 17th-century Holland, and its evolution in North America.

While the game began outside of Canada, the Land of Maple refined and popularized hockey into the modern sport we know today. For more hockey talk, check out Nick’s prior dedications to “the Great One,” Martin Brodeur, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid.

Nick leaves the rink to spend the bulk of episode 140 revisiting a three-part video series he released earlier this month following the United Nations’ 28th “Conference of the Parties” climate summit (aka “COP 28”).

The trilogy, “A Rational Thinker’s Guide to Climate Change and Related Policies,” is available here and also on Nick’s YouTube channel. This Far Middle further explores Nick’s commentary in the trilogy’s first installment, “Diagnosing the Problem and Issue.”

Topics include:

The poor and inept policies being forced upon society by the climate alarmist movement.
Earth’s changing climate throughout history.
The shale gas revolution’s role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The economic, social, and ecological challenges of so-called 'renewable' energy sources like wind and solar—as well as their low energy density.

“We need to have a follow-on conversation about what we know about climate change policies, because those policies, they're advertised as the medicine and the cure to climate change by the climate alarmist crowd,” says Nick previewing next week’s episode. He calls the expert and elites’ cures much worse than the disease of climate change and asks whether those symptoms are real or whether they’re fabricated.

In closing, Nick connects to John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim's Progress." He draws parallels between the challenges faced by dissenters in Bunyan’s classic work to today’s “religion of climate alarmism” and limitations on free thought in the present-day discussion of climate change.

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Following Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past Monday, and the anniversary of his January 15th birthday, Nick begins The Far Middle episode 139 with a great story of King’s nonviolence in action, which “no one did better than Martin Luther King Jr. with lasting impact.”

For this episode’s sports dedication, Nick again spotlights an athlete whose greatness extends beyond the field, or in this case the pitcher’s mound. That individual is Walter Johnson, “the best pitcher in an era of dominant pitchers, and very well may be the best pitcher of all time.” Johnson was part of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural Class of 1936 alongside episode 137’s dedication, Honus Wagner. While noting Johnson’s epic baseball stats, Nick focuses on Johnson’s life and leadership off the diamond.

Nick then moves from 1910s and ‘20s baseball to World War II, examining Americans’ views of the British military in 1942 versus present-day impressions of British strength during the Second World War.

Reverting back to the turn of the century, just after Walter Johnson was born, Nick references American historian John Milton Cooper, and Cooper’s account of America’s thriving economy circa 1900. Nick also notes Cooper’s 2009 biography of Woodrow Wilson that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. “I'd love to pick his brain on Woodrow Wilson, who I consider to be one of the worst performing presidents in our nation's history,” says Nick. “And if you want to know why, read Precipice for a full explanation.”

Drawing a connection from the more than 2,000 newspapers at the outset of the 20th century, Nick discusses a December 14, 2023, article in The Economist by former New York Times editorial page editor James Bennett. In the article, "When the New York Times lost its way," Bennett does “a great job of differentiating between classic liberalism and illiberalism,” says Nick, further commenting on the herd mentality and state of journalism today.

Drawing connections from journalism, media, and America’s economic might, Nick reflects on a 2021 interview with author Walter Kern and the cultural divide between urban versus rural America. Addressing the divide, Nick calls media a “wedge creator and wedge preserver in America today.”

And in closing, Nick wishes a happy birthday to America’s first “polymath,” Benjamin Franklin. “How many people do you know that could be described as all of the following?,” asks Nick. “A writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and a political philosopher.” In admiring Franklin’s immeasurable accomplishments and contributions, Nick highlights Franklin’s 13 virtues to cultivate his character and achieve not only success but also happiness.

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The January 10th release date of Far Middle episode 138 coincides with Save the Eagles Day. Marking the occasion, Nick suggests halting the “taxpayer-subsidized development of what’s become the most murderous aviary campaign in the history of man and since cats: wind turbines,” and even weaves in a Rage Against the Machine reference during the episode’s open.

Nick again highlights a standout sports figure whose accomplishments both on and off the field epitomize greatness. And this installment’s sports dedication honors go to Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier—a Vietnam veteran, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, an author, the subject of the television movie Fighting Back, and more.

After reflecting on Bleier, the discussion makes a jump cut to explore Frances Fukuyama’s 1989 essay, “The End of History.” Nick examines the paper and calls out a series of excerpts and assertions from Fukuyama that were a complete misread and a significant historic blunder. Fukuyama’s conclusions influenced even more historic blunders by those in power who believed the global ideological transformation that Fukuyama professed and subsequently set policy from.

“I've said it before, I've said it on The Far Middle in prior episodes, I wrote it in my book Precipice, and I'm going to state it again, never ever underestimate the Left,” says Nick. “It comes at great peril for the individual and for society.” And while the Left might have been on the ropes in the late 1980s and 1990s, it will never surrender.

With the supposed fall of communism, socialism, and the Left, Nick notes the irony that in the end of history era, the ideological vacuum in the West has been filled with none other than the tenets and values of the Left. He uses examples of open borders, “tackling climate change,” and the vilification of prior Western values such as capitalism and the individual.

In closing, Nick pays tribute to 19th century American author Horatio Alger who was born a few days after today’s episode release, on January 13, 1832. While the Left’s dislike for Alger today borders on hate, he focuses in on the Horatio Alger Association and its promotion of the American dream, which is now under attack by the mainstream media.

“Constant listeners, in the words of Public Enemy don't believe the hype when it comes to the Left,” says Nick. “Horatio Alger, and all that he stood for in his stories, they're legitimate and real, as long as policy and culture allow individuals to freely achieve.”

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The Far Middle journey continues into 2024 as Nick celebrates one of the greatest baseball players ever to play the game, Johannes Peter "Honus" Wagner. Nick looks back on "the Flying Dutchman’s” baseball career and southwestern Pennsylvania roots.

It’s a dedication “riddled with history,” that will entertain both constant-listener sports fans and non-sports fans alike. “You don't get more Appalachia, more Western Pennsylvania, or more Pittsburgh than Honus Wagner, says Nick. “And you don't get more scrappy, doer, and achiever than the Flying Dutchman.”

Nick then takes a minute to discuss his Western Pennsylvania accent before connecting to the more serious topic of air quality in Western Pennsylvania. Nick highlights the organization Pittsburgh Works Together (online at pghworks.com) and their “Clearing the Air” report.

“A few years ago Pittsburgh Works Together (PWT) started to think seriously about why all one hears about Western Pennsylvania when it comes to air quality is that it is horrible and that industry, manufacturing, and energy, they're to blame, and we should shut them down,” explains Nick. He proceeds to highlight PWT’s report, which uses 2022 EPA data to dispel the myth (perpetuated by many including the American Lung Association) that the air in the Pittsburgh region is among the worst in the country.

“We need to act and set policies and establish goals that are based on facts, not fear or feelings,” says Nick (a repeated theme Far Middle constant listeners know well).

Similar to PWT’s analysis of air quality, Nick highlights the ongoing research from the Institute for Energy Research (IER). Specifically, Nick discusses IER’s Environmental Quality Index analysis (available at www.instituteforenergyresearch.org). Per IER’s research, Nick demonstrates how “replacing American domestic production of oil or natural gas with foreign supplies would be an overwhelmingly negative trade-off for the planet, for Code Red, and for the environment.”

Staying on data and numbers, Nick shifts to America’s debt and annual deficit. While a recurring Far Middle topic, in this discussion Nick helps provide perspective to just how unsustainable and calamitous America’s financial situation has become. The federal government’s insatiable desire to continue to spend is akin to the draw of Lord Sauron’s magical One Ring. With that, Nick concludes this Far Middle by heading to Middle-earth as he remembers J.R.R. Tolkien on the anniversary of his birthday back in 1892.

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Closing out The Far Middle’s 2023 run, Nick presents a unique sports dedication that continues recent dedications combining sports with several interesting historical angles. For episode 136, Nick explores baseball’s “long forgotten Federal League” of 1913 to 1916. While a failure, it was a “wonderful experiment,” and a great example of “a risk-taking endeavor by doers in the chaotic world of free-market American capitalism.”

From the business of early 1900s baseball, Nick connects to the business of baseball today, specifically the broken finances and unsustainable business model of the San Diego Padres. “It is striking how similar the failed business model and state of the Padres is to a government, say like Illinois or New York City, or corporations that are sitting on shaky business plans, or with the higher education model of today,” says Nick.

Nick moves from the Padres’ financial mess to examining Argentina who faces a similar and more serious financial situation. “The root causes of Argentina's woes are a toxic cocktail of massive government borrowing and lax monetary policy and inflation,” explains Nick, proceeding to examine the similar economic trouble facing Argentina and the United States. While Nick is hopeful newly elected Argentine President Javier Milei can bring about reform, he worries greatly for America if we don’t course correct.

Looking ahead to 2024, Nick explores what the Fed might do with interest rates next year. “Everyone wants a reduction in rates and cuts from the Fed,” says Nick. “But wanting it and getting it are two different things. I'm convinced the Fed will try to start to cut rates soon…But inflation doesn't care. In fact, inflation will flare even more if rate cuts start too soon.”

In closing, and as New Year’s Eve looms a few days away, Nick wishes a happy birthday to Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins who will turn 86 this December 31. Nick reflects on Hopkins life and career, including his working-class upbringing. Nick recalls an admirable line Hopkins said about his father that speaks to Hopkins’ character, “Whenever I get a feeling that I may be special or different, I think of my father and I remember his hands – his hardened, broken hands." And if you haven’t seen Hopkins in The Elephant Man, add it to your watchlist this winter.

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Hello Far Middle friends, Nick Deiuliis is back to talk with you again. Episode 135 begins with a sports dedication taking listeners from the gridiron to the stars as Nick honors wide receiver turned engineer and astronaut, Leland Melvin.

Nick describes Melvin’s career from the football field to NASA as a “made for Far Middle topic and dedication.” The tribute to Melvin follows a recent string of dedications celebrating athletes (such as Ted Williams, Nile Kinnick, Archie Moore) who’ve pushed the envelope to achieve greatness beyond their sports careers.

“I've always been interested in space because of the science and the constant innovation found in the associated industries, but I never wanted to be an astronaut,” says Nick. “Just too much risk for me to life and limb, which leads to our first connection for this episode, how innovation and risk in the profession of astronaut, they came together in the late 1960s during the Apollo space missions.” Nick proceeds to discuss how the Apollo astronauts devised an innovative insurance system autographing postage envelopes.

Next, Nick recounts a remarkable and inspiring story on the lifelong impact that educators, specifically elementary school teachers, can have on individuals. As for something less inspiring, Nick discusses Encyclopedia Britannica’s grossly misleading Vietnam War timeline.

“Encyclopedia Britannica tells only part of the true story and only the part that fits a narrative favored by the Left,” says Nick. “Frankly, it reads as if written by a communist and someone who holds a grudge against the United States. Tell the whole truth, Encyclopedia Britannica, not selected pieces of it to skew the uninformed looking to become informed. Those who served in Vietnam deserve at least that much. As do young students looking for objective and balanced resources to tell a complete story.”

Students and education are a frequent theme this episode as Nick next explains how a CNX Mentorship Academy student recently taught him about “sleepy sickness.” Formally known as encephalitis lethargica, the disease was a global epidemic that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths in the 1920s.

From sleepy sickness Nick connects “to what most people desire to hear when trying to sleep—the sound of silence.” With that, Nick closes by looking back on Simon & Garfunkel’s hit “The Sound of Silence.” And Nick offers “the rest of the story” (a frequent theme this episode) highlighting the connection of the song and album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., to Art Garfunkel’s longtime friend Sandy Greenberg.

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The Far Middle episode 134 honors not only a sports legend whose record-holding World Light Heavyweight Champion reign spanned a decade, but also simply a great American. That individual, born 110 years ago on the date of this installment’s release, is none other than “The Mongoose,” Archie Moore.

For those saying, “Archie who,” Nick explains that Moore “basically did it all.” He revisits Moore’s acclaimed boxing career, dedication to youth mentorship, acting roles, and service under the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Archie Moore set amazing standards for vitality and competitiveness over an extended period of time in his chosen profession,” adds Nick, providing a pivot to this episode’s first connection and principal topic: education in America, and particularly education in our large cities.

Nick starts in the Windy City where the city’s Leftist mayor has decided to no longer grade public schools based on student proficiency, but rather on how much schools are spending. Highlighting that per student funding in Chicago public schools sits just below $30,000, “an unbelievable amount for so little in return,” Nick asks where it’s going for so little in return. The answer? Not to the students nor to good teachers, but rather to bloated administrative staff, the bureaucracy, and to the public teachers union coffers (and the politicians they support).

Nick leaves Chicago and heads west to Oakland for an insight on what public teachers unions are focused on these days. Not academics, but rather drought resistant trees and climate justice days. From Oakland, Nick heads down to Tempe, Arizona, to discuss a paper from Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, titled, “Beyond Objectivity: Producing Trustworthy News in Today’s Newsrooms.” Juxtaposed to academia's views on the media, Nick highlights survey data to shed light on where the American public sits with respect to objectivity in journalism and media.

The episode’s discussion then connects to a great educator who “very few people today ever heard of, which I suppose is yet another failing of media,” says Nick. “Early November this year marked the 50th anniversary of an assassination of a hero educator in Oakland, California, and his name was Marcus Foster.” Listen as Nick reflects on Dr. Foster’s exemplary career that was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

Nick concludes with one final connection to a “Skunk” who also shares a birthday with “The Mongoose” and this episode’s release date. That individual is Jeffrey “Skunk” Baxter. Nick wishes birthday wishes to the guitar hero and rocket scientist, and recommends giving a watch to his talk on “Asymmetrical Thinking in a Conventional World.”

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The Far Middle episode 133 is a fascinating series of connections on the nobility of enterprise and work, capitalism and individual choice, and the associated threats these face in today's global economy.

The discussion begins in Iowa for this episode’s sports dedication, which goes to a great American who was a veteran, the 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, and the namesake of the University of Iowa’s football stadium. That individual? Nile Kinnick. Reflecting on Kinnick’s remarkable life, albeit cut too short at age 24, Nick comments that “he made the most of every opportunity and moment in his life, something to celebrate for sure.”

Shifting from sports, Nick begins this week’s connections with a quote from Machiavelli’s The Prince: “As my intention is to write something useful for discerning minds, I find it more fitting to seek the truth of the matter, rather than the imaginary conceptions. Many have imagined republics and principalities that have never been seen or heard of.”

Nick notes this line from The Prince is a theme and approach that he aims to mimic in his efforts such as The Far Middle and his book Precipice: “to sort of peel back the optics and veneer of image, that so many policies and movements fixate upon, and instead to focus on exposing the realities, and the truth, as in clinical, rational, scientific or mathematical truth, not some squishy definition or version of the truth.”

Alongside Machiavelli, a host of thought leaders join the conversation, including Pope John Paul II, Ayn Rand, and Notre Dame Professor Carter Snead. A few of this installment’s key takeaways from Nick:

Capitalism isn’t broken. What's broken is how the free market has evolved into a controlled market for the favored class, or the one percent, through policy and machinations between the bureaucrat, the political leader, and the special interest.
In a free market, every individual can display their morals with their actions and decisions; it's a platform for the self, the individual, to assert their convictions with every decision made.
There's a problem with finding and securing noble, meaningful work these days, as such work has vanished. It's rare and it's hard to find. Why? Most of it was purposely outsourced to our adversary, China, via globalization driven by the elite and expert class. American manufacturing was handed over to China so America could work effortlessly in the knowledge economy. This move is the biggest strategic blunder since the World War Two era and its damage will continue to lay wake.
Although the expert political class might just be waking up to the threat of China, don't be fooled into thinking that corporate America has awakened to the threat.
Germany’s economy and fiscal state is a warning sign to America. Following a string of poor policy choices, Germany has downshifted from the engine of Europe a decade ago to now idling as the sick man of Europe. In closing, Nick wishes a happy birthday to guitarist and R.E.M. co-founder Peter Buck, and quotes a line from R.E.M.’s “Finest Worksong,” off their album Document: “Take your instinct by the reins; You're better best to rearrange; What we want and what we need; Has been confused, been confused.”

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Episode 132 marks a special installment of The Far Middle as Nick spotlights CNX Resources’ historic and innovative Radical Transparency initiative. But before dropping the puck on the Radical Transparency discussion, Nick pays tribute to the legendary Montreal Forum in this episode’s opening sports dedication.

The Forum opened its doors 99 years ago this week, and “was constructed in 159 days, can you believe that,” says Nick. “It would take longer today to draft the permit request for such a venue, and the actual permit review and approval process might not take 159 days, but instead 159 months.” Nick reflects on the property’s history, in particular its seven decades as home to the Montreal Canadiens, as well as other notable hosted events.

“What made the Forum in Montreal a shrine,” asks Nick. “Doers building things to last. Seeing those things they built thrive and make history of their own. And sprinkling in fits and starts of innovation and continuous improvement.” With that observation, Nick connects to CNX’s new Radical Transparency initiative.

Introduced this month on November 2nd alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Radical Transparency is a “partnership and agreement that’s going to move the state of the art forward to a higher and better place when it comes to how responsible manufacturing of domestic energy and natural gas is performed,” explains Nick.

Nick looks back on how a data reporting challenge served as the impetus for Radical Transparency. That challenge drove CNX’s performance to a better place as a new regulatory reporting group was established alongside new data and IT platforms. Through those improvements and investments, the foundation was laid for Radical Transparency.

The Radical Transparency website is now live at http://www.cnxradicaltransparency.com/ providing background and contextual information about CNX’s operations and development process.

As opposed to policy driven by out-of-touch ideology or mysterious and unknown data (recalling episode 124 on the recent University of Pittsburgh’s natural gas studies), Radical Transparency will help craft policy based “on data, and the rational, and the known,” says Nick.

Revisiting the initiative’s announcement earlier this month, Nick highlights that extraordinary day alongside many community leaders, including Governor Shapiro, Pennsylvania Environmental Council President Davitt Woodwell, and Boilermakers Local 154 Business Agent Shawn Steffee. Those assembled were “a coalition of the willing, a coalition of doers wanting to get something done on advancing the state of the art.” Nick underscores that this is just the start of Radical Transparency and now the real work begins to make it an engine for continuous improvement.

In closing, Nick connects back to the Montreal Forum and the band Rush who played the venue several times. “The trio of Rush is the greatest band pound for pound in the history of rock,” argues Nick. “They weren't afraid to break rock norms through the years to innovate, much like what we're trying to do today with Radical Transparency.” Listen as Nick concludes with a few interesting factoids from the band’s Exit… Stage Left album.

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As family and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, The Far Middle episode 131 examines the numerous reasons Americans have to be thankful.

Before delving into the episode’s connections, Nick offers a fitting sports dedication this Thanksgiving eve: the wild NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins from Thanksgiving Day back in 1993.

This episode’s discussion follows a recent evening Nick spent in Philadelphia, assessing America’s opportunities and challenges with a group of businesspeople and thought leaders. Nick explains the opportunity stemmed from an invitation to discuss his advocacy efforts, including The Far Middle, his book Precipice, and more broadly the state of doers in America today.

“Value creators have much to be thankful for today in America, in places like Pennsylvania, and in cities like Philadelphia,” says Nick. “But there's also a lot to be concerned about when one looks to the future and contemplates troubles, trends, and developments.”

Stressing the importance of America’s middle class, Nick calls it “the lifeblood of so much of free enterprise and capitalism and the American dream and the western republican democracy way… the middle class is something to be thankful for today and also something to be worried about.”

Nick goes on to address other topics of that recent Philadelphia conversation, including: the forgotten man and woman—a motivator for all; the definition of Liberal versus Leftist; his essay on whether America needs a third party; and, the concept of “institutionalizing.”

As the connections conclude, Nick summarizes the many reasons Americans have to be optimistic and thankful, juxtaposed to related reasons for concern and worry.

And in a somber closing, Nick goes back 60 years ago today, November 22, to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Nick recounts growing up and adults saying how they would never forget where they were on November 22, 1963. “That feeling would unfortunately be experienced by the next generation when September 11th rolled around in 2001,” says Nick. “Then we ended up knowing what it felt like. Let's hope our kids don't get to experience the same thing."

Wishing all the constant listeners health and happiness this Thanksgiving!

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The Far Middle episode 130 begins by going back 77 years ago today, to November 15, 1946, when Ted Williams earned his first American League MVP award, which he would earn again in 1949. “Teddy Ballgame” serves as this episode’s sports dedication.

Nick looks back at the awesomeness that was Ted Williams, from the Hall of Famer’s accomplishments on the diamond (nineteen-time All-Star, two-time Triple Crown, the last to hit .400 in a season, the list continues) to his military service off the field during World War II and the Korean War. Nick notes that he’s the only Hall of Famer to have served in two wars. To put it simply, Ted Williams was, “The greatest hitter that ever played the game, a true individual in every sense of the word, and one of the greatest Americans,” says Nick.

Williams made hitting a science. Indeed, he wrote a book on it, The Science of Hitting. In true Far Middle fashion, science then continues as a recurring theme across this episode’s connections.

Those connections begin with a bit of political science and geopolitics in terms of what people in prominent positions often say or backtrack from once said, highlighting JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon’s comments regarding communism (and indirectly China) as one recent example.

On the topic of China, Nick calls out Climate Czar John Kerry for doing everything in his unelected power to destroy domestic energy and manufacturing jobs, while helping bolster the Chinese workforce in the “interest of tackling climate change.”

The episode’s lineup delivers back-to-back-to-back hits on topics ranging from America and the West’s policies on climate and energy, and the resulting heavy price being paid by the developed and developing world; to, examining science as a philosophy that challenges consensus, versus science as an institution driven by ideology.

And with college basketball season having tipped off, Nick heads to Durham, NC, to close out the episode. Nick discusses Duke and Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final game as an example of how much of the dysfunction discussed in this installment’s connections is rooted in academia.

“Do you think our rivals in China are focusing on the same things that our supposed best and brightest at Duke are focused on,” asks Nick; concluding that instead of treating American academia as the authority on all things policy and science-related, we should rather be demanding academia’s reform.

Notes from the Far Middle: The great Ted Williams was born on August 30, 1918, and was considered for dedication this past August 30th for the release of episode 119. However, legendary Boston Celtics Coach and Executive “Red” Auerbach earned the episode’s honors. As Far Middle connections are a constant, Coach K turned down an opportunity to join the Celtics (and Auerbach) as coach in 1990. He’d go on to win five NCAA Championships, second only in all-time wins to UCLA Coach John Wooden’s ten-championship tally, whose greatness was recognized in episode 121.

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The Far Middle episode 129 is dedicated to boxing great Billy Conn, better known as “The Pittsburgh Kid.” Nick delves into Conn's career that spanned the 1930s and 1940s—a time when boxing rivaled baseball as America’s most popular sport.

Nick highlights Billy Conn’s bouts and relationship with Joe Lewis, in particular their legendary match from June 18, 1941, when Conn attempted to become the first World Light Heavyweight Champion to win the World Heavyweight Championship. For more on Conn, Nick recommends the Sports Illustrated article, “The Boxer and the Blonde.”

The outcome of a boxing match is decided either by knockout or by the judges. “Scoring by judges is often subjective,” says Nick. “But you always have the eye test and objective data to compare to the official decision in both boxing and in life.” From there the episode’s connections begin—linked under the theme of the real-world scoreboard and commonsense eye test, versus the manufactured optics of the elite and expert classes.

Nick highlights several examples revealing how the divide between reality and manufactured optics sits in plain sight for all to see.

The state of America’s cities begins the conversation, a topic regularly addressed by Nick and at length in Precipice. “Our cities are sick, and the decisions urban leadership are making on behalf of urban America is making us sicker,” says Nick, highlighting San Francisco’s new central subway, Pawtucket's under-construction professional soccer stadium, and Chicago’s structural deficit.

Ultimately, poor decisions from urban leaders and their ensuing costs will result in taxpayers footing the bill.

Next, Nick turns to global energy and climate policy. “The expert judges assured us that if we pour trillions of dollars into the energy transition, carbon use and carbon dioxide emissions would plummet, saving the globe.” However, despite all the unprecedented energy transition spending, carbon emissions tick up with rising energy consumption, but so too does GDP growth, longer life expectancies, and quality of life.

“Based on the scorecard, ask yourself what passes the eye and the smell test,” says Nick. “Are climate change and global warming the biggest threats to the U.S. economy, or do they pale in comparison to things like China, nuclear proliferation, technology running amok, banking failures, and so on. It's the elite optics versus real-world scoring constant listeners.”

Like Conn and Lewis, the punches continue as Nick examines: the causes resulting in the cost of food and food inflation both domestically and across the globe; attitudes towards the state of America’s economy, and whether things are great (manufactured optics) or do we have a fiscal crisis (reality); experts’ geopolitical missteps on Russia and Ukraine; and, a CIA whistleblower alleging the agency rigged a report on the origins of COVID-19 to clear China's name.

In closing, Nick wishes a happy birthday to the late Milton Bradley and foreshadows a top-ten list of his favorite board games (and includes a few likely to make the list).

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The Far Middle episode 128 premieres on November 1, 2023, coinciding with the anniversary of Chuck Cooper’s NBA debut. Cooper, a Pittsburgh native and this installment’s sports dedication, has several connections to both Nick and prior Far Middle conversations. And if you’re saying, who is Chuck Cooper, then most certainly give this episode a listen.

Moving from Chuck Cooper breaking down barriers, Nick calls out the following quote from Thomas Sowell: “Freedom is not simply the right of intellectuals to circulate their merchandise. It is, above all, the right of ordinary people to find elbow room for themselves and a refuge from the rampaging presumptions of their ‘betters.’”

Nick explains that Sowell is speaking of the power and benefits associated with capitalism, free markets, and the individual reigning supreme. “Despite the overwhelming data over centuries that prove the superiority of capitalism, the Left continues to make concerning inroads across societies and economies rolling back all that hard-earned progress in the process,” says Nick. “Today the popular trend is toward omnipotent government.”

The theme of omnipotent government then permeates the episode’s topics. Nick notes the term is the title of a great book by economist Ludwig von Mises, which you can read more about in Nick’s essay, “Heed the Historical Rhyming of Ludwig von Mises’ Omnipotent Government.” And for further reading, see Precipice, specifically chapter two on “The Deep State.”

Nick goes on to examine a host of recent developments illustrating the expanding and intrusive presence of government today, touching on: banking sector regulations, the administrative state’s growth, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget Circulars, President Biden’s regulatory actions and their cumulative costs, the cost to operate and maintain vacant federal government buildings, and more.

In closing, Nick offers a birthday shout-out to someone who in many ways represented omnipotent government and then ended up paying a heavy price for it when arrogance got the best of her. This individual also ties back to episode 81 Who is that individual? Press play and find out!

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The Far Middle episode 127 is all about heading in the wrong direction. In this installment’s sports dedication, Nick connects the episode’s release date of October 25 to Jim Marshall of the Minnesota Viking’s infamous wrong-way score back on October 25, 1964. “The play epitomized life and the imperfections of human beings even more than it epitomized football in competitive sport,” says Nick.

While Marshall’s gaffe 59 years ago today is one of the NFL’s most famous screw-up plays, Nick argues Marshall’s body of football accomplishments most certainly earns him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Incidentally, Marshall was a key piece of the Vikings Purple People Eaters defense, which ranks among Nick’s ten greatest NFL defenses of the Super Bowl era.

From Marshall, Nick connects to public figures lecturing on how individuals should live their lives and act, while at the same time those same figures’ behavior and lifestyles differ from what they preach. Nick’s case study is Jane Fonda.

“This is not a hit piece on Jane Fonda,” says Nick. “But the discussion is designed to expose the utter inconsistency between what she advocates for and what she does, because the stakes are high for society and each of us.”

Nick proceeds to expand upon his recently authored essay on Fonda, “Jane Says ‘End Fossil Fuels Now’…But Jane’s Addiction Is to Fossil Fuels.”

In his examination of Fonda, Nick discusses a serendipitous moment earlier this year between seeing she’d be speaking in Pittsburgh, while at the same time coming across a lifestyle interview she gave to the Wall Street Journal. Nick then provides an assessment of how her political action committee’s goals, her environmental views and rhetoric run counter to her daily routine and personal behavior. “When one considers the carbon footprint and fossil fuel inputs that come with a day in the life of Jane Fonda, I’m afraid I've got some bad news for the Code Red crowd,” says Nick.

As the conversation concludes, Nick dedicates the episode to all those who served in Vietnam, reflecting, “Vietnam vets are getting up there in years these days, and we need to honor them while some of them are still around to enjoy the respect that they so deserved and were so wrongfully denied for too many years.”

In closing, Nick wraps with a positive connection to Jane Fonda, highlighting her Oscar performance in Klute, “a dark thriller done right.”

Fun Far Middle connection: Jim Marshall and Jane Fonda were born nine days apart back in December 1937.

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The Far Middle episode 126 lands on the birthday of NFL legend Mike Ditka, providing a no-brainer dedication for this installment. Nick calls Iron Mike a “kindred spirit of The Far Middle,” as he recalls episode 85, which was dedicated to the Super Bowl-winning 1985 Chicago Bears, as well as episode 46 that celebrated Buddy Ryan’s 46 Defense.

Following last week’s lightning round episode, the format for The Far Middle episode 126 returns to a special singular focus on a World War II battle that’s often overshadowed by the European Theater’s bigger and more famous Allied campaigns. That battle is the Battle of Hurtgen Forest.

Nick proceeds to analyze the battle, its timeline and lessons, building upon his recently released essay, The Battle of Hurtgen Forest: Costly Failure and Lessons Learned.

“When it was all said and done, 120,000 American troops were deployed in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, suffering 33,000 casualties,” says Nick, addressing all that went wrong in the Hurtgen. “The battle’s lessons, they should be remembered if we're to honor those who paid the ultimate price, and thousands of Americans paid that ultimate price.”

Those lessons include:

Leadership matters, and poor leadership negates inherent advantage.
Preparation and homework are prerequisites to success.
Avoid terrain and environment that neutralizes your strengths.
Supply chain weakness will hamper success in modern warfare and economy.
Success demands teams have the proper tools and equipment.
Underestimate your adversary’s capacity and will at your own peril.

“The Hurtgen Forest was a battle from hell, a disaster Allied leadership should have seen coming,” says Nick before making one final connection to a lighter topic, Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell, an album no one saw coming that was released this week in 1977.

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The Far Middle episode 125 honors Baseball Hall of Famer and Reds legend, Joe Morgan. Nick calls Morgan the greatest second baseman to ever play the game and reflects on Morgan’s stellar career, both on the field and in the broadcast booth.

While recent Far Middle episodes have concentrated on singular topics (mentoring young adults, the wisdom of Václav Havel, effective leadership, and speculative natural gas research), this installment is a lighting round episode, catching up on several developments from the last few weeks.

Nick leads off the episode highlighting the work of John Ioannidis and his research on the issue of what's become of science and the scientific method. Among Ioannidis’ views, Nick points out his notion that you don't need a Ph.D. in a technical scientific field to play the role of a scientific skeptic.

Next, Nick examines the United Nations Development Programme’s iVerify platform, an “automated fact-checking tool.” Nick references author Michael Schellenberger and how iVerify fits into what Schellenberger calls the Censorship Industrial Complex.

Staying within the realm of the United Nations, Nick calls out a couple frightening quotes from Piers Forster, a professor of climate physics at the University of Leeds who has helped author Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.

“The United Nations' efforts these days serve as a great connection to what's going on at the World Bank,” Nick continues. “The World Bank has a new leader, Mr. Ajay Banga…he is going to be leading the charge of an effort to expand lending capacity through the World Bank to fight climate change.”

Nick moves from the World Bank lending to nations to help their climate change fight, to the Federal Reserve’s compounded annual growth rate, to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s pursuit of a global minimum tax.

The theme of government and institutional overreach runs throughout the episode, and comes to a head as Nick reviews consumer product regulations that have come about this year; spanning light bulbs to gas stoves and home furnaces to vehicles. Pivoting off the topic of transportation, Nick addresses congestion pricing in Manhattan, to then commenting on New York City’s iconic Roosevelt Hotel becoming an asylum seeker arrival center.

In examining government inefficiency, Nick points out the 2.2 million civilian employees in the federal government. These are career bureaucrats not elected by the American people, but who are making more and more major policy decisions that are affecting everyone. “When the bureaucratic state realizes that there's not going to be a culture of accountability or consequences for things like expanding power base or mission creep, then you start to see illogical outcomes,” says Nick.

As the episode winds down, Nick addresses our federal government investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, climate change negotiations between China and the U.S., China’s growing control of strategic ports, and the benefits of limited government.

In closing Nick salutes the late great jazz drummer Art Blakey whose birthday falls on the release date of episode 125. Blakey, “a polyrhythmic percussion powerhouse,” passed away on Oct. 16, 1990, two months after Joe Morgan’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

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The Far Middle episode 124 arrives as this year’s Major League Baseball playoffs get underway. Accordingly, Nick dedicates the episode to two recent baseball milestones that occurred on October 4, the episode’s first airing date.

On Oct. 4, 2021, Barry Bonds hit his 70th home run to tie Mark Maguire for the most home runs in a single season. And then a year ago today, Aaron Judge broke Roger Maris' American League single season home run record with his 62nd blast. While the achievements were notable, Nick sees them as a product of professional baseball’s evolution—"making what was once exceptional, the home run, the norm.”

By stacking the deck for a favored outcome, Nick suggests baseball has demoted the essence and purity of the game, becoming more contrived and manufactured entertainment.

With that observation, Nick stays on the topic of optics and manufactured outcomes, and pivots from baseball to the episode’s principal topic: the recent University of Pittsburgh’s (Pitt) studies on public health impacts from natural gas development in southwestern Pennsylvania.

This episode’s discussion expands upon Nick’s commentary, “Natural Gas Development and Human Health in PA: Let’s Get the Facts Straight.”

“The Pitt studies, they left much to be desired and suffered from fatal design flaws, many of them self-inflicted by the research team, despite having the benefit of a $2.6 million taxpayer budget for the effort,” says Nick. He proceeds to examine the studies’ results that found no causation linking natural gas development to health problems, but you wouldn’t know that from the media coverage.

Nick highlights the massive body of prior health and environmental research on natural gas development from the last several years before delving into the flaws and limitations of the Pitt studies. Further, Nick addresses reactions from various parties upon the release of the studies, and how, “they provide a window into how this type of research has been co-opted to fulfill predetermined views of the natural gas industry by those opposed to it.”

The studies’ release, the ensuing media headlines, and subsequent calls from study authors for more taxpayer-funded research, is another example of the positive feedback loop that perpetuates a desired storyline.

Nick concludes by first offering few refreshing doses of truth, and then makes one final connection to Rembrandt who died on October 4, 1669.

Nick calls out Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, which, “shows a doctor performing a dissection of a body to instruct other medical colleagues as they looked on,” explains Nick. “I think that this is a fitting final connection for this episode as we’ve dove deep on dissecting a process designed to create opportunity by stoking baseless innuendo when it comes to the health of residents and industries that drive quality of life in western Pennsylvania. This episode in many ways served as an anatomy lesson consistent with the Rembrandt painting and its title.”

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The Far Middle episode 123 is a must-listen installment focused on effective leadership. Nick walks through a series of quotes on leadership by a range of thought leaders and some anonymously attributed, all connected in distinct Far Middle style.

And in a Far Middle series first, the full episode is also available as a video to highlight these words of leadership wisdom, which as a group, holistically define effective leadership.

For the episode’s dedication, Nick honors Coach Vince Lombardi: “What sports figure has a better association with effective leadership than Lombardi,” says Nick. “Lombardi saw winning as a mindset and a habit that had to be cultivated through leadership.”

Nick goes on to quote many others, ranging from Jack Kerouac to Vincent Van Gogh and from General George Patton to Nipsey Hussle. With each quote, Nick helps interpret the lesson to be had. Takeaways include:

If you're looking to do something extraordinary, then it's almost a certainty, there are going to be missteps and failures along the way.
Effective leaders must be willing and become very good at striking a balance when it's right to move on an opportunity.
Just like with a competitive sports team, personnel change from time to time. Winning organizations are ones that are always looking at any opportunity to upgrade their talent level to be the best they possibly can be.
What are initially challenges—convert them into opportunities.
Great leaders are constantly looking to improve, to advance the state of the art, to get better, and to continually improve.
You've got to go make things happen.
Too much focus and too much attention beyond learning from a failure—to the point of obsession—can create a paralysis with respect to decision-making, achieving, and getting better.
Your words start to lose value when your actions don’t match.

Nick closes with an adage from Steve Mehr to think about often: “You get what you focus on. So focus on what you want.”

“What do you focus on, what's your team focused on, is it consistent with what you want,” asks Nick. “And if they're not, then that's an opportunity. I wouldn't get frustrated by it as much as I would see as an opportunity to redirect the attention into the appropriate channels and onto the appropriate tasks.”

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The Far Middle episode 122 begins by rewinding the clock back to the summer of 1978 to celebrate Pete Rose’s magical 44-game hitting streak.

While now 45 years ago, Charlie Hustle’s consecutive game-hitting streak remains the closest to overtaking Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game record. Despite coming up short, Nick recalls the never-short-on-confidence Rose saying during his 1978 streak that he “might go on forever.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting remains one of the unlikeliest MLB records that will ever be broken.

Shifting from baseball, Nick continues his recent theme of exploring one central and significant topic in this episode. “I get to settle into one of my ideological North Stars, a person whose thoughts and impact I didn't awaken to until a few short years ago,” explains Nick. That North Star’s name? Václav Havel.

Nick proceeds to reflect on Havel’s contributions as an author, poet, dissident, and statesman. Nick connects back to 1978 as he explores Havel’s essay released that year, “The Power of the Powerless.” Nick highlights the essay’s importance at its release, its connections to today, and defines Havel’s concept of “living in truth.”

“By deciding to live within the truth, one breaks the rules of the game and then you expose the game as the ruse that it is,” says Nick. “It becomes clear that living a lie is just that. It's living a lie…For the post-totalitarian system, or for government run by the Left in the West today, the ultimate fundamental threat to its power will be individuals daring to live within the truth.”

In closing, Nick notes the episode’s release follows Constitution Day, celebrated this past September 17. “I like to think that the Founders in the late 1700s and their product, the Constitution, inspired Havel in the late 1970s in his product, 'The Power of the Powerless,' so that you, constant listeners, and I, have the conviction to be dissidents living within the truth in America in 2023,” concludes Nick.

Nick’s discussion in this installment expands upon his recent commentary, “A Dose Of Dissidence And A Pinch Of Living In Truth: Remedy For Troubling Times.”

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Episode 121 is a special edition of The Far Middle as Nick offers insight into the development, growth, goals, and future of the one-of-a-kind CNX Foundation Mentorship Academy. Before diving into the Academy, Nick pays tribute to John Robert Wooden for this installment’s sports dedication.

The “Wizard of Westwood” was not only one of the greatest basketball coaches ever and a Hall-of-Fame player, but also a teacher and mentor to countless student athletes. “He was as much Harvard Business School professor as he was UCLA hoops coach,” says Nick. Wooden’s teaching tools and tactics, such as his Pyramid of Success, not only apply to basketball but business, personal success, and organizational leadership.

The building blocks of Wooden’s Pyramid of Success—from self-control to initiative and from confidence to competitive greatness—are central focus areas of the CNX Mentorship Academy.

Nick proceeds to discuss the Academy’s origins and its aim to assist students from urban and rural economically disadvantaged communities in Western Pennsylvania who don't intend to pursue a college degree right after high school.

As the Academy is gearing up for its third year and third class, Nick attributes many keys to its success, including partners spanning the building trades, energy industry, manufacturing, hospitality/ travel, real estate, construction, health care, and more. And then there are the mentors, which Nick describes as, “the glue that holds everything together…no mentors, no success, it’s that simple.”

In closing, Nick observes, “I can say without hesitation that every student that enters the Academy, and shows up over the course of the year, they will be in a markedly better place when it comes to life skills, awareness, and confidence than where they were when they came in. It all comes down to how you define success. It's measured in different ways in this thing we called life, and I wish it were more ideal, but this is how it is.”

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The Far Middle episode 120 begins with a little Labor Day history, including the debate of whether it was labor leader Peter McGuire or machinist Matthew McGuire who deserves credit for Labor Day’s origination. Nick fondly recalls Peter McGuire’s quote that the holiday is meant to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

And as the boys of summer prepare for fall and postseason play, Nick turns to baseball for this week’s sports dedication. While some listeners hoped “The Miracle Mets” of 1969 would earn honors for Far Middle episode 69, the Mets receive dedication honors this 120th episode. However, it’s for an unfortunate record: the Mets’ 120 losses tallied during their 1962 inaugural season.

Nick adds that the 1962 Mets’ starting pitchers recorded just a combined 23 wins all season, which is less than Don Drysdale’s 25 games won—alone—that ’62 season for the Dodgers. And despite the record of the 1962 “lovable losers,” the Mets would of course bloom come the 1969 season for their first World Series Championship. For more on Drysdale, check out Far Middle episode 53.

While on the topic of losing in epic fashion, Nick connects to the topic of climate predictions and climate change alarmism.

In a unique Far Middle exploration, Nick reviews a century of highlights by “the experts’” climate predictions—beginning in 1923 with the New York Times reporting that Arctic ice was melting and “a radical change in climatic conditions, and hitherto unheard of temperatures in that part of the earth.”

Nick then goes decade-by-decade, discussing numerous climate predictions by media, experts, and elites; including the late 1970s shift from predictions of catastrophic global cooling to unavoidable global warming.

After examining a century of inaccurate doomsday predictions, Nick offers four takeaways: 1) science is not about consensus; 2) we should not be setting policies impacting decades and trillions of dollars aiming for something we should have zero confidence in being able to accurately know; 3) why aren’t those making these past dead-wrong predictions held accountable; and, 4) where are present-day journalists reporting on the trends identified in this episode.

In closing, Nick pays tribute to Diana Ross, who this week in 1980 reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit “Upside Down”—a fitting song title for this episode’s discussion on expert predictions.

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The Far Middle episode 121 arrives as Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, approaches. With fall on the horizon, Nick has basketball on his mind, which leads to a special dedication to basketball pioneer Arnold “Red” Auerbach. Nick calls Auerbach, “the most accomplished pro basketball coach and executive in the history of the game, both statistically as well as with respect to impact.”

After reflecting on Red’s historic career, Nick pivots to red’s complementary color: green. Specifically, he delves into the concept of green inflation, which is the collective combination of green energy policies, mandates, and subsidies driving general inflation.

Nick addresses the impact of waning worker and labor participation on inflation, but underscores that it’s climate change policies that is the single biggest contributor to inflation. “The true aims of climate policies are to manufacture and impose scarcity,” says Nick. “Energy scarcity then transmits to overall economic scarcity, and supply scarcity of everything, because everything needs energy as the fundamental input or feedstock.”

Nick highlights several data points illustrating green inflation. These include President Biden’s cancelation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, America’s first proposed cobalt mine being put on hold by its developer, and Ford’s EV business unit’s losses.

“The only way for Ford to make money on EVs is for the price of EVs to go up and to force consumers to buy them, which means the supply of gasoline powered vehicles must go down,” explains Nick. “You see, restrict supply of the efficient, enforce the choice of the inefficient, and raise its price. Green inflation 101.”

Next, Nick calls out the hidden costs of wind and solar infrastructure on the power grid and how those new transmission infrastructure costs will be paid for. Moving on from power lines, Nick discusses traffic lines and traffic congestion pricing. The origins of traffic congestion pricing is the “hallmark of the Left,” says Nick. “Create a problem, purposely, upon the private sector and then use that created problem to justify more power and control over the private sector. It's simple but effective time and again.”

In closing, Nick notes how summer weather these days is described by many as a sign of Armageddon. On the topic of summer heatwaves, Nick draws a connection to the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, “Rear Window.” While Coach Auerbach was preparing for the Celtics’ 1954-55 season, “Rear Window” hit theaters on September 1, 1954. “It should be considered as one of the greatest films ever,” says Nick.

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As many head back to college this August, so too does the start of Far Middle episode 118 as Nick honors Ohio State Buckeye legend and two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin for this Far Middle’s sports dedication.

Nick then moves from Ohio State to Stanford, noting Cardinal quarterback Jim Plunkett would earn Heisman honors a few years prior to Griffin’s back-to-back trophies. He then examines Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne’s forthcoming resignation following “serious flaws” found in his research.

“The controversy at Stanford highlights another connection we can jump to which interestingly still involves Stanford, but it also ties to a much broader topic that cuts across the entire western world,” says Nick. He discusses the big difference between science and “The Science,” and the ramifications of scientific journals wading into subjective politics and eroding their reputation of objectivity.

Next, Nick explains the “inside out” phenomenon, using examples from Alexis de Tocqueville and the idea of soft despotism, as well as the Spanish Civil War.

The theme of “inside out” runs throughout episode 118. From Archie Griffin’s ground game to a Stanford student reporter breaking news of data manipulation to the outside world, and from the Left gaining control from the inside of government, academia, and media to turn society from the inside out. The theme also applies to Nick’s recount of the story of Jonah and the whale (or big fish), as well as his discussion of Big Tech letting in the Left and their subsequent aims to now turn Big Tech inside out.

And for a fitting close, Nick looks back on Phil Collins’ single “Inside Out,” from the 1985 album No Jacket Required (released the same year Archie Griffin was closing out his professional career with the USFL’s Jacksonville Bulls). Nick recites the song’s lyrics to take to heart: “Now everybody keeps on telling me how to be, and everybody tells me do what they say, oh I'll help myself it's up to me and no-one else, but till I'm ready just keep out of my way.”

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Far Middle episode 117, released on August 16, coincides with the anniversary of football icon Frank Gifford’s birthday. Nick reflects on Gifford’s legendary career on the field and in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. In looking back at the eight-time Pro Bowler’s career, Nick also recounts meeting Hall of Fame linebacker Chuck Bednarik who delivered “The Hit” on Gifford in their November 1960 Giants/Eagles matchup.

“It seems as if every time we do a dedication on The Far Middle of an exceptional athlete, like a Frank Gifford, it brings to mind a few truths in life,” says Nick. “One being that in competitive worlds and arenas, there is always going to be an inevitable cycle.”

In sports, that cycle is players rising to greatness, declining, disappearing, and replaced with the next generation. It’s a cycle also evident in business, technology, empires, and global leadership. Nick proceeds to connect to Europe’s recent sharp economic/societal decline while India is on the rise.

After providing numerous indicators of Europe’s regression, including the Eurozone economy only growing about 6% over the past 15 years, Nick pivots to India, and specifically the megacity of Mumbai. “India and Mumbai, in many ways, parallel the United States and its cities a few generations ago,” says Nick.

He profiles Mumbai’s challenges, from infrastructure to affordable housing, as well as its bright future. “Few things, actually no things in real life, including progress, are ever going to be perfect, and Mumbai's journey stands to be a net positive to millions of residents, both current and future,” says Nick. “But that journey will also harm many people in its path, that’s always been the case in human history, and that's always going to remain the case.”

Nick’s discussion of Mumbai today then pivots back roughly 80 years ago to examine the complicated life and legacy of Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose. While Frank Gifford was turning 15 in Bakersfield, Calif., Bose would pass away this week, on August 18, back in 1945. Nick breaks out a Far Middle Yogi-ism in describing Bose as, “one of the best-known individuals you’ve never heard of.”

And in a final connection, episode 117’s release date—August 16—also falls on the anniversary of the passing of two well-known individuals you’ve definitely heard of, Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. As Nick paid homage to “The King” in episode 111, he closes by celebrating the “Queen of Soul” and sharing his four favorite Aretha Franklin singles.

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The Far Middle episode 116 is dedicated to the great Jesse Owens. This episode’s August 9 release coincides with the 87th anniversary of Owens winning his fourth gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Nick reflects on Owens' historic Olympics performance, including the stark difference in the way Owens was treated in Europe compared to his arrival home.

Following the “much-too-late dedication” to Owens, Nick examines a frequent Far Middle topic: the trouble facing many of America’s large cities. “The combination of the policies of the Left, being soft on crime, rampant and open drug use, remote work, broken public transit—those things are cumulatively and slowly squeezing new life out of America's big city centers,” says Nick. He then highlights data points including cell phone activity and office occupancy rates that reaffirm the perilous state of America’s cities.

“All this big city financial pain and lack of vitality, it's cascading into states,” says Nick, highlighting the budget woes of New York and California. “Tax revenues in states run by the Left, they’re plummeting big time.”

In assessing the cause of municipal, state, and national economic pain, Nick attributes rising interest rates as a key driver. And after a primer on the Federal Reserve and its inflation target, coupled with examples of the Left’s policies that are stoking the inflationary fire, Nick argues the Fed is nowhere near finished increasing interest rates.

“If you think that climate policies are not the root cause of inflation, and that inflation is well on its way to being tamed, consider our next connection regarding food prices,” says Nick. He calls out the increased price in items like pretzels, chips, cereal, and other prepackaged foods, which require substantial energy in their production, packaging, and ultimate delivery to grocery store shelves.

Nick pivots to Europe and the ECB, which is starting to finally look at reality as the ECB raised interest rates again at the end of July and is predicting inflation “to remain too high for too long.” But unfortunately, “the ECB won't admit that the root of persistent and stubbornly high inflation in the EU emanates from climate policies,” says Nick.

Moving on from Europe, Nick comments on China’s recent announcement that it was restricting exports of germanium and gallium.

“China runs the supply chains of wind, solar, batteries, and EVs,” says Nick. “Policies in the West that mandate these things necessarily mean China then controls our grids and our roads. How's that a good and desirable thing for us?” On a related topic, he questions a think tank’s study about the preparedness of Taiwan to withstand an attack from China—the study concluded that Taiwan should rely more on wind and solar in its grid to be better prepared for an attack from China.

In closing, Nick connects to another anniversary falling on the episode’s August 9 release date: the original 1854 publication date of Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden.” Listen as Nick recounts a few of his favorite lines from Thoreau’s awesome work.

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The Far Middle episode 115 arrives on August 2, 2023, which also marks the 50th anniversary of baseball Hall of Famer George Brett’s Major League debut. On August 2, 1973, Brett would bloop a broken-bat single in the top of the 4th to notch his first of more than 3,000 career hits spanning 20 years with the Kansas City Royals. In dedicating the episode to Brett, Nick looks back on Brett’s quest to hit .400 in the 1980 season, the infamous 1983 pine tar incident, and reminisces on Brett’s fiery and feisty personality.

From George Brett and his dominance of the left side of the Kansas City infield, Nick connects to the Left’s dominance over many large American cities, including Portland, Oregon. “In Portland, it’s not clean, safe, or even hip anymore—it’s downright dangerous,” says Nick.

He adds that one constant during Portland’s demise has been Mayor Ted Wheeler. Wheeler’s been at the helm during Portland’s escalating homeless and violence crisis, and its eroding livability and declining economy. Read more on Portland in Precipice, specifically chapter eight, “Leech Power Centers: Urban Hell.”

Next, Nick addresses urban public education—“one of the biggest problems facing our big cities.” He cites public teachers unions protecting bad teachers as part of the problem. Using California as an example, Nick calls out that fewer than 0.002% of teachers in California are dismissed for unprofessional conduct or poor performance in any given year. Asking what or who the education system is designed to benefit, it appears the answer is poor performing teachers, public unions, and politicians.

“If you really, really wanted to improve the standing of minority students within the broader education system, don't worry first about college admissions, instead let's focus intensely on public education reform and choice in the K-12 arena in our big cities,” argues Nick.

While many American cities crumble, “many mayors and other leaders remain steadfast on obsessing about tackling climate change, even though the cumulative action of any city in America will have negligible impact on climate, and may in fact end up doing more harm than good,” says Nick. This leads into a data- and fact-based look on the myth of Code Red.

Staying on energy and climate, Nick spotlights research from the Copenhagen Consensus Center, wades into the Snake River and the debate on removing its dams (a source of reliable and clean hydropower), and then addresses the latest moves in the UK to allow oil and gas production to expand in the North Sea.

In closing, Nick gives the smooth sands of monotony a few more stirs as he wishes a happy birthday to the late Peter O’Toole.

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The Far Middle episode 114, released on July 26, 2023, arrives the day before—in 1957—the incomparable Yogi Berra would start his streak of 148 games without an error.

The connection serves a fitting opportunity to dedicate this Far Middle installment to the legendary Lawrence Peter Berra, baseball’s “best all-around catcher.” Nick reflects on Berra’s baseball career, military service, his mentorship to young players, and more. All told it was a crazy, remarkable life—an “exemplar in absolute excellence.”

From Berra, Nick makes a unique connection, the likes of which you’ll only find on The Far Middle, discussing the Unabomber—Ted Kaczynski—who died last month in prison. Nick examines Kaczynski’s Manifesto, now nearly 30 years later: “Kaczynski was quite the ecowarrior and radical environmentalist. Back then, those environmental views, along with all his other rantings, were viewed as crazy. But today, his views on science and tech and anti-progress and the environment, they’re basically mainstream.”

Moving on, Nick adds, “When the state controls decisions, and religions of the Left like environmentalism take root in policy, the crazy becomes the norm. And it's not just with the Unabomber Manifesto. Consider the next connection of what’s going on with Iran and energy.”

Nick dissects America’s failing appeasement approach with Iran. Appeasement leads to weakness, leading to more geopolitical risk, which has been evidenced throughout history. Nick then offers three current examples where appeasement and weakness by the U.S. and Biden administration is going to lead to major problems for the planet.

These three examples include America’s response to the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. “China is astute,” says Nick. “It watches this clueless administration, along with Western Europe, on the issues of Iran and Russia-Ukraine, and China begins to think, 'I can certainly take Taiwan right now. And what is the United States or the West going to do about it?'”

Discussing America’s trending decline, its lack of leadership, and the Left’s presence everywhere today, Nick comments on the Roman Empire’s decline and fall—making the case that the Empire fell from within.

Crazy is this episode’s recurring theme, which allows the episode to land on a high note as Nick presents his Mount Rushmore of best songs/compositions with crazy in the name (along with a few honorable mentions).

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The Far Middle episode 113 is dedicated to legendary pitcher Cy Young who collected his 500th win on the episode’s July 19 release date back in 1910. Nick reflects on Cy Young’s stellar career and 511 wins, which Nick calls the most unbreakable record in all professional sports.

Nick describes Cy Young as the ultimate exemplar of pitching, and begins the episode’s connections, highlighting that California and Los Angeles, not long ago, were viewed by many as the exemplars of the American dream. Nick then proceeds to summarize his address last month to the Los Angeles County Lincoln Club – Downtown Chapter.

Explaining how the event came to fruition, Nick comments, “I remain fond of California and LA, and I'm deeply troubled about both, and I'm troubled about America and my hometown as well. So, I wanted to explain why to these leaders at the Lincoln Club out in Los Angeles.”

In recapping the presentation, Far Middle listeners will recognize many themes from recent episodes, such as the Left’s three-pronged attack on today’s domestic energy industry and their “convenient energy myths,” that together, result in energy scarcity, energy inflation, general inflation, and carry geopolitical consequences benefitting America's adversaries.

During his talk, Nick reviewed topics from Precipice. He illustrates how, albeit sadly, California and Los Angeles both served as inspiration for his writing the book. After walking through his speech, Nick ends by noting one attendee’s question on how America can course correct. While America can indeed alter its course, he notes that like many once-great empires, America isn’t unbreakable.

“Yeah, there is still time to change the road we're on, to paraphrase Robert Plant in Stairway to Heaven,” concludes Nick. “But we better move quick, or else this is not going to be a Stairway to Heaven. Instead, it's going to be a Highway to Hell.”

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The Far Middle episode 112 celebrates the Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano boxing trilogy, which spanned a 21-month period between 1946 and 1948. The middleweights’ second match—Zale vs. Graziano II—occurred this week back in 1947.

After reflecting on the Zale-Graziano bouts, which exemplified boxing done right, Nick transitions to journalism done wrong. Nick walks through a recent morning news show’s “Protecting Our Planet” segment to illustrate how media sells a problem, its causes, and its cure. In this case, the problem of course was climate change. And the cure? More government.

Staying on the so-called climate crisis, Nick offers “a little bit of history and science, which always spices up a Far Middle episode.” Nick highlights historic Earth temperature changes, going back to the Roman Warm Period, Medieval Warm Period, and the more recent Little Ice Age.

“Tackling climate change is a scheme that's utilized in many ways by the Left as a convenient opportunity, or perhaps even a pathway, to grow the state and impose control over the individual,” says Nick. “When one thinks about what type of state control the Left prefers over society, the bigger the form of government, the better.”

Nick proceeds to delve into the idea of the Great Reset, a concept originated by World Economic Forum Chairman Klaus Schwab (aka “The Godfather of Davos”) who co-authored the book, “COVID-19: The Great Reset.”

“Schwab and the World Economic Forum and the Great Reset, they all advocate for the West to forcibly change from free market and individualistic and capitalistic, to something more along the lines of China's form of communism,” says Nick. “Ask yourself if today's federal government and the current bureaucratic state feel more like American capitalism or if they feel more like socialism.”

Pivoting to a state that’s all about the Great Reset, Nick highlights California’s famous and thriving Joshua Tree. The state is seeking to thwart private development as the climate change boogeyman could threaten the tree by the end of the century. Nick explains how this is the Great Reset in action: government looking for any issue as an opportunity to tighten its grip little by little, tree by tree, and house by house.

And as a U2 fan, Nick ties in an interesting connection to the band’s The Joshua Tree album, which was being recorded back in the summer of 1986. Nick examines the album’s theme, its commercial success, and present-day irony.

As episode 112 concludes, Nick predicts the Great Reset will fail in the end, but the question is how far it goes before failing, and how much damage and pain it will ultimately inflict. In closing, Nick makes one final connection to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania that came to a climax this month back in 1794, drawing several comparisons to today.

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The Far Middle episode 111 begins with a dedication to the 2008 Wimbledon men’s final—a historic bout (far from just alright) between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The nearly five-hour match marked the third year in a row Federer and Nadal met in the final at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, while Federer won in 2006 and 2007, Nadal would came out on top in 2008.

Nick next transitions to present day, moving eastward from England to discuss Russia and Ukraine, exploring the asymmetrical nature of the war that differs from other historical conflicts. The Russia/Ukraine war leads to the question of whether America supports nations resisting our adversaries, or do we instead stay out of foreign entanglements and invest those resources domestically. Subsequently, Nick examines how the federal government budget is evolving quickly—and not in a good way.

“Nearly 60 % of the federal budget each year is now going to three things: Social Security, healthcare entitlements, and interest on the debt,” says Nick. “And all three are going up faster than tax receipts are going up, which is going to balloon the deficit. And without entitlement reform, the math can't work. And without higher taxes or less tax credits and less subsidy, the math can't work.”

Nick shifts from our federal debt troubles to California, where Governor Newsom wants to remove red tape for the development of favored energy projects—a situation where the Left is trying to save itself from itself.

Next up, Nick calls out many potential causes of action for today's youth when it comes to having a bone to pick with government and its policies. But today kids aren't suing governments in America for these wrongs, rather, they're suing over climate change. “Juveniles are stressed about climate, and they want to sue the government,” says Nick. “Stay tuned on this one as time unfolds because we know for sure the Left will ratchet up the intensity and the plaintiffs bar will persistently run down any chance they see for value appropriation.”

While talking climate, Nick discusses a recent interview with former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, who has a new book out, The Yellow Pad. Nick says Rubin recently delivered a “climate change sermon from the altar of environmentalism.” On the topic of books, Nick notes that today’s episode release date, July 5th, marks the anniversary of the publication of Isaac Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica. “Principia might just be the most important work in the history of science,” says Nick. He adds that, “We could spend an entire episode or a month's worth of episodes diving deeper on how the climate change racket of today violates Newton's rules time and again.”

In closing, Nick celebrates the career of Elivs Presley, who recorded That's All Right on July 5, 1954, making rock history. Listen as Nick lists his Mount Rushmore of Elvis songs from the late 60s and early 70s era.

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As The Far Middle episode 110 takes the field on June 28th, Nick goes back to today in 1957 for this episode’s sports dedication. Nick recounts the giant steps the Cincinnati Reds’ fans took to secure eight players in the 1957 All-Star Game starting lineup, and Commissioner Ford Frick’s move to overrule the ballot process and insert Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Stan Musial into the National League’s starting nine.

Nick moves from the diamond to journalism bias as the “Fauci Focus” Far Middle segment emerges for an encore performance. Nick comments on emails from the editor-in-chief of the journal “Science” to Dr. Fauci. Nick says the editor’s awe of Dr. Fauci creates two problems no matter what your views are of Dr. Fauci.

“When science gets transformed into ‘The Science,’ it goes from a valuable source of sober analysis when setting policy, to a blatant cheerleader for uninformed policy and political leanings,” says Nick, stepping into the episode’s next connection: the EPA’s efforts to wreck the U.S. grid and economy.

Nick calls the EPA’s proposed power sector regulations “insanity from a technical and scientific and engineering suite of perspectives.” The EPA’s intention? Increase the cost of energy, reduce its availability, and force individual choice to go where government and the bureaucrat desire it to go. Nick continues to examine the power sector, highlighting the warnings from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) summer reliability report.

“With all this hyper focus on climate change, some tangible and real epidemics and crises, they continue unabated in America,” says Nick, leading into a discussion on America’s drug epidemic and China’s role. “China has gone about a methodical poisoning of our people.” This leads into a look at the foolishness of how America’s elite set policy, specifically seven giant steps of policy insanity.

Those steps include job loss in the domestic energy and manufacturing sectors, which connects to the U.S. Career Institute’s analysis of which industries will grow/decline the most over the next decade.

While episode 110’s topics vary, Nick explains, “they share a common trait, and that is the failure of the expert class and the exposure of the ineptitude of the elite class—their policies do more societal and economic damage than good.” Nick proceeds to make one more policy connection resulting from ex-Silicon Valley Bank Chief Executive Greg Becker’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee. Nick suggests banks think for themselves when it comes to differentiating between what the Federal Reserve lectures and what the market might actually do.

In closing, Nick makes one final connection to June 28, going back to today in 1846 and a patent granted to Belgian inventor and musician Adolphe Sax.

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The Far Middle episode 109 follows Father’s Day and arrives with the tip-off of summer. Nick dedicates this installment to “Pistol” Pete Maravich, who was born the day after episode 109’s release (back in 1947), and who also had a special relationship with his father and coach, Press Maravich. Nick calls Pistol Pete “one of the brightest of shining lights to ever dribble a basketball.”

After reflecting on Pistol Pete’s stellar collegiate career and Hall of Fame NBA career, Nick says you could apply the same nickname to the Chinese Communist Party and China itself as they, “have a geopolitical gun aimed at the heads of the US, the EU, and the G7, and we gave them the gun with climate change policies.” Nick proceeds to discuss China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which “significantly broadens China's economic and political influence,” and now the G7 is waking up to a three-part nightmare.

“Climate change policies are killing us, along with their distractions,” continues Nick, highlighting the Fed's new obsession with tackling climate change. However, Nick has some surprising news to report coming from Fed Governor Christopher Waller. While Governor Waller offers a rational and logical take on climate change, unfortunately, America has become a place where “free speech is no longer protected unless it fits with the ideology of the Left, and even left of center and liberal thought leaders are picking up on the obvious troubling trend.” Nick says writer Salman Rushdie knows how this works far too well.

What's doubly troubling is that free speech isn't the only vital foundation of our Western republican democracy that's under attack by the Left. “Everything and anything that is vital to what is the essence of America is under continual assault. From the poorest to the most successful segments of society.” Nick connects that argument to what’s happening in America’s major cities—the area of America that's been under the control of the Left for perhaps the longest and the deepest.

Nick takes the conversation to San Francisco, examining the murder of tech CEO Bob Lee, who is a potential microcosm and singular example of what's going on across our culture today. “I sense the individual is bringing less self-discipline and personal accountability than what was expected or demanded a decade ago, and certainly a generation ago,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick notes episode 109’s release also coincides with the anniversary of Japan’s defeat at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Nick uses the Battle, and World War II in general, to reinforce the drive and courage of the Greatest Generation. “We know we have what it takes because we demonstrated we had what it took,” says Nick. “Let's make sure we do all we can to protect the ‘it’ factor that makes America special and that we rebut the insidious elements that are out there working constantly, to erode the specialness that is the USA.”

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The Far Middle episode 108’s release falls on Flag Day, a coincidence that won’t happen again until June 14, 2028—mark your calendars! Nick discusses the history of Flag Day, its unique Pennsylvania connection, and notes June 14th also marks the birthday of the United States Army.

“Flag Day is as American as it gets, and so is baseball,” says Nick, proceeding to present this episode’s unique sports dedication, which goes to a constellation of six baseball perennial all stars for their historic June 14th accomplishments; spanning Gehrig in 1933 to the “Wizard” in 1992.

Nick moves from great ball players to not-so-great transportation policy. He says traffic is increasingly being used as justification to tax the driver to the point of no longer driving—highlighting the Biden administration allowing New York City’s proposed congestion pricing plan to proceed. Nick discusses the irony of the plan as the politicians/environmentalists/bureaucrats who advocate the congestion pricing tax to reduce traffic congestion are the same people who created the congestion problems to begin with. He then offers three lessons to learn from the congestion pricing movement. And read more on the dumpster fire that is the New York public transportation system in Nick’s book Precipice.

Staying in the transportation lane, Nick examines recent news from Ford on its EV business losses. “Ford is losing more on each EV it sells than most people pay for a new gasoline, combustion engine vehicle,” says Nick as he delves into EV demand trends.

Congestion pricing and EV mandates are tactics within the larger portfolio of the Left, which leads into a look at what happens when the Left gains control of the political, bureaucratic, and regulatory process or processes in states. And what happens is people (typically higher-income residents) leave high-tax states for low-tax states like Florida and Texas.

Going from data on migration to survey data on renewable energy deployment, Nick highlights a March poll finding 79% of Americans say renewable energy should be rolled out slowly, rather than quickly, and that the conservation of land and wild animals should be prioritized above rapid greenhouse gas reductions. Nick predicts a growing and mounting resistance to wind and solar projects, and examples to that resistance are mounting.

“A great leading indicator where you can see how sentiment is catching up to reality, can be found with how shareholders are voting on anti-fossil-fuel proxy proposals at big Wall Street banks’ annual meetings,” says Nick. He calls out several climate-oriented proxy proposals failing to gain traction during recent shareholder votes.

While on fossil fuels and climate change, Nick looks back at a few doom-and-gloom climate predictions from the past that didn’t exactly pan out the way the experts predicted. And in closing, Nick moves from talking heads in the Church of Climate to an iconic talking head and one-of-a-kind voice who passed away this week back in 2014—Casey Kasem. Keep reaching for the stars!

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The Far Middle episode 107 arrives two days following the birthday of the late NFL-great Art Donovan, this Far Middle’s featured dedication. Nick describes the Hall of Fame defensive lineman, aka “the Bulldog,” as an intimidator who played in an era when rough and tough was the official code of professional football. Donovan was part of the Baltimore Colts’ “Magnificent Seven,” who in addition to quarterback Johnny Unitas included Gino Marchetti—Far Middle episode 89’s sports dedication.

After reflecting on Donovan’s military service, football career, and larger-than-life personality, Nick offers yet another example of how climate change is no longer about science, and how it has morphed into a religion that is proffered to explain the unpredictable and the complex. The latest example comes from meteorologists suggesting climate change is increasing turbulence during air travel.

Continuing to examine the Church of Climate’s playbook, Nick connects the dots from energy inflation stoking general inflation to what’s occurring in Europe where the “experts” and central banks blame business and capitalism for the continent’s inflation turbulence. Nick goes on to offer three economic truths “that have been around as long as there have been economies…and which have been buried and obfuscated by the Left.”

Next, Nick addresses student proficiency in civics and history, specifically eighth grade test scores in U.S. history and civics, which fell to their lowest level on record in 2022. “Our society is devolving, from one where logic and rational thought and science and meritocracy prevailed to the benefit of all, into one where mysticism and control of the individual are the new orders of the day,” says Nick. He goes on to offer an example of that state control of the individual, this time from Switzerland where it’s now, “no beef for you!”

Staying on global themes, Nick addresses the topic of fairness and equity—delving into the idea of the developing world being compensated by Western developed nations for their historic use of energy and associated emissions. Nick calls this a zero-sum game when it comes to value appropriation, even when done under the banner of fairness or equity.

“Notions of fairness, climate changing over millions of years, the mysticism of the left, these issues all roll into something I've been mulling for quite some time,” says Nick as he proceeds to explore some “deep thoughts from a simple mind,” looking back on mankind’s 300,000-year history and a few things that haven’t changed. “Where we are today is insignificant in the big schemes of time and history and the human story. Our differences that we have with one another, they're mostly superficial and largely insignificant. But you are unique and what you do will never be done again. So, make the most of it and take nothing for granted and leave nothing on the field.”

In closing, Nick pays tribute to the great Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot who passed away last month. Give a listen to hear Nick’s favorite Lightfoot songs, and check out the documentary, “If You Could Read My Mind.”

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The Far Middle episode 106 release date of May 31 coincides with the anniversary of artist Louise Bourgeois’ 2010 passing, as well as the 80th birthday of football great and pop culture icon, Joe Namath. Nick looks back on Broadway Joe’s western Pennsylvania roots, college and pro football accomplishments, and post-football showbiz career as the Super Bowl III MVP is featured for this installment’s dedication.

As the episode’s connections begin, Nick explores a recent column on America’s minimum wage by Duke University Professor Michael Munger. Munger puts into surprising context the percentage of U.S. workers who earn the minimum wage and where that puts them in the world income distribution. “Most Americans including myself, are a bit clueless on fundamental, economic matters,” says Nick after learning that fewer than 2 percent of U.S. workers earn the minimum wage, which places them in the top 15 of the world income distribution.

After discussing the clear benefits of capitalism and a free market versus those systems that focus on value re-appropriation, Nick connects economic power and strength to the economic, military, and geopolitical rivalry between America and China. Specifically, Nick analyzes a speech from April by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the U.S. - China economic relationship.

“Any interconnections economically between 'us and them,' to quote a Pink Floyd song, should not be given the benefit of the doubt and instead should undergo a thorough analysis and diligence to pass muster under the lens of national security interests,” says Nick. “And if we perform such an analysis, guess what? Most, much of those economic ties between China and the United States, they would be viewed as destructive to U.S. interests and would need to go.

“What I see is that a drastic lessening of current economic ties between the West and China would not be disastrous for the West and the United States as Dr. Yellen indicates, but it would be advantageous and helpful to our interests. It would make the West stronger, and this is coming from a free trade and capitalism advocate.”

Continuing off Secretary Yellen’s remarks, Nick revisits a frequent Far Middle theme: how Western climate change policies strengthen China, and work against America’s economic, military, and geopolitical interests. Nick then takes the conversation into the European/U.S. trade war over subsidies for wind, solar, and electric vehicles. “Expect the EU to double down on their level of subsidy in the energy transition, if they can afford it,” says Nick.

Staying on the energy transition, Nick lays out the big three math problems with EV mandates and subsidy. “Climate change policies are being exposed as the commandments of an ideological religion that rejects science.”

In closing, Nick reflects on the career of jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, a Pittsburgh native and “one of the pioneers of the cool jazz movement.” While we lost Ahmad this past April, his work and inspiration live on. Add At the Pershing to your Spotify playlist and continue "always seeking."

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The Far Middle episode 105 falls between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day—presenting an opportunity to clarify the differences between these military observances, as well as Veteran’s Day.

Nick sets the stage by reminding listeners that The Far Middle embodies literary great John Steinbeck’s view that “the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.”

As Memorial Day nears and the start of summer, Nick links this episode’s sports dedication to the boys of summer and a great sports question: If you could attend one game from any sport, from any era, which game would it be for each sport and why? For baseball, Nick’s choice would be going back 95 years today to watch the Yankees take on the A’s at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. Listen as Nick runs down the legends that were featured in the game’s lineup cards—a game that was a true Field of Dreams.

Beginning this week’s connections, Nick moves from self-made greats like Gehrig and Ruth (who played in that May 1928 classic) to President Abraham Lincoln who “stated numerous times that there's no more trustworthy person than an individual who rose from poverty because they respected what honestly was earned,” explains Nick.

Delving into Civics 101, Nick describes the dereliction of duty by our elected Congress today where vague/cloudy/general laws are passed, which then bolster the size and power of the administrative state as they’re given wide latitude to interpret the law. It’s a devious scheme where politicians enjoy plausible deniability by allowing bureaucrats to unravel vague laws. Nick argues that Congress’ dereliction of duty to lead on straightforward statutes has been the single-biggest contributor to government’s growth and skyrocketing debt—a thesis you can read more about in Precipice.

Continuing, Nick asks what would happen if this dereliction of duty by the elected Congress, along with a willing/usurping of legislative power by the administrative state, was coupled with a president who was of Leftist leaning. The answer is what's happening with the current Administration. Nick presents a host of examples where the bureaucratic state is usurping congressional power, thereby killing the private sector, free enterprise, meritocracy, capitalism, and individual achievement.

Next, Nick explores a passage by Francis Fukuyama, observing, “how eerily similar today's United States feels and looks compared to Fukuyama’s description of a failing society.” He proceeds to recall the Greek concept of thymos, discussed in episode 97, and sees a system in America today that is increasingly fixated on squelching thymos both individually and as a society.

In closing, Nick returns to the topic of summer, reflecting on both the Grease soundtrack and Van Halen’s album 5150. These albums were in many ways the soundtracks to Nick’s respective 1978 and 1986 summers. Whether you’re sittin’ home tonight or out until the mornin’ light, hope you enjoy episode 105!

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The Far Middle episode 104 is dedicated to former Major League Baseball pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych who made his first Major League start this week back in 1976. Nick reflects on The Brid’s career, particularly his dominating 1976 all-star season, before drawing a Far Middle connection to the healthcare industry.

Nick presents some “brutal math” demonstrating how the laziness in American healthcare efficacy is stacking up to a nearly infinite height of waste, cumulatively totaling trillions of dollars. “Who knows how many lives are negatively impacted by a healthcare system that is less efficient than it could or should be,” says Nick. He goes on to discuss America’s out-of-control healthcare costs coupled with poor health outcomes for patients, and how our healthcare system has morphed from a competitive meritocracy to an unaccountable oligopoly.

Next, Nick tackles the religion of the Left infiltrating government and academia. “If you seize the mindset of government and academia you position the ideology to play the long game and start to slowly subsume all other areas of commerce and culture and societal norms,” says Nick. “And you can start to grind away at, materially evolving and permanently altering, something like the healthcare industry as well as all kinds of other Industries and institutions.” Nick proceeds to profile The Fabian Society and Frankfurt School.

One of the founding members of The Fabian Society was playwright George Bernard Shaw. Nick offers a few of Shaw’s assessments of historical tyrants representing the extreme left and right—further evidence of how the ends of the ideological spectrums wrap around to meet one another.
The interesting rabbit holes of episode 104 wind down with a discussion on Aesop’s Fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare," as well as poet George Murray’s version, “The Hare and the Tortoise.” In Murray’s version, the hare wakes up in time to win the race. Nick says the Murray ending is the version we need if you like individual rights, capitalism, the free market, and if you want them to survive the onslaught of the Left. “It's time to wake up because the race is almost won by the wrong side.”
Nick closes by noting this past May 15 was ZZ Top Day, saluting guitarist Billy Gibbons, one of Nick’s top ten rock guitarists. What are Nick’s favorite ZZ Top single and album? Give a listen!

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The uniqueness of The Far Middle shines in episode 103. In under 30 minutes, Nick covers topics spanning World Donkey Day to sports and from World War II to artificial intelligence.

After kicking things off with a little “donkey talk,” Nick dedicates the episode to his Mount Rushmore of the most iconic sports photos, as well as offers a few honorable mentions. The superfecta of legendary pictures includes Ray Lussier’s photograph of Bobby Orr’s overtime goal in game four of the 1970 Stanley Cup finals, which took place 52 years ago today.

Next, Nick talks historical versus modern-day geopolitical irony, highlighting that Japan was the most anti-communist nation during World War II. However, it was their aggression into China that gave rise to the Chinese Communist Party, leading to the CCP prowling the planet today. “Let’s hope that the mistakes and the ironies of World War II don't lead to a World War III,” says Nick.

Staying in present day, Nick examines outsized impacts in the capital markets. He points out that the market cap weights of Apple and Microsoft, which are in the S&P 500, are double the weights of the entire energy and materials sectors in the S&P 500 combined, “and that's amazing.” Nick says this defies logic, and it’s “a blaring, flashing warning light that something is very wrong with the capital markets and key indices like the S&P.”

Continuing on the topic of the energy transition, Nick homes in on the OECD, who’s “starting to figure out there are a plethora of massively large challenges facing the unimaginable scale up its envisioned for wind and solar and electric vehicles across the planet.” He highlights six truths on the energy transition, several of which should be familiar to constant listeners.

Nick then pivots to the topic of artificial intelligence, asking several thought-provoking questions, and categorizing his views into three areas: AI’s opportunities, risks, and the threat of government intervention in the field.

Connecting artificial intelligence to genuine intelligence, Nick notes the quote by Freddie Mercury: “We are in the golden age of music. There will be a time when technology becomes so advanced that we'll rely on them to make music rather than raw talent. Music will lose its soul.” Nick examines who “them” are, and how that word is defined will again have outsized impacts on the future of society.

Nick closes with a unique connection from Freddie Mercury to the “Piano Man,” welcoming Mr. Billy Joel to the stage (who coincidentally celebrated his 74th birthday yesterday). If it’s been a while, give a listen to Joel’s 52nd Street—what are Nick’s two favorite tracks from the album? Press play on this episode!

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As The Far Middle episode 102 lands between National Teachers Day and National Nurses Day, Nick tips off the episode offering his appreciation to both professions before jumping into this week’s dedication: Boston Celtics all-time leading scorer, John Havlicek. Last week, April 25, marked the four-year anniversary of the icon’s passing. Nick celebrates “Hondo’s” career and how he revolutionized the pro game, epitomizing the sixth man.

After reviewing the track record of Havlicek, Nick proceeds to examine the track record of the Federal Reserve over the past 25 years and where it’s placed the American economy. “What's amazing, is how bad the Fed’s crystal ball has been at the most crucial of moments,” says Nick. He adds that as government regulation and intervention via Fed policy gets more invasive and pervasive, it's making markets more volatile.

Moving from the track record of the Fed, Nick looks at where the track record ends and where future predictions begin in the world of energy demand and carbon emissions. Nick calls out two competing projections: net zero carbon pledges on one hand, with energy demand growing globally for the foreseeable future on the other. Nick says these projections can’t both be true, and we know which one is false.

“Despite the zero carbon by 2050 myth being busted by science and reality, the policy insanity with respect to that, it marches on,” says Nick, taking the conversation to the Empire State where state lawmakers are looking to ban natural gas hookups in new buildings. Should the ban be enacted, Nick says it’ll chop off whatever remaining economic activity is left in New York.

“Blind adherence to ideology at the expense of logic and science, it exacts a heavy toll and not just when it comes to energy policy,” says Nick. We're seeing the same price being paid in the arena of geopolitics and foreign affairs. Nick proceeds to discuss the current administration’s twisted definition of democracy, that being a nation who subscribes to the correct ideology. “Our government would rather have an ally nation not hold democratic elections but back progressive values, instead of an ally holding open fair elections that doesn't back progressive values. That's not supporting democracy.”

Next, Nick recounts a recent evening in Waynesburg, Pa., with VFW Post 4793. Nick says he’s all-in with supporting the region’s veterans through VFW and American Legions; read more about the evening with Post 4793 at nickdeiuliis.com. And staying on the topics of the military and geopolitics, Nick examines the Battle of the Coral Sea as we mark the Battle’s 81st anniversary. “For me, the key to this Battle is that it was the first time the Japanese were turned back since the start of the war,” says Nick and adds that it had implications for the Battle of Midway. And for the episode’s final connection, Nick highlights Jason Robards, the acclaimed actor who also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

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The Far Middle episode 101 begins the next chapter in sports dedications as the series enters the triple digits. To mark episode 101’s April 26 release date, Nick dedicates the episode to those pitchers who’ve thrown one-hitters. He looks back on two notable one-hitters from today in 1980 by “Lefty” and in 1990 by “The Ryan Express.”

Nick underscores the importance of tracking data and statistics of baseball players as he then tosses a change up and moves into the efficacy—or lack thereof—of public education. Like ball players, he comments on the importance of tracking students; highlighting a recent Stanford University and Associated Press study that found more than 240,000 students living in 21 states and the District of Columbia have gone missing since the start of the pandemic. Nick suggests it might be time for wholesale change for the public education lineup, front office, and ownership.

Staying on the topic of data and statistics, Nick examines two arenas where statistics are telling an interesting, albeit unsettling, story. In California, the state’s precipitous drop in personal income tax revenue signals difficult decisions loom for the Golden State. And nationally, America’s $31 trillion (and climbing) national debt, its balance sheet, and overall budgetary health have put the nation and economy on a course towards unprecedented and unchartered waters. The data are all staring us in the face, as easy to read as baseball box scores.

Next, Nick connects the discussion of statistics, math, government finances, and ill-advised policies to what’s happening in France, and how that might be a harbinger of things to come in the U.S. Nick delves into President Macron’s efforts to reform French pension laws, which isn’t as simple as it appears on the surface and explains why France’s pension situation is going to get much worse pretty quickly.

Returning to the U.S., Nick revisits the gloomy fiscal forecast that has more bad weather on the way. Those storms are government’s terrifying off-balance sheet liabilities and commitments of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. When you add it all up, the financial reality our nation is facing is putting us in a serious predicament. Nick foresees us heading toward a level of government austerity the likes of which we’ve never seen.

Nick closes by connecting back to the episode’s release date of April 26, and reflects on the valor and inspiring story of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Estocin. Estocin represents the best America has to offer and the motivation to do the hard work that lies ahead.

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The Far Middle has reached its 100th episode. A podcast that began as companion commentary paired with the release of Precipice—further exploring each chapter’s topics—has now spanned nearly two years.

In conjunction with the milestone episode’s late April release, Nick pays homage to legendary heavyweight boxer Rocky Marciano who retired from professional boxing on April 27, 1956. Marciano’s 49-0 record (43 of which were by knockout) easily puts “The Brockton Bomber’s” incredibly strong chin on Nick’s Mt. Rushmore of boxing.

Moving from the ring, episode 100 centers around the ever-expanding role of the administrative state and big government’s continued encroachment on individuals’ personal freedom—two themes synonymous with The Far Middle since the series’ inception.

Nick begins in New Zealand, discussing a new government initiative representing a new extreme in nanny state intervention. “When you see national governments in Western republican democracies subtly taking on role of relationship therapist for teenagers, you know things have gone too far,” says Nick.

Next, Nick presents the concept of a two-dimensional matrix, where on one axis are issues ranging from deeply personal to universal, and on the other axis are local government ranging to national and international governments. Nick references such a matrix in examining the issues of pandemic policy, the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009 (GFC), and climate change. Big issues fitting for a big episode.

Further, Nick looks at the media’s coverage of these issues, and how the media’s omission of a single word in their headlines turns the journalist from objective truth teller to propagandist for the Left or for government. What’s the word? Give a listen!

In closing, Nick goes back to another historic late April event: Elbe Day, which occurred on April 25, 1945, when Soviet and American troops met at Torgau, Germany. “1945 and Elbe Day are the last time Western republican democracies, led by America, and the communist or Leftists worked together on anything; only fascism created a common interest and mutual goal,” says Nick. Why the last time? It’s because America and the Left have DNAs that dictate one another are mortal enemies—a fitting close that speaks to Nick’s advocacy efforts on The Far Middle and beyond.

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The Far Middle episode 99 honors “the Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, who “re-established the standard for greatness in the NHL,” describes Nick. And in conjunction with the dedication, Nick offers some thoughts on the bias of the Ontario/Toronto-based hockey media.

In making this episode’s first connection, Nick links Wayne Gretzky to two asset classes that have undergone bubble-type inflated valuations: sports trading cards and the value of currency itself. Nick warns that if current trends continue (skyrocketing government spending, ballooning debt, stifling free enterprise with regulations, continuing to print money, and setting interest rates at negative real rates relative to inflation) we can expect a devaluation of the American dollar, which isn’t going to bode well for the U.S. economy.

Next, Nick addresses free speech and those describing themselves as liberal, however, these individuals would be better characterized as the thought police.

He then reflects on the Twitter Files, where big tech censored speech and users with subjective political and ideological filters, while the mainstream media pretended to not know what was going on. And worst of all, before the Twitter Files news ever broke, the FBI was exercising “constant and pervasive” contact with Twitter. Nick goes on to explain how the FBI/Twitter relationship is an example of “the iron fist covered by the velvet glove” theory.

Moving into the episode’s next connection, Nick once again defines Liberal versus Leftist ideology—and how it’s wrong to interchange the two ideologies. He then summarizes the Left’s grinding long-term game: “The Left develops its ideology, the Left and that ideology infiltrate government and its bureaucracy, and the Left and its ideology and government then come together to infiltrate public institutions such as colleges and universities and nonprofits, and then all those stakeholders come together to begin to influence and ultimately control the private sector, free enterprise, and last but not least, the individual.”

Where was this “game” conceived? Look no further than Antonio Gramsci. Who was Gramsci? Listen and learn why he’s a man impacting every American today, and how his ideological views have come to the brink of conquering Western society.

In closing, Nick pivots to a few optimistic words from Ayn Rand, followed by reflecting on the unbelievable history of Williamsburg, Virginia.

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The Far Middle episode 98 begins with a look back on the origin of April Fools' Day, which coincides with the sweet sound of “play ball!” and the start of Major League Baseball’s regular season. Baseball is the theme of this week’s dedication as Nick goes back 25 years to the summer of 1998 and the epic slugfest between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire to break Roger Maris’ 61 home-run record set in 1961.

Following a look at the strange issues surrounding the long-ball record, Nick transitions to the legislative and political dynamics leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 (that also includes a unique baseball tie-in). Next, Nick offers a sobering analysis of America’s federal debt—a liability that has climbed rapidly over the past 40 years to more than $31 trillion today.

“Something that would help dig our government out of this massive debt crater would of course be economic growth,” says Nick. “And for economic growth, a prerequisite is job growth. People work and business booms, and government ends up seeing more tax revenues and it also experiences less outflows for entitlements—pretty basic stuff.” This leads Nick into a review of U.S. jobs statistics, followed by an analysis of the Congressional Budget Office’s latest Budget and Economic Outlook released in February.

Nick describes the state of the federal government’s finances as trapped within a “squeeze play,” and says spending austerity is the only way out of the mess we’re in. Entitlement reform—even modest—won’t be easy. France’s move to raise its retirement age from 62 to 64 and the ensuing public revolt is a prime example.

In closing, Nick goes back to 1941 and Joseph Stalin’s false sense of security, refusing to listen to the data that Germany was preparing an offensive on the Soviet Union. That refusal led to millions of deaths and pushed his nation to the brink of existence. “It didn’t have to be that bad if Stalin would have paid attention to the reality and facts,” says Nick. In comparing to our federal government’s fiscal mess, Nick says he hopes it’s not a matter of millions of lives at stake, but in some ways it is, because if we don’t fix the mess then millions of lives will be materially impacted.

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The Far Middle episode 97 is dedicated to the hockey force, Connor McDavid. While just eight years in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers’ No. 97 has become the best player in the league today—challenging Nick’s settled view on the Mount Rushmore of hockey’s greatest players.

Nick moves from the hypothetical Mount Rushmore of hockey to the actual Mount Rushmore and two of its faces, former presidents Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Nick proceeds to describe Lincoln and Roosevelt’s similar views on wider U.S. presidential power during times of crisis. “The view of wide presidential power is a very dangerous, slippery slope,” Nick warns. He explains that he leans towards lesser presidential power rather than more.

Expanded executive power results in an attack from the whole of government on individual freedoms and free enterprise. Nick argues that this is exactly what’s happening with the current administration using the epically convenient global crisis of climate change to expand its influence.

The expanded power of the executive branch and administrative state would horrify the Founding Fathers, which leads Nick to a discussion on the trait of courage. Nick delves into the evolution of our system of checks and balances and says it’s time for the Supreme Court and Congress to start doing their jobs.

Meanwhile, a different evolution is happening in the arena of sports gambling in the U.S. today. Nick notes that last year Americans wagered nearly $94 billion on sports. He then comments on the industry’s advantage on live “prop betting.”

From Connor McDavid to U.S. presidents, driven individuals are a consistent theme of episode 97. Nick connects such individuals’ drive to the philosophical concept of “thymos,” the drive and pursuit for recognition. “Humans want others to recognize their individual significance,” Nick says. “Humans can never thrive while feeling emptiness in their soul.” Nick shares how thymos can be both positively and negatively impactful. And he explains why thymos is a necessary ingredient in any society that values the individual and that desires a high quality of life.

In closing, Nick celebrates the career of Clint Eastwood, an actor and director who harnessed his inner thymos for decades. Like many other Eastwood fans, Nick’s favorite Eastwood period was his Spaghetti Westerns. Nick concludes episode 97 with his recommendation for an underrated Eastwood movie you might not have seen. And separately, it’s worth noting—in another instance of The Far Middle’s unique connection web—Eastwood’s political thriller, “Absolute Power,” came out in 1997.

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The Far Middle episode 96 begins with birthday wishes to jazz guitarist Geroge Benson, and moves on to a timely dedication as Major League Baseball’s 2023 season gets underway in just eight days from this episode’s release.

Going back to 1996, for episode 96, when no baseball players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Nick offers a thoughtful look on players that aren’t in Cooperstown, but who have the career accomplishments to warrant induction.

Nick then transitions from America’s pastime to the time of Teddy Roosevelt during his tenure at the Civil Service Commission. Nick discusses Roosevelt’s efforts to upend the spoils system, and replace it with a meritocracy in terms of hiring government employees. The idea was to go from who you knew, to what you knew, explains Nick.

Related, Nick examines government today and how key positions are staffed. “I fear that our government has steered far, far away from where Teddy Roosevelt was looking to take it in the late 1800s,” says Nick. He asserts governmental decisions are not being made by those with the most experience and best skillsets, resulting in ineffective government being exposed at the worst possible times during crises.

The discussion of meritocracy is connected to America’s regional power grids, and the need to let competition drive the best generation sources to power our energy systems. Nick focuses on the PJM grid, and revisits Winter Storm Elliot that hit the mid-Atlantic on Christmas Eve this past December. Nick underscores that natural gas, in particular Appalachian natural gas, didn’t just save the PJM grid, it saved lives. Despite the facts, there are environmental groups looking to fool the public and force an agenda. Environmentalists are executing their new sneaky two-step technique, which Nick dubs their “tame and blame” campaign.

“If we allow natural gas to fairly compete and grow with private investment and innovation, then no more grid weakness, anywhere,” says Nick. He then presents six stark truths about wind and solar at scale on our power grid, which Winter Storm Elliot again exposed.

When climate policies of the Left start to infiltrate the infrastructure of the power grid, cracks are going to appear quickly. And the same can be said of office real estate today in America’s major cities. Nick explains how climate change policies are stressing both grid capacity of power pools as well as balance sheets of urban office tower companies.

In closing, Nick recalls Led Zeppelin’s best-selling album, Led Zeppelin IV, and in particular the track, “When the Levee Breaks.” In a similar vein, Nick argues that if, “the Left keeps ruling, the grid is going to break, and if the Left keeps ruling, the debt portfolio is going to break.”

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Far Middle episode 95 begins with Nick offering, “everything you wanted to know about daylight saving time but were afraid to ask.” And on the topic of time, Nick dedicates this episode to “The Iron Man,” Cal Riken Jr., who in 1995 broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak by playing in his 2,131st straight game, a streak that spanned 17 years. In total, Ripken’s streak reached 2,632 games, “the equivalent of 16 seasons without missing a game.” Nick says you have time to sleep on this record as the soonest it could be broken by an active player would be in about a dozen years.

Leaving the ballpark, Nick proceeds along this episode’s string of connections, a format that's the hallmark of The Far Middle and an ongoing tribute to the great Dr. James Burke.

“Cal Ripken is in the history books because of math; math has the ability to clarify the exceptional and to bring truth to a situation,” explains Nick as he delves into the math of externality accounting in the energy sector. Externalities look to capture the true net costs or benefits of an activity to society, quantifying direct and indirect impacts, both positive and negative.

The subject of externalities has always interested Nick. And that interest was recently reawakened following the request by a professor performing a study on externalities, asking Nick to offer his view on competitor natural gas-producing companies that tend to understate their companies’ environmental impact. “I saw this request as an opportunity to take a holistic view of the energy landscape and the context of energy externality accounting,” says Nick as he begins to walk through his response to the professor (explore further in Nick’s commentary, “Crunching the Numbers: Energy Source Externality Accounting”).

As a precursor to the professor’s request, Nick argues that externalities should be first analyzed on an energy source-versus-energy source basis, in other words, domestic natural gas compared to wind or solar energy sources.

Following the discussion of energy externality accounting, Nick springs backward to 1961 and the movie, Judgment at Nuremberg. “The movie deals with heavy, fascinating themes,” says Nick, analogizing the film to “a mental tennis match,” and suggesting it be required viewing for every American high school student.

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Far Middle episode 94 begins with a remembrance of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. whose birthday is today, and the anniversary of his passing was also marked this week, 98 years ago this past Monday.

In a Far Middle first, Nick dedicates this episode to a day, specifically the memorable sports headlines from June 17, 1994, which included Arnold Palmer playing in his final round of a U.S. Open, Ken Griffey Jr. launched his 26th long ball of the season to tie Babe Ruth for the most home runs before June 30th, the World Cup got underway in the U.S., a tough-to-watch New York Rangers ticker tape parade, the Knicks and Rockets played game five of the NBA Finals, and the day culminated with the low-speed O.J. Simpson chase.

That day was the outset of what would be the trial of the century, and the start to when we began seeing some statements from O.J. that just didn’t add up. Those statements set the stage for this week’s Far Middle connections. Fast forward to today, and there’s something else not adding up: the zero carbon commitments by global corporations.

Nick proceeds to examine a survey by Bain & Company of 137 global companies from the fourth quarter of 2022. The survey found less than a quarter of those surveyed plan to buy carbon credits to meet their emissions pledges. At the same time, 90% of respondents pledged zero carbon commitments by 2050. Nick delves into how these two results expose a serious math problem and the underlying sham of carbon pledges.

All business and economic activity has a carbon footprint on a scopes 1 through 3 basis, and there’s no way global corporations will be net zero carbon without buying massive volumes of carbon offsets and credits, argues Nick. And if all these companies were to buy credits, credit prices would dramatically increase, and those costs would ultimately trickle down to those who can least afford higher-priced goods and services.

In the second half of episode 94, Nick looks at the evolution of Scientific American, and moves on to a few unconventional Far Middle topics.

Nick explains his opposition to the death penalty, using a wrongful execution surrounding serial killer John “Reg” Christie as an example why. Incidentally, if you haven’t seen the film 10 Rillington Place, based on Christie’s murders, add it to your watch list, recommends Nick. Staying on the topic of death, Nick recounts the strange worldwide tour and eventual burial of Eva “Evita” Perón’s embalmed body.

In closing, Nick looks back at the film Clue and its all-star cast. By the way, keep an eye and ear out for a future “best board game list” from Nick!

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The Far Middle episode 93’s release date, March 1, coincides with the birthday of the late actor, Robert Conrad. Nick says as a kid he was obsessed with Conrad’s television series The Wild Wild West, as well as Conrad’s series, Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Moving on to this episode’s dedication, Nick honors Mario Lemieux’s 1992-1993 season. It was a season by the Penguins’ Center that embodied athletic achievement, personal endurance, and one “you could make a movie about.” Lemieux’s perseverance that season is, “Motivation for all of us, as we continue to achieve in our endeavors, and as we face life’s unpredictable challenges,” says Nick.

Nick stays on the ice as he moves from Penguin statistics to polar bear statistics. Referencing a study by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Nick highlights that the world’s population of polar bears has risen from the 1960s to today, while at the same time, carbon dioxide emissions have also increased. It’s an inconvenient fact that runs counter to the beliefs of the Church of Climate parishioners.

“The dynamic that we see, where an ideology insists on ignoring or suppressing facts and certainties that inconveniently counter its core beliefs, leads to quite damaging consequences, and they stretch beyond polar bears,” explains Nick as he next examines public education leadership not recognizing individual achievers in those education officials’ pursuit of “equal outcomes.”

Nick argues that if our public education leaders are intent on holding back the recognition of high-performing students, not only is our public education system doomed, but so too is our future economic competitiveness, and further, the viability of the U.S. is in serious peril.

Next up is a signature Far Middle trifecta connection, albeit one that illustrates the incompetence of government intervention under the cover of “saving the planet.” Electric vehicles are at the intersection of that trifecta connection.

Nick delves into contradictory federal policies that mandate and subsidize electric vehicles, while on the other hand prohibit the domestic mining of the vital materials for EV battery production, and then at the same time the State Department pledges to help build foreign EV supply chains—effectively offshoring environmental destruction and human rights abuses.

“As bad as it might be in the U.S. with our dysfunctional federal government, it could be much, much worse,” says Nick. “You don’t need to look beyond the Americas to see situations today that are indeed much worse.” This brings the conversation to Colombia where its new president, Gustavo Petro, is another faithful worshiper in the Church of Climate, an ex-guerilla, a 2023 Davos attendee, and at his side is a Minister of Mines and Energy who’s a professor and environmental activist. The path these two are prescribing for Colombia is about to make things much worse for the country’s residents, its economy, and its environmental health.

Leaving Bogotá, Nick heads to New York City to close this episode, connecting to the film Gangs of New York and two of its stars, Daniel Day-Lewis and Liam Neeson.

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The Far Middle episode 92 features a unique dedication to a group of professional athletes who showcased a tenacity for greatness while on the gridiron, diamond, ice, and hardwood. These include two greats to wear the number 92 jersey: Reggie White, aka the “Minister of Defense,” and former Penguins winger and current Canucks coach, Rick Tocchet.

Nick shifts from the subject of tenacity for sports greatness to America’s tenacity for scientific greatness. On the surface, America’s scientific prowess looks better than ever, but unfortunately, the data reveals a different state of America’s scientific efficacy. Specifically, Nick looks at Consolidation-Disruption Index data trends, or CD Index, which measures the impact of research once published.

Nick cites three root causes of why scientific research and innovation are declining in America—causes analyzed at length in Precipice.

Meanwhile, something not on the decline in America is government spending, “a crisis of simple math,” says Nick. Government debt has increased by $8 trillion since February 2020, and we now find ourselves in a brutal, self-inflicted cycle. Nick lays out the options we face: either raise taxes, dramatically cut spending and entitlements, or default on our debt obligations.

And to those who argue that the Fed lowering interest rates is the key to reducing the federal debt burden, Nick says that’s merely a delay tactic that kicks the can of much-needed fiscal reform down the road.

Nick next offers an example of federal fiscal responsibility and compromise, going back to President Lyndon Johnson and Democratic Senator Harry Byrd of Virginia who came together to cut taxes and reduce spending in the FY 1965 budget. Nick contrasts the $100 billion federal budget of the early/mid-1960s to today’s budget of more than $6 trillion—questioning if listeners believe government today is 60 times more effective than it was during LBJ’s presidency.

Nick concludes by bringing the episode’s connections full circle as he highlights another individual who had a tenacity for greatness and who enjoyed the apt nickname, “The Great One.” Nick reflects on the legendary career of Jackie Gleason in conjunction with the anniversary of his birthday, which falls on February 26.

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The Far Middle episode 91 is dedicated to a triumvirate of sports greats—Mario Lemieux, Michael Jordan, and Nolan Ryan—and their 1991 achievements. These three individuals represented greatness, which is a recurring theme in episode 91, starting with human ingenuity and innovation.

Nick looks back to the start of the Industrial Revolution to present day, examining a range of metrics over that time period. These include life expectancy, infant mortality rates, income per capita, and global population. These indicators have all trended in a positive direction over the last ~200 years. While advancements in medicine and agriculture have contributed to society’s progress, the single biggest contributor is mankind’s harnessing the power of the carbon atom through energy, says Nick.

He notes that nations such as the U.S. and those in western Europe that have embraced republican democracy, free markets and capitalism, individual rights, and fossil fuels have seen these metrics yield even greater gains.

Given society’s track record of innovation over the past 200 years, buttressed by the carbon atom, Nick questions the motivation of global elites at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) who want to apply reparations theory based on fossil fuel consumption.

Nick argues the whole idea of reparations tied to energy use or carbon utilization smacks of trying to pull down success and demoralizes innovators, instead we should be establishing pathways and policies to pull up the areas that might be lagging to improve their quality of life.

Nick returns to domestic energy policy to examine the story behind a recent headline that read, “Georgia Gets Big Solar Investment.” Nick says a more fitting headline, albeit longer, would’ve been, “Over Half a Billion Dollars a Year Appropriated from the Middle Class to Offshore Conglomerate Corporation Under the Protected Graft of U.S. Climate Policy.”

Nick moves from the Peach State to the Golden State to discuss California natural gas prices next, then returns to the global stage with commentary on the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. “This past year has provided clear evidence that ‘Davos Man’ and ‘Davos Woman’ may represent the single biggest risk to humanity in the near term,” says Nick. “Sometimes I get the feeling that if we canceled the annual Davos escapade it would be an instant upgrade for the condition of humanity.”

In closing, Nick returns to 1991 to highlight several of the great alternative rock albums that came out that year. Give a listen to hear Nick’s favorite.

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The Far Middle episode 90 is dedicated to the 1989-90 UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team and Coach Jerry Tarkanian, aka “Tark the Shark.” Nick describes the 1990 NCAA Tournament Champs as disruptive and innovative thanks to a combination of super-talented players, coaching, and buttressed by the Amoeba defense.

Nick continues the themes of disruption and innovation throughout episode 90, beginning with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s late 2022 comments on the Uyghur Policy Act. Nick says her speech was quite good, but her words don’t mesh with Congress’ energy and environmental policy actions over the past several years. Those actions have worsened the planet's environmental health, strengthened the oppressor's hand, weakened Western democracies, and are crushing the freedom of the individual. The words from former Speaker Pelosi were great, but unfortunately, her and Congress’ policy actions speak much louder.

Nick then rewinds the clock to a May 1941 radio address by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, drawing similarities to FDR’s comments on Germany to the threat we face today from China. “It’s like a voice from the past is warning us about the dangers of the present,” says Nick. He notes he’s not FDR’s biggest fan, as you can read about in Precipice, but commends the former president’s ability to inspire.

Next, Nick addresses the confluence of influences and forces that have come together to indoctrinate our next generation into believing climate change is the country and the world’s most pressing problem. The information campaigns that have led to these beliefs are the same that has led to two major mid-Atlantic natural gas pipelines being delayed/canceled by their developers—projects that would have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 400 million tons.

While the U.S. strangles natural gas infrastructure investment, China welcomes it with open arms—to the tune of $2 trillion. And those trillions in state investment are attracting private investment from banks, investors, and private equity. Nick moves from China to the Eurozone, continuing to discuss dollars and illogical sense, as Eurozone government spending is now more than half of the region’s economic output.

Nick concludes by noting that February 11, a few days after this episode’s release, marks the day Nelson Mandela was released in 1990 from prison after serving 27 brutal years of incarceration. Nick closes with three inspirational quotes from Mandela. And in Far Middle connection-serendipity, February 11 (2015) also marks the anniversary of Jerry Tarkanian’s passing.

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The Far Middle episode 89 is proudly dedicated to perhaps the greatest professional football player that most people never heard of: Gino Marchetti. A player for the ages, Nick looks back on Gino's great career that spanned fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, dominating the gridiron, and growing a restaurant chain to more than 300 locations.

Nick begins this episode’s connections by noting that individuals like Gino are rare today, much like the political moderate, whether that’s a moderate Republican or moderate Democrat. Nick proceeds to revisit his recent commentary, “America Needs a Third Party.” A third party would put pressure on the two-party cartel that exists today, resulting in the inevitable moderation of the Democratic and Republican parties.

“I’m not a politician and don’t desire to be one, but I do want to be able to choose the very best of options when it comes to selecting our political leaders,” says Nick. “That’s what the founding fathers envisioned, and I think that’s what America deserves.”

Evidence that Americans are rejecting extreme positions can be found in domestic population moves this past year. Nick discusses census data showing Americans are rushing to the exists from states like California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. These states, coincidentally led by some of the most Leftist leaders you’ll find, are seeing an exodus as residents look for something more moderate and more normal.

Nick moves from extreme ideology in the U.S. to similar ideology in Europe. That ideology, along with climate change policy, has led to skyrocketing electricity prices and situations where the cost of charging an electric vehicle is more expensive than fueling a gasoline-powered vehicle. Meanwhile in Europe a larger problem looms.

European governments are in the process of or preparing to flood the market with new bonds and debt issuances, explains Nick. He criticizes these governments for borrowing more to shield consumers, attempting to mask the economic consequences of the policies these governments are responsible for.

Nick closes by recounting a recent Bob Dylan interview where Dylan discussed how he spent his time during the lockdown of the pandemic—including restoring his 56 Chevy, painting, reading, and perhaps opium if laying around. While Nick is a Dylan fan, he counters that if we all take the Dylan lockdown approach the world is going to come to a grinding halt. And that government actions that aim to take us there are not the path forward. The sooner that we realize that the better.

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The Far Middle episode 88 honors defensive great Alan Page, the anchor of the Minnesota Vikings’ famous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. Nick reflects on Page’s unique life story, “a story that oozes excellence through every chapter.” For more on the Purple People Eaters, check out where the Vikings’ defense ranks on Nick’s list of “The Ten Greatest NFL Defenses in the Super Bowl Era.”

Nick begins this episode’s connections by noting Page is a prominent catholic, and most prominent Catholics look to the Pope for guidance and leadership. Nick says unfortunately the Vatican is at it again with its calls to Catholics to stop investing in companies or industries that the Church views as immoral.

Nick contrasts the Vatican’s views on renewable energy investments with their view on investing in natural gas companies, as well as agricultural firms that use genetic science. “The Vatican’s recommendations are the exact opposite that science and logic dictate, it’s unbelievable that an institution that exists to provide moral guidance can have its moral compass be so fundamentally broken,” says Nick.

The Vatican is adrift in a sea of distraction, much like the United Nations and its ocean of accords and treatises. Nick proceeds to examine the latest UN accord signed by nearly 200 nations, who’ve agreed to conserve 30 percent of their land, inland waterways, and coastal and ocean areas. Moreover, he looks at where the land conservation funding will come from, and the impact of such an accord on the poor and developing world. Nick then discusses environmentalism and climate change being used to justify the transfer of wealth from the developed world to the developing world, or from one unfavored class to the favored class.

Nick summarizes that collectively the Vatican’s “faith-consistent investing,” UN accords, and forced value appropriation like the EU’s “solidarity contributions” all translate to lowering quality of life and should be exposed for their flaws.

In closing, Nick celebrates the late, great Eddie Van Halen in conjunction with his birthday. Nick lists the best guitar-driven works by Eddie on each Van Halen album, from Eruption to Outta Space.

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The Far Middle episode 87 is dedicated to Sidney Crosby, who “epitomizes greatness on the ice,” says Nick as he highlights the best all-around player the NHL has ever seen, as well as Crosby’s leadership and his winning record. While Crosby, alongside Alexander Ovechkin in Washington, continues to accumulate points, another accumulation is also happening in Washington, and that’s the country’s federal debt load.

There’s a crazy, scary trifecta facing our country’s fiscal health and government finances, explains Nick. That trifecta is a federal debt of $31 trillion and quickly growing, paired with continuous budget deficits and raging inflation. As interest rates are raised to fight inflation, the cost of servicing debt increases, thereby increasing debt, resulting in a serious math problem that doesn’t compute.

Nick then points out where we’re seeing this trifecta come to light, adding concern is the fact tax revenues are near all-time highs. Should tax revenues decline, our fiscal situation will only worsen. Nick goes on to explain that government spends endless amounts of money not just to help the poor, or to right a wrong, but to now also to save the planet. This leads to a look at GM who expects its EVs will be profitable in 2025, thanks to recently enacted federal subsidies. As billions of tax dollars go from the middle class to multi-billion-dollar corporations, Nick says, sarcastically, that’s a price worth paying because it’s going to tackle climate change and save the planet.

Nick next passes the puck from GM to FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried. Nick looks at how the crypto sham company duped investors for billions, doing so in part by ESG manipulation and virtue signaling. Nick juxtaposes GM and FTX to Vanguard, who has quit the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, as well as the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. Vanguard’s decision is a refreshing affirmation that Milton Friedman’s teachings are alive and well.

Transitioning overseas, Nick comments on French President Emmanuel Macron who says he has backed a strategy of “absolute defense of Ukraine.” However, Nick calls out France’s energy policies, which have not done anything over the past decade to help Ukraine. While France’s words ring hollow, sometimes words matter greatly and to the benefit of all mankind, which leads to this episode’s conclusion: a reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.—a master of the written and spoken word.

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Far Middle episode 86 celebrates the “Fab Five Record Setters of 1986.” These record setters span professional sports, from the hockey rink to Augusta National, and from Fenway Park and the Boston Garden to the boxing ring.

While memorable records were being established in 1986, in 2023 we find several forgettable records being set. These include the declining state of the UK’s beloved brewing industry as it faces numerous challenges; from energy costs to labor strife to consumers’ purchasing power, challenges all rooted in climate and energy policy creating energy scarcity.

The situation on tap for UK brewers reminds Nick of another record, Neil Young’s Harvest, and the song "The Needle and the Damage Done.” But in this case, it’s “Climate Policy and the Damage Done.”

On that note, Nick discusses the irony of referencing an eco-warrior such as Young and explores what concerts and touring would look (and sound) like if such warriors’ performances were carbon-free.

Next up in the episode’s setlist is a “groundbreaking” study from Stanford that, according to the study’s lead author, finds “electricity access impacts economic well-being at scale across an entire country in Africa.” Nick asks if we really need satellites and artificial intelligence to tell us something we’ve known since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Nick references this is a theme discussed in his book, Precipice. He argues that the corollary to inhibiting the availability of affordable and reliable electricity through climate policy, which is morally wrong, is suppressing growth and personal income, destroying quality of life, and denying those in the developing world a path to a better life.

Equally morally wrong are business leaders not speaking up when they see policy prescriptions proposed or enacted that are impractical, “it’s leadership 101,” says Nick.

The discussion then returns to Stanford as Nick uses the school’s administrative army, which almost equals the school’s student body, as a prime example of how the business model of higher education is broken.

Nick closes by celebrating the numerous contributions of Alexander Hamilton, whose birthday coincides with today’s episode release.

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Far Middle episode 85 marks the series start to 2023. As The Far Middle enters its third calendar year, Nick once again connects issues spanning the past, present, and future.

Dedicated to the iconic 1985 Chicago Bears, Nick looks back on the epic season of a team that was truly “must-see TV.” While not a dynasty, the Super Bowl XX champs had it all; boasting personalities like Jim McMahon and Walter Payton on offense, the "Monsters of the Midway" on defense, and Coaches Ditka and Ryan on the sideline.

Nick moves from the “Windy City” to the hot air blowing from the medical journal, The Lancet, which in a March 2020 editorial made bold proclamations touting China’s success in handling Covid-19.

Next, Nick examines a recent editorial by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, titled, “Biden Has the Economy Back on Track.” Nick counters Ms. Yellen’s hollow policy proclamations, in particular her accomplishments on energy being “a key focus of the administration’s work.”

Staying on energy and the economy, Nick looks under the hood of Stellantis’ announcement that it would be idling its Belvidere, Illinois, plant that produces Jeep Cherokee SUVs. The company is looking to cut costs, and 1,300 jobs, to invest in electric vehicles. Nick says this is the real-world collateral damage of the energy transition that’s falling upon our middle class and middle America.

Shifting gears from the auto industry to power sector, Nick reflects on Siemens Energy and the challenges its renewable business is facing. Nick reiterates the supply chain issues/sourcing for renewable sources, as well as the material required per unit of power derived from sources like wind and solar juxtaposed to sources such as natural gas.

Turning to academia, Nick discusses Harvard and Yale’s decision to stop participating in U.S. News & World Report law-school rankings. He says our elite colleges can make quite the hollow pronouncements at times, and so too can the G20 (aka the master of the obvious) who issued a recent declaration stating, “Today’s era must not be of war.”

Nick wraps this episode’s policy discussion by highlighting total factor productivity (TFP), a metric that measures how much innovation contributes to growth, particularly economic growth.

And as 2023 gets underway, Nick goes back 78 years to 1944 and the Battle of Anzio to demonstrate the lessons and importance of strong leadership. Nick concludes: “If America and the West do not get better leadership, do not drop the ideology and embrace the reality, and if we continue to move sluggishly and inefficiently, we’re going to lose the current confrontation with our adversaries. It’s not Anzio and it’s not bullets yet, but there is a war and its largely being waged economically and via policy. Let’s wake up and win this thing.”

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As 2023 nears, Nick goes back to 1984 for episode 84’s dedication—commemorating the seven-game NBA Finals series between the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers. The intense matchup marked the golden era of NBA basketball as the 1980s would feature classic rivalries, many of the sport’s greatest players, and iconic coaches.

Nick crosses over from the hard court to America’s military, stressing the importance of focusing on the best military equipment, contractors, and systems. He calls out a new rule proposed by the Department of Defense and NASA that aims to require defense contractors to disclose their CO2 footprints, reduction plans, and their climate risks. Nick suggests our government is more concerned about our military’s carbon footprint than its efficacy, which is great for our enemies, as are all America’s climate policies. Such a strategy would’ve spelled loss for the Celtics and Lakers in 1984, and Nick fears it could spell loss for our military in an increasingly hostile world.

Next up, Nick discusses BP considering ending the publication of its Statistical Review of World Energy. “Another symptom of how the energy space is being driven, more and more, by the mystic and not by the science,” says Nick.

While some in the energy space yield to mysticism, CNX Resources is not. That’s why the company has recently launched its “Positive Energy Hub”—a new forum for energy related facts and resources. Nick proceeds to delve into CNX’s recently announced vision for the Appalachian region, aka “Appalachia First.” It’s a chaotic world when it comes to energy, but Appalachia should be ground zero for a better energy future. The CNX vision is a strategic roadmap, leveraging low-carbon-intensive natural gas to transform key sectors of America’s economy and workforce while also changing the world for the better.

Why Appalachia? Nick says it all centers around location-location-location, including Appalachia’s workforce, existing infrastructure, and decades of energy supply. Nick concludes by looking at the motivators behind constructing the Appalachia First vision.

Visit www.positiveenergyhub.com/appalachia-first to learn more, and for a detailed presentation narrated by Nick.

Happy New Year!

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The Far Middle episode 83 takes off with a dedication to “the Mad Stork,” aka NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks is “one of the greatest personalities and linebackers in NFL history,” reflects Nick.

For those new to The Far Middle, Nick reminds listeners the podcast’s format is modeled after the TV series Connections. Hosted by science historian James Burke, “each episode of Connections would start with a modern innovation, and then jump back in time to show how one event linked to another, sequentially, connecting dots and making connections, hence the name of the series,” explains Nick. That innovative format serves as the structure for each Far Middle episode.

As such, Ted Hendricks embodied durability, evidenced by playing in over 200 consecutive games. Durability is also important when considering what type of car to purchase, which brings us to Consumer Reports’ latest rankings on vehicle reliability. Those rankings find that electric vehicles are among the least reliable cars and trucks in the automotive industry today. Nick counters Consumer Reports’ outlook that EV reliability will improve with time. He argues that when government protects markets and subsidizes products like EVs, innovation is stifled, and continuous improvement is restrained as there’s reduced incentive for automakers to drive towards excellence.

Subsidies for prodcuts like EVs are often justified under the taglines of “green is good” and “doing good by doing well.” Nick next applies these taglines in the context of LEED-certified green buildings and analyzes a new real estate report, “Green Is Good: The Enduring Rent Premium of LEED-Certified U.S. Office Buildings.” Nick reveals how the report’s title and summary don’t exactly reflect the data provided in the study. Read more on the report in Nick’s essay, “Mis“LEED”ing: Fact Versus Fiction for Green Buildings.”

The next dot in this week’s Far Middle connections is the United Nations’ announcement that the world’s population has reached 8 billion, as well as unprecedented growth in life expectancy and fertility rates. Nick notes the UN attributes the growth to improvements in public health, nutrition, personal hygiene and medicine, but the UN conveniently failed to mention the leading driver, which is the importance of access to reliable and affordable energy. “Utilization of things like natural gas improves the human condition, particularly and drastically in poorer areas of the developing world,” says Nick.

In closing, Nick looks back at a December 1988 address by Mikhail Gorbachev to the United Nations General Assembly. Nick shares two ironic excerpts that illustrate where Gorbachev was taking his nation in 1988, juxtaposed to where America’s leaders are taking us today.

“Gorbachev in his speech, proved once again, there’s a big difference between being a leader and leading. The former is such because they simply hold power. But leading occurs only when a leader inspires, making others want to follow,” concludes Nick.

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In Far Middle episode 82, Nick rewinds the clock 40 years to November of 1982—a golden year in the golden age of boxing—as he pays tribute to boxers Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor and Alexis “El Flaco Explosivo” Argüello. Reflecting on their November 12, 1982, “Battle of the Champions” match, Nick says, “If you want to see boxing the way it’s meant to be, give a watch to that 14-round epic 1982 bout.”

Shifting from rivals in the ring to geopolitical rivals, Nick highlights the historic agreement between Israel and Lebanon to develop natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea. Nick notes the irony of the Biden administration mediating the dispute, thereby supporting foreign natural gas development while suffocating natural gas domestically.

Nick moves from the Mediterranean to Britain, discussing a warning from the head of the U.K.’s electronic intelligence agency that China has “deliberately and patiently set out to gain strategic advantage by shaping the world’s technology ecosystems.” While Nick agrees that of course, China is beefing up its technological and surveillance prowess, he questions the inconsistency of the elite and expert class when it comes to judging China’s strategic positioning and tactical maneuvers. While there’s concern over China’s technological threat, the same concern doesn’t exist in their strategic positioning when it comes to energy.

Next, Nick examines how science has evolved from a virtuous cycle of value creation to scientific consensus that stifles innovation. On the topic of scientific consensus, Nick unpacks California’s Assembly Bill 2098, signed into law this past September. The law authorizes California’s Medical Board to punish doctors who share COVID-19 “misinformation” with their patients; it defines “misinformation” as anything that “is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus.” Nick says, “If you like science, and you like saving lives, and you like the Constitution, you cannot like this California law.”

Moving back to foreign policy, Nick explores the potential invasion of Taiwan by China, and the follow-on effects that it would have on the global economy, specifically the control China would gain over the semiconductor industry. Nick contrasts the inconsistent logic of America protecting and nurturing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, versus America’s actions toward investing and protecting its own domestic energy sources.

Nick returns to 1982 to close episode 82. He looks back on the career of the great Quincy Jones who took home five Grammy Awards that year, including Producer of the Year. If December clouds have you down, give a listen to Jones’ albums Walking in Space and The Dude.

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The Far Middle episode 81 arrives amidst the holiday season, with Hanukkah and Christmas just around the corner. Someone you wouldn’t want to see around the corner, if you were an NFL wideout in the 50s and 60s, is Hall of Fame cornerback Dick “Night Train” Lane—this Far Middle’s dedication.

Nick transitions from trains to rivers and lands at Marietta, Ohio.

Marietta, which sits at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, is the setting of this week’s episode as Nick reviews three recent presentations he delivered last week while in southeastern Ohio. The first two talks were delivered to students at Marietta College, followed by a third address to members of the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley.

Listen as Nick reviews the rich history of Marietta before delving into his question-and-answer session with students. “You’re going to be me in 30 years,” Nick explained to the young adults in attendance, telling them to expect twists and turns along their career journeys.

Next, Nick summarizes his remarks given to a class on ethical leadership. “The way I approached this opportunity was to talk about baking a cake, and the cake we’re going to bake is how you build ethical leadership within a team, or a company, or an industry,” describes Nick as he walks through the steps and “ingredients” to baking a cake of ethical leadership. “Make your values come alive each and every day through your decision-making.”

Finally, Nick looks back on his address to the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley, entitled, “Milton Friedman isn’t running the show anymore. And therein lies the problem.” Nick’s address reviewed six commonsense recommendations to broadly improve American society and our economy, concepts he first offered on The Far Middle in October 2021. Nick asks if we’ve made progress on these proposals this past year, or rather regressed, and then closes by tying them to Milton Friedman.

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The Far Middle episode 80 features a co-dedication to both the 1980 U.S. Men's Ice Hockey Team, and to the incomparable and prolific Jerry Rice. Nick notes Rice’s collegiate career at Mississippi Valley State and the offensive innovation of Coach Archie Cooley. The topic of innovation sparks the start of this episode’s connections as Nick moves through a host of topics like Rice weaving through a secondary.

While innovation represents growth, Nick zeroes in on the elitist organization, The Club of Rome, and their best-selling environmental book, The Limits to Growth. Nick looks at how the Club and its anti-capitalism/industrialization tenets have matriculated to the Church of Climate today and anti-growth initiatives disguised under the mask of sustainability. Nick notes the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, “outright prescriptions to stop growth and regress or reduce growth,” says Nick. He then questions how the term sustainability, a term so nebulous and hard to define, became so prevalent across society today.

What’s not hard to define is the anti-growth, anti-free market ideology of the Left, and the linear sequencing of their trap. Nick proceeds to walk through how that sequence begins with a major policy that can impact almost everything across the economy, using the slew of energy and climate policies pushed by the Left as today’s biggest example. These policies create energy scarcity, which in turn leads to energy inflation and then overall inflation as the cost of energy is an input in nearly every product and service.

Overall inflation leads to central banks fast and furiously raising interest rates. And when interest rates are raised, so too is the cost of carrying government debt. Skyrocketing debt service leads to either: increased deficits; higher taxes; and/or, reining in discretionary spending. Nick asks which of these three outcomes do you see happening as America experiences this sequencing in real time, and explains this is the trap of the Left’s no-growth approach.

Nick concludes that policies coming from the elite class—whether it be The Club of Rome or the UN—have created a situation where society is checking in but can’t check out, which brings to mind the Eagles’ December 1976 release of Hotel California.

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The Far Middle episode 79 is a special Thanksgiving edition, dedicated to the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 1970s Pirates were known as “The Lumber Company” due to the hurting they could do at the plate. Today, on the geopolitical stage, we see Putin trying to lay the lumber on Europe with his use of energy leverage. Nick discusses the new spin from the Left on Europe’s energy chaos, which is that Putin is helping jumpstart Europe’s energy transition. This view is simply a means to justify more climate policy mandates.

Nick proceeds to dissect, with Bert Blyleven precision, the recent quote from EU Green Deal Chief Frans Timmermans that, “Renewables give us the freedom to choose an energy source that is clean, cheap, reliable, and ours.” Following Nick’s analysis of Mr. Timmermans’ mistruth, Mr. Timmermans is presented with the first-ever Crown of Claptrap Award.

Next, Nick turns to former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who won the Nobel prize for economics last month. Nick takes exception with the policies of recent Fed chairs that have created negative real interest rates, bloated asset bubbles, stoked inflation, eroded work ethic, and created a false sense of fiscal security. “No one should ever confuse Ben Bernanke with someone like Paul Volcker,” says Nick.

Related to Fed chairs is how the Federal Reserve’s leadership over the past roughly 20 years has been mono- or unipartisan under recent presidents. Nick argues the Fed has injected extreme monetary policy into the veins of our economy and the symptoms are too severe to ignore any longer.

While on policy, Nick offers a simple solution to address conflicts of interest within government: if the whole of government is going to put its power into pushing and enforcing climate policies, then the whole of government should be precluded and prohibited from profiting through the purchase (direct or indirect) of stock or equity of companies or funds in the favored industries under such policies. It’s a pretty simple solution that Nick pegs has about the same odds of being adopted as the Pirates winning next year’s World Series (currently sitting at 150 to 1).

In closing, Nick connects back to the episode’s start, linking the 1979 Pirates to one of his all-time favorite rock bands, Rush. Specifically noting the lyrics to their song “The Trees,” which was released as a single in 1979.

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The Far Middle episode 78 is dedicated to the NFL’s unsung heroes of the trenches; including many legendary linemen who wore number 78, spanning Bobby Bell, Bruce Smith on defense, and Jackie Slater, Anthony Muñoz on offense, and many more.

Trenches, while not the most hygienic, have served as the method of choice for sewer systems across civilizations, and the modern toilet isn’t to be taken for granted. The discussion turns to San Francisco where the city recently announced one public toilet is going to cost $1.7 million with an estimated completion in 2025. Nick outlines the root causes why one public toilet costs seven figures and years to complete—causes that tie into many of the topics explored in Precipice.

From big city public toilet bungling, Nick next tackles big city public transportation messes, specifically the New York City Subway’s increasing crime and decreasing ridership. On crime and public safety, Nick addresses the overused soundbite of “be aware of your surroundings.” For individuals in bigger cities—if they truly are aware of their surroundings—then they likely realize it’s not safe to live there anymore, and it’s time to move, but that assumes the person has the job skillsets and finances to relocate. But what if they don’t have the means to move? “The poorest pay the steepest price when public institutions and public leaders don’t lead and they’re not accountable,” says Nick.

On government leadership and accountability, Nick asks if government isn’t focusing on the basics for taxpayers and citizens, then what is government obsessing about? The answer, negotiating away our national interests and leverage to further the favored ideology. A big example is what’s happening with climate change policy and related accords and regulations.

“Today, the highest levels of our governments are negotiating pacts with other nations that promise to benefit the climate in 50 years, but that clearly damage US interests today and that support our adversaries,” says Nick. He asks if such policies are doing the right thing, are a conflict of interest, a dereliction of duty or even treasonous? How many climate treaties, accords, regulations hurt America’s security, economy, and citizens, but at the same time benefit an adversary’s security, interests, and economy?

Staying on energy, Nick counters the president’s criticism of American energy companies being profitable, and their alleged refusal to increase oil and gas supply. Ironically, it’s been damaging government intervention pushing a “dog’s breakfast of a policy mess” that’s resulted in a constricted energy supply.

Nick’s final stop in episode 78 reconnects back to the New York City Subway as Nick pays tribute to musical genius Billy Strayhorn.

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The Far Middle episode 77 celebrates two of the NHL’s greatest defensemen, number 77’s Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque. Nick reflects on how Coffey set new norms for the position and Bourque epitomized the position over a long career as an elder statesman.

Coffey and Bourque paid their dues over their Hall-of-Fame careers, unfortunately, the same can’t be said of today’s mass transit riders. Nick transitions to discussing major public transportation networks not enforcing fare collection and spending taxpayer dollars without concern over their rate of return. Nick highlights fare evasion in D.C. and the impact on the transit system’s finances.

Alongside broken public transportation, there’s a host of issues American cities are dealing with, but their fiscal coffers aren’t one of them as the federal stimulus spigot has been wide open since 2020. However, things are changing as state governments spend more while tax revenue begins declining and interest payments start increasing. At the same time, high earners are leaving high-tax states for lower-tax states, which will inevitably impact state and local government tax revenue.

The lack of leadership in public transit and government fiscal discipline pales in comparison to the Vatican’s vacant leadership. Nick next comments on Pope Francis’ focus on matters that have nothing to do with Catholic doctrine while he ignores crises where his support could have huge differences—one example is the imprisonment of 90-year-old Catholic Cardinal Zen in China. Listen as Nick explains why Pope Francis is turning a deaf ear to Cardinal Zen’s imprisonment, and read more analysis on Pope Francis in Nick’s papal profile in Precipice.

Next, Nick examines the front-page headlines of one recent day’s paper; headlines that when packaged together sum up the climate policy scheme.

In closing, Nick notes that he’s a big believer in the freedom of the press and only asks for a modest level of integrity and rigor. He concludes with a few truly mean comments that were made about prior presidents, spanning FDR to Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama.

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The Far Middle episode 76 pays homage to two great sports achievements from 1976: Anthony Dorsett’s Heisman Trophy-winning season, and the gold-medal performance of America’s boxing team at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

After recounting the monster accomplishments of Dorsett, and boxers Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael and Leon Spinks, Leo Randolph, and Howard Davis Jr., Nick transitions to discussing the monster accumulation of America’s national debt. “Our debt exceeded $31 trillion this fall, placing it at 125% of GDP, that’s a level we haven’t seen since World War II,” says Nick.

America’s interest on its national debt is running at about $90 billion/month, or more than a trillion dollars annually. As the Fed continues to raise rates, interest costs will only increase. And add to that America’s growing debt, and we’re living in a double-whammy world.

Inflation is also worsening America’s debt, to which Nick examines food price inflation and how energy policy resulting in energy scarcity correlates with increased food prices. So, what are governments doing to address the mess they created when it comes to energy and climate policies? In the case of Germany, they’re panicking and looking to address their problems with more state intervention—something many other countries and governments are doing.

Nick transitions to UK tax policy, followed by the criticism of the World Bank head for his comments at a UN climate event. “Be careful for goodness sake when you’re speaking in public about science these days…stay in the herd,” says Nick before switching gears to commentary on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Nick calls out the provision in the IRA of $60 billion going toward environmental justice, which is twice the annual budget of the entire Department of Justice.

Next up is the academic complex, with Nick looking at collections from the 1.4% endowment tax juxtaposed to college loan forgiveness. And if you think things at colleges are bad, look at what’s happening in K-12 education, using Illinois as an example.

Nick wraps by highlighting six epic rock albums released in 1976 and connecting their titles to this week’s topics.

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As The Far Middle reaches episode 75, the milestone installment is appropriately dedicated to the greatest Pittsburgh Steeler of all time, “Mean” Joe Greene. The four-time Super Bowl champ is one of the four faces on Nick’s Mount Rushmore of Pittsburgh sports Hall of Famers, which includes prior Far Middle dedications Mario Lemieux in episode 66 and Roberto Clemente in episode 21. Who’s the fourth face? That’s where things get interesting.

While no one would ever call Greene soft, the same can’t be said for today’s American work ethic, and the numbers don’t lie. Nick proceeds to discuss attitudes to work and explains the far-reaching ramifications if America’s declining labor participation continues.

Another subject on the decline is America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which the Biden administration has drawn down to its lowest level since 1984. And as the president seems to be putting political gain ahead of America’s vital interest with SPR drawdowns, Nick addresses billionaire Michael Bloomberg taking similarly destructible action. Specifically, Bloomberg announcing $85 million to stop petrochemical projects in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—thereby destroying opportunities for doers.

While Bloomberg attempts to be a barrier to an expanded middle class, you may not have heard the latest from the Australian Institute for Marine Science which reports the Great Barrier Reef is enjoying record levels of coral cover. If you missed this, it’s because no one told you, as it doesn’t serve the code red for humanity storyline, explains Nick.

Next, Nick looks at China’s recent coal investments and increasing CO2 emissions. Adding insult to injury, Nick notes that much of China’s coal-fired power and coal mine additions will be used to power its factories and facilities to extract, refine, or make the various feedstocks and components for wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles that the West is mandating.

Shifting from Chinese energy policy, Nick returns to a recurring Far Middle topic: California energy policy. Nick explores a few of the 40 climate bills signed by Governor Newsom this past September.

Nick proceeds to look back on America’s Declaration of Independence and points of contention with King George III, points that sadly mirror issues Americans face today with their own government. And in closing, Nick examines the $80 billion headed to the Internal Revenue Service from the Inflation Reduction Act. This brings to mind the great Johnny Cash song “After Taxes,” recorded on the album I Would Like to See You Again—released in 1978, the year “Mean” Joe Greene and the Steelers would go 14-2 and on to win Super Bowl XIII.

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The Far Middle episode 74 is dedicated to four notable events from the 1974 Major League Baseball season, specifically three great achievements and one infamous beer night in Cleveland.

While baseball celebrated many milestones in 1974, America at large was struggling with horrible inflation and energy crises, situations we’re seeing repeated today. While most Americans recognize what’s going on, our elected leaders unfortunately do not. After noting skyrocketing costs in the U.S., Nick says we should count our blessings we’re not facing the inflation and energy insecurity that Europe is. The state of energy instability and unreliability in Europe today is evidence that the elite and their policies have now been exposed across continents.

Transitioning from EU ineptitude, Nick looks at another bungling of a big moment by the elite: pandemic management and related draconian shutdowns. Nick then examines New York City’s fiscal health, where Escape from New York is evolving from a fictional big-screen account to real-world reality.

Next, Nick explores whether we, society, are hardwired for destruction, and examines the stages of civilizations laid out by Sir John Glubb in his essay, “The Fate of Empires and Search for Survival.” Discussing America today, Nick observes, “You can’t help but feel we are sitting in one of the final two stages in a terminal decline.”

Nick then pivots to commemorating the teachings and work of Reverend Ike. “Go save yourself and go achieve on your own behalf,” says Nick, referencing Reverend Ike’s philosophy and message.

In closing, Nick wraps with a great Far Middle connection. Circling back to 1974, Reverend Ike, and one of the reverend’s listeners, John Lennon (who incidentally comes in at number three on Nick’s ranking of the Fab Four).

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The Far Middle episode 73 is dedicated to one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, John Hannah. Hannah not only wore number 73, but his Pro Football Hall-of-Fame career began in 1973 when the Patriots selected him fourth overall in that year’s draft. One fellow Hall-of-Famer that would’ve loved to run behind Hannah is Jerome Bettis, which is where Nick begins this episode’s connections.

Moving from teamwork on the field to teamwork in business, Nick discusses the special partnership between his company, CNX, and Jerome and John Bettis. Beginning as a business relationship, today it is one anchored by a focus on making a tangible, local, and impactful difference in their communities. The relationship most recently led to the creation of the “Wifi On Wheels” Cyber Bus.

Staying on the theme of partnerships, Nick examines how partnerships were key to America’s shale revolution and the ongoing economic opportunities natural gas provides, as well as the critical role natural gas plays in foreign policy (topics further discussed in Nick’s essay, “The Premeditated Murder of the Greatest Story Never Told”).

Next, Nick discusses a recent study on ESG investing and the ultimate winners of ESG marketing. He notes there are good, bad, and ugly sides to ESG. Nick pivots from the marketing of ESG to a final segment exploring how names are used in marketing. This includes a look at the use of the umlaut—and who was the first rock group to use it in their name? Listen for the answer!

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The Far Middle episode 72 honors the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Now 50 years since the Dolphins achieved their perfect 17-0 season, no team has yet to replicate their feat. Nick highlights their offensive power, their “No-Name Defense” (which ranks among Nick’s top-ten NFL defenses), and arguably the NFL’s top head coach of the modern era, Don Shula.

This Far Middle installment focuses on Nick’s remarks from last week’s 2022 Shale Insight Conference, which looked at the next chapter of the natural gas revolution, “Shale 3.0.” Nick analyzes the opposing views of whether natural gas is a bridge fuel or a catalyst fuel. “Catalysts live in the world of truth, science, reality, and fact,” says Nick. “Our approach is the right one.”

Next, Nick walks through the bridgers’ four-step manipulation recipe, which was “so elegantly defined” by German scholar Victor Klemperer. Nick concludes by noting the bright future we have thanks to the awakening to Shale 3.0, “a better way than the bridgers’ road to certain ruin.”

In closing, Nick pays tribute to Queen, who 42 years ago this month had their song “Another One Bites the Dust" reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. He notes Queen guitarist Brian May is among his list of top-ten rock guitarists. Check out their 1985 Live Aid performance and May will be on your top-ten list as well.

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The Far Middle episode 71 is dedicated to a sports trio, spanning from the diamond to the gridiron to the rink. Nick salutes the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates, NFL Hall-of-Famer Merlin Olsen, and Penguins Center Evgeni “Geno” Malkin.

Transitioning from Evgeni Malkin, who is Russian, Nick discusses the recent string of suspicious deaths of several executives of major Russian energy and industrial corporations. This leads to a look at European Union energy policy as bureaucrats panic to secure a grid and crumbling energy network that’s destroying economies across the European continent—unfortunately, the bureaucratic panic is only making things worse. Nick explains that the EU bureaucrat is engaged in a game of intervention versus intervention, and in the end, everyone will end up a loser.

Shifting from the pitfalls of state intervention, Nick notes Elon Musk’s comments that the world needs more natural gas and oil. Musk recently left California for Texas, to which Nick calls California dreaming in 2022 is more akin to a nightmare when it comes to their energy insanity.

Connections continue with another example of the expert class taking the normal person for a fool; this time it’s misleading Covid statistics from John Hopkins. And Nick closes with an analysis of the numerous parallels between Aldous Huxley’s 1932 masterpiece, Brave New World, and society today. Although written 90 years ago, Huxley’s view into the future is frighteningly accurate. Read more from Nick on Brave New World in his commentary, “When a Blinded 1930s Writer Saw the 2022 Future.”

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The Far Middle episode 70 is dedicated to a pair of NFL defensive greats: Hall of Famers Ernie Stautner and Sam Huff. Nick calls Stautner the best defensive lineman of his era and discusses his one-of-a-kind toughness. And Nick notes Sam Huff’s unique family lineage to Nick’s company history and points out a certain assistant coach who was key to convincing Huff to stay in the NFL during his rookie-year training camp.

Stautner played most of his career for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pennsylvania, and Huff was from West Virginia—states representing the heart of the Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas plays. Huff was also the first NFL player to appear on the cover of Time magazine. These connections funnel into an exploration of how academia and the media often cut corners, compromise standards, and collaborate to present very misleading impressions of targeted entities, industries, or things like the domestic natural gas industry. Specifically, Nick examines Yale researchers using statistical modeling to suggest natural gas development causes childhood cancer—a headline-grabbing finding that contradicts their previous research that relied on actual data measurement.

Nick transitions to offering three observations on the Manti Te’o Netflix documentary, “Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist.” Nick’s biggest takeaway relates back to the media, how they were fooled, fell in love with the Te’o story, and how they could’ve discovered the story was a hoax much earlier if they had applied the most basic of journalistic standards.

Next, Nick presents an interesting look at American household income when you normalize the data (i.e., deducting taxes paid and adding transfer payments received). “There’s income equality, not income inequality, across 60% of the U.S. population,” says Nick.

Nick closes with a few comments on the lack of self-awareness by "eco-warriors," highlighting a recent speech by Harrison Ford.

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The Far Middle episode 69 celebrates the 69-win NBA season by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, a record for victories in a season that would stand until the 72 wins by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s 1995-96 Chicago Bulls team.

The Lakers' star-studded lineup (including Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Pat Riley, and Jerry West) not only won the NBA championship that year but also 33 straight games—a record that stands today.

Staying in the late 60s and early 70s era, Nick discusses the final years of Pablo Picasso’s life, a colorful and expressive point in the artist’s perpetual changing career when he was massively prolific. Also at that time, in 1969, French writer Henri Charrière published Papillon, which Nick highly recommends. The book would be made into a movie starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman the year after the Lakers' 69-win championship season. And just as critics panned Picasso’s works at the end of his career, they similarly panned Papillon’s screen adaptation. Nick says to be your own expert when it comes to film and literature.

Nick then transitions into an overview of the CNX Foundation Mentorship Academy, which is nearing the start of its second year. Nick describes the Academy’s mission, its first year, and an exciting summer that most recently included a cookout with prospective second-year students. Follow Academy updates at nickdeiuliis.com and at cnx.com.

Staying on education, Nick next discusses students, parents, and taxpayers finally starting to hold colleges accountable for the quality of education delivered during the pandemic.

Nick closes with a one-of-a-kind, multi-part Far Middle connection going back to the early 1970s and linking Papillon, Pablo Picasso, and “winging-it.”

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The Far Middle episode 68 is dedicated to the great NHL right winger Jaromir Jagr—member of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup championship teams.

In this Far Middle installment, Nick presents his second-ever “lightning round” episode covering a wide range of topics. “It’s unbelievable how much material stacks up for Far Middle discussion,” says Nick, which is exciting but also concerning.

Leading off is the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr., who has to be better off the field otherwise the pressure on him will continue to build. On the topic of pressure, Nick travels from San Diego to across the globe to examine the latest on Russia’s geopolitical and energy pressure on the EU.

Staying in the EU, Nick calls out the impact of “Natura 2000,” and specifically the program’s effect on the Dutch agriculture sector which will only increase already high food prices. On the topic of radical environmentalism and their disdain for the human condition, Nick is reminded of Professor Paul Ehrlich’s quote that, “giving society cheap, abundant energy at this point would be the moral equivalent of giving an idiot child a machine gun.”

Nick next addresses: 180-degree position reversals from environmental groups through their divide-and-kill strategy; the role of capitalism catalyzing science; the comical Inflation Reduction Act; and, the truth when it comes to energy subsidies. Nick counters the claim that wind and solar are cost-competitive with other fuels, calling out their massive level of subsidy while only providing 7% of the U.S. energy supply.

The lightning episode continues with: ESG investing; public pension funds increasingly investing in riskier, non-liquid assets; Florida’s “Stop Woke Act” and free speech; the BLM playing politics with water; and, “hearing” some surprisingly good news from the FDA.

In closing, Nick returns back to 1990—the year Jagr was drafted by the Penguins—to reflect on George Michael’s masterpiece album Listen Without Prejudice, released 32 years ago this past September 3.

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The Far Middle episode 67 is dedicated to two epic 1967 sports performances. These include NASCAR’s Richard Petty and his 27-win season that featured 10 back-to-back wins, as well as the stacked Philadelphia 76ers (whose lineup boasted some of the best collective nicknames of all time) and their incredible 1967 championship season.

Petty and the Sixers’ magical 1967 seasons happen once in a blue moon, as Nick next discusses U.S. equities and their valuations today that you’ll also only see once in a blue moon. Nick offers two new perspectives to illustrate the inflated levels of U.S. stocks: the valuation and priciness of U.S. stocks compared to the rest of the world; and second, how the price-to-earnings ratio today compares to what it has been under different inflation levels over our history.

Transitioning from equity valuations, Nick looks at what’s driving professional sports team valuations and the entrance of private equity minority ownership in professional sports franchises. He also highlights the allure of investing in a professional sports team, noting that over the past 20 years they’ve outperformed the S&P 500.

On the topic of sports, Nick revisits the episode’s connection to 1967 sports milestones, noting that 1967 was also the year John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins won their first of seven consecutive NCAA titles. Nick then presents his theory on why southern California sports teams never seem to draw huge attendances, “Every game of every team in every sport should be sellouts,” says Nick.

Concluding episode 67, Nick highlights a few of his favorite bookstores, from Pittsburgh to San Francisco and from Washington D.C. to Asheville. And he closes by reflecting on the passing of David McCullough, “Pittsburgh native, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he accomplished it all in his field…he may be gone, but far from forgotten.”

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The Far Middle episode 66 is dedicated to Pittsburgh Penguins’ icon Mario Lemieux, “one of easiest decisions in the history of The Far Middle,” says Nick.

After looking back on “Super Mario’s” astounding playing career, including overcoming cancer, his purchasing the Penguins, and community work through his foundation, Nick presents the four faces that would be carved on his Mount Rushmore of best-ever NHL players.

Nick steps off the hockey train to next discuss the reasons ridership is plummeting on most urban public transportation networks, which today are clearly broken business models. Nick says it’s time we stop funding propositions that are denying the inevitable and we must drastically reimagine public transportation.

“And that shaky math of public transportation systems in our cities, it mirrors the shaky math of the Federal Reserve when it comes to interest rates and inflation,” says Nick connecting the next dot: Fed policy around inflation. Nick adds that government spending also factors into the inflation equation. It’s been pouring gasoline on the inflation fire for some time now and recent spending bills—exceeding $700 billion—illustrate it has no intention of putting the gas can down anytime soon.

Continuing on the recent spending bills, Nick examines how the media reported on their passage: “creative writing bordering on economic fiction.” Further, Nick discusses the new competing definitions of recession, and how economic indicators have been hijacked by the thought police just like the scientific ones with energy, climate and pandemic have been. Similarly, Nick delves into how scientific credibility has been taken over by political science.

In closing, Nick shifts from science to sci-fi, highlighting one of his favorite shows growing up, Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery.” He offers two timely Serling quotes, including, “We're developing a new citizenry. One that will be very selective about cereals and automobiles, but won't be able to think.”

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The Far Middle episode 65 commemorates the 65 World Series games that Mickey Mantle played in, accumulating numerous records. Among them, Nick highlights Mantle’s 18 World Series home runs, a likely unbreakable accomplishment.

In this special Far Middle installment, Nick addresses a range of questions received from listeners over the past year. Nick leads off by discussing one of the most frequent questions: how he develops each episode and chooses his topics. Listen as Nick explains the process that includes featuring topics rooted in the themes discussed in Precipice. Nick also previews a few format changes to watch for in the weeks ahead.

Additional listener questions and topics addressed include the asset class he has the most concern over; which central bank has done the most damage over the past roughly dozen years; a new concert review (per constant listener demand); and, the state of the Colorado River, western U.S. drought and water consumption.

And while Nick would love to answer requests for his list of top 20 movies of all time (perhaps to be revealed in a future essay on nickdeiuliis.com), he does offer one from the list in closing with happy birthday wishes to Robert De Niro. Which De Niro movie? Press play and enjoy!

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The Far Middle episode 64 features a unique dedication, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, aka March Madness. While the tournament now includes 68 teams, the tournament’s classic 64-team bracket “is a geometric thing of beauty,” says Nick.

After discussing a few tournament stats and sharing a few tournament memories, Nick connects the tournament’s expansion to 64 teams in 1985 to the inflation we see today—something we similarly haven’t seen since the early 1980s.

The construction industry is in focus this episode, as Nick examines how construction firms are navigating inflation and how they’re being forced to either build price contingencies into bids or altogether pass on opportunities due to uncertain risk. He explains our inflationary situation is both self-fueling and self-fulfilling and explains that “current expectations on the future determine the future.”

Next, Nick steers into the automotive sector, where bureaucratic fantasy, government spreadsheets, and environmentalists’ dreams are all coming to fruition to result in chaos, inefficiency, and pain.

Switching gears, Nick reflects on how the mainstream media seems to regularly ignore public officials switching core positions on the biggest of issues, in particular school choice. On school choice, Nick looks at the return on investment students, parents, and taxpayers are getting (or not getting) from our public education system, and the potential student academic improvement and tax dollars saved if public education dollars were going to private schools.

Following education, Nick provides another example of how the capital markets (specifically credit rating firms) are orbiting closer to the political and ideological and further from the quantitative and the objective.

Concluding this episode is a critique of “elite” economists, including Dr. Janet Yellen, on being horribly wrong on the most basic economic items.

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Far Middle episode 63 features a co-dedication to two NFL hall-of-fame number 63’s: the Oakland Raiders’ Gene Upshaw and Kansas City Chiefs’ Willie Lanier.

Listen as Nick recounts the 1968 AFC Divisional Playoff when Upshaw and Lanier went head-to-head, and where Lanier and the Chiefs won the matchup’s coin toss and chose to defend the South goal line. On returning to the Oakland bench, Upshaw told his teammates: “Buckle up your chinstraps. We’ve just been insulted.”

Nick then starts connecting dots, starting with the insults the Biden administration continues to hand down on Americans, highlighting the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act amidst broader inconsistent U.S. trade and energy policy. “What gets interesting is when all these points come together,” says Nick. “We have all of these U.S. government intentions and desires colliding and conflicting into a massive and incoherent and illogical mess.”

Next, Nick discusses how dependent and interconnected everything is to energy, and the natural gas shortage facing the EU. He then transitions to the mounting risks and concerns surrounding public pensions—a topic discussed at length in Precipice, in the chapter, Funding Sources Part 2: Unwitting Retirees (AKA “Other People’s Money”).

Nick concludes by commenting on the four political parties he sees in America today, and then closes by reflecting on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in conjunction with the upcoming 59th anniversary of his "I Have a Dream" speech.

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The Far Middle episode 62 is dedicated Steph Curry and his career-high 62-point game, which took place on January 3, 2021, against the Portland Trail Blazers. Listen as Nick discusses the phenomenal shooter’s career, which is far from over, and where Curry ranks on Nick’s greatest NBA player of all-time list.

Transitioning from the ultimate sniper shooter, Nick looks at the political and actual sniping going on in the Ukraine and the energy leverage Russia has over Germany. Nick notes that Germany’s natural gas reserves are at “alarm level” and energy policies of its own making have manufactured its energy scarcity.

Continuing on energy and climate policy, Nick discusses how the two are the root cause of global turmoil, an emboldened Russia and China, a weakened West, and fueling inflation to record highs. He goes on to discuss the winners (government, bureaucrats, the expert class, large companies with market power) and the losers (small and mid-size businesses, consumers, and taxpayers) of mounting regulations, proposed SEC rules on climate risk, and ESG investing complexity—a theme explored throughout his book Precipice.

Additional topics this week include Pope Francis, self-responsibility, and New York City real estate. Nick closes with a few of his favorite Ernest Hemmingway quotes in conjunction with the author’s July 21st birthday.

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The Far Middle episode 61 is dedicated to Roger Maris and his 61 home runs in 1961 to break Babe Ruth’s record. Nick looks back on the controversy and confusion surrounding Maris and baseball’s home run record, and transitions to the confusion looming large today around mammoth economic and geopolitical issues.

Specifically, Nick looks at media coverage of energy exports and fuel prices, as well as Russia using as energy as a force multiplier as it curtails natural gas flows to Europe. And he questions why there’s not more journalistic focus on the current administration’s regulatory attack on domestic energy, which is increasing fuel prices and hurting Europe.

Next, Nick examines the current state of American energy and environmental policy after 17 months of the Biden Administration, followed by a discussion on the Federal Reserve (and its army of economists) continuing to be behind the inflation curve.

And in a Far Middle first, Nick examines the flow of the Ganges River in India. While a topical first, the takeaway is a continuing Far Middle theme—stay vigilant in separating fact from fiction. Last up this episode is a Far Middle real estate update examining Malibu, Cal., where the median price for a single-family home reached $6.99 million in the first quarter of 2022.

And Nick closes with a Far Middle signature connection, linking Roger Marris to “Robert Zimmerman” to George Kaiser.

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Episode 60 of The Far Middle goes to the 1960 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Nick looks back on the 1960 Fall Classic where David slayed Goliath and highlights a few interesting facts you might not know about the series.

In this special edition, Nick explores the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed climate rules, aka “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors.”

Nick first explains the three levels, or “scopes,” of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and then walks through the unfortunate shortcomings of the SEC’s proposed rule. These flaws include a lack of fairness, investors potentially being misinformed, and the rule’s “squishy terms” of “material” and “significant.”

“A rule that implements accuracy, consistency, transparency, and standardization across all companies—that’s going to be a good rule,” says Nick. “However, the rule, as currently laid out, in its details, falls far short of its golden potential and would likely increase confusion and create a misallocation of greenhouse gas-dependent capital and investing decisions, those are the exact opposite objectives of what the SEC is after, and what its mission is.”

Nick closes by stressing the importance of the SEC getting this rule right, noting that the end goals and the mission are the right ones, but we need to be honest with ourselves and the public.

For more, read CNX Resources' recent comment letter submitted to the SEC.

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Episode 59 of The Far Middle continues the streak of NFL linebacker dedications, with this installment commemorating one of the greatest outside linebackers to ever play—Jack Ham. After reflecting on the quick, very smart, and respected Hall of Fame linebacker’s career, Nick juxtaposes Ham’s competitive spirit to the diluted competition in America’s education system.

American schools are dropping proficiency exams, class rankings, the SATs, and erasing meritocracy—going the exact opposite of the Chinese educational system. The only winners in the watering down of America’s educational system are the academic complex’s bureaucrats and administrators. “Who has the more virtuous and meritocracy-based education system, China or the United States,” asks Nick.

Next, Nick calls out the “America COMPETES Act,” which he says would weaken us against China and perpetuate our educational system monopoly—doing nothing for great teachers, students, parents, or taxpayers. Nick then addresses the benefits and growing popularity of school choice, as well as education being a pivotal issue in the recent Virginia gubernatorial election.

Shifting from education, Nick discusses Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. While Russia is all-in on their attack, the West isn’t even half-in. “Russia, I fear, is going to win,” says Nick. “If Russia prevails in eastern Ukraine, it’s energy dominance over the EU will have grown, and the EU and the US will continue to chase damaging energy policies that will put even more power in the hands of Russia and China, and that power will be wielded, and we will not like the results.”

Next up are “fraudsters and big business,” as Nick examines the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos scheme. Then, Nick questions why NY Gov. Hochul is offering New Yorkers with prior marijuana convictions the state’s first retail marijuana licenses. And while in a New York State of Mind, Nick closes with a few thoughts on greatest hits albums.

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Episode 58 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the “poster child of the middle linebacker,” four-time Super Bowl champ Jack Lambert. Nick reflects on the career, character, and imagery surrounding the Steeler great. In unique Far Middle fashion, Nick connects the optics and urban legend of Lambert to the urban legend we’ve been taught regarding the Treaty of Versailles. Nick discusses Ludwig von Mises’ book, “Omnipotent Government,” and he suggests the Treaty wasn’t the debacle that some historians have insisted it was. “Actually, the Treaty of Versailles could’ve worked, maybe it would’ve worked, if stuck to and the reparations did not bankrupt or make Germany poor,” says Nick.

Continuing on geopolitics, Nick comments on the emergence of the LIV golf tour and the resulting hypocrisy coming from some companies and public figures. “Hypocrisy, it’s running like the bulls in Pamplona these days,” says Nick. Next, Nick examines the relationship between the tech and energy sectors: their employment levels; their S&P index sector weightings shift; and, how the two sectors have performed against one another from an investment perspective.

Transitioning from energy policy, Nick notes those policies are often justified by science, and highlights commentary by Bjorn Lomberg who recently wrote a piece discussing how science gets hijacked by political opportunists. In closing, Nick turns to the art world, where he’s discovered a new, innovative website that combines art with data science: “Mona Loves Gustav.” Check out monalovesgustav.com to find your “ArtDNA” via a fun online art quiz.

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The Far Middle episode 57 is dedicated to boxer, Carmen “The Upstate Onion Farmer” Basilio. “If you’re going to fight this guy in the ring, you better be ready for a war,” says Nick as he reflects on the fighter’s career; which featured a marquee win over middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson in 1957. Nick explains that Basilio lost a couple of crucial fights due to questionable split decisions, and whether or not organized crime was involved, the expert judges got it wrong at the worst time on the biggest stages.

Nick connects the idea of expert judges getting it wrong, to the often-heard phrases of “studies show” and “experts agree.” These phrases typically justify many damaging policies and regulations. Nick then introduces us to Sturgeon’s Law that says “90 percent of everything is crap,” and considers if 90 percent of studies and experts are crap, then that leads to results (i.e. public policies) that are crap. “Sturgeon’s Law might be the most crucial theory you never heard of, but not anymore,” says Nick.

On the topic of experts, Nick delves into a recent comment by a friend that we should listen to experts but not follow them, and we should all be the captains of our own ships. Subsequently Nick examines the numerous regulations governing being the captain of your own ship. The takeaway is that we’re not captains of our own ship, but rather a “food source for the bureaucrat.”

Also, in this installment Nick stresses the importance of capitalism and the free market; and, he examines government’s current foreign policy formula that runs counter to America’s playbook that’s been successful for the past 200 years—using energy policy as an example of government creating scarcity, reducing supply, and increasing prices. Nick concludes with offering summer reading selections, all of which are part of the “10 percent that is great, genius, and awesome.”

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Episode 56 of The Far Middle is dedicated to Lawrence Taylor, arguably the NFL’s greatest defensive player and one of the best-ever college football players. Nick comments on how “LT” excelled on the gridiron but struggled off the field and explains that both professional and personal success require work. Achieving success in both is one of the goals of the CNX Foundation Mentorship Academy – the focus of this week’s episode. The innovative Academy program just concluded its inaugural year. Nick looks back on the factors that led to the initiative’s creation and its success. He highlights the importance of dedicated partners and mentors and discusses the maturation of the participating students. He concludes by noting Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak – a treasured record that was a close second for this week’s dedication. Nick points out that The Yankee Clipper grew up in a working poor family, similar to some of the Mentorship Academy students. “Let’s make sure that our young adults out there, in America’s urban and rural communities, that they’ve got a shot at realizing their untapped greatness, just like DiMaggio,” Nick concludes.

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Episode 55 of The Far Middle is dedicated to a sports record—Wilt Chamberlain’s 55 rebounds against the Celtics on Nov. 24, 1960. Nick reflects on the career of Chamberlain who maintains the NBA’s record of 23,924 rebounds, and notes Bill Russell is number two at just over 21,000 boards, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 17,440. Serendipitously, Bill Russell played against Chamberlain in that 1960 rebound record-breaking game.

Following his comments on the career of Chamberlain, which came about due to his massive potential, Nick addresses the massive potential of Appalachian energy. He juxtaposes his “sadness” mentioned in episode 54 regarding energy policy with excitement if America gets energy policy right and Appalachia energy is allowed to be unleashed. He further explains the key differentiator of free market versus government control when it comes to energy.

“When government gets involved in complicated matters best left to the competitive free market of entrepreneurs and innovators to figure out, I can assure you bad things are always going to happen,” says Nick as he transitions to analyzing the government creating a monopoly for baby formula producers and government’s role in producing the recent formula shortage.

While on the topic of government ineptitude, he looks at the over and undercounting in the latest Census. He also examines recent real estate purchases by the elites within the server class and closes by honoring the raw talent of the late Ray Liotta.

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Episode 54 of The Far Middle is dedicated to “The Manster” – Cowboys’ defensive great Randy White. Much like Randy White being a foundational anchor of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, so too is domestic energy in our society today. This Far Middle installment is a deep dive into the convergence of energy in Appalachia, economics, geopolitics and quality of life. “These are big themes, coming together into an epic confluence,” says Nick. “We get these right, we’re all going to win. We get them wrong, we’re all going to suffer.” Nick explains these issues were the catalyst to his writing Precipice (available here). He goes on to discuss natural gas supply and demand; the impact of global/national/regional/local energy policies fueling energy scarcity; and, concludes with a unique look at the intersection of tax policy and this week in music history.

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Episode 53 of The Far Middle comes in high and tight, just like a Don Drysdale fastball—the namesake of this installment. Nick covers a host of topics—“dots”—in this episode, which is the first lightning round format. Topics include market volatility, energy policy/costs, inflation and debt-to-GDP, Chicago and Mayor Lightfoot, conservation easements, the opioid epidemic, China, and more. And as he often does, Nick concludes by bringing the episode back full circle to Don Drysdale and one of the nine-time All-Star’s biggest fans.

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Episode 52 is a special milestone installment marking The Far Middle’s one-year anniversary. Once again Nick connects a series of seemingly unrelated topics, “dots,” which is the hallmark of each episode this past year. Marking the occasion, Nick dedicates the episode to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steeler: “Iron Mike” Webster. Nick discusses the great center’s Hall of Fame career and the tragic decline that followed his playing days. Next, Nick concludes his observations, started in episode 51, that follow a night out in Pittsburgh. He goes on offer a reality check to D.C. college students’ concerns over climate change; present his take on the Met Gala; discuss his latest market analysis; and, brings the episode full circle with a salute to “force of nature” Dr. Cyril Wecht.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nick Deiuliis