Middling with Eden and Brock

This week, we're breaking down episode 502, "Change In The Air!" Everything from Brad's iconic locker decorations, The Middle's use of cell phones, and just how spot on this storyline is. Plus we have some fact checks from our listeners!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, focusing on specific 'headlines' we want...

We can't believe we're already at season 5! And to kick off the new season, we have a very special guest. You know the back of his head - and now you get to see his gorgeous face. Tommy Bechtold (Abbott Elementary, Glee) who played Kenny - Axl's college roommate - is here with us today! We're breaking down ep 501, "The Drop Off," and we're talking about Tommy's audition, Kenny's wig, and what it was like for him to finally show his...

We're joined by Tim Hobert (Scrubs, Community) who wrote today's episode! He's helping us break down episode 424, "The Graduation" - but first, Eden's raving about Tim's kid, Audrey Hobert. Then we talk about Eileen Heisler's first episode as a director, Patricia Heaton and Charlie McDermott's stunt doubles, and the iconic Marion Ross as Brick's Vice Principal!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Frid...

There are four distinct storylines, and we're talking about each one! For episode 423, "The Ditch" we're discussing everything Brick and his unique fear of going to middle school, Mike and Axl's mud-filled obstacle, what makes Frankie such a good character, and Sue's exaggerated physical comedy on her anything-but-relaxing day off.

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Ea...

Keeping it between us today as we breakdown episode 422, "Hallelujah Hoedown." We're discussing all things yellow pants! How they were made and where the story came from. Plus, driving on camera, Galadriel Stineman's phenomenal performance, and we get quizzed on our Middle knowledge with our listener voicemail.

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deep...

We're joined today by none other than Robin Shorr (Diary of a Future President, The Carmichael Show) as we break down her episode 421, "From Orson With Love!" She's got her notebook with her thoughts on the episode, how she'd adjust the storyline today, and a hilarious story about Jerry Van Dyke and his on-set nudist tendencies. It's a riot - and we're so lucky to have her on!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - ...

If you're looking for episode 419, "The Bachelor" - head our archives! We originally recapped it in September 2025 with Galadriel Stineman! Today, we're recapping episode 420, "Dollar Days!" Before we dive in, we're reading some listener comments - including one about a pair of adoptable dogs with the greatest names of all time. Then it's on to the episode as we talk all things Dr. Goodwin and Jack McBrayer, Mike and Brick's incred...

Just us today as we recap episode 418, "The Name!" We're discussing all things Molly Shannon, a reference to a classic cinematic moment in Axl's storyline, and - of course - Sue Sue Heck's almost-name-change. Plus, we answer a fun question from a listener who called in!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, focusin...

Today we're joined by Jessica Marie Garcia (On My Block, Liv and Maddie, How to Get Away With Murder) as she helps us breakdown episode 417, "Wheel of Pain!" She's telling us about her audition, what she learned from The Middle that she takes with her to every job, and gives us her hot takes on this episode!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper ...

We've got quite the guest for today's episode! Carolyn Hennesy (General Hospital, Cougar Town) helps us breakdown episode 416, "Winners and Losers!" Carolyn played room parent on steroids - Connie - and we've created an entire backstory for her that may or may not include a loveless marriage and a tennis teacher. Plus, we answer a fan voicemail about the use of wigs in sitcoms!

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” -...

We're recapping episode 414, "The Smile," and it's just us today! We're covering everything from the amazing Roger Rees as Sue's tough teacher, Red Lobster's ad within our episode, and we even spot Eden's acting teacher in a role! Plus we answer a listener voicemail who has a question about filming with mirrors.

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive dee...

She directed over 80 episodes of The Middle, and she's back with us today! Lee Shallat Chemel joins us to revisit ep 413, "The Friend!" We dive into the challenges of shooting the big cheer-off scene, talk about how Lee navigates kissing scenes between co-stars, and even share rehearsal footage from the unforgettable Fame dance routine.

Our bonus episode - “The Heck Report” - drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreo...

Reminder: we're skipping ep 410 ("Twenty Years") because we already recapped it as an Ehlert's Exclusive bonus episode back in Nov. '25 -- only on Patreon! If you want to listen or watch, that's at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod.

Today, we're recapping an episode many fans have deemed as their favorite -- and we can see why! We're chatting about episode 411, "Life Skills," and we're recounting the moment Eden couldn't stop breaking whi...

Snack Daddy Paul Hipp is here with us today! That's right... Reverend Tim Tom himself joins us to break down ep 409, "Christmas Help." No one makes us laugh like Paul, and today is no exception. He shares stories about horsey school and ice skating school he had to do for The Middle, and even reads some unused Tim Tom lyrics he wrote for the episode.

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, e...

A fabulous episode of The Middle, from start to finish. We're breaking down 408, "Thanksgiving IV," and we're talking all about one of Brad's best scenes of the series, hot marines, and we both give a whack at our Jerry Van Dyke impression.

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s episode, focusing on specific 'headlines...

Just us today as we breakdown episode 407, "The Safe." We’re spotlighting two TV legends who pop up in this episode: Jane Kaczmarek as Frankie’s dental school teacher and Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars. Plus, we’re sharing some unfiltered thoughts on the Axl & Cassidy storyline and playing an adorable voicemail from one of our youngest listeners.

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drop...

Today, we’re breaking down episode 406, “Halloween III: The Driving!” We’ve got a fun email from one of our directors, behind-the-scenes stories about filming the scene where Axl’s foot gets run over, and we chat about the wonderful and hilarious late Sam Lloyd.

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that w...

We've got another writer in studio with us today! Stacey Pulwer joins us to talk about episode 405, "The Hose!" She tells us all about her first table read mishap and some funny "B.S." from network. Plus, we've got a voicemail from an Australian fan and some listener follow ups!

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Report” drops every Friday, exclusively on Patreon. Each week, we dive deeper into that week’s e...

Today we’re joined by the always-hilarious Jana Hunter, the writer of this episode! She returns for a second appearance on the pod with plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from episode 404, "Bunny Therapy." We cover everything from Eden’s on-set partial concussion to Jana’s real-life experience as a dental hygienist...And, of course, the delight that is Dave Foley.

We’ve got a new show! “The Heck Re...