Michael Smerconish welcomes Stephen A. Smith ahead of the launch of "Straight Shooter" on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 (premieres Wednesday Sept 17). Known for his fiery sports commentary, Stephen A. explains why he’s stepping into political talk, what being a centrist means to him, and how he hopes to bring honesty and open-minded debate to today’s polarized media landscape. Also, his thoughts following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Original air date 15 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast...
Sep 15, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1538
On this morning's episode, Michael dives into the Monday poll question at Smerconish.com: "Do you agree with Senator Fetterman that Democrats should not refer to President Trump as an autocrat?" Michael unpacks Fetterman’s warning to his party about political strategy, reflects on past poll results highlighting voter pessimism, and considers whether Democrats risk alienating swing states by leaning too heavily on anti-Trump rhetoric. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compa...
Sep 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1537
Michael reflects on a powerful and unsettling political cartoon drawn in the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk (by Scott Stantis, exclusively for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter) — a piece that captures the intensity of America’s overheated political climate. After wrestling with the heaviness of the moment, he shifts gears to lighten things up with a conversation on film. Joined by Daniel Fienberg, chief TV critic of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael dives into their list of the 25 gre...
Sep 12, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1536
**NOTE: This podcast episode began recording while suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was still at-large. While Michael was recording this (and live on YouTube), the news broke that President Trump announced that a suspect was in custody.** Is America entering a new and dangerous phase? Peggy Noonan argues the assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point, one that could reverberate in troubling ways. Michael discusses her column and today’s poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks...
Sep 12, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1535
Michael speaks with Dr. Alan Wiseman of Vanderbilt University about groundbreaking new research into the education divide in American politics. Once, both parties in Congress shared a common bond: many lawmakers, regardless of ideology, came from elite universities. Today, that landscape has dramatically shifted. While Democrats have largely maintained their ties to Ivy League and other selective institutions, Republicans have moved sharply away from them. Dr. Wiseman explains how this 50-year t...
Sep 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1534
On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America’s toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very ...
Sep 11, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1533
In this episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about Israel’s controversial strike in Qatar and the fallout for U.S. alliances, hostage negotiations, and the wider Middle East. Stavridis also weighs in on rising tensions in Europe after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace. Afterward, Michael takes listener calls that reveal the deep divisions among Americans over Israel, Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy. Original air da...
Sep 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1532
A viral moment at a Phillies game has the internet fired up — but should we just leave “Phillies Karen” alone? In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into the debate surrounding a now-infamous ballpark incident involving a woman dubbed “Phillies Karen.” From listener calls and powerful personal stories to reflections on empathy and cancel culture, this discussion goes far beyond a viral clip. Plus, Michael shares a moving passage from Patti Davis about Ronald Reagan and the timeless lesson of ki...
Sep 10, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1531
A Phillies home run sparked a viral moment, an internet witch hunt, and a national debate over civility. Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy surrounding "Philly Karen," the unidentified woman who walked off with a ball meant for a kid. Should she be outed? Has the internet gone too far? Listeners weigh in—with surprising takes. Original air date 9 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person...
Sep 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1530
In this episode, Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question: Which is more politically damaging to Donald Trump — his denial of involvement in the Epstein birthday video, or the greeting itself? With approval ratings, looming elections, and other elements to worry about, every headline counts. Michael breaks down the implications, public reactions, and what this strange controversy reveals about modern political optics. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com! And please rate and r...
Sep 09, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1529
Michael speaks with New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Philipps about a shocking top-secret SEAL Team 6 mission in North Korea that went fatally off-course. What started as a high-stakes intelligence op to spy on Kim Jong Un quickly escalated into deadly chaos — and could have derailed nuclear negotiations. Hear the behind-the-scenes details and the journalistic debate over whether the public should ever know. Original air date 8 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...
Sep 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1528
Michael explores today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should the New York Times have revealed a secret 2019 Navy SEALs operation in North Korea?" He doesn't share his final answer here yet — because he still has more questions, for when on today's radio program on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 he speaks with Dave Philipps at the New York Times about this story, and he'll get those answers. Join the conversation as he weighs the public’s right to know against national security con...
Sep 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1527
Veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to dissect the deepening educational divide in American politics. Why are Republicans dominating among non-college voters? Can Democrats win back the working class? And is Trump a cause—or a symptom—of something much bigger? From voting patterns to shifting political power in the South and West, this episode offers a critical look at the structural forces shaping the future of U.S. elections. Original air date 5 September 2025. Hosted by Sim...
Sep 05, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1526
In today’s episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. military conduct lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters without a formal declaration of war? Plus, new developments in the Epstein investigation stir strange political alliances: hear how yesterday's poll turned out as well. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...
Sep 05, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1525
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to unpack China’s military parade, Russia’s escalating aggression, and Trump’s explosive claim of a deadly drug boat strike in the Caribbean. Was it justified—or just political theater? Get expert insight on global power plays in this dynamic conversation with a former four-star Navy Admiral. Original air date 4 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...
Sep 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1524
Strange bedfellows in Congress are teamed up in asking for the full release of the Epstein files, with four Republicans joining all Democratic representatives in that push. Michael dives in to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com: Will two more Republicans join Reps. Massie, Mace, Boebert, and Greene in supporting the Democrats to release the DOJ's Epstein-Maxwell investigation files? With these unusual alliances forming and the White House calling it a "hostile act," Michael breaks down what...
Sep 04, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1523
Michael Smerconish reacts to a jaw-dropping development: January 6 rioters, already pardoned by President Trump, are now seeking financial compensation from the U.S. government — drawing comparisons to 9/11 victim funds. Is this a rewriting of history or political theater at its peak? Then, political analyst Mark Halperin joins for a wide-ranging conversation on Trump’s crime messaging, the role of the National Guard in major cities, and what both parties are getting wrong heading into the 2026 ...
Sep 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1522
A violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago leaves nearly 60 shot and 8 dead — should the National Guard be sent in? Michael Smerconish explores Trump’s controversial proposal and its shaky legal footing. That's the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question. Plus, on yesterday's poll question, a heated debate over tax-free tips for certain workers, and the shocking possibility of January 6 rioters receiving government compensation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswiz...
Sep 03, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1521
After a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate, Michael sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, to unpack the fierce backlash against offering “thoughts and prayers.” Is it a hollow gesture or a necessary human response? They explore how political polarization and social media have turned even grief into a culture war — and what needs to happen after the prayers. Plus, hear Michael's "standard response" that he has written and reads every time...
Sep 02, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1520
Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to DJs, he unpacks the 68 jobs newly exempt under Trump’s proposed “no tax on tips” plan. Michael shares his own tipping experiences and explains why he thinks this policy might do more harm than good. A must-listen debate on fairness, wages, and the future of tipping in America. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com!...
Sep 02, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1519
Michael gives listeners a surprise civics pop quiz—straight from Oklahoma’s new teacher screening exam. With controversy swirling around the state’s “anti-woke” education agenda, are these questions just basic knowledge—or politically loaded? Hear real callers take the test, debate the motives behind it, and weigh in on whether teachers should be required to pass such an exam. Can YOU answer all five questions? Original air date 20 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https...
Aug 29, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1518
Michael Smerconish speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and harassment against local officials—from school board members to township supervisors. Why are these public servants under siege, and what can be done to stop the violence? A sobering look at the state of American democracy, backed by data and personal accounts. Original air date 22 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See http...
Aug 28, 2025•41 min•Ep. 1517
President Trump says he’ll end mail-in voting by executive order—but can he? Michael Smerconish dives into the facts with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor of Political Science Dr. Charles Stewart III, an expert in election integrity. They unpack the myths, explore the data, and discuss the real differences between absentee voting and all-mail elections. Original air date 19 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...
Aug 27, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1516
What happened when the U.S. government tried to replace Mexican farm workers with high school athletes in the 1960s? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gustavo Arellano joins Michael to unpack a forgotten federal program called the “A-Team.” Then, listeners from around the country call in with their own hilarious, humbling, and often painful stories of trying to do farm work—and explain why those jobs go unfilled by Americans today. One listener puts it best: “I lasted two days. Not even for the ...
Aug 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 1515
Are we forgetting nature? Michael speaks with Professor Miles Richardson, a leading expert on "nature connectedness" at the University of Derby. Richardson’s research shows a 60% drop in our connection to nature since 1800—reflected in everything from language to lifestyle. Together, they explore why children are growing up without a bond to the natural world, how urbanization plays a role, and what we can still do to reverse this hidden crisis. If you’ve ever loved a walk in the woods, this epi...
Aug 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1514
Today’s episode marks a milestone over 30 years in the making. Michael Smerconish unveils his brand new studio—affectionately dubbed The New Joint—a space he’s envisioned for decades and finally brought to life. This isn’t just a backdrop for broadcasting; it’s the physical realization of a lifelong dream, built with purpose, precision, and a whole lot of personality. In this special episode, Michael takes you behind the scenes of The New Joint, guiding you through every detail of his long-envis...
Aug 22, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1513
Gerrymandering is bad. But self-sorting? It might be the silent force doing even more damage to American democracy. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into California’s surprising move to potentially dismantle its independent redistricting commission—a system once hailed as the national model for fairness and transparency. Why now? What’s driving this shift? Should California abandon its independent redistricting commission? Vote Now at Smerconish.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
Aug 22, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1512
Michael reflects on what he calls a truly bad day for world peace. From Israel’s explosive expansion of West Bank settlements to Russia’s massive new strike on Ukraine, he connects the dots and explains why these developments may mark the death of the two-state solution and a dangerous new phase in global instability. Sobering, passionate, and essential listening...all starting with something he found as he began to unpack in his brand new studio. Original air date 21 August 2025. Hosted by Simp...
Aug 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1511
The numbers are in—and they’re brutal. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks what the data reveals—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Democrats have lost ground to Republicans in every single state that tracks party registration—an eye-popping 4.5 million voter swing since 2020. Why are so many Americans abandoning the Democratic Party? Michael lays out six possible explanations. His choice is surprising; what's yours? Go cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, ...
Aug 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1510
Listen to Mark's Next Up Podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1509
