Is voting by mail secure? With President Trump vowing to ban it and bringing election integrity back in the spotlight, Michael explores the real data behind mail-in voting. From Civil War history to MIT studies to recent political firestorms, this episode breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s at stake for 2026 and 2028. Spoiler: The fraud rate is lower than your chances of getting struck by lightning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for informa...
Aug 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1508
Could Donald Trump ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Michael speaks with with University of Agder Professor Dr. Øyvind Tønnesson, a former advisor to the Nobel Institute, for a provocative conversation about peace, politics, and character. With historical insight and sharp commentary, they debate whether Trump — even if he brokered peace in Ukraine — would ever be a viable candidate. An unmissable episode about power, perception, and the most prestigious prize on earth. Original air date 19...
Aug 19, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1507
Michael dives into one of the most provocative poll questions he's ever posed: Should Ukraine join NATO — and should the United States invoke Article 5 and go to war with Russia? What prompted such a bold ask? A pattern of consistently hawkish responses from his audience on past Ukraine-related poll questions. With 79% recently supporting U.S. troop deployment to enforce peace in Ukraine, Michael wonders: Are we ready to go all the way? He breaks down historical poll results, examines the implic...
Aug 19, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1506
In this eye-opening episode, Michael Smerconish sits down with body language expert Chris Ulrich , founder of CU in the Moment , to analyze the high-stakes optics of the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Anchorage . What did the red carpet, the handshake, the subtle smirks, and even the way the leaders stood and sat reveal about power, control, and unspoken dynamics? Ulrich, a seasoned consultant in nonverbal communication and behavioral dynamics, breaks down the symbolism and stagecraft that played...
Aug 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1505
Michael dives deep into today’s provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should President Trump commit to deploying U.S. troops alongside those of European nations to provide security to Ukraine once hostilities have ended?" With major diplomatic moves unfolding and Europe pushing for security guarantees, Michael breaks down what’s at stake, why this moment matters, and what the public really thinks. All this just after the "Alaska Summit" on Friday between Trump and Putin, and before Trump...
Aug 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1504
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why adding a fifth face—like Donald Trump’s—is more complicated than it sounds. From the original sculptor’s vision to political dreams and structural realities, this episode dives deep into one of America's most iconic monuments—and the controversy swirling around it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for inf...
Aug 15, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1503
Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were voting before listening to this episode...it's important, eye-opening, and isolating: Drawing from new Gallup data, cultural commentary, and The “Mingle Project,” he argues that a growing lack of social connection is to blame. Plus, reflections on the Ukraine war, the Trump-Putin summit. A must-list...
Aug 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1502
In this episode, Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to dissect the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage. With Zelensky absent from the table, can any deal truly hold? Admiral Stavridis offers sharp analysis on the potential for a ceasefire, the personalities involved, historical parallels, and why he thinks a resolution could be just six months away. A must-listen on diplomacy, strategy, and the global consequences of this pivotal meetin...
Aug 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1501
Will the war between Russia and Ukraine end within the next six months? Michael shares his surprising take on today's Smerconsih.com Poll Question—and why he’s leading with his heart, not his head. Plus, analysis of the Trump-Putin summit, body language predictions, and what a peace deal might really require. Listen here, rate and review this podcast, and vote at smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of ...
Aug 14, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1500
New Gallup data shows U.S. alcohol consumption has hit a record low—and Republicans are leading the trend. Michael digs into the numbers, which reveal a surprising 20-point drop in drinking among GOP'ers. He explores the cultural and political factors at play, and takes calls from listeners on whether it’s weed, wellness, or something deeper driving Americans to drink less. Original air date 13 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...
Aug 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1499
Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From Trump’s National Guard plan in DC to a groundbreaking academic paper, this episode dives deep into whether our justice system is prioritizing the wrong solutions. With insights from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and scholarly work you’ve probably never heard of, this is one you don’t want to miss. Listen here, then rate and ...
Aug 13, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1498
Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to our nation's capital — despite data showing crime is at a 30-year low. Listen to his sharp commentary, and what our audience has to say about it. Original air date 12 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1497
Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind the shift, and how cannabis is becoming an 80/20 issue. Plus, reflections on Trump-Putin peace talks and the strategic optics behind Zelensky’s possible absence. Don’t miss this blend of politics, polling, and pot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal ...
Aug 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1496
Psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar joins Michael to discuss the rise of FAFO (“F*** Around and Find Out”) parenting — a viral, consequence-driven style gaining popularity as a backlash to gentle parenting. Komisar explains why she believes both extremes miss the mark, and why the real solution lies in combining empathy with firm limits. What went wrong in raising Gen Z? Are we too sensitive — or not sensitive enough? This episode dives deep into the parenting pendulum, resilience, and what k...
Aug 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1495
Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return all the territory it has seized since the 2022 invasion? With peace talks possibly on the horizon, he explores the harsh realities behind public sentiment, Gallup polling, and what Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. may have to compromise. Plus, thoughts on Trump, Zelensky, and whether a “win” is even possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...
Aug 11, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1494
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his surprising 2026 run for Michigan governor—as an independent. Duggan talks about Detroit's remarkable comeback, why he’s breaking from the Democratic Party, and how he plans to disrupt the political status quo. Can he really win without a party? This conversation might change your mind. Original air date 5 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...
Aug 08, 2025•12 min
Learn more about The Mingle Project. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1493
A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan’s emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legality in America. Listen here, then head over to Smerconish.com and let us know your thoughts. Hosted by...
Aug 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1492
Learn more about Michael's Mingle Project here. Diana Lind is author of the New Urban Order Substack and a recent visiting fellow at the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Aug 07, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1491
Listen to Michael's conversation with Garrett Graff, author of The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 07, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1490
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible replacement for Jerome Powell, to the shaping of the 2028 presidential field—including a potential JD Vance–Marco Rubio ticket—this episode dives deep. Plus: What’s really going on with redistricting, Josh Shapiro’s future, and the Epstein-Maxwell media black hole? Don’t miss this inside look at the power dynamics reshaping American politics. H...
Aug 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1489
Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it’s happening, and how you can find out if you live in a distorted district. Prompted by today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com (“Do you live in a gerrymandered legislative district?”), this episode offers a clear, engaging primer on political redistricting, the history behind it, and the real-life consequences playing out in places like Texas. Plus, hear Michael’s thoughts on how fai...
Aug 06, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1488
Michael reflects on an extraordinary day in Boston, where he addressed thousands of state lawmakers attending the National Conference of State Legislators annual legislative summit. From powerful speeches about bipartisanship and political violence — including emotional remarks from a Minnesota state senator who survived an attack — to a candid fireside chat with Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Michael shares what he saw, heard, and believes we must do next to repair America’s broken...
Aug 05, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1487
Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how they are shutting the door on political canvassers. With stories of incivility, political violence, and societal disconnect, Michael explores what it means to engage (or not engage) with politics today, starting at your own front door! Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks: Do you open your door to a pol...
Aug 05, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1486
In this gripping episode, Michael dives deep into the decades-old unsolved murder of 9-year-old Marise Chiverella from Hazelton, Pennsylvania. After 57 years, this cold case was cracked thanks to the groundbreaking work of Eric Schubert, an 18-year-old college student and genetic genealogist. Learn how Eric's unique skills and determination helped the Pennsylvania State Police identify the killer through DNA and family tree research — all while balancing college life. Then, hear about some amazi...
Aug 04, 2025•41 min•Ep. 1485
Michael broadcasts from Boston ahead of his speech to the National Conference of State Legislators, reflecting on political violence, viral poll results, and a provocative question at Smerconish.com today: "Would you support a reduced sentence for Ghislaine Maxwell if her testimony resulted in the conviction of other sex offenders?" Plus, why her recent transfer to a low-security facility could signal something bigger — and what it means in the Trump-era political landscape. Hosted by Simplecast...
Aug 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1484
A woman is brutally murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The incident is caught on video. What happens next? An outpouring of online celebration, racialized commentary, and digital glee over a real-life tragedy. Michael Smerconish speaks with Maya Sulkin, reporter for The Free Press, about her viral piece: “She Was Murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The Internet Celebrated It.” Sulkin shares what she believes this grotesque digital response says about the state of our culture, how social media distorts em...
Aug 01, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1483
Today’s poll question dives into a surprisingly nostalgic and controversial topic: Should we reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools? Michael takes a trip down memory lane—from pizza days and posture checks at Doyle Elementary to the shower policies of junior high PE classes—and unpacks how the fitness test became a cultural milestone. With Trump advocating for its return ahead of America’s semi quincentennial, and critics arguing it promotes outdated standards, Michael explores ...
Aug 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1482
For decades, Canadians viewed the United States with a mix of admiration, envy, and affection — but Donald Trump may have shattered that dynamic. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with New York Magazine writer Simon van Zuylen-Wood about his eye-opening article that explores the deep and growing frustration many Canadians feel toward America, particularly over Trump’s rise, rhetoric, and resilience in U.S. politics. Original air date 31 July, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...
Jul 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 1481
Kamala Harris has bowed out of a California gubernatorial bid; but does that mean she’s all-in for a 2028 presidential run? In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish digs into the strategic moves (and missed opportunities) behind the former VP’s decision and explores why her path to the Democratic nomination is anything but clear. From age dynamics to her vetting of 2028 rivals like Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore, Smerconish unpacks the political chessboard — and makes a bold prediction. Cast your vote...
Jul 31, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1480
