Michael Smerconish closes out the 2024–25 graduation season by looking back on the commencement addresses he’s delivered over the years—and the one that got canceled. From standing in a downpour at Widener University to confronting cancellation at Dickinson, Michael shares the messages of perseverance, citizenship, and civility he’s brought to graduates across the country. It’s a personal, powerful look at what he’s learned and what he still hopes to say. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...
Jun 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1419
When a plane crashes in India, killing over 240 people and sparing just one, Michael Smerconish turns to survival expert and author Ben Sherwood. The former ABC News President, now Publisher/CEO of The Daily Beast is the bestselling author of "The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life." Together they explore the science, strategy, and even spirituality behind surviving catastrophe—from airplane disasters to life’s worst moments. This conversation reveals what truly se...
Jun 13, 2025•19 min
Michael and TC talk about California Senator Alex Padilla's (D) appearance at a press conference that HHS Secretary Kristi Noem was holding, where he was forcibly removed and detained for a short time. Michael takes note of the partisan silos everyone is falling in to when analyzing this incident - but his take is more nuanced, and he makes it clear that Secretary Noem is not to blame in this situation. Original air date 13 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.ads...
Jun 13, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1418
Michael offers a nuanced take on Israel attacking Iran last night. He unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question, which asks "Do you favor or oppose Israel’s attack against Iran?" Listen to him talk about what it means for U.S.-Israel relations, and the looming risk of a wider war. Plus, thoughts on immigration protests, political optics, and why this moment may change everything. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...
Jun 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1417
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Elisa Shearer to unpack new data on media trust in America. Why do Republicans overwhelmingly trust only Fox News and Joe Rogan, while Democrats rely on a much broader mix of outlets? What does this growing media divide mean for political discourse—and democracy itself? A revealing conversation on the trust crisis shaping the nation's news diet. It is summarized in the piece she co-authored, "The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources." O...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1416
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “What is most to blame for the escalation of immigration related protests — the protesters, the president, or the media?” Michael breaks down the timing, media dynamics, political implications, and public perception of recent protests. Plus, he shares his own vote — and why he thinks the media plays a bigger role than many believe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data ...
Jun 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1415
Michael Smerconish and 2WAY's Mark Halperin break down how the media’s obsession with Trump vs. CA Gov. Newsom is drowning out critical issues—from military use on U.S. streets and immigration realities to rare earth dependencies on China. Plus, a fiery look back at Senator Tom Cotton’s controversial NYT op-ed on sending troops, and why Democrats keep losing the immigration narrative. Hard truths, sharp insight, and no spin: Rate, Review and Share this podcast! Original air date 11 June 2025. Ho...
Jun 11, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1414
What level of coverage should the media afford the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade? That's the poll question at Smerconish.com today. Michael dives into the controversy over a massive military celebration in D.C., complete with tanks, fighter jets, and 7,000 personnel. With Trump’s birthday falling on the same day, some say it’s more about politics than patriotism. Should major networks broadcast it—or sit it out? Michael explores media responsibility, national pride, and viewer bias in this r...
Jun 11, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1413
This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, optics, and political symbolism. Is this a patriotic celebration or ...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1412
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolu...
Jun 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 1411
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters who are no longer aligning themselves with the party, many even becoming more conservative. These are younger men who feel ignored, ridiculed, left behind in education, the labor force, the dating pool, and other areas. Listen to find out what this project entails, and what she is finding out. Original air date 9 June 2025. Hosted by Simplec...
Jun 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1410
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it’s about who we hire, why w...
Jun 09, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1409
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Michael Smerconish is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower (Who was the first NATO Supreme Allied Commander), Ukraine's bold strike deep into Russia, rising tensions with Iran, the Trump-Musk feud and its global stakes, and the controversy over renaming Navy ships during Pride Month. A gripping conversation on leadership, accountability, and the state of the world in 2025. Origina...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1408
Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud, their mutual vulnerabilities, and why a truce might be on the horizon. Listen in for Michael’s insider commentary on today's sizzling poll question, and the political and business stakes of this heavyweight clash. Then head to Smerconish.com and vote on the question: "Who could inflict the most damage to the other: Musk or Trump?" Hosted by...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1407
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is considering renaming several US Navy ships that are named after civil rights icons. One in particular is the U.S.S. Harvey Milk, a ship that carries oil at sea in support of other Navy vessels. It is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Michael is joined by New York Times Reporter John Ismay, who is covering this story. He reports on the Pentagon and defense, and is a veteran. Original air date 5 June...
Jun 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1406
Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S. colleges reduce foreign enrollment to better preserve American social mobility and promote national unity?" Drawing on a provocative New York Times essay by Princeton professor David Bell, he explores the complex trade-offs behind foreign student enrollment—from economic benefits and global prestige to issues of fairness, access, and national c...
Jun 05, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1405
Find more about Rob Lawless here. Find more about The Mingle Project here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1405
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a high-octane breakdown of the week’s biggest—and most overlooked—stories in U.S. politics. Elon Musk's surprise criticism of Trump's economic bill has reportedly infuriated the President, but is it a distraction from deeper GOP infighting and dysfunction? Halperin peels back the curtain on the real stories happening beneath the headlines—including the surprising influence of Stephen Miller, the chaos inside Trump's HHS and Defense ...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1404
Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump’s major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and more. Musk calls it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ Has the billionaire, who just left his 'DOGE' position at the White House, just derailed Trump's agenda? Michael Smerconish breaks it all down, from fiscal policy to political fallout. Listen in, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Did Elon Musk just kill Trump’s “big, beauti...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1403
Following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado were 8 people were injured by a man attacking them with a flame thrower and Molotov cocktails. The victims who were burned were marching in a parade in support of Israel. Michael turns to Dr. Robert A. Pape, who has researched and taught on this is type of violence, for expertise. He is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs. Original air date 2 June 2...
Jun 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1402
Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into this provocative issue, drawing on fresh polling data, recent high school sports controversies, and the political weaponization of the issue in campaign ads. It’s a nuanced conversation at the intersection of athletics, civil rights, and public sentiment—don’t miss it. Listen, then vote at Smerc...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1401
Legal heavyweight John Yoo joins Michael in studio to unpack everything from Trump’s war rhetoric and potential suspension of habeas corpus to immigration law, presidential overreach, and Harvard’s political battles. From rejecting a White House job offer to defending the Constitution—this episode goes deep on law, politics, and power. A legal scholar and former government official in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the Universit...
Jun 02, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1400
On today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is being used to unfairly blame Joe Biden for Donald Trump's election?” After recently interviewing former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson about their new political thriller, Michael shares insights on the book’s surprising substance—particularly Clinton’s vision for tackling the national debt, tucked into a beach ...
Jun 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1399
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...
May 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1398
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, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1397
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection an...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1396
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, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1395
Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
May 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1394
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, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1393
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, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1392
