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
Today's Poll Question: Is Donald Trump a consequence or the cause of our political polarization?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Donald Trump more a consequence or the cause of our political polarization? Michael argues that most voters will…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Allies Target Fetterman—Could He Switch Sides?
Listen to Michael's recent interview with Senator Fetterman in episode #1831. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Are Americans hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: 'True or false? Americans are hopelessly divided and increasingly hateful.' Michael challenges the dominant narrative…
- The Smerconish Podcast
When Admiral McRaven Broke Down Reading “I Remember”
Michael revisits his powerful CNN interview with Admiral William McRaven, the former Navy SEAL commander behind Operation Neptune Spear and author of "Duty…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Are opinions of Trump driven by his policies or his personality?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are people's opinions of Donald Trump today driven more by his policies or his personality? Fresh polling from…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A Legal Firestorm: Trump, Redistricting & the ‘86’ Controversy
Michael sits down with legal scholar John Yoo to unpack today’s biggest legal and political flashpoints. From presidential war powers and U.S. involvement in…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Will The Comey Prosecution Ever Reach A Jury?
Michael breaks down the headline-grabbing indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. With legal experts questioning the strength of the case—and whether it…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Montana’s Senate Shake-Up: Independent Seth Bodnar Takes on Both Parties
Michael Smerconish sits down with independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar to discuss his unconventional run in Montana, the controversy surrounding a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Race Shape Voting Maps?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should race be considered when drawing legislative boundary lines? The Supreme Court’s latest 6–3 decision on…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Did Republicans Just Get Called Out—By a King?
Michael Smerconish dives into a remarkable moment in U.S.–U.K. relations as King Charles III delivers a speech to Congress that may have carried more than just…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: On A Scale of 1-10, Rate the Biden Presidency
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "On a scale of 1 to 10, rate the Biden presidency." Michael invites listeners to render a retrospective judgment on…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Too Perfect? The WHCD Shooting That Sparked a Conspiracy Firestorm
In the aftermath of a shocking incident at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner where a shooter - potentially trying to assassinate the President - was…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Are Geofence Warrants worth the risk to privacy?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are geofence warrants - which sweep up the location data of everybody in an area - worth the risk to our privacy?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Inside the Assassination Scare
A shocking security scare rocked the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, raising urgent questions about how a gunman got so close—and whether disaster was…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Was the WHCA assassination attempt a security success or security failure?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Was Saturday's assassination attempt a security success or security failure? Michael examines the alarming incident at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should SNAP recipients be able to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should SNAP recipients be able to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken? Michael revisits the debate over…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Obama’s Inner Circle With Reggie Love
Hear Michael's 2016 interview with Reggie Love on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast, on his book "Power Forward: My Presidential Education" Hosted…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the US ban tobacco sales for anyone born in 2009 or later?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Britain just banned tobacco sales to anyone born in 2009 or later, forever. Should the U.S. do the same? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Bruce Springsteen’s Political Tour Sparks Backlash — Fans Divided
Bruce Springsteen’s latest tour is making headlines—not just for the music, but for its strong political message. Michael dives into the growing debate: has…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is retaliatory gerrymandering ever justified?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is retaliatory gerrymandering ever justified? Michael unpacks Virginia’s controversial mid-decade redistricting move…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Contemplation Is Dying—And It Could Cost Us Everything
Ironically, you should put your phone away....AFTER listening to this episode. Michael explores a growing crisis hiding in plain sight: the loss of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is John Fetterman a Democratic Party asset or liability?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is John Fetterman a Democratic Party asset or liability?" Michael unpacks the growing divide within the Democratic…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Fetterman Breaks With Democrats on Iran War — ‘We Must Finish This’
As tensions escalate in the Iran conflict, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joins Michael for a candid and high-stakes conversation about war powers, nuclear…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Congress authorize the use of military force against Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress authorize the use of military force against Iran? As tensions escalate and a fragile ceasefire nears…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Why the Voters Who Decide Elections Aren’t Who You Think
A new set of political data is challenging a long-held assumption about American voters—and even Michael Smerconish himself. After reviewing insights from…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Social Security cap benefits for the wealth?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Social Security cap benefits for the wealthiest retirees? Michael Smerconish explores a provocative proposal to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Boomers vs Millennials: Who Really Had It Harder?
In this episode, Michael dives into a generational debate that never seems to go away: who had it harder—boomers or millennials? Drawing on new data from The…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Are You (Actually) Fiscally Liberal but Socially Conservative?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which describes you best? a) Fiscally liberal, socially conservative, b) Fiscally conservative, socially conservative…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump vs. the Pope?! Mark Halperin Breaks Down the Latest Political Firestorm
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest headlines shaping American politics. They break down Donald…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is America’s record low fertility rate a problem?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is America's record low fertility rate a problem?" America’s birth rate has fallen to historic lows, well below the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
George Santos Uncensored: Prison, Politics & the Truth About Congress
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales stepping down from Congress has reignited a major question in Washington: when should lawmakers be forced out—and what…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Which is a greater threat...Runaway AI or Nuclear Weapons?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Which is a greater existential threat, runaway AI or nuclear weapons?" Michael Smerconish explores a rapidly shifting…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Doug Sosnik’s Stark Warning: 2026 May Not Be the Blowout Democrats Expect
Michael welcomes political strategist Doug Sosnik for a wide-ranging conversation on the 2026 midterms, Trump’s standing, and the structural forces reshaping…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. blockade the Strait of Hormuz?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should the US blockade the Strait of Hormuz?" Michael unpacks the escalating U.S.-Iran standoff following stalled…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Iran Nuclear Deal Explained: What Trump Ended—and What Comes Next
Michael takes a deep dive into the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) with peace and conflict expert Dr. David Cortright of Cornell and Notre Dame Universities…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is President Trump a Rational Actor?
Today’s Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is President Trump a rational actor? Michael Smerconish unpacks a provocative debate sparked by Yale professor Jeffrey…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Smerconish Poll Questions vs Reality: The Hits, Misses, and One HUGE Fail
What happens when you go back and check your predictions against reality? In this episode, after touching on the latest on what's happening in Iran, Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. Use Military Force to Open the Strait of Hormuz?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If necessary to open the Strait of Hormuz, should the U.S. use military force? Michael unpacks a rapidly escalating…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Iran Ceasefire Explained: Admiral Stavridis Militarily, Mark Halperin Politically
Michael tackles the rapidly evolving Iran crisis with two expert voices offering sharply different lenses. First, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is the 2-week ceasefire a prelude to peace in Iran?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the two week ceasefire a prelude to a lasting peace? Michael Smerconish examines the fragile and confusing pause…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump’s Iran Threat: ‘Total Obliteration’? John Bolton Weighs In
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton joins Michael to break down the escalating U.S.–Iran crisis as President Trump issues a dramatic ultimatum. Will…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should College Athletes Be Paid?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should college athletes be paid? Michael Smerconish dives into the rapidly evolving world of college athletics in the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Did the U.S. Reveal Too Much? Inside the Incredible Iran Rescue
When a U.S. F-15 is shot down deep inside Iran, what follows is a high-risk, high-stakes rescue mission that showcases the full power—and complexity—of the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the U.S. bomb Iran's power plants and bridges?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. target Iran's power generating facilities and bridges if they help support its war machine? As…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The New Right-Wing Media Ecosystem Explained (8 Powerful Factions)
Michael sits down with Dr. Brian Rosenwald, author of "Talk Radio’s America", to break down the rapidly evolving world of conservative media. Rosenwald—whose…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Do You Feel More Drawn To Organized Religion, Less Drawn, or About the Same?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you feel more drawn to organized religion, less drawn, or about the same? As Easter, Passover, and Ramadan…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mingle At Church: Why Young Americans Are Rediscovering Religion
Is organized religion making a comeback? Michael explores a surprising trend: growing interest in faith—especially among Gen Z men. Joined by SiriusXM Catholic…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Trump’s Next Move In Iran - Escalation or Ending?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which comes next in the war with Iran—escalation or an ending? Michael Smerconish breaks down President Trump’s latest…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Threatens NATO Exit and Prepares Iran Update: Admiral Stavridis & Mark Halperin Weigh In
Admiral James Stavridis Mark Halperin's Morning Meeting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should place of birth, or the citizenship of parents decide US citizenship?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which should determine US citizenship, the place of birth or the citizenship of one's parents? Michael Smerconish…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Birthright Citizenship at Risk? Inside the Supreme Court Battle
Visit SCOTUSblog here. In this episode, Michael and Amy unpack: -The origins of birthright citizenship (Dred Scott → 14th Amendment → Wong Kim Ark) -What…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Is a Straight White Christian Man the Democrats’ Best Shot in 2028?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's best chance of winning the White House in 2028 a straight, white Christian man? Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
From Pentagon Prayers to Packed Churches: Is Religion Reshaping America?
Visit Michael's Mingle Project Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Now a month in to war, is Iran more or less likely to use a nuke?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After a month of watching this war, based on Iran's actions, do you now believe they'd be more or less likely to use a…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Revisiting 'Lone Survivor': Truth, Myth, and Operation Red Wings
Find R.m. Schneiderman's work on Substack. Hear Michael's book club podcast episode with Marcus Luttrell here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should Congress ban betting on government actions, terrorism, and war?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress ban betting on government actions, terrorism and war? Michael examines a wave of suspicious trading…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Epstein Wasn’t Just About Sex—Here’s What Really Drew Smart & Successful People In
Find Holly Peterson's work here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Do you agree with the verdict blaming Big Tech for social media addiction?
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with the California jury verdict, blaming Meta and YouTube for designing features that cause mental…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Trump Iran Strategy Explained: Mark Halperin on Deal vs Military Escalation
The impersonation of President Trump in this episode was done by Shawn Farash. Find Mark Halperin's Wide World of News here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Today's Poll Question: Should the War End After Iran's Enriched Uranium is Under Control, or Before?
Michael dives into two major debates shaping today’s headlines: a Supreme Court case that could redefine when mail-in ballots count, and a critical question…