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.
1583 Episodes
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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 “phone book” quote, Michael argues that Congress has become more dysfunctional than ever, with partisan politics and grandstanding replacing real compromise. With more than 700,000 federal workers furloughed and key programs in limbo, Michael explains how both parties are playing to their bases instead of governing for the country. This commentary is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the roots of the current Washington stalemate and what it says about the state of American democracy in 2025. Original air date 3 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 solve its problems? He compares his audience’s response to recent New York Times data, explores the roots of our division, and shares shocking stats — like why only 28% of Americans trust the media and why 3 in 10 think political violence may be necessary. Plus, what really drives extremism in U.S. politics and how we might start fixing it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 Gen Z unemployable? Welch’s research found that only 2% of Gen Z shares the core values most prized by employers, like achievement and a strong work ethic. Instead, young workers are prioritizing self-care, authenticity, and purpose—sparking a growing clash between companies and new hires. Michael and Suzy dive deep into the data, the pushback from Gen Z, and what this generational disconnect means for the future of work, parenting, and American competitiveness. Original air date 2 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael Smerconish breaks down today's critical poll question: Which party faces more political risk from the government shutdown? He dives into how healthcare is at the heart of the standoff, and what the latest polling data reveals about public perception. Plus, reflections on Hispanic voting trends, the "Hard Hat Riot," and how history might be repeating itself. A can’t-miss episode for political junkies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 and who’s most likely to take the blame, to President Biden’s approval numbers, the Comey indictment, and the surprising twists in the New York City mayoral race, they cover it all. Halperin shares why the shutdown could end sooner than most expect, why Democrats may be politically vulnerable, and how Andrew Cuomo’s comeback campaign might not be over yet. Plus, the two dive into the consequences of political prosecutions, the role of the military in domestic crises, and whether Americans are as engaged with D.C. drama as pundits think. Original air date 1 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 1970s “Hard Hat Riot” and the political realignment of working-class whites, Michael explores whether Democrats face an existential threat if Hispanic voters follow a similar path. He also revisits President Trump and War Secretary Hegseth's remarks to military generals yesterday, plus touching on his latest YouTube Episode of "The Mingle Project." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 unprecedented show of force. But was it effective, or just political theater? Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, joins Michael Smerconish to share a candid gut check on Hegseth’s remarks. Original air date 30 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there anything inherently wrong with the Department of War summoning senior military leaders to Quantico?" He explains why his answer is “no,” explores the concerns behind such a high-level gathering, and reflects on recent poll results about political violence and rhetoric. Plus, a preview of today’s Mingle Project episode with Dr. Brian Rosenwald on the history of talk radio. Listen here, then vote! And please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Ensign joins Michael to explore a surprising new trend: wealthy retirees are hiring professional writers to craft their family memoirs — sometimes spending tens of thousands, even six figures, to do it. From revealing secrets to preserving heritage, these personal histories aren’t meant for bookstores, but for children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Is this a priceless legacy, or a self-indulgent luxury? Hear Michael and callers share their own experiences with capturing family stories. Original air date 18 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 on to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com, where he's asking you: "Will the trend of retributive prosecutions persist beyond the Trump administration?" From Alvin Bragg to Fani Willis to the new Comey indictment, Michael lays out why he believes the weaponization of justice is one of the greatest threats facing democracy today. Listen here, then cast your vote at Smerconish.com! And please rate and review this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 enhancing or diminishing her prospects to one day be elected president?" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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 acts with unclear ideology, are we witnessing the collapse of coherent political conflict — or the rise of something even more dangerous? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael Smerconish digs into today’s poll question: Is the rise in political violence driven by rhetoric or deeper societal issues? Citing expert research, tragic examples, and his own Mingle Project, he explores how loneliness, disconnection, and despair—especially among young men—are fueling a dangerous trend. Plus, a fiery fact-check on JD Vance’s claims and thoughts on how we can start to fix what’s broken. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this special bonus episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael reflects on the life and legacy of Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent, who passed away this week at the age of 80 (1945-2025). In the opening minutes, Michael shares personal memories of the Hall of Fame goaltender, recalling Bernie’s impact on the city, his larger-than-life personality, and the joy he brought to fans. Following the remembrance, we revisit a 2008 archive conversation between Michael and Bernie. In this interview, Bernie opens up about his career, his philosophy on life, and the mindset that made him one of hockey’s most celebrated figures, all while taking calls from listeners that day on WPHT in Philly (February 18, 2008).
This episode is both a tribute and an opportunity to hear Bernie’s voice once more, in his own words. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Michael Smerconish welcomes Chris Cuomo (host of Cuomo on NewsNation) for a candid conversation about the future of late-night TV and Jimmy Kimmel’s place in it. The two dig into Kimmel's removal from the airwaves and subsequent return, his emotional defense, and what it reveals about media, politics, and free speech in today’s polarized climate. Cuomo argues that the real issue isn’t “state action” from the FCC but market forces—and how networks respond when audiences push back. Original air date 24 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this episode, Michael explores:Kimmel’s emotional on-air response following criticism.The shifting late-night landscape and declining broadcast TV audiences.How younger viewers are consuming late-night comedy through clips, not full shows.The bigger cultural conversation: Are the days of shared television experiences over?Plus, Michael connects today’s debate to The Mingle Project, reflecting on how fragmented viewing habits impact our ability to share cultural touchstones. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY) recently joined SiriusXM with a weekly show on Progress Channel 127, a sister channel to POTUS 124, where Michael's show is heard. The day of the Governor's radio debut, Michael welcomed him for a conversation and had some advice for how to succeed in bringing "The Andy Beshear Podcast" to the radio airwaves. It's not as obvious and easy as it seems. Original air date 9 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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On today’s episode, Michael digs into today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Would you discourage a pregnant family member or friend from taking Tylenol?" With conflicting studies, heated political commentary, and widespread public confusion, Michael unpacks the science, the headlines, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Having watched the entire Charlie Kirk Memorial, Michael reflects on what he saw, objecting only to the "us vs. them" characterization of the assassination. Original air date 22 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today’s poll question is a contentious one: Should the U.S. join allies like Australia, Britain, Canada, and France in recognizing a Palestinian state? Michael Smerconish breaks down the complex geopolitical, moral, and humanitarian implications — from Netanyahu’s West Bank strategy to the erosion of global sympathy for Israel after 10/7. Tune in for a deeply personal, thought-provoking take on one of the world’s most volatile conflicts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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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.