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Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Mastiff.Media 189 episodes Nov 8, 2026

Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us is a podcast focused on balanced news analysis and political commentary. It aims to cut through partisan noise and examine major headlines from both sides of the political spectrum. The show is aimed at independents, moderates, and anyone seeking rational, fact-based discussion. Episodes break down current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a divided world.

Episodes

Haven Social: Funding the Mission Without Losing It
Haven Social: Funding the Mission Without Losing It Nov 8, 2026 28:18 Haven Social: Funding the Mission Without Losing It00:00 Welcome02:22 Hiring, NDAs and protecting code06:17 Kickstarter goals and earlier campaigns09:32 Angel investors11:17 Outside investment14:47 Reaching the goal and launch-day workload16:31 Pledges, payout timing and taxes18:59 LLC and benefit-corporation plans20:24 Marketing, mailing lists and early momentum23:21 Personal risk26:49 Support Ha
Haven Social: Building Privacy Into the Platform
Haven Social: Building Privacy Into the Platform Nov 8, 2026 27:02 Haven Social: Building Privacy Into the Platform00:00 Welcome 01:01 Haven’s privacy and facial-recognition goals04:07 Why William started06:20 Who Haven is for09:56 Adult-content policy and age-verification14:37 Age-check plans18:28 Importing content and preserving your audience20:09 Private messaging and parental responsibility23:30 Desktop/mobile plans and the correct Haven website25:28 Beta/pub
The Morning After: Surprises, Accountability, and America’s Next Chapter
The Morning After: Surprises, Accountability, and America’s Next Chapter Nov 4, 2026 1:32:17 The Morning After: Surprises, Accountability, and America’s Next ChapterRoss “Yergz” Yerger’s morning-after take on the 2026 midterms:Senate, House and governor races: surprises and the prediction scorecard.Florida: Moody, Donalds, Nixon, Jolly, amendments, insurance and affordability.Gerrymandering, campaign finance and political representation.Chris Pappas, LGBTQ representation and cross-party d
The Algorithm vs. The Activists When Social Media Pulls the Plug
The Algorithm vs. The Activists When Social Media Pulls the Plug Oct 31, 2026 31:03 The Algorithm vs. The Activists When Social Media Pulls the PlugEPISODE OVERVIEWIn an unscheduled Up the Middle episode, Ross Yerger examines how social platforms shape access to political speech. Beginning with Mastiff Media's own difficulty reaching followers, he discusses reported disruptions involving No Kings, Angie Nixon, a documentary about Elon Musk, and political content in Brazil and Ind
Rep Andy Harris v Cat Murphy, Capital News Service
Rep Andy Harris v Cat Murphy, Capital News Service Oct 15, 2026 5:22 Rep Andy Harris v Cat Murphy, Capital News ServiceAfter a disasterous night in the debate against Democrat Dan Schwartz, Congressman Andy Harris tried to hold an impromtu press avail when he refused to answer a question from a student journalist.  That was the harmless part.Let's just say that if you didn't already know it, a journalist IS allowed to record during an interview...10/13/26 Cambridge
Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List
Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media List Aug 24, 2026 17:35 Hang Together or Hang Separately: Inside the White House Media ListSpectacles in the CapitalThe host contrasts the financial struggles of everyday Americans with the lavish events taking place in Washington, D.C.Recent events include military parades and UFC fights hosted on the South Lawn of the White House.The upcoming INDYCAR Freedom 250 Grand Prix is taking over the streets of Washington, D.C.
Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed
Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks Collapsed Aug 24, 2026 17:57 The Collapse of the Trade TalksBreaking down the failure of the US-Canada trade negotiations that collapsed on Friday after 11 hours of disagreements.Examining the White House's claim that Canada walked back its commitments versus Ottawa's stance that the US "asked for too much and offered too little."Sovereignty, Steel, and Hockey Sticks: Why the Canada Trade Talks CollapsedThe Three Unacceptable
Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos
Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall Chaos Aug 24, 2026 24:37 Jake Lang and The Minneapolis 11: Jake Lang, Mace, and City Hall ChaosMinneapolis City Hall ConfrontationA breakdown of the MPD incident action plan, including the barriers placed outside City Hall to separate opposing groups.Examining the initial spark: Two vehicles illegally driving onto the adjacent sidewalk at a slow speed toward the gathered crowd.The deployment of chemical irritants—addressi
Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes
Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes Jul 16, 2026 16:26 Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the ExtremesIntroduction: Host Yergz opens the show by defining the mission of Up the Middle, aiming to arm independent and swing voters with common-sense arguments against political extremism.Right-Wing Hypocrisy & Legal Troubles: Yergz highlights two recent scandals: the indictment of a MAGA-aligned pastor for explicit materials and New Hampshire Rep. Br
Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis
Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis Jul 16, 2026 11:33 Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority CrisisI. Show Introduction & MissionThe "Up the Middle" Philosophy: Host Yergz introduces the show as a platform that brings the opposition into the room to test arguments in real-time.Target Audience: Geared toward the 45%+ of swing voters and independents seeking common sense over partisan extremism.Logistics: R
Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music
Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music Jul 16, 2026 19:20 Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the MusicIntroduction to the ShowHost Yergz introduces "Up the Middle" as a space for swing voters and independents to evaluate opposing political arguments.The show broadcasts live on Sunday evenings and focuses on cutting through partisan noise to find common-sense truths.The Core ScandalThree Florida Republican officials and a politic
The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process
The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process Jul 16, 2026 23:37 The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due ProcessShow IntroductionThe Premise: Yergz introduces Up the Middle, a live radio show aimed at undecided, persuadable swing voters who make up roughly 45% of the electorate.The Goal: The show is designed to bring opposing viewpoints into the room so listeners can hear the other side's arguments in real-time.Main Story: T

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