The Smerconish Podcast - podcast cover

The Smerconish Podcast

SiriusXM
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

Thank You, Elon Musk

Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at DOGE. The first draft of what he's written (and delivers here) may or may not have been fueled by a drink and a cigar. Musk is leaving his role at DOGE and the federal government to return full time at Tesla and SpaceX. Original air date 30 May 2025.

May 30, 202528 minEp. 1398

TACO: Is Trump Hoping the Courts Kill His Tariffs?

Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump’s trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump’s real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at Smercon...

May 30, 202513 minEp. 1397

Trump’s Tariff Defeat Might Be a Political Win...For All

A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this really a political loss for Trump, or a strategic win? GOP strategist David Urban joins to discuss how this could actually help Trump moving forward. Plus: What this means for markets, businesses, and the future of U.S. trade policy.

May 29, 202523 minEp. 1396

High-Stakes Institutional Battles: Trump vs. Big Law, The Media, and Academia

Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on ...

May 29, 202514 minEp. 1395

From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The Free Speech Line in Schools

A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does th...

May 28, 202517 minEp. 1393

Come On In For A Hug, Bro

What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the quiet epidemic of male loneliness. From childhood sleepovers to adult solitude, Graham-Felsen explores how once-intense male friendships fade with age—and what that says about masculinity, society, and emotional intimacy today. Together, they unpack historical shifts, social norms, and powerful data showing that American men are increasing...

May 27, 202535 minEp. 1392

Russia-Ukraine: Is This the Beginning of the End of the War — or the End of Peace?

Michael breaks down today’s poll question: "Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the Russia-Ukraine war — or the end of any hope for peace?" He dives into Trump’s wild Memorial Day posts, Putin’s brutal escalation, and why he fears Ukraine may be on the losing end. A sobering, can't-miss episode for anyone tracking global conflict and U.S. foreign policy.

May 27, 202516 minEp. 1391

This Is The Facial Recognition Technology Nightmare Scenario That We Have Been Worried About

For two years, police in New Orleans secretly relied on facial recognition technology to scan city streets in search of suspects. It is a surveillance method without any known precedent - Michael talks about it with Nathan Freed Wessler, Deputy Director of the ACLU's Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. Original air date 20 May 2025.

May 23, 202521 minEp. 1390

Should Cops Be Believed On The Witness Stand? Smerconish Breaks Down Today’s Poll Question

In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into a thought-provoking question inspired by his own jury summons: Would you be more or less likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of his or her job? As part of today's poll at Smerconish.com, Michael explores the nuances behind public trust in law enforcement and shares how his own views have evolved over the years. But that’s not all—this episode takes a personal turn as Michael recounts fascinating stories from his trial lawyer day...

May 23, 202524 minEp. 1389

Admiral Stavridis Drops Godfather Wisdom on Graduates—And It’s Brilliant

What do Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” and Colin Powell’s life rules have in common? According to Admiral James Stavridis—quite a bit. Listen in as Michael sits down with the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander to unpack his bold and unconventional commencement address recently delivered at Adelphi University. Drawing surprising leadership lessons from The Godfather, Stavridis inspires graduates with wisdom from Don Corleone to Colin Powell. The conversation then widens to geopolitics including N...

May 22, 202529 minEp. 1388

Qatari Jetgate: Will Trump Take Off in His $400M Presidential Plane?

Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times report detailing the backdoor deal, the secret talks, and the national security concerns over retrofitting the jet for presidential use. Will Trump cut corners to get in the air fast? Plus: the ethical firestorm over Trump's private dinner with crypto investors, meme coins, and the biggest questions yet about presidential pay-to-play politics. ...

May 22, 202523 minEp. 1387

A Nation of Strangers: Do you know and trust your neighbor?

Michael sits down with Laura Silver, Associate Director at the Pew Research Center, to unpack the state of trust and neighborly connections in America. Drawing on the latest 2025 Pew survey data, they explore whether Americans still trust most people, know their neighbors, or engage in simple acts of kindness like watering plants or making small talk in a grocery store. From the decline of local media to the rise of digital isolation, this episode covers why Americans report more willingness to ...

May 21, 202525 minEp. 1386

The Case for—and Against—Facial Recognition on Every Corner

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should police be permitted to use facial recognition technology in public spaces to identify and locate individuals wanted by law enforcement? Michael dives into the legal, ethical, and privacy implications of this controversial tool, sparked by a revealing Washington Post investigation and insights from a leading ACLU expert. Where should we draw the line between safety and surveillance? The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query eac...

May 21, 202515 minEp. 1385

The "Stealthy Wealthy": Rich, Quiet, and Right Next Door

Michael invites the professor of Economics and Public Affairs from Princeton University's Department of Economics and School of Public and International Affairs Dr. Owen Zidar, to talk about the "Stealthy Wealthy". Dr. Zidar breaks down the demographic of wealthy Americans who "make their money the boring way". Original air date 20 May 2025.

May 20, 202535 minEp. 1384

Lights, Camera, Campaign! Could Celebs Be the Dems' Secret Weapon?

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: "To counter Donald Trump's influence, should the Democratic Party recruit and embrace celebrity candidates?" Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks...

May 20, 202519 minEp. 1383

Biden Battles Cancer: The Diagnosis Everyone’s Talking About

Michael wishes Godspeed to President Joe Biden. According to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday, former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. He received This prostate cancer diagnosis on Friday, with a Gleason score of 9. Original air date 19 May 2025.

May 19, 202540 minEp. 1382

Most People Can Be Trusted… Or Can They?

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Agree or disagree: "Most people can be trusted." Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday.

May 19, 202520 minEp. 1381

How Does One Become A Four-Star Navy Admiral? James Stavridis Tells Us

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently ordered a 20% cut in four-star military officers. What exactly do those four stars mean and represent? Michael talks to Admiral James Stavridis - a retired four star Navy Admiral. A fascinating inside look into this really high military rank. Original air date 6 May 2025.

May 16, 202515 minEp. 1380

Is James Comey's "86 47" post a threat to President Trump?

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Was James Comey's "86 47" social media post a threat to President Trump? Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekd...

May 16, 202518 minEp. 1379

Danny on Diddy

SiriusXM Celebrity Guest Host (and NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst) Danny Cevallos breaks down the trial of music star Sean "Diddy" Combs. If you know nothing about this fascinating legal case, this is the explainer you want to listen to. Cevallos notes Combs' defense team argues that he is "not on trial for" domestic violence, assault, or rape. The prosecution argues otherwise, of course. On a day that Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura continued testifying on the stand, listen here for the expert leg...

May 15, 202521 minEp. 1378

Breaking Down Birthright: Who Deserves U.S. Citizenship?

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should citizenship be automatically granted to those born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily? Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a gre...

May 15, 202526 minEp. 1377

Mark Halperin on "Original Sin" : Revelations or No News?

Mark Halperin shares what insight he got into President Joe Biden's administration and potential coverups of the former President's health, from what has been made public so far in Jake Tapper's new book "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again", which is due to be released next week. Original air date 14 May 2025.

May 14, 202536 minEp. 1376

What Did Team Biden Hide? Shocking Insights Revealed

In efforts to shield President Biden from scrutiny over his health, were his aides primarily engaged in rationalization or deliberate scheming? That is today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com. Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast!

May 14, 202523 minEp. 1375

Different Is Hot: Arthur Brooks On How To Get Young People To Mingle

Arthur C. Brooks is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and the host of the How to Build a Happy Life podcast. He is also a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. Brooks is the author of 13 books, including the No. 1 New York Times best seller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life and Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier...

May 13, 202534 minEp. 1374

A Jet, A President, and a Possible Impeachment

The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday.

May 13, 202521 minEp. 1373

Politics of the Papacy: Was the First American Pope Chosen to Counter Trump?

In the wake of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—Michael Smerconish speaks with veteran catholic commentator and journalist Rocco Palmo about the political and spiritual dimensions of this surprising choice. Was Cardinal Robert Prevost’s ascension a subtle rebuke to Donald Trump? How did his social media history, global experience, and American identity shape the College of Cardinals’ decision? Michael and Rocco dive deep into the papal election, Catholic politics, an...

May 12, 202528 minEp. 1372

Buy American or Save Money? Smerconish Breaks Down the Trade-Off

The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday.

May 12, 202519 minEp. 1371

A BODY IN THE SNOW: Michael Smerconish Is Totally Consumed By The Karen Read Case

A deep dive into the case of the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, in which Karen Read, who was in a relationship with O'Keefe, is accused of killing him in January 2022. The first trial resulted in a hung jury, the second is now underway. Michael gets the full briefing on what has happened in this conversation with Flint McColgan, reporter at The Boston Herald, after watching the HBO docuseries on the case, "A Body In The Snow." Original air date 9 May 2025.

May 09, 202524 minEp. 1370

When You Mingle, You Flourish: Inside the Global Flourishing Study with Dr. Byron Johnson

Michael Smerconish sits down with Dr. Byron Johnson of Baylor University for a thought-provoking conversation that explores groundbreaking findings from the Global Flourishing Study—the largest longitudinal research effort ever conducted on well-being, spanning 200,000 people across 22 countries. They discuss why wealthier nations like the U.S. may be falling behind in true life satisfaction, the importance of social relationships, and how isolation, technology, and the decline of in-person inte...

May 09, 202521 min
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