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
Return-To-Office Mandates: Are they working?
Let's check in on the workplace, post-pandemic. Are the increasing number of "Return-To-Office Mandates" working? New research suggests...not so much. Listen…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should the military enlist individuals who didn’t graduate from high school or get a GED?
The US military is having difficulty recruiting the number of enlisted people it needs to keep proper staffing levels. This has Michael asking today's Daily…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Bamberger on The Rise and Fall of Sports Illustrated
Michael Bamberger, now senior writer at Golf.com, was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated for over 20 years. He talks to Michael about his exclusive…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should the U.S. strike Iran in response to the deaths of 3 U.S. service members?
As President Biden mulls over a decision following what happened over the weekend, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S…
- The Smerconish Podcast
SHOCKER: With one week left in 'Dry January', Michael is still in it to win it
TC and Dan were skeptical at the beginning of the month. Michael has the finish line in sight for a successful "Dry January" staying away from both booze and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Who bears responsibility for the apparent death of a border deal?
With a hat tip to law professor Shanin Specter, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: Which is more responsible for the apparent death…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Great Tune Out of 2024: Brian Stelter on who is, and is not, paying attention
Michael in conversation with Vanity Fair special correspondent Brian Stelter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is the growth of the religiously unaffiliated good or bad for society?
New research from the Pew Research Center on religion in America is out. Michael offers this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Is the growth of the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Republican Rorschach Primary
After introducing you to a very important member of our team, Associate Producer Tamsin Vidal, Michael offers his thoughts on the New Hampshire Primary results…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Who will Trump pick as a running mate?
Former President Trump won the New Hampshire Primary and is expected to be the Republican presidential nominee, so Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
You should go to a Trump rally
You read that title correctly - listen to Michael's great conversation with journalist McKay Coppins, Staff Writer at The Atlantic. For many Americans, the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Would Trump be the leading GOP candidate had he NOT been indicted?
Today is the New Hampshire Primary. It is seen as Nikki Haley's last shot - so Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would Trump be the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
DeSantis ran the worst campaign in history: A conversation with GOP Strategist Alex Castellanos
Republican Strategist Alex Castellanos joins Michael following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Castellanos writes in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should U.S. aid to Israel be contingent on Israel accepting a two-state solution?
Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should U.S. aid to Israel be conditioned upon Israel’s acceptance of a post war, two-state solution? Listen to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Patricia Murphy on the Fani Willis Allegations
Michael welcomes Patricia Murphy as well as your calls to the podcast to discuss allegations of an improper romantic relationship between Fulton County…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Has America Never Been A Racist Country?
Nikki Haley made headlines for her claims that "America has never been a racist country." Michael asks you to react to that statement with today's Daily Poll…
- The Smerconish Podcast
5 possible scenarios for New Hampshire with Jeff Greenfield
Michael welcomes journalist Jeff Greenfield for a conversation on his Politico opinion piece "5 Scenarios for What Might Come Next in New Hampshire ." Original…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should major events involving Donald Trump be carried live by the media?
After MSNBC and CNN opted to not carry (at all, or partially only) former President Trump's Iowa Caucus victory speech this week, Michael is asking you today's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Iowa to New Hampshire: Mark Halperin explains possible paths forward
What's next for Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley? Michael gets the latest insights on the 2024 presidential race from Mark Halperin at Wide World of News. Original…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is a media outlet calling an election early the same thing as pre-election polling?
As the presidential contest moves on to New Hampshire, all eyes are still on what happened in Iowa with media outlets calling caucus results before the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
We owe it to Iowa voters to have their say before the media does
Media outlets declared Donald Trump the 2024 Republican Iowa Caucus winner, just 30 minutes after they began. Was it too soon? Yes, let them have their say…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is Donald Trump a more or less formidable candidate than he was in 2020?
Former President Trump won the 2024 Iowa Caucuses. As the candidates now set their sights on New Hampshire, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Who are the Houthis, and why did the US attack them?
Retired Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula, former Chief of Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, offers expertise on the Houthis…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Will Hunter Biden going on offense make him a more sympathetic figure?
With President Biden's son making a surprise appearance in a Capitol Hill hearing this week, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Joe Lieberman on Chris Christie and No Labels No Spoilers
Michael talks to former Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), co-chair of No Labels, the morning after Chris Christie drops out of the 2024 presidential race, for an…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Do you agree with Chris Christie that Nikki Haley is "gonna get smoked"?
Former Governor Chris Christie drops out of the presidential race, and then gets caught on a hot mic about his opponent that many thought he was going to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The GOP Primary Could Be Over Soon: A Data-Driven Conversation with G. Elliott Morris
G. Elliott Morris is the Director of Data Analytics at ABC News and joins Michael ahead of the Iowa Caucus to discuss his new article "The 2024 Republican…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Could Haley defeat Trump in NH if Christie drops out and endorses her?
With the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary in sight, Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Could Nikki Haley defeat Donald…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A Tutorial: Trump In Court Today
Confused about what former President Trump's time in court today, and the days to come, entails? Don't worry - Michael has a stellar tutorial right here for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin resign?
He did not let his superiors - anyone at the White House - or anyone in Congress know that he was in the hospital and not able to carry out his duties, but has…
- The Smerconish Podcast
What's up with Lloyd Austin? Michael is very cynical.
Michael's cynicism knows no bounds, especially when it comes to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin not disclosing - to anyone, really - that he was in the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is Biden's "threat to democracy" campaign theme a 'bust', like Romney says?
Senator Mitt Romney tells The New York Times that President Joe Biden's "threat to democracy" theme he uses campaigning against former President Trump is a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael is a sucker for a story like this: Biden v. Trump IS the race that voters want!
Michael is totally intrigued by Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher's piece "Biden vs. Trump Is the Race Voters Want. Really." Listen to their…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Which was more responsible for Claudine Gay's resignation, racism or plagiarism?
Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned under controversy this week, serving the shortest tenure as President at the Ivy League institution ever. Michael asks…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Everything we've said is coming in 2024 is now here, and it starts Tuesday
Is Former President Donald Trump going to be tried before the election? There is a major argument being heart in court in Washington DC that could set the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Do you agree that a major economic and social crisis is inevitable?
Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has shared his opinion that a crisis is on the horizon. This prompts Michael to ask today's Daily Poll Question at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Don't Know Much About History: Nikki Haley
Kenneth C. Davis is the bestselling author of the "Don't Know Much About..." series, which includes his book "Don't Know Much About The Civil War" (1996). He's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Which international situation that the US faces worries you the most?
With several major international situations facing the United States, Michael spoke with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Dry January: Will Michael Succeed?
Michael talks to life and sobriety coach Casey McGuire Davidson about setting up for success for "Dry January", where one abstains from drinking after the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Would keeping Trump off the ballot hurt or help democracy?
Happy New Year! Michael thinks today's poll question is the most important to ask, as 2024 begins. At Smerconish.com, the Daily Poll Question: Would keeping…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is artificial intelligence more likely to elevate humanity, or destroy it?
Nico Grant is a New York Times reporter covering technology advancements. He joins Michael to discuss what the future of AI may look like, having been on the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Can Money Buy Happiness?
Michael is joined by Barbara Mellers, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She joins Michael to look at an age-old question: does more…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The best way to board a plane: The Steffen Method
As a frequent traveler, Michael has some thoughts on how the boarding process on commercial airliners could be changed to become more efficient. He gives his…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A surprising list: Celebrities who are just as old as Joe Biden & Donald Trump
You'd be surprised at this list and how it puts age into perspective. Michael and TC go through Buzzfeed's "16 Celebrities Who Are Just As Old As Joe Biden And…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Gate Lice: Michael is one of those who lines up early for flights
Why do 'gate lice' line up early for a flight? Michael talks to Psychologist Dr. Shira Gabriel, professor at the University at Buffalo, who explains. Original…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Twenty-Three of the Best Opening Lines of 2023
It's all about that hook! Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Mardy Grothe joins Michael to present "Twenty-Three of the Best Opening Lines of 2023," a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
2023 Radio Year In Review
What a year it has been! Before stepping away for holiday break, Michael and TC look back at the SiriusXM show for the year 2023. Original air date 21 December…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Would Trump still be the GOP frontrunner if he were not in trouble?
Michael poses a hypothetical as today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Trump were unindicted and not facing legal challenge to his candidacy, would…
- The Smerconish Podcast
What Mark Halperin got wrong and got right, and what he's still not sure about in 2023
A look back at 2023 with political analyst Mark Halperin, editor of The Wide World of News. Original air date 20 December 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is Trump actually more moderate than authoritarian?
Michael offers his take on COMPACT founder Matthew Schmitz' op-ed in the New York Times, "The Secret of Trump’s Appeal Isn’t Authoritarianism." He asks this…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael schools Danny Cevallos on his talk radio hosting philosophy
What's it take to host a great radio show? Many different elements that come together - Michael offers his philosophy of hosting a radio show to NBC News Legal…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Are the color of your Christmas lights white or colored?
Decorations for the holidays are up! Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: The color of your Christmas lights: White or Colored? Original…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump's rhetoric and thanking Michael
Donald Trump thanked Michael over the weekend on the same day as he used extreme rhetoric to discuss illegal immigration. Michael reacts to Trump's comments…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is Trump doing well politically despite, or due to his rhetoric?
On Saturday, Donald Trump spoke in New Hampshire and gave a speech that quoted autocrats and also included an anti-immigration poem. Listen here as Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
50 bucks to the dry cleaner? A conversation on holiday tipping
Your garbage man, your manicurist, your delivery drivers, and maybe your dry cleaner? To whom, and how much, do you tip during the holidays? Michael, TC and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Is it OK for a mayor to host a party only for officials of color?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is defending an invitation for a holiday party only for elected officials of color, stressing the need for shared experiences and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Yes! There is a better way to pick a presidential nominee!
Hans Noel, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, wrote an Op-Ed in the New York Times that caught Michael's eye, "There Is a Better Way…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: If Hunter is convicted and sentenced to prison, will President Biden pardon him?
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, appeared on Capitol Hill yesterday but did not testify, instead giving a statement to the press. Michael asks you…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Hunter Biden Visits Capitol Hill
Michael talks to political analyst Mark Halperin at the Wide World of News, just as Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, appears on Capitol Hill and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll: Should U.S. aid to Ukraine be tied to American border security?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington, DC hat-in-hand this week asking for more help in his country's war against Russia. Michael asks…