5 Predictions for 2026 and Beyond (Solo Special 28)

💪 - Interested in Down the Middle or have an idea for a [podcast? Let us know: https://aretemedia.org/contact](podcast?%20Let%20us%20know%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Faretemedia.org%2Fcontact) ✋ - Help change elections forever: https://futureis.org/digital-democracy/ What will America look like in 2026—and where are we headed by 2030? In this episode of the Average Intelligence Podcast, Jake makes five predictions about the next several years. We examine the growing fracture between Trump and parts of the America First movement, the Fourth Turning theory and our possible transition into a new High, Hollywood’s move back toward entertainment, and why AI could create both cheap abundance and a new “handmade” economy. Could human-created music, art, writing and entertainment eventually command the same premium as Amish furniture? Will Republicans be able to hold Trump’s coalition together without Trump on the ballot? And are the chaotic 2020s actually the painful beginning of something better? Let us know which predictions you agree with—and plant your own predictions in the comments so we can revisit them later. We’re also actively looking for one or more co-hosts for the Down the Middle Podcast. If you love professional wrestling, have strong opinions and can commit to recording consistently, contact Arete Media for more information. Subscribe for more political commentary, cultural analysis, history, comedy and aggressively average intelligence. #AverageIntelligencePodcast #2026midterms #election2028 #gavinnewsom #donaldtrump #fourthturning #artificialintelligence #politicalcommentary #EconomicPredictions #culturewar #2026 #2028 #2027 #2029 #2030 #ai #politics #aretemedia