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
Democratic Socialism: Could It Win Over America?
Michael dives into a thought-provoking question: Could America embrace democratic socialism if its principles were better understood? With a focus on Zohran…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin Breaks Down the Blue Surge...With a Caveat on Gavin Newsom
Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin the morning after a pivotal Election Day. They unpack the surprising demographic shifts in Virginia and…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Fork In The Democrats' Road: Mamdani, or Spanberger & Sherrill
Michael Smerconish breaks down the Democrats’ big question after Election Day: Which path forward makes the most sense — the moderate model of Abigail…
- The Smerconish Podcast
How David Wasserman Reads Elections Before Anyone Else — A Masterclass in Data and Democracy
Election Day takes center stage as Michael welcomes David Wasserman, Senior Editor and Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. From…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Election Day: NYC’s Choice Between Experience and Idealism
It’s Election Day in New York City — and Michael Smerconish has thoughts. He dives into the high-stakes mayoral race that pits experience against youth…
- The Smerconish Podcast
NYC Election Shock? A Conversation With NYC Councilman Frank Morano
On the eve of a pivotal election in the Big Apple, Michael talks with Frank Morano—radio veteran and newly-minted member of the New York City Council. Together…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Morning Light or Sunset Glow: The Daylight Saving Dilemma
Do you want more daylight in the morning or in the evening? Michael dives into the deceptively simple question behind today’s smerconish.com poll — unpacking…
- The Smerconish Podcast
How Stranger Danger and SUVs Changed Halloween Forever
Has trick-or-treating lost its magic? Michael Smerconish talks with Halloween historian Lesley Bannatyne about how America’s favorite spooky tradition has…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Shutdown Showdown: What Will Finally Break the Government Stalemate?
Day 31 of the shutdown — and no end in sight. Trump’s calling to end the filibuster, Manchin’s standing firm, and millions are starting to feel the pain…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Shutdown Politics Meets the Obamacare Crisis - ACA Premiums Surge 26%
As open enrollment begins, Affordable Care Act premiums are set to rise by an average of 26%. Michael Smerconish speaks with Alex Wayne, Executive Editor at…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Day Radio Died: Remembering Pierre Robert and Facing an AI Future
Michael opens this episode paying tribute to beloved Philadelphia WMMR radio legend Pierre Robert, reflecting on a bygone era of authentic, local broadcasting…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Trump’s ‘Third Term’ Talk and the NYC Mayor's Race
Watch Mark on 2WAY's Morning Meeting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Are You Rooting Against America? It's About More Than Baseball At The World Series.
Watch The Mingle Project - Episode 6: Assess your bubble - take the Mingle quiz! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Politics of Baseball: Why Some Americans Are Cheering for Canada
Even baseball isn’t safe from polarization. Michael dives into the politics of the World Series today after an epic Dodgers–Blue Jays 18-inning marathon. Are…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Ozempic: Luxury or Lifesaver — Should Taxpayers Foot the Bill?
From the skyrocketing costs of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to the moral and economic debate over obesity as a disease, Michael explores both sides of this…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Who’s Watching the School Board? Inside America’s Local News Collapse
Check out the Medill Local News Initiative here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Harris or Newsom: Who Has A Better Chance To Be Elected President?
Michael dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll: Who has a better chance of being elected president — Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom? With both Democrats making…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Real Art of the Heist: FBI Expert on the Daring Louvre Robbery
Robert Wittman's book, published in 2010, is "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Graham Platner's Tattoo Trouble
Michael dives into today’s poll question: Should Maine voters reject Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over a tattoo resembling a Nazi SS emblem?…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Trump’s White House Makeover: The Ballroom Controversy Explained
Michael goes in-depth on President Trump’s surprise demolition and reconstruction project on the White House grounds — a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Michael Sees The East Wing Demolition For Himself
Michael takes listeners on a spontaneous walking tour outside the White House, where demolition of the East Wing is making way for what’s being called the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Trump’s White House Makeover and the Democratic Party Identity Crisis
Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is a Zohran Mamdani Win Good or Bad for National Democrats?
Michael tackles a provocative poll question at Smerconish.com today: "Is it better for the national Democratic Party if Zohran Mamdani wins or loses in NYC?"…
- The Smerconish Podcast
No Kings Rallies Explained: Ridicule As Resistance
Michael Smerconish sits down with Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, one of the organizers behind the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that drew millions around…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Unthinkable Option: Make Today’s Ukraine Map Lines Permanent?
A brutal poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should the Russia–Ukraine conflict be settled by accepting the current front lines as permanent? Michael breaks…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will the ‘No Kings’ Protests Change Anything? Colby Hall vs. Will Bunch
In this episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the explosive debate over the nationwide “No Kings” rallies, which drew millions across America this past…
- The Smerconish Podcast
7 Million Protesters. But Will The 'No Kings' Movement Matter?
Over 7 million protesters participated in "No Kings" protests across 2,600+ locations nationwide. Michael talks about this here and is asking you in today's…
- The Smerconish Podcast
'He Is Not A She': Nancy Mace Clashes with Michael Smerconish Over Trans Rights and Military Service
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) joins Michael Smerconish to discuss their recent joint appearance on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher', the government…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Bolton, Comey, or Letitia James — Who’s Really in the Hottest Water?
Michael dives into today’s smerconish.com poll question: "Which indictment is strongest — John Bolton, James Comey, or Letitia James?" In this episode, Michael…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Two Miles Then, Two Doors Now: The Collapse of Kids’ ‘Home Range’
This interview is part of Michael's ongoing "Mingle Project." Learn more here. Helen Woolley is a Professor of Landscape Architecture, Children's Environments…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Supreme Court Said No — But This Lawyer Isn’t Done Fighting Florida’s Closed Primaries
Michael speaks with Professor Michael Polelle a Florida voter, and constitutional law scholar, who’s been fighting — solo — to overturn Florida’s closed…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Tomahawks for Ukraine? The Question That Could Define Trump’s Strategy
Will President Trump give Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com....and deliberately, Michael is asking "WILL" and not…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Can Trump End America’s Political Civil War? Mark Halperin Says It’s Nearly Impossible
Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief of 2WAY and host of the Next Up podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
- The Smerconish Podcast
AI Is Advancing Fast and Could End Us All
In this episode, Michael asks you chilling question: “Agree or Disagree — Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority akin to the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Talking Tomahawks with Admiral James Stavridis
Michael runs through several major global headlines with retired Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. From Trump’s proposed…
- The Smerconish Podcast
If Trump Can Broker Peace in The Middle East… Can He Do It in America?
If President Trump applied his Middle East peace strategies to America's political divide, would he succeed? With world leaders from all political perspectives…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The 5 New Independent Types That Are Changing Politics
Michael Smerconish talks with CNN’s Jeff Zeleny about a groundbreaking poll that reveals five distinct types of independent voters. From the "Disappointed…
- The Smerconish Podcast
20 Hostages for 250 Prisoners: A Justified Deal or Dangerous Precedent?
A historic hostage deal sees 20 Israelis released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners. Michael Smerconish asks the tough question: Is this kind of…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Faith, Politics, and Power: What Americans Really Think About Atheists in Office
Dr. Ryan Burge is Professor of Practice at Washington University in St. Louis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
- The Smerconish Podcast
If Middle East Peace Holds, Trump Should Win The Nobel Prize Next Year
Michael offers a bold take on today's Smerconish.com poll question which asks: "If peace holds in the Middle East, should President Trump receive the Nobel…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Dating an A.I. Girlfriend, And We Need 150 Friends
Michael Smerconish dives into two “Mingle Project”-themed stories that reveal how technology and loneliness are reshaping human connection. From a report that…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will Trump’s National Guard Deployment Spark the Chaos He Needs?
Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: "Will President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops spur the sort of violence that…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin on Bari Weiss and The Future of Journalism
Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss’s claim that the far left destroyed America’s…
- The Smerconish Podcast
A Female President Or A LGBTQ+ President
Michael owns up to a one-word mistake in today's Smerconish.com poll question — and it sparks a fascinating debate. Listen here and then vote on this question…
- The Smerconish Podcast
America’s Surprising Gender Gap: Why Younger Voters Resist a Female President
Michael reacts to a new Politico poll that reveals a surprising truth: younger Americans are less likely than older ones to support electing a female…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Did the "Far-Left" Destroy the "Center-Left"?
Michael Smerconish dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Do you agree with Barry Weiss that the far left destroyed the center left in America? As…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The American Dream Isn’t Dead — You’re Just Defining It Wrong
Michael Smerconish sits down with Dr. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute to challenge the idea that the American Dream is out of reach. With…
- The Smerconish Podcast
James Comey on Trial: Should He Seek Dismissal or Public Vindication?
Former FBI Director James Comey is now facing two felony charges. Listen here as Michael dives deep into the politics, strategy, and spectacle behind the case…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Shutdown Stalemate: Partisan Politics Gone Too Far
Michael takes a hard look at the ongoing government shutdown and asks the critical question: Who’s really to blame? Drawing on William F. Buckley’s famous…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is America Too Broken to Fix?
Michael breaks down today's poll question: Do you think America's political system can still address the nation's problems or is it too politically divided to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Is Gen Z Unemployable? Suzy Welch Drops A Bombshell
Michael sits down with Suzy Welch—NYU professor, journalist, and author of "Becoming You", to unpack her provocative Wall Street Journal essay that asked: Is…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Shutdown Showdown: Which Party Takes the Political Hit?
Michael Smerconish breaks down today's critical poll question: Which party faces more political risk from the government shutdown? He dives into how healthcare…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Mark Halperin On How the Shutdown Could End Today
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest political stories of the week. From the government shutdown…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will Hispanic Voters Shift Right, Like White Working-Class Voters Did?
Will Hispanic voters ultimately drift rightward, as so-called ethnic whites once did? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com...drawing lessons from the…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Admiral Stavridis: Hegseth’s Speech Was a Pep Rally with No Impact
When Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 800 of America’s top generals and admirals to Quantico — with President Trump making a surprise appearance — it was an…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Inside Quantico: Should We Fear Trump & Hegseth's Big Meeting?
Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there anything inherently wrong with the Department of War summoning senior military leaders to…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The New Status Symbol: A Memoir for Your Kids
Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Ensign joins Michael to explore a surprising new trend: wealthy retirees are hiring professional writers to craft their…
- The Smerconish Podcast
The Rise of Retributive Justice — and Why It Must End
Michael is on the west coast today, having appeared on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday night. He shares stories from his time there, and then moves…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Will Kamala Harris' Book Ruin a Future Presidential Run
Despite a long day of travel ahead, Michael Smerconish shares his thoughts on today's daily poll question: "Is Kamala Harris’ book release and media tour…
- The Smerconish Podcast
Political Violence Is Here In America — But It's Not What You Think
New York Times' Jia Lynn Yang joins Michael to unpack America’s disturbing new era of political violence. From the assassination of Charlie Kirk to nihilistic…