The Curious Middle
Society & Culture
About
You're in the middle of a full life and still asking the biggest questions. So are we. The Curious Middle is a podcast for intellectually curious women who find themselves in the "middle" of everything: midlife, mid-journey, mid-questions, and often somewhere in the messymiddle of cultural, social, and political conversations. We're not at the extremes, and we don't want to be. But we are deeply interested in exploring the edges.We are Polina and Yelena, two opinionated, endlessly curious moms having real, unfiltered conversations about the ideas that actually shape how we live. We dig into the conversations most people avoid, about how we think, who we become, and whether we're being honest with ourselves." Being "in the middle" isn't about being passive. It's about being grounded enough to question everything, open enough to learn from anywhere, and brave enough to push beyond comfortable assumptions. Expect conversations that challenge, entertain, and push you toward a more though
Episodes
- Why Antizionism Is a War on Jewish Existence | Adam Louis Klein
Adam Louis Klein explains antizionism as a distinct but equally harmful category of bigotry. The episode covers practical responses to accusations against Israel, the function of antizionism as a moral identity, and the influence of instit…
- What Your Relationship With Money Says About Your Character With Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Rabbi Daniel Lapin explores the relationship between money and character, introducing his Five Fs framework (Family, Finance, Friendship, Fitness, Faith) as a measure of life balance. The discussion covers biblical wisdom on wealth, societ…
- All the News That's Fit to Spin with Ashley Rindsberg
This episode features investigative journalist Ashley Rindsberg discussing The New York Times' influence and its historical reporting on significant global events. Topics include the paper's coverage of the Nazi invasion of Poland, Stalin'…
- If Iran Breaks Free with Jonathan Harounoff
Jonathan Harounoff discusses the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, detailing its origins, resilience, and the regime's violent suppression. The conversation covers the Iranian people's desire for dignity and freedom, contrasting them…
- When Education Turns Into One-Sided Activism with Marissa Streit CEO of PragerU
Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, joins The Curious Middle to discuss education, civics, and parenting in the current cultural climate. The episode explores the impact of activism in education, the importance of parental involvement in shapi…
- Foster Care to Yale: The Truth About Luxury Beliefs with Rob Henderson
Rob Henderson, known for coining the term "luxury beliefs," joins us to discuss his memoir Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class . Rob shares his extraordinary path—from homelessness and the LA foster care system, to…
- Sarah Hurwitz: Chosen for Responsibility, Judaism, Israel, and the Battle Over the Jewish Story
Former Michelle Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz joins us to explore the world of Jewish wisdom she discovered beyond ethnic jokes, bagels, and a vague sense of guilt. She shares how her culturally Jewish upbringing transformed into a deep…
- Your School's Ethnic Studies Curriculum Might Be More Radical Than You Think - Monica Harris Explains Why
Monica Harris is the Executive Director of FAIR For All, a Harvard Law graduate, former Hollywood executive, and author of The Illusion of Division . Monica explains how her experience as a gay Black woman in Hollywood and then in "flyover…
- From "America Is Evil" to American Exceptionalism: Lucy Biggers' Turnaround
In this episode, we speak with Lucy Biggers, head of social media at The Free Press a nd a former climate activist who has completely rethought the story she was telling the world and herself. Lucy shares how she went from a left-wing digi…
- What Love Makes Possible: Leland Vittert on His Father, Autism & a Lucky Life
Leland Vittert, NewsNation's chief Washington anchor and author of the memoir Born Lucky , joins us to talk about his childhood, his career, and all the unexpected ways he truly was born lucky. Despite years of bullying and difficulty navi…
- Undercover Billionaire Elaine Culotti is Taking on California's Toughest Problems
What happens when a no-nonsense entrepreneur decides she's had enough of California's chaos? Elaine Culotti has ideas politicians won't touch. She is a fearless entrepreneur, farmer, real estate developer, and a potential candidate for gov…
- The Queen of Kefir: Julie Smolyansky on CEO Guts, Courage & Stamina
Our guest is Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Food s, the company that pioneered the kefir market in America and today produces 95% of the kefir sold in the U.S. Julie's story begins in 1976, when her parents immigrated from Kiev ( the for…
- Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethnic Studies in K-12 Schools and College Campuses
Brandy Shufutinsky is the newly appointed Director of the Education and National Security Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. In this important conversation, we disciuss how today's ethnic studies curriculum, originally i…
- Stella Escobedo on Honesty in Journalism
Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience, a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan. Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN).…
- Justice, Forgiveness, and One Remarkable Friendship
Karen McKinney was a prosecutor working in the gang unit when her path first crossed with Joseph Herrera, a man she would go on to prosecute for murder. Twenty years later, Karen faced Joseph when he was up for parole. Not exactly your cla…
- Still chasing the 'retire early' fantasy? This conversation with David Bahnsen might just change your mind.
In this episode, we talk about the value of work with David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California overseeing $4 billion in client's assets,…
- Ada Palmer on Surviving the End of the World… Again and Again
Ada Palmer, is a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we're not living in a uniquely apocalypti…
- From Rock Bottom to Chasing Destiny in Paris: Natasha Sizlo on Fate, Family and Love
Natasha Sizlo was having a terrible year. Fresh off a divorce, bankruptcy, the end of a passionate relationship, and then the news came about her beloved father's devastating terminal illness. When a friend suggested an astrology reading,…
- How to Live a Psychologically Rich Life with Shigehiro Oishi
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meant-for-you/id1036108112?i=1000661332590 Are you living a psychologically rich life? In this episode we discuss what it means to be psychologically rich and how you can generate more richness. In " L…
- Why So Many Gen Zs Can't Take a Joke with Ted and Courtney Balaker
Filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker discuss their latest documentary surrounding the mental health crisis among Gen Z. Their film based on the book, The Coddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff , was made to spar…
- Yardena Schwartz on the 1929 Massacre in Hebron That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Yardena Shwartz, an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer, joins us to discuss her book, Ghosts of a Holy War. Yardena's book focuses on the 1929 Hebron massacre, allowing us to see the shocking parallels between the histori…
- One Semester of Civics: Sharon McMahon on the Threat You Didn't See Coming
When it comes to understanding our government, we often find ourselves asking, "What would Sharon say?" So we did. We invited Sharon McMahon, America's favorite government teacher and the force behind @SharonSaysS, to help us unpack why ci…
- Communism Survivor: From Kiev to American Patriot
Like both of us (your co-hosts Polina and Yelena) Viktoria was born in the Soviet Union. VIktoria immigrated to the USA from Kiev with her family when she was 10. After getting interested in politics a few years ago, Viktoria started a hig…
- Erin Molan: Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity
We are thrilled to share our conversation with respected broadcaster Erin Molan . Throughout the world, many people have discovered Erin for fearless commentary and stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. As she does in her videos, Erin discus…
- Bloom Where You are Planted, and Then Travel the World with Jeannie Ralston
Jeannie Ralston is the founder of Next Tribe, a travel company that offers transformative retreats for women over 45. Jeannie shares how she leapt from adventure to adventure starting as a journalist in New York City to a lavender farmer i…
- Raising Good Citizens - An Urgent Call to Action with Lindsey Cormack
This conversation is about reversing the trend of cynicism and erosion of trust in our government through education. Lindsay Cormack, an associate professor of political science and author of "How to Raise a Citizen" , joins us to discuss…
- Finding Success as a High School Dropout with Christopher Zara
If you have ever felt insecure about your education, or if your lack of a degree has held you back from pursuing the life you wanted, this conversation is for you. Christopher Zara , Senior Editor at Fast Company and author of "Uneducated:…
- Dream Orchestra Founder, CNN Hero and Hero to Hundreds of Kids
Ron Alvarez, a CNN Hero finalist, musician and educator is transforming lives through teaching kids to play music in The Dream Orchestra .. Ron shares he went from a childhood in Caracas, Venezuela to changing the lives of refugee children…
- Dumisani Washington, Pastor, Musician, CEO and Author of Zionism & the Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century
In this episode, we are honored to speak with Dumisani Washington, the founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel Dumisani Washington is a gifted Pastor, musician, author, speaker and a passionate advocate for the un…
- Sharon McMahon, America's Favorite Government Teacher and Master Storyteller, Joins us to Discuss Civic Education and Stories About American Heroes
Sharon McMahon, America's favorite government teacher and bestselling author of "The Small and the Mighty." shares how she went from a classroom government teacher to a social media success with over a million followers on Instagram. Once…
- Stop Shopping to Avoid Your Problems in Part 2 With Tracy McCubbin ( ICYMI )
Tracy McCubbin is a professional declutterer, but what she really does is help people manage their relationship to stuff. When Tracy realized she had a talent for helping people organize their stuff, she turned it into dCluttefly , a thriv…
- What Are Your Shopping Triggers? Learn How to Manage Your Relationship to Stuff ( ICYMI )
Hear how Tracy McCubbin took her biggest pyschic wound and turned it into her life's work. Tracy helps people destress, save money and. precious time.. If you want to focus on what you can control, buying less stuff is something you can im…
- Soviet Anti-Zionist Propaganda and Its Deadly Echoes Today with Izabella Tabarovsky
In one of the most important and timely conversations on our podcast, Izabella Tabarovsky shares her research in tracing the roots of anti-zionism rhetoric to the Soviet Union. Izabella's article, "Zombie Anti-Zionism" for Tablet magazine…
- Nicole Avant on Gratitude, Service, Values and her Mother's Legacy in her book, 'Think You'll Be Happy'
In this life deeply soulful conversation we speak with Nicole Avant to discuss her tribute to her mom in her new book "Think You'll Be Happy." We explore themes from Nicole's book including living a life centered around love of family, com…
- Why This Good News Newsletter Can Change How You Live and Parent
Are you tired of the constant stream of bad news? Angus Hervey shares his story of being a depressed news junkie overwhelmed by negativity to a source of hope through his good news site, Fix the News. Angus discusses the negativity bias in…
- Sophia Khalifa a Bedouin Arab Woman, Engineer & Stanford MBA Shares Why She has Become an Activist for Israel
Sophia Khalifa, an engineer, working on AI at Amazon AWS, has a story we need to hear. Sophia is a muslim Bedouin Arab, born and raised in Israel. In Sophia's culture and community, girls traditionally do not receive an education, but Isra…
- Susan Griffin-Black, EO Products Co-Founder
In this episode, Susan Griffin-Black, co-founder of EO Products , shares her story. Susan tells us about her path from her early days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to becoming a pioneer in the natural products industry. Raised by a father w…
- Rabbi Steve Leder: History, Faith, DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe
Steve Leder, Head Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, is one of the country's most influential rabbis and the author of 5 life changing books. Rabbi Leder joins us for second podcast to discuss topics such as the foundations…
- Gymboree Founder Joan Barnes Shares Her Ups, Downs and Sacrifices
Join us as Joan Barnes, the founder of Gymboree, she shares her journey from a young woman seeking community into a powerhouse businesswoman. Gymboree started as a mommy and me play center in Marin County, California that eventually Joan l…
- How You Live Your Life Every Day is Your Impact
In this short podcast, we talk about how to shift your perspective about making a difference in the world. It is so easy to compare ourselves with others and to feel that we aren' doing enough in our lives to make a difference in the world…
- Dr. Ramani's Essential Advice for Surviving a Divorce With a Narcissist
If you decide to divorce a narcissist this is a must-listen episode. Dr. Ramani, the world's leading expert on narcissism, joins us for a third episode to discuss what you can expect during a divorce. We cover the emotional landmines, lega…
- Hey Ladies, Let's Get In the Game! Invest in the World You Want to See with Delphine O'Rourke
In this episode we discuss all things femtech with Healthcare Law Lawyer, Advisor and Portfolia FemTech Fund Partner Delphine O'Rourke. We get into what FemTech is, why it's so important for women to invest and support this sector, and how…
- Understanding the Roots of Radicalized College Campuses with Rabbi Steve Leder
Head Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles ( rabbi for a large congregation incuding many stars) is our guest for this episode. Rabbi Steve Leder, one of the country's most influential rabbis and the author of 5 life changing b…
- Jessica Tarlov, The Five's Co-Host with a Dissenting Voice
Have you ever wondered why scandals slide off certain politicians like water? Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News Channel's The Five, cable's highest-rated program, actually did her PHD dissertation examining how scandals impact politician…
- Jane Boulware Shares How She Went From Iowa's Cornfields to Retiring Early From Microsoft
Grit, resilience, strong values and a work ethic instilled in her from a young age propelled Jane from her dirt poor Iowa upbringing to an executive role at Microsoft where she was one of the top 10 women at Microsoft at 40. By 52, Jane ha…
- Dr. Ramani's Guide to Dealing With Narcissism at Work
If you have ever dreaded going to work because of a nightmare colleague or manager you are not alone. Dr. Ramani joins us again to discuss a topic rarely discussed in corporate environments: narcissism in the workplace. Did you know narcis…
- Meet Dr. Louise Stanger, One of the Top Interventionists in the Country
Dr. Stanger works with families to help them recover and get their loved ones back from substance addiction. Dr. Stanger is also the mother of a previous guest, Shelby Stanger who shared how outdoor adventures shaped her life. Dr. Louise S…
- Dana Perino, Co-anchor America's Newsroom, Co-host The Five on Fox News Is Back to Share Her Insights
Dana Perino, Fox News, Co-anchor America's Newsroom, Co-host The Five, host of Perino on Politics, Former Press Secretary to George W. Bush returns to Meant For It. In addition to learning about Dana's early influences and her career path,…
- Ashira Solomon's Path to Jerusalem
Ashira Solomon is an international Public Speaker and Member of The Quad, an Israeli show with 4 co-hosts covering everything Israel and Jewish from the unique female perspective. In this episode Ashira a native of Livermore, California, t…
- Tough Titties Author Laura Belgray Returns for More Juicy Stories and Tips for Non Sucky Copy
We are thrilled to share part 2 of our podcast with Tough Titties author Laura Belgray . If you have years of your life you would prefer to forget, relationships or lifestyle choices that make you cringe when you look back at them, Laura w…