Middling with Eden and Brock

WE'RE DOING A LIVE RECORDING!! Friday, December 5th, 2025 @7pm at the Stray Theater in Los Angeles!! We'll be recapping one of our (and maybe your!) favorite episodes in front of a live audience! Trivia, behind the scenes clips and videos, and lots of laughs. Tickets are limited, get them here: https://buytickets.at/thestraytheater/1922627

"If you have one, you have none" is just one of the many lessons our guest, Skip Torvinen (Abbott Elementary, Californication), shared with us on today’s episode. Skip was our prop master for all nine years of the show, and he’s he...

WE'RE DOING A LIVE RECORDING!! Friday, December 5th, 2025 @7pm at the Stray Theater in Los Angeles!! We'll be recapping one of our (and maybe your!) favorite episodes in front of a live audience! Trivia, behind the scenes clips and videos, and lots of laughs. Tickets are limited, get them here: https://buytickets.at/thestraytheater/1922627

We've got the wonderful Rose Abdoo (Hacks, That's So Raven) with us today! She found her TiVo recoding of The Middle, watched intently, took notes, and is here to share them with us! But first, we dive into some comments, then we...

She's back again! Our costume designer, Julia Caston, is here to tell us all about the wardrobe in episode 307, "Halloween II!" She talks about having to compromise with Eileen and DeAnn about bringing their very funny visions to life, the construction of the famous dice costume, and just how much work goes into a holiday episode.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so c...

A favorite of ours! Today we're breaking down ep 306, "Bad Choices!" We're playing our old rehearsal music, sharing a clever use of the split screen, and talking about how our friendship really started to solidify in real life during this episode. Plus, we answer a question from a fan who has a logic issue -- Eden's favorite! Remember, if you're wondering why we're skipping 305, it's because we already recapped it for our Ehlert's Exclusive Members on Patreon in Dec. 2024!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow C...

They're back again! The creators and showrunners of your favorite series, DeAnn Heline + Eileen Heisler, are here to recap one of their favorite episodes -- ep 304, "Major Changes!" Find out where the the infamous toenail story came from, who's the name sake of Pam Friggen' Staggs, and DeAnn even shares scrapped storylines from this episode. Plus, in a very Heck-coded mishap -- some technical difficulties.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come i...

WE'VE GOT A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Eden's pregnant! She's pleased to announce she is with child -- with only ONE child this time!! After the big news, we dive into episode 303, "Hecking Order." We chat about the adorable Chord Overstreet (Glee) guest-starring, a certain co-star who maaaybe arrived a little late to set, and the logistical chaos behind filming this episode. Plus, we answer a fan question about Sydney Sweeney’s role in season 8!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t...

Today, we're jumping ahead with Galadriel Stineman (Sugar Creek Amish Mystery)! She played Cassidy Finch, but she's also telling us about the other role she played on The Middle. We break down ep 419, "The Bachelor," and talk about tennis lessons with Eden, what it's like to play the girlfriend - knowing it'll eventually end, and singing Bruno Mars. Plus we've got a fan voicemail asking about the Sue/Brad scene in the iconic Friends fountain!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck s...

They've got Emmys, they've got chemistry, and they've agreed to talk to us! Today, we're chatting with none other than Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton! These two have been making us laugh since the '90s on one of TV's most successful and funniest sitcoms, Everybody Loves Raymond - and now they’re back together to chat about their reunion on The Middle. We talk about Ray rewatching his own show and giving each episode a grade, Patty's hilarious faux pas when she asked Neil Flynn how it felt to finally have lines, and what it’s like to be p...

Next week: Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton reunite -- on this podcast!! You can catch them here or on YOUTUBE if you want to watch! That's on Sept 17th - you won't want to miss it. But for today, after we catch up and read some comments, we're breaking down episode 301, "Forced Family Fun Pt 1!" We point out a cameo from one of our writers, some crazy scheduling, and just how creative some of those lake shots were.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country h...

Coming up on September 17th, we've got none other than: Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton on the podcast!! But for now, we're recapping our season 2 finale, episode 224, "Back to Summer." We're chatting about a flub that made it on screen, deleted scenes, and the non-stop laughing at "Barb Heckie." Plus we answer a question from a fan about the writing process.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of c...

Today, it's just us as we recap a fan-favorite moment from the series: episode 617, "The Waiting Game," AKA the one where Mike Heck gets caught singing "More Than a Feeling!" We were totally caught off guard that THIS was the episode where Mike lets loose. Find out what Neil Flynn thought about that moment, hear about Brock’s re-do interaction with Brad’s dad, and stick around as we answer some tricky trivia from Alisha, who called in with questions!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yello...

We're almost to the end of season 2 and we can't believe it! Today we’re joined by Roy Brown, a key figure in the writers’ room for all 9 seasons, rising from staff writer to executive producer. He's here to recap episode 223, "The Bridge," with us! We talk about a Big Mike storyline inspired by Roy’s dad, 19-year-old Eden’s thoughts on her swimsuit plot, and how this episode was the only one that came in short on timing.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Cou...

Another fantastic, charismatic, and wildly talented guest today! We’re recapping episode 222, “The Prom,” with Shanley Caswell (Power Book III: Raising Kanan, NCIS: New Orleans) - and she does not disappoint. We talk about the time she pranked Josh Hutcherson on Punk’d, getting tough news right before a take, and Eden’s behind-the-scenes story about shooting that slow-motion sequence in the lunch room. Plus, a we listen to a heartfelt voicemail from a fan you won’t want to miss.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow...

Just us today as we break down episode 221, "Mother's Day II." From uncovering a logistical hiccup (Eden’s favorite) to finally revealing what Mike actually said to Frankie on the ferris wheel - we’re covering it all. Plus, we read your comments and answer a voicemail from a repeat customer!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so comfy. This merch a symbol of ou...

We can’t believe we’re saying this, but… we have the one... the only... Rachel Dratch (SNL, Wine Country, 30 Rock) on the pod today!! After we Middle some Minutes, we dive into the episode where Eden’s dealing with some serious PTSD from her poster board monologue, and Kenny maybe - just maybe - was meant to show his face a whole lot earlier than expected. Then comes our fantastic convo with Rachel, where she shares how she tackles different roles, the balancing act between serving the project and bringing her signature Dratch flair, and some wonderful insight into her...

It’s a fabulous episode with a fabulous guest - what more could you want? Troy Metcalf (aka Jim) joins us for episode 220, "The Royal Wedding," and shares his incredible weight loss journey from the past year, spills all the Rihanna tea from their time working together, and breaks down how he brought the character of Jim to life. Plus, Eden shares how she knew Emmy winner Lamorne Morris was destined for greatness the moment she saw his magic in his very first TV credit - this episode of The Middle!

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We're talking cousin boxes, MVP Punctuality, and the way the storyline for this episode almost unfolded w/ Rob Ulin (Roseanne, Malcolm in the Middle)! He’s here to help us break down episode 219, “The Legacy” - the final episode he wrote for The Middle. Plus, we answer a voicemail about Sue’s hilarious swing set snafu from Season 4!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so co...

Spring cleaning might feel like a chore - but talking to Emmy winner Julie Kaye Fanton about her work on The Middle was anything but! In episode 218, “Spring Cleaning,” our fabulous set decorator shares how she was the one who took the photo for the iconic “Hang in There, Kitty!” poster, what items of her actual son’s ended up in the Heck house, and her special fondness for the front porch geese. It’s a delightful peek behind the curtain!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow...

Grab your calculators and sharpen those #2 pencils... we're recapping episode 217, "The Math Class," and it's just us today! Before diving in, we’ve got some fresh fan insight on the iconic 'Hang in There, Kitty!' poster. Also, since Frankie had to go to Math Class, you’re headed to Hollywood Class: we're dishing out some helpful Hollywood vocab. Plus, Eden shares that one of her first jobs was with Jeanette Miller (aka Aunt Edie), and Brock relives a real-life moment that mirrors Frankie’s storyline.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middlin...

"Hi, I'm April!" We're jumping ahead in the series to recap April's debut episode! We're joined by the lovely and talented Greer Gammer (Awkward, Frasier) as we talk about where she was when the casting press release dropped, the high-pressure table read that kicked things off, and how a flub from Patricia Heaton helped her relax. We also get into her experience being labeled a nepo-baby, as she poignantly shares her perspective on it.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, o...

Just us today! First we talk about our wonderful lunch we had with The Middle's creators and showrunners, Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline. And after we read some comments, we break down episode 215, "Sex, Lies, and Videotape." We discuss Kristin Cavallari's cameo and the storyline that went with it, the incredible re-use of exteriors on the Warner Bros. Ranch, and even act out some amazing deleted scenes.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They a...

She's just a girl... standing in front of a boy... dressed like a Crayon. That’s right - Sue Heck’s first kiss is finally here! On the pod today, Nick McDonald (a.k.a. Joe, the mysterious Halloween smoocher) joins us to break down episode 214, "Valentine's Day II!" We cover everything from Sue’s desperate kiss quest to a full-blown on-set debate over how to say Reservoir Dogs. Plus, a sweet note Nick wrote to Eden, and the "adult beverages" he and Brock definitely didn’t drink responsibly when they both attended Chapman University.

WE HAVE MER...

Super is an understatement when it comes to our guest today who's helping us break down episode 213, "Super Sunday." Melanie Gage (Chicago, Boogie Nights) is our wonderful choreographer from The Middle and she's here to help us breakdown our Square Dancing with the Stars routine. We talk about everything from rehearsal, to being on set, to what it means to choreograph for the screen. Plus we recount a scary incident that happened when Axl threw the football at Sue...

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow C...

Alphonso McAuley (Breaking In, Love That Girl) joins us today to break down episode 505, "Halloween IV: The Ghost Story." It's his debut episode as Hutch! We discuss everything from Hutch's real name, instant chemistry, and making Vine's on set with Charlie. Plus we listen to not one, but two listener voicemails.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so comfy. This merch a symbol o...

After a series of fabulous guests, we're keeping it just us today. And honey, we've been let off our leashes. As we break down episode 212, "The Big Chill," we discuss our big ratings, a double iconic story line, and just how the wall crumbled from Sue and Brick's antics. Plus, we read a touching letter from a dedicated fan of The Middle and of the podcast.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also c...

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Pat Finn back to Orson, Indiana! You know him as Bill Norwood, but Neil Flynn knows him as his buddy from Chicago. Pat helps us break down episode 211, "Taking Back the House," and he's a filled with great stories - from meeting Neil on a baseball diamond, to crossing paths at his audition, to his favorite episode (which, of course, features Neil). Plus we listen to a voicemail from someone whose life spookily mirrors every aspect of Sue Heck's!

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether y...

We still can’t believe it - Marsha Mason (The Goodbye Girl, Chapter Two) is on the podcast! With 4 Oscar nominations and 2 Golden Globe wins, she's a true icon. Middle-fans will know her as Frankie's mom, Pat Spence, and in this episode, Marsha helps us break down episode 210, “A Simple Christmas.” She shares her thoughts on Pat’s unforgettable frosting cap debut, stories from her life with Neil Simon, and even reveals where she keeps her Golden Globes.

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a...

It's the last Wednesday of the month, which means we're jumping ahead! Today's episode is all about competition: spelling bees, hands on a hard body, and beer pong to win back a desk. Of course we're talking about episode 522, "Heck on a Hard Body." We're joined by Josh Brener (Silicon Valley, The Last of Us) as he helps us recap the episode and acts out an entire deleted story line (3 scenes!) that got cut from the episode involving Dr. Goodwin (Jack McBrayer) and Dr. Fulton (Dave Foley).

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.c...

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so comfy. This merch a symbol of our shared love for the show and our podcast community. And we hope you love it as much as we do.

Plus, if you order by Friday, April 25th, you will get a special handwritten thank you and autograph from us. But in order to receive that, you must click "s...

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so comfy. This merch a symbol of our shared love for the show and our podcast community. And we hope you love it as much as we do.

Plus, if you order by Friday, April 25th, you will get a special handwritten thank you and autograph from us. But in order to receive that, you must click "s...

WE HAVE MERCH! Get yours at: https://www.bonfire.com/middling! Whether you want the famed yellow Cross-Country hoodie, a crew-neck sweatshirt, or a t-shirt... we got you! They also come in a variety of colors and are so, so comfy. This merch a symbol of our shared love for the show and our podcast community. And we hope you love it as much as we do.

Plus, if you order by Friday, April 25th, you will get a special handwritten thank you and autograph from us. But in order to receive that, you must click "s...

Today, we're joined by the hilarious and cute-as-a-button Matthew Moy, who played Takayuki in one of The Middle's best episodes, 205, "Foreign Exchange." After sharing his jaw-dropping story of having a stroke during his time on 2 Broke Girls, Matthew breaks down the episode with us, recalling being stranded on a boat with Neil Flynn, trying not to laugh during Eden's lines, and the story behind unwrapping the burger.

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wanna chat with us?! Click H...

You asked for a detour from our usual chronological order, and here it is! We'll return to our Season 2 recaps next week, but today we're diving into a TENTPOLE Sue and Brad episode - 602, "The Loneliest Locker." It’s a personal favorite, and we’re sharing all the details of creating the performance, from the signature walk to the shaky choreography. Plus, we’ll read some great comments and answer a fan question.

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wann...

We can honestly say: today's guest is one for the books! Greg Cipes (AKA Chuck from the quarry) is with us as we talk about 204, "The Quarry." His free spirit nature is palpable in every minute of this recap. We ask him about his illustrious voice acting career, he tells us about his childhood pet snake, and leaves us with a mantra. All while being seated on the floor, criss-cross apple sauce.

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

...

Lace up your tap shoes, we're recapping ep 203, "The Diaper Incident!" After a VERY important question from a listener who asked our Traitors and Survivor hot takes, we break down the episode with our director, Wendey Stanzler (Sex and the City, Glee, This is Us). Brock shares how he prepared a full tap routine and Wendey makes us belly laugh with her sharp, quick humor.

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wanna chat with us?! Click HERE to leave...

Use offer code MIDDLE50 when signing up to get 50% off your first month off a Patreon subscription! Now through March 7th! Patreon.com/MiddlingPod

Eden's one-person show, "I Was On a Sitcom," is taping the show on March 9th in Los Angeles, and you can be in the audience! Use offer code SITCOM at EdenSherLive.com for buy-one-get-one tickets!

Get our your calculators - we're nickel and diming today! After catching each other up on what we missed over our hiatus, we're breaking down 202, "Homecoming," with our Line Producer! Werner Walian (Fresh Prince of Be...

Use offer code MIDDLE50 when signing up to get 50% off your first month off a Patreon subscription! Now through March 7th! Patreon.com/MiddlingPod

Eden's one-person show, "I Was On a Sitcom," is taping the show on March 9th in Los Angeles, and you can be in the audience! Use offer code SITCOM at EdenSherLive.com for buy-one-get-one tickets!

Today, it's just us as we dive into a fresh season of your favorite sitcom with ep 201, "Back to School." Eden shares her memories of living next door to Charlie during the hiatus, Brock point...

Last, but definitely not least, we've got our Blue Bag Grab trivia with our show runners and creators, Eileen Heisler + DeAnn Heline!! They're forces of nature and their creativity and humor never ceases to amaze us. We can't wait to have them on again in the future! We'll next week -- Wednesday, February 26th with brand new recaps!

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wanna chat with us?! Click HERE to leave us a voicemail with your questions or...

Knock, knock. So sorry to bother you. We're just dropping this off. It's the Blue Bag Grab trivia with Brock's Mom, Priscilla Ciarlelli. Enjoy! We'll see you on Wednesday, February 26th with brand new recaps!

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wanna chat with us?! Click HERE to leave us a voicemail with your questions or comments. You could just hear it on the podcast!

All that and much more, so let's get to Middling!

We ran to the drug store and got you a little sweet treat! Here it is. It's our Blue Bag Grab trivia with our costume designer, Julia Caston. No one put us at ease more than Julia when we were on set. If you haven't listened to her full interview, we couldn't recommend it enough. We'll see you on Wednesday, February 26th with brand new recaps!

Want extended episodes and video? That's all happening at Patreon.com/MiddlingPod. You can subscribe monthly or purchase one off episodes!

Wanna chat with us?! Click HERE t...