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
NYC Shocker: Mark Halperin on Zohran Mamdani's Wild Win
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack the political earthquake in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani— a self-described Democratic…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will We EVER Know the Truth About the Iran Nuclear Strikes?
Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will we ever know the true impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites? With conflicting…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Ceasefire or Circus? Trump Declares Peace, Admiral Stavridis Dissects the Fallout
Michael Smerconish opens with Donald Trump’s surprise claim that Iran and Israel have agreed to a total ceasefire—declaring the war over on Truth Social - Was…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Dropping an F-Bomb: Was Trump Right About Iran?
After brokering a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Donald Trump lashed out with a headline-grabbing f-bomb: “Neither side knows what the fuck they’re…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Lt. Gen. Deptula on the Stealth Bombing Iran Never Saw Coming
Lt. General David Deptula joins Michael to unpack the jaw-dropping U.S. air mission that stunned Iran—and the world. From deception tactics to 37-hour bomber…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump, B-2s, and Iran: Mission Accomplished or Mistake?
After a dramatic U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Michael Smerconish poses a sobering question: Did this move make it more or less likely that…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Military Action Against Iran: Who Decides?
Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Michael answers Yes. In this episode Michael shares his…
- The Smerconish Podcast
War with Iran: Will Congress Truly Be Left Out?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Cast YOUR…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should States Ban Trans Care for Minors? SCOTUS Just Weighed In
On this Juneteenth, Michael Smerconish explores a provocative mix of headlines: the deeper meaning of the holiday, the Supreme Court's major decision upholding…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Polarization and Easy Access to Personal Information: Politically Motivated Violence Is Rising
Michael speaks with retired Secret Service agent and ABC News contributor Don Mihalek about the alarming rise in politically motivated violence following the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Trump About to Bomb Iran? Mark Halperin Says 75% Likelihood Yes
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down an explosive New York Times piece on Trump, Netanyahu, and a possible U.S. airstrike on Iran’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should We Bomb Iran? Smerconish Digs In
Michael Smerconish tackles today's high-stakes poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. use a B-2 bomber to drop a bunker buster bomb on Iran’s Fordo…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Escalator Ride That Changed America: 10 Years of Trump Dominance
Michael marks 10 years since Donald Trump's infamous Trump Tower escalator ride launched his political career. From media circus to political dominance, how…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Left’s Missing Leader: Is It Time for Obama to Return?
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump’s infamous escalator ride that began his run for the presidency and command of the headlines over the past…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Case for A Pathway To Citizenship
Michael Smerconish tackles the immigration issue head-on in this compelling commentary. From undocumented workers at diners and car washes to shifting…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Political Rage, or, Easy Access To Data: What’s Fueling Attacks at Leaders' Homes?
Drawing from front-page headlines, federal intelligence memos, and expert insights, this episode explores the deeper roots of political extremism and the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Go Forth and Mingle: Michael Smerconish’s Commencement Legacy
Michael Smerconish closes out the 2024–25 graduation season by looking back on the commencement addresses he’s delivered over the years—and the one that got…
- The Smerconish Podcast
India Plane Crash: How to Survive the Unthinkable
When a plane crashes in India, killing over 240 people and sparing just one, Michael Smerconish turns to survival expert and author Ben Sherwood. The former…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Sorry, Senator Padilla, You Crossed The Line
Michael and TC talk about California Senator Alex Padilla's (D) appearance at a press conference that HHS Secretary Kristi Noem was holding, where he was…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael’s Take: Why I Oppose Israel's Strike on Iran (With a Caveat)
Michael offers a nuanced take on Israel attacking Iran last night. He unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question, which asks "Do you favor or oppose Israel’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Fox News or Bust? The Alarming Shrinking Media Trust on the Right
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Elisa Shearer to unpack new data on media trust in America. Why do Republicans overwhelmingly trust…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Protesters, the President, or the Press: Who’s Escalating Immigration Unrest?
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “What is most to blame for the escalation of immigration related protests — the protesters, the president, or the media?”…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Media’s Trump-Obsessed Blindspot: Mark Halperin On What's Being Overlooked
Michael Smerconish and 2WAY's Mark Halperin break down how the media’s obsession with Trump vs. CA Gov. Newsom is drowning out critical issues—from military…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Salute or Skip: The Media is Divided on Covering The Army Parade
What level of coverage should the media afford the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade? That's the poll question at Smerconish.com today. Michael dives into the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Parade or Power Play? The Army Turns 250
This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Life, Death, and Suffering: Who Gets to Choose? Bioethicist Dr. Art Caplan On The Right To Die Without A Terminal Illness
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Democrats Are Trying To Speak To Young Men To Win Them Back
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should You Check Papers Before Hiring Help?
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From D-Day Reflections to Renaming A Ship During Pride Month: Admiral Stavridis Breaks It Down
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Michael Smerconish is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the legacy of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Musk vs. Trump: Who Can Destroy the Other First?
Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Pouring Harvey Milk Out To Sea
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is considering renaming several US Navy ships that are named after civil rights icons. One in particular is the U.S.S. Harvey…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Before You Vote 'No' To Reducing Foreign Enrollment in American Colleges - Hear This
Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Human Connection in a Disconnected World: The Guy Meeting 10,000 People, One Hour At A Time
Find more about Rob Lawless here. Find more about The Mingle Project here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Musk vs. Trump, Stephen Miller’s Power Grab & Hidden White House Chaos
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a high-octane breakdown of the week’s biggest—and most overlooked—stories in U.S. politics…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Disgusting Abomination! Did Elon Musk Just Kill President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill"?
Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump’s major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
An Increasing Number of Ordinary Americans are Supporting Political Violence
Following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado were 8 people were injured by a man attacking them with a flame thrower and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Transgender Rights Backlash: Are Sports to Blame?
Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump, Habeas Corpus, and War Powers: John Yoo Sounds the Alarm
Legal heavyweight John Yoo joins Michael in studio to unpack everything from Trump’s war rhetoric and potential suspension of habeas corpus to immigration law…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Biden Being Unfairly Blamed for Trump’s Return?
On today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Thank You, Elon Musk
Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
TACO: Is Trump Hoping the Courts Kill His Tariffs?
Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump’s Tariff Defeat Might Be a Political Win...For All
A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this…
- The Smerconish Podcast
High-Stakes Institutional Battles: Trump vs. Big Law, The Media, and Academia
Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin Names Trump’s Surprising Achievements – And Major Incompletes
Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The Free Speech Line in Schools
A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Come On In For A Hug, Bro
What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Russia-Ukraine: Is This the Beginning of the End of the War — or the End of Peace?
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: "Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the Russia-Ukraine war — or the end of any hope for peace?" He dives into…
- The Smerconish Podcast
This Is The Facial Recognition Technology Nightmare Scenario That We Have Been Worried About
For two years, police in New Orleans secretly relied on facial recognition technology to scan city streets in search of suspects. It is a surveillance method…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Should Cops Be Believed On The Witness Stand? Smerconish Breaks Down Today’s Poll Question
In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into a thought-provoking question inspired by his own jury summons: Would you be more or less likely to believe the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral Stavridis Drops Godfather Wisdom on Graduates—And It’s Brilliant
What do Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” and Colin Powell’s life rules have in common? According to Admiral James Stavridis—quite a bit. Listen in as Michael sits…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Qatari Jetgate: Will Trump Take Off in His $400M Presidential Plane?
Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A Nation of Strangers: Do you know and trust your neighbor?
Michael sits down with Laura Silver, Associate Director at the Pew Research Center, to unpack the state of trust and neighborly connections in America. Drawing…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Case for—and Against—Facial Recognition on Every Corner
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should police be permitted to use facial recognition technology in public spaces to identify and locate…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The "Stealthy Wealthy": Rich, Quiet, and Right Next Door
Michael invites the professor of Economics and Public Affairs from Princeton University's Department of Economics and School of Public and International…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Lights, Camera, Campaign! Could Celebs Be the Dems' Secret Weapon?
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: "To counter Donald Trump's influence, should the Democratic Party recruit and embrace celebrity…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Biden Battles Cancer: The Diagnosis Everyone’s Talking About
Michael wishes Godspeed to President Joe Biden. According to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday, former President Joe Biden was diagnosed…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Most People Can Be Trusted… Or Can They?
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Agree or disagree: "Most people can be trusted." Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
How Does One Become A Four-Star Navy Admiral? James Stavridis Tells Us
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently ordered a 20% cut in four-star military officers. What exactly do those four stars mean and represent? Michael talks…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is James Comey's "86 47" post a threat to President Trump?
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Was James Comey's "86 47" social media post a threat to President Trump? Listen here for Michael's take…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Danny on Diddy
SiriusXM Celebrity Guest Host (and NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst) Danny Cevallos breaks down the trial of music star Sean "Diddy" Combs. If you know nothing about…