In this deeply moving episode, Michael reunites with legendary one-handed MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, whose incredible journey is now the focus of the new ESPN documentary "SOUTHPAW". Abbott shares how he overcame bullying, physical limitations, and public doubt to throw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees—and become an icon of resilience. Hear how he inspired thousands of families, mentored kids with disabilities, and changed the way people think about adversity. Plus, callers share their own rema...
Jul 09, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1449
Michael dives into a hot-button issue with today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should religious leaders be permitted to endorse political candidates in churches and other religious centers without losing their tax-exempt status? The IRS just made a quiet but potentially seismic shift — is this a free speech win or a threat to the separation of church and state? Plus, a look back at yesterday’s poll question results on the alarming study on the decline of children's health in America. Hosted...
Jul 09, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1448
Michael speaks with New York Times reporter Christopher Flavelle about the tragic Texas floods that have claimed over 100 lives so far. They discuss critical staffing shortages at the National Weather Service that may have impacted warnings and emergency response. Then, Michael connects with Texans on the ground to hear their reactions and personal stories from the disaster. Join us as we explore whether this tragedy was preventable and what it reveals about extreme weather, government preparedn...
Jul 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1447
A new study conducted by a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a deeply troubling reality: children in the United States are facing worse health outcomes than their peers in other high-income nations—across nearly every indicator. Michael Smerconish breaks down the findings with insight, urgency, and a bit of personal reflection. From chronic conditions and gun violence to mental health, poverty, and policy failures...
Jul 08, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1446
Michael returns from vacation with a powerful reflection on patriotism in America—then and now. Sparked by a Gallup poll showing record-low pride in the U.S., he compares national data with his own take and responses from the audience. He also revisits a 1985 essay he wrote at age 23 about the American Dream—and unpacks how his perspective has changed over four decades. What does it mean to be “extremely proud” to be American today? And can the U.S. endure another 250 years? A must-listen conver...
Jul 07, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1445
Michael Smerconish returns from vacation with a heavy heart, reflecting on the tragic Texas flood that left dozens dead—many of them children. Was it an unavoidable act of nature or a preventable catastrophe worsened by government staffing shortages and climate denial? Michael dives into today’s smerconish.com poll question, shares personal reflections on flash floods, and previews an important conversation with New York Times journalist Christopher Flavelle on the failures in weather forecastin...
Jul 07, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1444
Michael and audience members take a quiz together on the American Dream, looking to see if it is still possible. The quiz was published in the Washington Post - listen in to find out! Original air date 20 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1443
When President Trump dropped the F-Bomb last week while discussing the cease fire between Iran and Israel, Michael noted its effectiveness, and then moved into a conversation on other effective, public uses of the swear word that is the favorite of many. Enjoy the conversation! Original air date 24 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1442
How much does it cost to be a sports fan today? Try $4,785. Michael Smerconish sits down with journalist Joon Lee to unpack how streaming has splintered sports viewing, inflated fan costs, and eroded one of America’s great cultural touchpoints: watching the game together. From sports bars going silent to six streaming subscriptions just to follow your team, this episode explores the steep financial—and social—price we’re now paying for fandom. Original air date 18 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast...
Jul 01, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1441
Michael dives into the relentless heat wave scorching millions across the U.S. and how climate change is hitting home—literally. From buying carports and generators to battling insurance claims and sky-high AC bills, Michael and callers share personal stories about how extreme weather is disrupting daily life. Is this the new normal? Tune in and take your temperature. Original air date 24 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c...
Jun 30, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1440
Michael notices that President Trump has just had a really great 10 days in his Presidency. Will it last? And does Michael agree with everything that's happened? From Iran to the Supreme Court and everything in between....listen to find out. Original air date 27 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1439
On today's TGIF edition, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest Smerconish.com poll: Will voters who shifted away from Democrats in 2024 return to the party anytime soon? With fresh data from Pew Research, Michael unpacks surprising demographic trends—from Latino voters moving right, to young voter drop-offs, to the impact of Democratic socialism in NYC. Plus: a lighthearted detour into a ChatGPT evaluation of Smerconish... as president. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pc...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1438
Michael Smerconish sits down with veteran NYC political strategist Jordan Barowitz to unpack one of the most shocking political upsets in recent memory. How did Zohran Mamdani, a little-known democratic socialist, surge past establishment figures like Andrew Cuomo to become the likely next mayor of New York City? What does this mean for moderates, for the Democratic Party nationwide, and for the future governance of the most complex city in America? From social media wizardry to anti-Trump backl...
Jun 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1437
Michael dives into today's provocative Smerconish.com poll question: "Is the nomination of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of NYC a winning model for Democrats nationwide?" In this episode, he dissects the stunning upset in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary and explores what it reveals about the Democratic Party’s internal tensions, the power of progressive messaging, and the establishment’s growing disconnect. Is Mamdani's victory a blueprint—or a liability—for Democrats on the national stage? Tun...
Jun 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1436
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack the political earthquake in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani— a self-described Democratic socialist — defeated Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party? Will centrists like Clinton and Bloomberg lose their grip? Plus, analysis on U.S. airstrikes in Iran and their global implications. Real talk, smart insights, no spin. Original air date 25 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1435
Michael dives into today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will we ever know the true impact of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites? With conflicting reports from Trump, the Pentagon, Israeli intel, and intercepted Iranian communications, the picture remains murky. Was it a crushing blow or just a temporary setback? Listen here, then vote! And please leave a rating and review of this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...
Jun 25, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1434
Michael Smerconish opens with Donald Trump’s surprise claim that Iran and Israel have agreed to a total ceasefire—declaring the war over on Truth Social - Was he right? Add to that and the President's comment that neither country "knows what the f**k they are doing" and there's a lot to dissect. Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a CNN military analyst, joins to unpack the reality behind the airstrikes, the politics, and the long-term risks. A timely, no-BS convers...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1433
After brokering a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Donald Trump lashed out with a headline-grabbing f-bomb: “Neither side knows what the fuck they’re doing.” In his episode, Michael Smerconish reacts to the chaos, examines whether Trump’s Iran strategy was actually right, and breaks down the evolving conflict. Cast your vote at smerconish.com on poll question after listening: "Agree/Disagree: Trump was right about Iran." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1432
Lt. General David Deptula joins Michael to unpack the jaw-dropping U.S. air mission that stunned Iran—and the world. From deception tactics to 37-hour bomber flights, Deptula reveals why this flawless operation is a “holy cow” moment for American military capability. Michael also gets audience reaction to the mission, and its implications for global adversaries and future force readiness. David A. Deptula is the Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies, and a senior scholar at ...
Jun 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1431
After a dramatic U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Michael Smerconish poses a sobering question: Did this move make it more or less likely that Iran will ultimately develop nuclear weapons? In this episode, Smerconish unpacks the political stakes, intelligence gaps, and diplomatic fallout—raising concerns about whether the U.S. may have pushed Iran further underground and out of global oversight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...
Jun 23, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1430
Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? Michael answers Yes. In this episode Michael shares his perspective on the Israel-Iran conflict and weighs in on why he believes Congress needs to have a say in whether or not the U.S. formally enters this conflict. Original air date 20 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 1429
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should Congressional approval be mandatory before the U.S. takes any military action against Iran? 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. Hosted by Sim...
Jun 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1428
On this Juneteenth, Michael Smerconish explores a provocative mix of headlines: the deeper meaning of the holiday, the Supreme Court's major decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and what it says about equal protection under the law. Plus, he dives into public opinion on U.S. action in Iran and shares listener voting patterns on the Smerconish.com daily poll question. Be sure to vote today on what he's asking: "Should states be able to ban puberty blockers and h...
Jun 19, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1427
Michael speaks with retired Secret Service agent and ABC News contributor Don Mihalek about the alarming rise in politically motivated violence following the targeted killings of Minnesota lawmakers. Mihalek explains how grievances, political polarization, and easy access to personal information—fueled by the internet and dark web—are creating unprecedented threats to public officials. He warns that local leaders, once considered safe from such dangers, are increasingly vulnerable "soft targets....
Jun 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1426
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael to break down an explosive New York Times piece on Trump, Netanyahu, and a possible U.S. airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. With Halperin putting the odds of military action at 75%, the conversation turns to what’s motivating Trump, how Israel’s intelligence influence is shaping American policy, and whether the U.S. is inching toward another Middle East conflict. Plus, listener reactions from across the political spectrum. Is America on the brin...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1425
Michael Smerconish tackles today's high-stakes poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. use a B-2 bomber to drop a bunker buster bomb on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility? With historical context, recent intel contradictions, and looking at reactions from leaders like JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard, Michael examines the risks, politics, and precedent behind a potential strike — and what might come the day after. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for informatio...
Jun 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1424
Michael marks 10 years since Donald Trump's infamous Trump Tower escalator ride launched his political career. From media circus to political dominance, how did it happen—and would any of it have happened without him? A candid reflection on a decade of disruption, spectacle, and transformation. Original air date 17 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1423
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Donald Trump’s infamous escalator ride that began his run for the presidency and command of the headlines over the past ten years. Michael asks you this provocative question: Does Barack Obama have any obligation to be more visible in his opposition to Donald Trump? As political violence escalates and leadership on the left feels absent, is Obama’s silence a problem—or is it the former President’s right? Hear Michael’s take, and more reflections on recent ...
Jun 17, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1422
Michael Smerconish tackles the immigration issue head-on in this compelling commentary. From undocumented workers at diners and car washes to shifting Trump-era policies, he makes the case for a pathway to citizenship — and challenges political leaders on both sides to act. Original air date 16 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 16, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1421
Drawing from front-page headlines, federal intelligence memos, and expert insights, this episode explores the deeper roots of political extremism and the implications for American democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jun 16, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1420
