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
Epstein, Iran, and 2028: Mark Halperin’s Weekly Reality Check
Michael welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for their weekly conversation, covering the biggest stories shaping politics and public debate. This week: the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Was 2024 already lost for Democrats before Biden dropped out?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was 2024 already lost for Democrats before Biden dropped out? Michael examines a provocative argument from veteran…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Took Pew's Political Quiz—and the Results Surprised Him
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Jocelyn Kiley to discuss the organization's newly released political typology, which divides Americans…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran? President Trump announces a new agreement with Iran, claiming the Strait of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
America Turns 250—But Americans Aren't Celebrating
As America approaches its 250th birthday, a new NBC News poll paints a sobering picture of the nation's mood. Michael speaks with NBC senior national politics…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Daily Poll Question: Genes or money - which shapes a child's brain more?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Genes or money — which shapes a child's brain more? Michael revisits the classic nature-versus-nurture debate, but…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Fight Night to Loneliness: Dana White, Trump, and America’s Isolation Crisis
Michael speaks with TIME Senior Sports Rorrespondent Sean Gregory about Dana White’s rise, his relationship with Donald Trump, and the unprecedented UFC event…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: UFC...Sport or Spectacle?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: UFC: Sport or Spectacle? With UFC preparing for an unprecedented event on the White House South Lawn, Michael examines…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The World Cup Is Here—Is America Ready? Andrew Giuliani Makes A Bold Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and the United States is hosting the largest sporting event on the planet. Michael speaks with Andrew Giuliani, Executive…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly? As tensions between the United States and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Scott Pelley, CBS News, and Trump's Iran Crisis: Halperin Unfiltered
Michael Smerconish talks with Mark Halperin about the controversy surrounding Scott Pelley's exit from CBS News, questions of media bias at 60 Minutes, and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Would you rather watch Baseball or Soccer?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which would you rather watch: baseball or soccer? As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump vs. Netanyahu? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Growing Rift
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to break down the increasingly complicated dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Are America's Best Days Ahead Or Behind?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are America's best days ahead or behind us? Michael examines a deceptively simple question that cuts to the heart of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Can Sharing a Meal Heal America's Divide?
Can sharing a meal bring people together in an increasingly divided America? Michael sits down with Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of Philadelphia's Welcoming…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Scott Pelley Have Been Fired?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley have been fired for humiliating his boss in front of coworkers? Michael examines the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
"He Has No Intelligence Background": Richard Clarke Reacts to Trump's DNI Pick
President Trump has named housing executive Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, a move that's drawing scrutiny from both national security…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Tom Kean Jr.'s three-month unexplained absence disqualify him from re-election?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Representative Tom Kean Jr.’s three-month unexplained absence disqualify him from re-election? Michael examines…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump's Attorneys Defend the $1.8 Billion January 6 Compensation Plan
President Trump recently suggested that a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization" may not be dead after all…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Does limiting Trump's Iran war powers help America, or Tehran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does Congress limiting Trump's Iran war powers benefit the US or Iran? Michael Smerconish examines the House vote to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
"This Is a Turning Point": Mark Halperin on Trump's Growing GOP Problem
Mark Halperin is editor-in-chief at 2WAY, publisher of The Wide World of News Newsletter, and a host on SiriusXM's Megyn Kelly Channel. Hosted by Simplecast…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is The GOP Revolt Against Trump's Slush Fund A One-Off or A Turning Point?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Republican fight against Trump's $1.8 billion fund a one-off or a turning point? Michael examines the collapse…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Death of the White Picket Fence—and What It Says About America
"Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" - but a "good fence" isn't necessarily a tall one. Why are white picket fences disappearing across America? Michael explores…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Do You Stand With Trump or Netanyahu? ('Neither' Is Not An Option)
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Trump versus Netanyahu - If you had to stand with one and neither is not an option, who do you stand with? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Cohen Wants Closure With Trump
Michael Cohen joins Michael Smerconish for a candid conversation about political tribalism, ideological purity tests, and what happens when independent…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Graham Platner's wife says his sexting is nobody's business. Agree?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Graham Platner’s wife says his sexting other women is nobody’s business. Do you agree with that? Michael examines the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin: Why Ken Paxton’s Texas Victory Could Reshape the 2026 Senate Map
Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack Ken Paxton’s decisive Texas primary victory, what it means for the 2026 Senate…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo disqualifying?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo disqualifying? As Democrats search for four Senate seats to reclaim the majority…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Collapse of Jury Neutrality in America: Are Political Biases Destroying The System?
Michael explores how America’s political polarization is spilling into the jury room. Expert jury consultant Dr. Laurie Kuslansky joins the program to discuss…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Was Jill Biden Really Blindsided by Joe's Debate Disaster?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe Jill Biden was blindsided by Joe's debate performance? Michael revisits Joe Biden’s disastrous 2024…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Escalation Trap: Why the Iran Conflict Could Get Much Worse
Michael speaks with University of Chicago political scientist Dr. Robert Pape about the growing conflict with Iran, rising oil prices, and the strategic…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. Lift Sanctions on Iran Before Its Nuclear Program is Dismantled?
Michael examines today’s poll question: Should the U.S. lift sanctions on Iran before its nuclear program is dismantled? With Trump weighing a possible deal…
- The Smerconish Podcast
AI on the Battlefield: Precision Tool or Moral Danger?
Michael talks with Admiral James Stavridis about escalating tensions with Iran, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of AI-assisted warfare…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Will AI-assisted Warfare Ultimately Save Lives?
Michael traces an unexpected through line from his very first talk radio show in 1993 — centered on a papal encyclical — to Pope Leo XIV’s new warning about…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: What song best defines America?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which song best defines America? On this Memorial Day edition, Michael Smerconish explores a deeply personal and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Johnny Carson to Taking Over CBS Late Night: Byron Allen’s Full-Circle Moment
Media mogul Byron Allen joins Michael to discuss the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the launch of Comics Unleashed in CBS late night, and his…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: With Colbert done, should late night TV get rid of political comedy?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does political comedy make you more or less likely to watch late night television? Stephen Colbert signs off after…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump vs. His Own Party? Mark Halperin Warns of a Major GOP Turning Point
Michael Smerconish welcomes Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest political flashpoints: the controversy surrounding potential…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Like Barney Frank said, is overreach by the left alienating moderates and setting back Democrats?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Before his death, Barney Frank said overreach by the left is alienating moderates and setting back Democrats. Do you…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Graduation Advice That Actually Matters
Michael and TC revisit some of the most memorable commencement speeches from both this year and years past — from Roger Federer, Steve Jobs, Shonda Rhimes…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: When you vote, does character or policy matter more?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When you vote, which matters more: character or policy? Michael Smerconish explores one of the oldest and most…
- The Smerconish Podcast
John Kasich Sounds Off on Trump’s GOP: “It’s Not What I Believe In”
The John Kasich Show debuts on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 on Saturday May 23 at 11AM East. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Do you want AI or Cops enforcing traffic laws?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who do you want enforcing traffic laws, AI or cops? After receiving a $300 automated school bus violation notice tied…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Smerconish Defends Trump on CNN — And the Internet Explodes
Michael opens with an unexpected weekend golf win before diving into the CNN commentary that sparked major backlash online. He breaks down Trump’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is a Nuclear-Free Iran Worth More Pain At The Pump?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a nuclear-free Iran worth more pain at the pump? Michael explores the political and economic tradeoffs behind…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Why Are Conservative Commencement Speakers Disappearing From American Universities?
Michael Smerconish speaks with Princeton professor Robert P. George about the growing lack of conservative commencement speakers at America’s top universities…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Between AOC or Marco Rubio, who is more likely to be elected President in 2028?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who’s more likely to be elected president in 2028 — AOC or Marco Rubio? Michael Smerconish examines the surprising…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Alex Murdaugh Murder Conviction OVERTURNED? How ONE PERSON Upended The Case
Check out Episode #402 of The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast, Valerie Bauerlein talking about her book "The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Cut our losses now, or bomb Iran into submission?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If you had to pick one, which is it: cut our losses now or bomb Iran into submission? As President Trump meets with Xi…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Halperin: Trump Faces Two Bad Options on Iran
Michael Smerconish is joined by Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on President Trump’s escalating standoff with Iran, the growing crisis in the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Will Trump order new strikes on Iran during his China trip?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Trump order new strikes on Iran during his China trip? Michael explores an eerie parallel to 2017, when Trump…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Sin Nation: Have Gambling, Porn & Weed Replaced American Values?
Michael Smerconish reacts to a provocative Axios piece arguing that America is becoming a modern “Sin Nation” — where gambling, marijuana, pornography, and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Were any of the three Trump assassination attempts staged?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Were any of the three Trump assassination attempts staged? Michael examines a startling new survey showing that nearly…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Untold Ted Turner Story the Media Ignored
Michael explores the overlooked conversation surrounding Ted Turner’s bipolar disorder and asks whether mental illness can sometimes contribute to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Which War Ends First, Russia-Ukraine or US/Israel-Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which war ends first — Russia/Ukraine or U.S./Israel versus Iran? Michael examines two global conflicts that suddenly…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Billionaires vs. Mamdani: The NYC Tax Fight Turning Ugly
Michael dives into the explosive backlash surrounding New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new “pied-à-terre” tax targeting ultra-wealthy property owners who do not…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is "tax the rich" a slur against wealthy Americans?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the phrase “tax the rich” a slur against wealthy Americans? Michael examines the political and cultural firestorm…
- The Smerconish Podcast
John Malone: Ted Turner Thought CNN Had “Lost Its Way”
Media titan John Malone joins Michael for a deeply personal conversation about his lifelong friendship with CNN founder Ted Turner, who passed away this week…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? Michael reflects on the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Trump, Iran, and the Midterm Earthquake
Michael Smerconish and Mark Halperin break down the confusion, contradictions, and political fallout surrounding Trump’s Iran strategy — from nuclear…