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
Ukraine Peace Deal: Should Russia Be Forced to Return All Seized Land?
Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan vs. the System: Inside His Independent Run for Governor
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his surprising 2026 run for Michigan governor—as an independent. Duggan talks about Detroit's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Screens Aren’t the Problem. Lack of Freedom Is. Open The Door And Let The Kids Out To Mingle
Learn more about The Mingle Project. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal…
- The Smerconish Podcast
'Trojan Horse' Border Agents
A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse”…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Social Life on Life Support: Why Americans Are Staying Home More Than Ever
Learn more about Michael's Mingle Project here. Diana Lind is author of the New Urban Order Substack and a recent visiting fellow at the Center for Economy and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
Listen to Michael's conversation with Garrett Graff, author of The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Epstein, Redistricting & 2028 Politics: Mark Halperin Behind The Scenes
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Gerrymandering Problem No One Wants to Fix
Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it’s happening, and how you can find out if you live…
- The Smerconish Podcast
America Is Fractured. Here’s What Michael Told Thousands of State Lawmakers About Fixing It
Michael reflects on an extraordinary day in Boston, where he addressed thousands of state lawmakers attending the National Conference of State Legislators…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Closing the Door on Democracy: Political Canvassing in the Age of Ring Doorbells
Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how…
- The Smerconish Podcast
How a College Student Solved a 57-Year-Old Cold Case Murder
In this gripping episode, Michael dives deep into the decades-old unsolved murder of 9-year-old Marise Chiverella from Hazelton, Pennsylvania. After 57 years…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should Ghislaine Maxwell Get a Deal to Expose More Sex Offenders?
Michael broadcasts from Boston ahead of his speech to the National Conference of State Legislators, reflecting on political violence, viral poll results, and a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
When Violence Meets Virality: The Manhattan Murder That Shocked & Delighted The Internet
A woman is brutally murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The incident is caught on video. What happens next? An outpouring of online celebration, racialized…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Wants It Back—But Should We? Revisiting the Presidential Fitness Test
Today’s poll question dives into a surprisingly nostalgic and controversial topic: Should we reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Borderline Outrage: Why Canadians Are Feeling Disillusioned With America
For decades, Canadians viewed the United States with a mix of admiration, envy, and affection — but Donald Trump may have shattered that dynamic. In today’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
She Skipped Governor — Is Kamala Harris Eyeing the White House?
Kamala Harris has bowed out of a California gubernatorial bid; but does that mean she’s all-in for a 2028 presidential run? In today’s episode, Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Bipartisanship or Betrayal? When Democrats Agree with Trump
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to explore a thought-provoking question: "Is it in the political interest of the Democratic Party to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell: Clemency or Cover-Up?
Michael Smerconish dives into the controversial question dominating today's poll: Will President Trump offer clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell? Drawing from recent…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The €1 House Craze: Dream Escape or Tourist Trap?
Michael Smerconish sits down with journalist Lauren Markham to unpack her fascinating piece on Italian towns offering homes for €1. Are Americans falling for a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump’s Tariff Gamble: Boom or Bust for America?
President Trump's tariffs were marketed as a bold move to protect American jobs and level the global playing field. The big question remains: On balance, are…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The High-Stakes Game Behind Your District Lines
Michael is joined by David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, for a deep dive into one of the most…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Power Grab or Fair Game? The Truth About Mid-Decade Redistricting
For today's daily poll question, Michael Smerconish asks: Should states ever engage in mid-decade redistricting? With political power, representation, and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Case for a Palestinian State — and Why Israel Needs It
Michael reacts to France's decision to recognize Palestine as a state — and asks whether the U.S. should follow suit. Against the backdrop of Gaza’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should America Follow France and Recognize Palestine As A State?
France just became the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine as a state. Should the U.S. follow suit? Michael Smerconish breaks down today's Smerconish.com…
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What Trump Should Have Said: Lanny Davis on The Art Of Damage Control
Michael is joined by attorney and crisis manager Lanny Davis to discuss how President Trump should have addressed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Davis shares his…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump, Epstein, and the Denials: Is the Cover-Up Worse Than the File?
Michael Smerconish breaks down the latest reporting on the Epstein Files, including denials from Trump, pressure on Pam Bondi, and why this story won’t go…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump, Epstein & the Birthday Book Bombshell: Mark Halperin Breaks It Down
Listen to the Next Up Podcast with Mark Halperin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
What Hunter Biden Really Said — And Why Smerconish Says 'I Mostly Agree'
Michael shares his candid reaction to Hunter Biden’s explosive 3-hour sit-down with Andrew Callahan. Was it a revealing moment of raw honesty or a carefully…
- The Smerconish Podcast
'Almost None Of It Is New, But...': Pulitzer-Winner David Garrow on the MLK Files Release
The National Archives has released hundreds of thousands of pages of FBI documents about Martin Luther King Jr. by order of President Trump - what's in them?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Redskins In, Colbert Out: A Wild Week in Media and Sports
Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Washington’s football team be called the Redskins or the Commanders? He also breaks down…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Mystery of Trump’s Alleged Epstein Letter
Michael unpacks the explosive Wall Street Journal report alleging Donald Trump contributed a bizarre birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. From Trump’s denial…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Stephen Colbert Fired: CBS’ Business Move or Political Deal?
Michael tackles today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert cancelled: Ratings/Revenue, or Politics?" Was it a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside the Lawsuit to Open PA's Primaries: Let Michael Smerconish Vote!
Michael Smerconish has skin in the game — literally. In this episode, he breaks down his role as lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit challenging…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump’s Bizarre Epstein Letter and the Mystery of Masked ICE Agents
Michael tackles two major stories this Friday: a Wall Street Journal bombshell on Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday album allegedly featuring Donald Trump, and a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Generation Clash: NYC’s Mayoral Race Sparks a Firestorm
It's the Old Guard vs. the New Left. Veteran political strategist Hank Sheinkopf joins Michael to unpack the shifting demographics and political power dynamics…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should the U.S. Help Ukraine Hit Russia Where It Hurts?
Should Ukraine be given missiles that can reach Moscow? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com - Michael dives in and breaks down the geopolitical…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin Unpacks Trump’s Explosive Epstein Rant
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to dissect Donald Trump’s fiery new Truth Social post dismissing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal as a “hoax.”…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Closed Primaries Have A Negative Impact, So Let Independent Voters Vote!
Michael explains why he is one of the lead plaintiffs in a Pennsylvania lawsuit that could (and should) shake up elections moving forward, and lays out the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Zohran Mamdani Checked Two Boxes: Should Racial and Ethnic Identity Categories Be Eliminated?
When Zohran Mamdani, now a rising political figure, checked both “Asian” and “Black” on a Columbia University application over a decade ago, he never imagined…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The One Conspiracy Trump Can’t Control: Epstein & the MAGA Divide
Michael dives deep into today's fiery poll question: Will Jeffrey Epstein cause a significant and permanent rupture in Donald Trump's standing with his base?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Assassination Attempt One Year Later: Has Trump Changed?
Listen to Michael's conversation with Salena Zito about her book Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Epstein’s 'Client List' and the MAGA Freakout No One Saw Coming
Michael Smerconish dives into today's sizzling poll question: Do you believe Jeffrey Epstein had a list of powerful men involved in his alleged sex trafficking…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral James Stavridis on The Russia-Ukraine War Turning Point
Former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to discuss President Trump’s shift on arming Ukraine and whether we’re seeing the beginning…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Russian v. Ukraine War: Beginning of the end or End of the beginning?
Today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll asks: “Russia vs. Ukraine: Is this the beginning of the end—or the end of the beginning?” Michael dives into this critical…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Half Of America's Murderers Get Away With It
Michael is joined by New York Times reporter German Lopez to discuss his jaw-dropping report on America’s crime clearance rates — and the results will stun…
- The Smerconish Podcast
$1000 Trump Accounts For Babies? Michael Smerconish Says No
Should every child born in the U.S. receive a $1,000 government contribution into a tax-free investment account? Michael dives into the new “Trump Account”…
- The Smerconish Podcast
MLB Legend Jim Abbott’s Story Will Break You Open
In this deeply moving episode, Michael reunites with legendary one-handed MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, whose incredible journey is now the focus of the new ESPN…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should Pastors Pick Presidents? The IRS Just Changed the Rules
Michael dives into a hot-button issue with today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should religious leaders be permitted to endorse political candidates in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside the Texas Flood Crisis: National Weather Service Failures & Heartbreaking Stories
Michael speaks with New York Times reporter Christopher Flavelle about the tragic Texas floods that have claimed over 100 lives so far. They discuss critical…
- The Smerconish Podcast
U.S. Kids Are Twice as Likely to Die—The Devastating Data No One’s Talking About
A new study conducted by a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a deeply…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Proud To Be An American: Michael Smerconish In 1985 vs. Today
Michael returns from vacation with a powerful reflection on patriotism in America—then and now. Sparked by a Gallup poll showing record-low pride in the U.S…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Preventable Disaster? Michael Smerconish on the Deadly Texas Storm
Michael Smerconish returns from vacation with a heavy heart, reflecting on the tragic Texas flood that left dozens dead—many of them children. Was it an…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is The American Dream Still Alive? Let's Take A Quiz
Michael and audience members take a quiz together on the American Dream, looking to see if it is still possible. The quiz was published in the Washington Post…
- The Smerconish Podcast
President Trump's Effective Use Of The F-Bomb
When President Trump dropped the F-Bomb last week while discussing the cease fire between Iran and Israel, Michael noted its effectiveness, and then moved into…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Streaming Sports Is Killing Community
How much does it cost to be a sports fan today? Try $4,785. Michael Smerconish sits down with journalist Joon Lee to unpack how streaming has splintered sports…
- The Smerconish Podcast
It's HOT: How Extreme Heat Is Reshaping Daily Life
Michael dives into the relentless heat wave scorching millions across the U.S. and how climate change is hitting home—literally. From buying carports and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
President Trump Is On A Roll
Michael notices that President Trump has just had a really great 10 days in his Presidency. Will it last? And does Michael agree with everything that's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Stunning Pew Poll Shows That Democrats Are Right To Panic
On today's TGIF edition, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest Smerconish.com poll: Will voters who shifted away from Democrats in 2024 return to the party…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Democratic Socialism Takes NYC—Can the Left Really Run the City?
Michael Smerconish sits down with veteran NYC political strategist Jordan Barowitz to unpack one of the most shocking political upsets in recent memory. How…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Meet the Man Who Beat Cuomo: Is Mamdani the Dems’ Future...or Fatal Flaw?
Michael dives into today's provocative Smerconish.com poll question: "Is the nomination of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of NYC a winning model for Democrats…