Shows / The Smerconish Podcast
The Smerconish Podcast
Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds. The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
Episodes
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Says Rhetoric Is A Problem, It's Not The Cause Of This Political Violence
Michael Smerconish digs into today’s poll question: Is the rise in political violence driven by rhetoric or deeper societal issues? Citing expert research…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Remembering Bernie Parent: The Lasting Legacy of a Flyers Legend
In this special bonus episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael reflects on the life and legacy of Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent, who passed away…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Chris Cuomo’s Unfiltered Take on Jimmy Kimmel and the Future of ABC
Michael Smerconish welcomes Chris Cuomo (host of Cuomo on NewsNation) for a candid conversation about the future of late-night TV and Jimmy Kimmel’s place in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
One Year From Today......Will Jimmy Kimmel Still Be On ABC?
In this episode, Michael explores: Kimmel’s emotional on-air response following criticism. The shifting late-night landscape and declining broadcast TV…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Schooling Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on How To Host A Radio Show
Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY) recently joined SiriusXM with a weekly show on Progress Channel 127, a sister channel to POTUS 124, where Michael's show is heard…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Tylenol and Autism: Fact, Fear, or Misleading Science?
On today’s episode, Michael digs into today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Would you discourage a pregnant family member or friend from taking Tylenol?" With…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael's Reflections on the Charlie Kirk Memorial
Having watched the entire Charlie Kirk Memorial, Michael reflects on what he saw, objecting only to the "us vs. them" characterization of the assassination…
- The Smerconish Podcast
U.S. Recognition of Palestine? Why Michael Says ‘Yes’
Today’s poll question is a contentious one: Should the U.S. join allies like Australia, Britain, Canada, and France in recognizing a Palestinian state? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Let's Talk About Sex! Because We Are Doing It Way Less
Americans are having less sex than ever — even less than during the pandemic. In this episode, Michael dives into new research with Grant Bailey from the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Pete Buttigieg...Too Big Of A Risk
Kamala Harris reveals in her forthcoming book that she considered Pete Buttigieg as her running mate—but ultimately thought he was “too big of a risk.” Was she…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei on Optimism, Responsibility & Community
In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael Smerconish is joined by Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios, to discuss VandeHei’s widely shared…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Smerconish: Jimmy Kimmel Should NOT Have Been Suspended
In this episode, Michael tackles today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Jimmy Kimmel have been suspended for comments made about the assassination of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin: Lessons from Charlie Kirk’s Death and the State of U.S. Politics
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Halperin shares…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Hate Speech in the U.S.: Protected or Punishable?
Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question, sparked by a fiery legal debate after comments made by Attorney General Pam Pondi on going after people…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Data Check: What the Stats Really Say About Political Violence
Michael sits down with Cato Institute Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies Alex Nowrasteh to unpack hard data on politically motivated…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Could Spencer Cox Win the White House? (Trick Question)
Michael spotlights Utah Governor Spencer Cox and asks today's Smerconish.com poll question: “Could Utah Governor Spencer Cox be elected president?” Why does he…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Stephen A. Smith Has Something To Say
Michael Smerconish welcomes Stephen A. Smith ahead of the launch of "Straight Shooter" on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 (premieres Wednesday Sept 17). Known for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Fetterman’s Warning: Should Democrats Stop Calling Trump an Autocrat?
On this morning's episode, Michael dives into the Monday poll question at Smerconish.com: "Do you agree with Senator Fetterman that Democrats should not refer…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Tragedy to Escapism: Politics, Cartoons, and Movies
Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Hinge Point for America?
**NOTE: This podcast episode began recording while suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was still at-large. While Michael was recording this (and live on…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Harvard to Heartland: How Education Defines Today’s Politics
Michael speaks with Dr. Alan Wiseman of Vanderbilt University about groundbreaking new research into the education divide in American politics. Once, both…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Death of Charlie Kirk and the State of Our Nation
On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral Stavridis on Israel’s Strike in Qatar: A Costly Misstep?
In this episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about Israel’s controversial strike in Qatar…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Phillies Karen: Smerconish Says... Leave Her Alone?
A viral moment at a Phillies game has the internet fired up — but should we just leave “Phillies Karen” alone? In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Philly Karen: Villain or Victim?
A Phillies home run sparked a viral moment, an internet witch hunt, and a national debate over civility. Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump’s Epstein Controversy: What’s Worse — The Birthday Greeting or the Denial?
In this episode, Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question: Which is more politically damaging to Donald Trump — his denial of involvement in the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside the Navy SEAL Mission That Nearly Sparked War with North Korea
Michael speaks with New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Philipps about a shocking top-secret SEAL Team 6 mission in North Korea that went…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should the NYT Have Revealed a Secret Navy SEALs Operation?
Michael explores today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should the New York Times have revealed a secret 2019 Navy SEALs operation in North…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Doug Sosnik: America’s Real Political Divide Isn’t Red vs. Blue—It’s College vs. No College
Veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to dissect the deepening educational divide in American politics. Why are Republicans dominating among…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Killing Drug Traffickers at Sea: Legal Strike or Dangerous Precedent?
In today’s episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral Stavridis on Trump’s "Drug Boat" Strike: Show Me the Evidence
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to unpack China’s military parade, Russia’s escalating aggression, and Trump’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Says 'Hoax,' But GOP Rebels Want Epstein Docs Out — Will It Happen?
Strange bedfellows in Congress are teamed up in asking for the full release of the Epstein files, with four Republicans joining all Democratic representatives…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Rioters to Victims? The Shocking Push for January 6 Payouts
Michael Smerconish reacts to a jaw-dropping development: January 6 rioters, already pardoned by President Trump, are now seeking financial compensation from…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Nearly 60 Shot in Chicago — Is the National Guard the Answer?
A violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago leaves nearly 60 shot and 8 dead — should the National Guard be sent in? Michael Smerconish explores Trump’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Thoughts and Prayers with Jonah Goldberg
After a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate, Michael sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, to unpack…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Maine to Mayhem: Michael’s Vacation Sparks a Tip Tax Debate
Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Oklahoma’s ‘Anti-Woke’ Teacher Test: Civics Questions Teachers Should Know
Michael gives listeners a surprise civics pop quiz—straight from Oklahoma’s new teacher screening exam. With controversy swirling around the state’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Serving on a School Board Might Be the Riskiest Job in America
Michael Smerconish speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Mail-In Voting Under Threat? Trump’s Bold Promise vs. The Facts
President Trump says he’ll end mail-in voting by executive order—but can he? Michael Smerconish dives into the facts with Massachusetts Institute of Technology…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Summer America Tried to Replace Migrant Workers with Teens—It Was a Disaster
What happened when the U.S. government tried to replace Mexican farm workers with high school athletes in the 1960s? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gustavo…
- The Smerconish Podcast
We're Losing Touch with Nature — And It's Worse Than You Think
Are we forgetting nature? Michael speaks with Professor Miles Richardson, a leading expert on "nature connectedness" at the University of Derby. Richardson’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Live From The New Joint
Today’s episode marks a milestone over 30 years in the making. Michael Smerconish unveils his brand new studio—affectionately dubbed The New Joint—a space he’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
California’s Political Earthquake: Is Redistricting Reform About to End?
Gerrymandering is bad. But self-sorting? It might be the silent force doing even more damage to American democracy. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A Bad Day For World Peace
Michael reflects on what he calls a truly bad day for world peace. From Israel’s explosive expansion of West Bank settlements to Russia’s massive new strike on…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Too Left? Too Elitist?... Why Dems Are Hemorrhaging Voters
The numbers are in—and they’re brutal. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks what the data reveals—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Democrats…
- The Smerconish Podcast
'Shambolic But Strategic’: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Ukraine Move
Listen to Mark's Next Up Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Yes, Voting By Mail Is Secure
Is voting by mail secure? With President Trump vowing to ban it and bringing election integrity back in the spotlight, Michael explores the real data behind…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Could Trump Really Win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Could Donald Trump ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Michael speaks with with University of Agder Professor Dr. Øyvind Tønnesson, a former advisor to the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should the U.S. Go to War with Russia?
Michael dives into one of the most provocative poll questions he's ever posed: Should Ukraine join NATO — and should the United States invoke Article 5 and go…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Reading Trump & Putin Like a Book – A Body Language Deep Dive
In this eye-opening episode, Michael Smerconish sits down with body language expert Chris Ulrich, founder of CU in the Moment, to analyze the high-stakes…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should Trump Send U.S. Troops to Ukraine After the War To Provide Security?
Michael dives deep into today’s provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should President Trump commit to deploying U.S. troops alongside those of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Wants On Mount Rushmore
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why…
- The Smerconish Podcast
We're Not Mingling. So We're Not Drinking.
Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Can Trump Broker Peace with Putin? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Stakes
In this episode, Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to dissect the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
An End To The Russia-Ukraine War: "My Head Says No, My Heart Says Yes"
Will the war between Russia and Ukraine end within the next six months? Michael shares his surprising take on today's Smerconsih.com Poll Question—and why he’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Republicans Are Drinking Way Less
New Gallup data shows U.S. alcohol consumption has hit a record low—and Republicans are leading the trend. Michael digs into the numbers, which reveal a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Underpoliced, Over Incarcerated? The Data May Surprise You
Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Public Safety or Political Optics: The National Guard in Washington, DC
Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Lock 'Em Up to Light 'Em Up? Trump’s Marijuana Shift
Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind…
- The Smerconish Podcast
F**k Around and Find Out: A Tough-Love Parenting Approach
Psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar joins Michael to discuss the rise of FAFO (“F*** Around and Find Out”) parenting — a viral, consequence-driven style…