Claim OwnershipThe Smerconish Podcast
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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.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
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Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter) — a piece that captures the intensity of America’s overheated political climate. After wrestling with the heaviness of the moment, he shifts gears to lighten things up with a conversation on film. Joined by Daniel Fienberg, chief TV critic of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael dives into their list of the 25 greatest sports movies of all time. From Rocky to Slapshot, Hoosiers to Caddyshack, they debate the classics, defend the surprises, and argue over what really belongs in the top tier.
It’s an episode that moves from sobering reflection to cinematic joy — capturing both the weight of our times and the relief of a good escape. Original air date 12 September 2025.
**NOTE: This podcast episode began recording while suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was still at-large. While Michael was recording this (and live on YouTube), the news broke that President Trump announced that a suspect was in custody.**
Is America entering a new and dangerous phase? Peggy Noonan argues the assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point, one that could reverberate in troubling ways. Michael discusses her column and today’s poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks:
"Do you agree with Peggy Noonan: The assassination of Charlie Kirk feels different... like a hinge point... that is going to reverberate in new dark ways?" Listen here, then vote. And, please rate and review this podcast.
Michael speaks with Dr. Alan Wiseman of Vanderbilt University about groundbreaking new research into the education divide in American politics. Once, both parties in Congress shared a common bond: many lawmakers, regardless of ideology, came from elite universities. Today, that landscape has dramatically shifted. While Democrats have largely maintained their ties to Ivy League and other selective institutions, Republicans have moved sharply away from them. Dr. Wiseman explains how this 50-year transformation has reshaped Congress, what it reveals about polarization, and why the educational background of lawmakers may be just as important as their party affiliation. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of education, politics, and democracy itself. Original air date 11 September 2025.
On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America’s toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com.
He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very angry social media reaction to him), and the deeper issues he believes are fueling a “sick” and polarized nation. From the dangers of jumping to conclusions to the role of isolation, technology, and fractured communities, Michael ties the moment to the themes he’s been raising for years: the urgent need for engagement, empathy, and connection.
Balancing remembrance of September 11, 2001 with analysis of September 11, 2025 — listen to this conversation conversation about grief, anger, division, and whether there’s still a path back to unity.
In this episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about Israel’s controversial strike in Qatar and the fallout for U.S. alliances, hostage negotiations, and the wider Middle East. Stavridis also weighs in on rising tensions in Europe after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace. Afterward, Michael takes listener calls that reveal the deep divisions among Americans over Israel, Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy. Original air date 10 September 2025.
A viral moment at a Phillies game has the internet fired up — but should we just leave “Phillies Karen” alone?
In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into the debate surrounding a now-infamous ballpark incident involving a woman dubbed “Phillies Karen.” From listener calls and powerful personal stories to reflections on empathy and cancel culture, this discussion goes far beyond a viral clip. Plus, Michael shares a moving passage from Patti Davis about Ronald Reagan and the timeless lesson of kindness — and ties it all together with a must-watch Chick-fil-A training video that might just change how you see the world.
🎯 Daily Poll Question: “Agree/Disagree: Leave Phillies Karen alone?”
Tap to listen, vote on the poll at Smerconish.com, and subscribe for more thoughtful takes on the stories that matter.
A Phillies home run sparked a viral moment, an internet witch hunt, and a national debate over civility. Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy surrounding "Philly Karen," the unidentified woman who walked off with a ball meant for a kid. Should she be outed? Has the internet gone too far? Listeners weigh in—with surprising takes. Original air date 9 September 2025.
In this episode, Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question: Which is more politically damaging to Donald Trump — his denial of involvement in the Epstein birthday video, or the greeting itself? With approval ratings, looming elections, and other elements to worry about, every headline counts. Michael breaks down the implications, public reactions, and what this strange controversy reveals about modern political optics. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com! And please rate and review this podcast.
Michael speaks with New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Philipps about a shocking top-secret SEAL Team 6 mission in North Korea that went fatally off-course. What started as a high-stakes intelligence op to spy on Kim Jong Un quickly escalated into deadly chaos — and could have derailed nuclear negotiations. Hear the behind-the-scenes details and the journalistic debate over whether the public should ever know. Original air date 8 September 2025.
Michael explores today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should the New York Times have revealed a secret 2019 Navy SEALs operation in North Korea?" He doesn't share his final answer here yet — because he still has more questions, for when on today's radio program on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 he speaks with Dave Philipps at the New York Times about this story, and he'll get those answers. Join the conversation as he weighs the public’s right to know against national security concerns.
Veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to dissect the deepening educational divide in American politics. Why are Republicans dominating among non-college voters? Can Democrats win back the working class? And is Trump a cause—or a symptom—of something much bigger? From voting patterns to shifting political power in the South and West, this episode offers a critical look at the structural forces shaping the future of U.S. elections. Original air date 5 September 2025.
In today’s episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. military conduct lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters without a formal declaration of war? Plus, new developments in the Epstein investigation stir strange political alliances: hear how yesterday's poll turned out as well.
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to unpack China’s military parade, Russia’s escalating aggression, and Trump’s explosive claim of a deadly drug boat strike in the Caribbean. Was it justified—or just political theater? Get expert insight on global power plays in this dynamic conversation with a former four-star Navy Admiral. Original air date 4 September 2025.
Strange bedfellows in Congress are teamed up in asking for the full release of the Epstein files, with four Republicans joining all Democratic representatives in that push. Michael dives in to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com: Will two more Republicans join Reps. Massie, Mace, Boebert, and Greene in supporting the Democrats to release the DOJ's Epstein-Maxwell investigation files? With these unusual alliances forming and the White House calling it a "hostile act," Michael breaks down what’s at stake — and why political momentum may be shifting. Listen here, then rate, review, and share this podcast!
Michael Smerconish reacts to a jaw-dropping development: January 6 rioters, already pardoned by President Trump, are now seeking financial compensation from the U.S. government — drawing comparisons to 9/11 victim funds. Is this a rewriting of history or political theater at its peak? Then, political analyst Mark Halperin joins for a wide-ranging conversation on Trump’s crime messaging, the role of the National Guard in major cities, and what both parties are getting wrong heading into the 2026 midterms. Original air date 3 September 2025.
A violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago leaves nearly 60 shot and 8 dead — should the National Guard be sent in? Michael Smerconish explores Trump’s controversial proposal and its shaky legal footing. That's the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question. Plus, on yesterday's poll question, a heated debate over tax-free tips for certain workers, and the shocking possibility of January 6 rioters receiving government compensation.
After a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate, Michael sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, to unpack the fierce backlash against offering “thoughts and prayers.” Is it a hollow gesture or a necessary human response? They explore how political polarization and social media have turned even grief into a culture war — and what needs to happen after the prayers. Plus, hear Michael's "standard response" that he has written and reads every time there is a mass shooting. It is the same thing...every time.A powerful, timely conversation about compassion, cynicism, and constructive action. Original air date 2 September 2025.
Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to DJs, he unpacks the 68 jobs newly exempt under Trump’s proposed “no tax on tips” plan. Michael shares his own tipping experiences and explains why he thinks this policy might do more harm than good. A must-listen debate on fairness, wages, and the future of tipping in America. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com!
Michael gives listeners a surprise civics pop quiz—straight from Oklahoma’s new teacher screening exam. With controversy swirling around the state’s “anti-woke” education agenda, are these questions just basic knowledge—or politically loaded? Hear real callers take the test, debate the motives behind it, and weigh in on whether teachers should be required to pass such an exam. Can YOU answer all five questions? Original air date 20 August 2025.
Michael Smerconish speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and harassment against local officials—from school board members to township supervisors. Why are these public servants under siege, and what can be done to stop the violence? A sobering look at the state of American democracy, backed by data and personal accounts. Original air date 22 August 2025.
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The poll questions were all devised by financial organizations or researchers. What if the studies were more comprehensive and looked at the happiness increases associated with friends or creativity or family or meaning or health? Would 30% more friends make people happier? Would 20% more exercise? 10% more creative pursuits? A larger family? What about time?
Ramaswamy? What a Nazi, he wants to disenfrancise millions of voters?? Between Trump and this guy, it is disturbing that CNN is giving the oxygen of publicity to fascist extremists.
Until this interview I considered Smerconish knowledgeable of history. Liberation of what? Man this was disappointing.
6 headlines crammed between 60 commercials in under 25 minutes. Thanks, but no thanks.
Hi.. my opinion is that the government should issue at the age of adulthood to every citizen.. 1 rifle 1 shotgun 1 pistol any other firearms are may not be used or sold.. getting rid of current stock beguns now
The 13% that said "no" should be deported to an island of nazis.
How the fuck does an Admiral and scholar like this have the absolute poorest audio quality ever. Get a microphone folks. A real one.