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
Could a DOGE Windfall Pay You Back? Smerconish Breaks It Down
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should any portion of a “DOGE Dividend” be returned to Americans as a tax refund check? Listen here to Michael's take…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Older Is Better: Forget what you think you know about brilliant young entrepreneurs
Wall Street Journal "Science of Success" Columnist Ben Cohen tells us that most people who start successful companies are in middle age or beyond. That…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Are Airlines More Dangerous Now? Smerconish Unpacks Media Myths vs. Reality
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the perception of declining airline safety rooted in actual increased risks, or is it primarily a result of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
$80 Million and More: How the Trump Family Raked in Big Money After The Election
Rebecca Ballhaus, Investigative Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins Michael with her exclusive bombshell piece "How the Trumps Turned an Election…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Could Putin Win Without Surrendering Battlefield Gains in Ukraine? A look at his War Endgame
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If the Russia/Ukraine war ends without Russia surrendering battlefield gains, will Putin have won? Listen here to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will Zelenskyy get a say in the Russia/Ukraine peace talks? Admiral James Stavridis says it is "somewhere in the middle"
Admiral James Stavridis is currently Partner and Vice Chairman, Global Affairs of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm and is Chair of the Board of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Privacy or Progress? The Battle Over DOGE and IRS Reform!
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should privacy concerns always outweigh the potential benefits of DOGE eliminating waste, fraud and abuse at the IRS?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump in Trouble? The Eric Adams Controversy Could Be His Worst Nightmare...Or A Minor Speedbump
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Eric Adams/DOJ controversy a speed bump for President Trump, or a burgeoning scandal? Listen here to Michael's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
True and Deep: David Fahrenthold has reported on the 'Federal Retirement Mine' that Elon Musk's DOGE Discovered
In a recent Oval Office press conference, Elon Musk revealed that federal employee retirements are processed manually in a Pennsylvania limestone mine. This…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Bombshell DNA Evidence: How Bryan Kohberger Might Beat the Idaho Murder Charges
Howard Blum is the author of New York Times bestsellers including Dark Invasion, the Edgar Award–winner American Lightning, as well as Wanted!, The Gold…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Remote Work Wrecking the Future? Michael Smerconish Weighs In on Jamie Dimon’s Shocking Claim
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Jamie Dimon that "the young generation is being damaged" by remote work? Listen here to Michael's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
He is actually independent: Senator Angus King (I-ME) talks work, nominees, red lines, and Russia/Ukraine
Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins Michael to share his thoughts on today's top headlines. Original air date 13 February 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Russia’s Full Withdrawal the Key to Ending the Ukraine War? Smerconish Weighs In
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is it essential for any peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine to include Russia surrendering all territories…
- The Smerconish Podcast
No, We Are Not In A Constitutional Crisis, Says NBC News Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos
With the fast moves that Elon Musk is making under the "Department of Government Efficiency" umbrella as directded by President Trump, many say this might be…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Skepticism or Truth? What Happens if Musk ACTUALLY Finds Major Corruption?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Elon Musk uncovers substantial waste, fraud, and abuse, will skepticism about his motives overshadow his findings?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral Stavridis Reveals the Untold Impact of USAID on U.S. Security and Global Security
Admiral James Stavridis is a retired four-star U.S. naval officer. He is currently Partner and Vice Chair, Global Affairs of The Carlyle Group, a global…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Stop Making Cents? President Trump Wants To Get Rid Of The Penny
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. Treasury stop minting new pennies? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote at Smerconish.com, and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
$20 MILLION of our tax dollars for 'Sesame Street' in Iraq?
There's more to the story: If the USAID doesn't spend $20M on funding Sesame Street broadcasts in war-torn areas to teach literacy, inclusion, and critical…
- The Smerconish Podcast
If We Re-Ran the 2024 Election Today, Would The Result Change? This Poll Will Make You Think!
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If the 2024 presidential election were re-run today, would the result be the same? Listen here to Michael's take, then…
- The Smerconish Podcast
ESPN's Sal Pal's Bold Prediction For Sunday: Eagles 34, Chiefs 30
Sal Paolantonio covers the National Football League for SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Life and Fantasy Football Now. He also hosts the long-running…
- The Smerconish Podcast
We tried what Elon Musk is doing with federal spending once before, on Obama's watch
While Elon Musk and his "Department of Government Efficiency" are slashing areas of federal spending to combat the current national debt ($36 trillion) and the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Oscar or Opinion: Should Personal Views Decide Who Wins in Hollywood? The Karla Gascon Controversy Debate
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the personal views and public statements of an actor/actress influence whether they win an Academy Award?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Climate Crisis and Your Home’s Value: What You Need to Know About Insurance
Abrahm Lustgarten wrote this Op-Ed for the New York Times, "That Giant Sucking Sound? It’s Climate Change Devouring Your Home’s Value." He is the author of On…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Musk, Money, and Mayhem: What Poses a Greater Threat to America?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which poses a greater threat to the U.S.? 1) Elon Musk's unchecked influence over federal bureaucracy, or 2)…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Gaza "An Evolving Matter"
Michael asks American journalist and founder of the interactive media platform 2WAY , "Should The U.S. take over Gaza?". Mark Halperin joins Michael every…
- The Smerconish Podcast
THE RIVIERA OF THE MIDDLE EAST! Should America Take Control of Gaza?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. take over Gaza? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Small Business in Crisis: The Forces Shaping America's Economy
Read Andrew Van Dam's piece Is America still a nation of small businesses? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump's Tariffs: Economic Genius or Economic Gamble?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Did the United States benefit from President Trump's tariff threats against Canada and Mexico? Listen here to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Senator Chris Coons' (D-DE) first comments on a July 2024 Senate Democratic Caucus meeting about Biden and whether he should drop out of the race
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) joins Michael to talk about President Trump's tariff plans, trade, and other headlines surrounding the new President and Congress…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Your 2024 Vote: How honest are you about how you cast your ballot?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
'This whole thing is blowing my mind'
In his NY Post piece, Professor Francione writes "I’ve been concerned about the direction of the party for a while now, but I was hoping it would correct…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Setting the Record Straight: Michael Smerconish Debunks False Rumor About Transgender Blackhawk Pilot
Listen to Michael's conversation from Tuesday, January 28th 2025 with Jo Ellis here in Episode #1226. Read "Living to Serve, Living as Myself: A Transgender…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The DC Air Collision: Was DEI to Blame?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Tulsi Gabbard's Unorthodox Path to Trump's Intel Team
A deep dive into former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's pick to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Michael welcomes New York Times…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Which nomination is more in peril, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. or Tulsi Gabbard?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
She has served 15 years in the military, and wants to serve more: A Transgender service member's perspective
Read "Living to Serve, Living as Myself: A Transgender Service Member’s Perspective" by Jo Ellis at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is the world a better or worse place with artificial intelligence?
Subscribe to Michael's YouTube channel! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Ron Insana's really good explanation of DeepSeek
Multiple headlines read "A shocking Chinese AI advancement" ... what?! Michael turns to IFi-AI CEO and CNBC Senior Analyst and Commentator Ron Insana for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should transgender individuals be precluded from military service?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should transgender individuals be precluded from military service? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz
Michael speaks about the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz, where Nazi Germany murdered over 1 million people, most of them Jews. Original…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should the U.S. use tariffs to pressure countries to accept deportation flights of their nationals?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. use tariffs to pressure countries such as Colombia to accept deportation flights of their nationals?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
ESPN's Sal Pal and Stanford's Matt Doyle with everything you need to know about football
In just over 30 minutes, learn everything you need to know about this weekend's NFL playoffs, and all-and we mean ALL-the changes that have happened in college…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Do you believe the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK were each committed by a lone gunman?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A remarkable end to the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme
Richard Breeden is former Chair of the Securities & Exchange Commission, former advisor to President George HW Bush, and now founder and CEO, Breeden Capital…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is it ethical for the wealthy to hire private firefighters during public emergencies?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
J6 Pardons, Executive Orders, Cabinet Hearings...Mark Halperin on the Trump Administration's Fast Start
A firehose of decisions and information has been coming out in just the first 48 hours since President Trump took the Oath of Office. 2WAY Editor in Chief Mark…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should presidents have pardon power?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should presidents have pardon power? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The conventional wisdom about how the outcome of the 2024 election was determined is wrong
Michael Podhorzer is former political director of the AFL-CIO. He publishes at Weekend Reading. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Was President Biden justified in pardoning five family members?
Michael opens today's podcast with his overall day-after thoughts on the Inauguration of President Trump, and then dives in to Today's Poll Question at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Will Donald Trump's inaugural address be more conciliatory or combative?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Donald Trump's inaugural address be more conciliatory or combative? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Filling in more of the gaps in the back story of how Biden finally dropped out
Michael hopes that one day we get the full story of why and how President Biden decided to finally drop out of the 2024 presidential race. Today in the New…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: When Trump leaves office, will his approval rating be higher or lower than Biden’s current 36%?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When Donald Trump leaves the White House, will his approval rating be higher or lower than Joe Biden’s current 36%?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Biden says farewell with low polling numbers, Trump says hello with high polling numbers
What explains President Biden's leaving the White House with his lowest approval numbers to date, and President Trump coming in with a rating at an all time…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should Congress allow insurance plans to raise premiums for people who drink?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress allow insurance plans to raise premiums for people who drink? Listen here to Michael's take, then vote…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael's Got Style. Roger Stone Says So!
Find the Best and Worst Dressed list at StoneZone.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Biden's Farewell to Trump's Inauguration (and a lot in between) with Mark Halperin
Subscribe to Mark Halperin's "Wide World of News" Daily Newsletter, and watch his daily meetings on 2WAY. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: After a disaster, is price gouging necessary to balance supply & demand, or exploitative of vulnerable consumers?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After a weather disaster, is price "gouging" necessary to balance supply and demand, or exploitative, taking advantage…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Anti-Social Century: We Are Now Spending More Time Alone Than Ever
Michael loves an amazing piece written by Derek Thompson at The Atlantic, which ties right in to The Mingle Project, Michael's ongoing work to get people out…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Will the California wildfires create urgency to address climate change?
The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific…
- The Smerconish Podcast
After the fire, the view from Altadena, California: Climate Change still isn't top of mind
The fires burned and destroyed, but, even in a blue city in a blue state, disaster does not bring climate change to residents’ front of mind. Michael talks to…