Michael Smerconish sits down with Dr. Michael Strain of the American Enterprise Institute to challenge the idea that the American Dream is out of reach. With Investopedia pegging its “cost” at over $5 million, Smerconish and Strain unpack what really defines success in America today. Is homeownership essential? Does hard work still pay off? And are our expectations part of the problem? A sharp, timely look at what it means to “make it” in modern America. Original air date 30 September 2025. Host...
Oct 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1568
Former FBI Director James Comey is now facing two felony charges. Listen here as Michael dives deep into the politics, strategy, and spectacle behind the case. Should Comey ask a judge to dismiss the charges now, or should he take the unprecedented step of going to trial for public vindication? Michael unpacks the legal dynamics, DOJ tensions, and political implications — and invites you to weigh in on today’s poll question....listen and then go vote at Smerconish.com. And please rate, review, a...
Oct 06, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1567
Michael takes a hard look at the ongoing government shutdown and asks the critical question: Who’s really to blame? Drawing on William F. Buckley’s famous “phone book” quote, Michael argues that Congress has become more dysfunctional than ever, with partisan politics and grandstanding replacing real compromise. With more than 700,000 federal workers furloughed and key programs in limbo, Michael explains how both parties are playing to their bases instead of governing for the country. This commen...
Oct 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1566
Michael breaks down today's poll question: Do you think America's political system can still address the nation's problems or is it too politically divided to solve its problems? He compares his audience’s response to recent New York Times data, explores the roots of our division, and shares shocking stats — like why only 28% of Americans trust the media and why 3 in 10 think political violence may be necessary. Plus, what really drives extremism in U.S. politics and how we might start fixing it...
Oct 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1565
Michael sits down with Suzy Welch—NYU professor, journalist, and author of "Becoming You", to unpack her provocative Wall Street Journal essay that asked: Is Gen Z unemployable? Welch’s research found that only 2% of Gen Z shares the core values most prized by employers, like achievement and a strong work ethic. Instead, young workers are prioritizing self-care, authenticity, and purpose—sparking a growing clash between companies and new hires. Michael and Suzy dive deep into the data, the pushb...
Oct 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1564
Michael Smerconish breaks down today's critical poll question: Which party faces more political risk from the government shutdown? He dives into how healthcare is at the heart of the standoff, and what the latest polling data reveals about public perception. Plus, reflections on Hispanic voting trends, the "Hard Hat Riot," and how history might be repeating itself. A can’t-miss episode for political junkies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...
Oct 02, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1563
Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest political stories of the week. From the government shutdown and who’s most likely to take the blame, to President Biden’s approval numbers, the Comey indictment, and the surprising twists in the New York City mayoral race, they cover it all. Halperin shares why the shutdown could end sooner than most expect, why Democrats may be politically vulnerable, and how Andrew Cuomo’s comeback campaign migh...
Oct 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1562
Will Hispanic voters ultimately drift rightward, as so-called ethnic whites once did? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com...drawing lessons from the 1970s “Hard Hat Riot” and the political realignment of working-class whites, Michael explores whether Democrats face an existential threat if Hispanic voters follow a similar path. He also revisits President Trump and War Secretary Hegseth's remarks to military generals yesterday, plus touching on his latest YouTube Episode of "The Mingle...
Oct 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1561
When Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 800 of America’s top generals and admirals to Quantico — with President Trump making a surprise appearance — it was an unprecedented show of force. But was it effective, or just political theater? Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, joins Michael Smerconish to share a candid gut check on Hegseth’s remarks. Original air date 30 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...
Sep 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1560
Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there anything inherently wrong with the Department of War summoning senior military leaders to Quantico?" He explains why his answer is “no,” explores the concerns behind such a high-level gathering, and reflects on recent poll results about political violence and rhetoric. Plus, a preview of today’s Mingle Project episode with Dr. Brian Rosenwald on the history of talk radio. Listen here, then vote! And please rate, review, and share th...
Sep 30, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1559
Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Ensign joins Michael to explore a surprising new trend: wealthy retirees are hiring professional writers to craft their family memoirs — sometimes spending tens of thousands, even six figures, to do it. From revealing secrets to preserving heritage, these personal histories aren’t meant for bookstores, but for children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Is this a priceless legacy, or a self-indulgent luxury? Hear Michael and callers share their own exper...
Sep 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1558
Michael is on the west coast today, having appeared on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday night. He shares stories from his time there, and then moves on to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com, where he's asking you: "Will the trend of retributive prosecutions persist beyond the Trump administration?" From Alvin Bragg to Fani Willis to the new Comey indictment, Michael lays out why he believes the weaponization of justice is one of the greatest threats facing democracy today. Listen...
Sep 29, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1557
Despite a long day of travel ahead, Michael Smerconish shares his thoughts on today's daily poll question: "Is Kamala Harris’ book release and media tour enhancing or diminishing her prospects to one day be elected president?" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 26, 2025•7 min•Ep. 1556
New York Times' Jia Lynn Yang joins Michael to unpack America’s disturbing new era of political violence. From the assassination of Charlie Kirk to nihilistic acts with unclear ideology, are we witnessing the collapse of coherent political conflict — or the rise of something even more dangerous? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 25, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1555
Michael Smerconish digs into today’s poll question: Is the rise in political violence driven by rhetoric or deeper societal issues? Citing expert research, tragic examples, and his own Mingle Project, he explores how loneliness, disconnection, and despair—especially among young men—are fueling a dangerous trend. Plus, a fiery fact-check on JD Vance’s claims and thoughts on how we can start to fix what’s broken. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information...
Sep 25, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1554
In this special bonus episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael reflects on the life and legacy of Philadelphia Flyers legend Bernie Parent, who passed away this week at the age of 80 (1945-2025). In the opening minutes, Michael shares personal memories of the Hall of Fame goaltender, recalling Bernie’s impact on the city, his larger-than-life personality, and the joy he brought to fans. Following the remembrance, we revisit a 2008 archive conversation between Michael and Bernie. In this interv...
Sep 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1553
Michael Smerconish welcomes Chris Cuomo (host of Cuomo on NewsNation) for a candid conversation about the future of late-night TV and Jimmy Kimmel’s place in it. The two dig into Kimmel's removal from the airwaves and subsequent return, his emotional defense, and what it reveals about media, politics, and free speech in today’s polarized climate. Cuomo argues that the real issue isn’t “state action” from the FCC but market forces—and how networks respond when audiences push back. Original air da...
Sep 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1552
In this episode, Michael explores: Kimmel’s emotional on-air response following criticism. The shifting late-night landscape and declining broadcast TV audiences. How younger viewers are consuming late-night comedy through clips, not full shows. The bigger cultural conversation: Are the days of shared television experiences over? Plus, Michael connects today’s debate to The Mingle Project , reflecting on how fragmented viewing habits impact our ability to share cultural touchstones. Hosted by Si...
Sep 24, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1551
Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY) recently joined SiriusXM with a weekly show on Progress Channel 127, a sister channel to POTUS 124, where Michael's show is heard. The day of the Governor's radio debut, Michael welcomed him for a conversation and had some advice for how to succeed in bringing "The Andy Beshear Podcast" to the radio airwaves. It's not as obvious and easy as it seems. Original air date 9 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for informat...
Sep 23, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1550
On today’s episode, Michael digs into today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Would you discourage a pregnant family member or friend from taking Tylenol?" With conflicting studies, heated political commentary, and widespread public confusion, Michael unpacks the science, the headlines, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...
Sep 23, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1549
Having watched the entire Charlie Kirk Memorial, Michael reflects on what he saw, objecting only to the "us vs. them" characterization of the assassination. Original air date 22 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sep 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1548
Today’s poll question is a contentious one: Should the U.S. join allies like Australia, Britain, Canada, and France in recognizing a Palestinian state? Michael Smerconish breaks down the complex geopolitical, moral, and humanitarian implications — from Netanyahu’s West Bank strategy to the erosion of global sympathy for Israel after 10/7. Tune in for a deeply personal, thought-provoking take on one of the world’s most volatile conflicts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm....
Sep 22, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1547
Americans are having less sex than ever — even less than during the pandemic. In this episode, Michael dives into new research with Grant Bailey from the Institute for Family Studies, uncovering why sexual frequency is hitting record lows. From the rise of technology, gaming, and porn, to fewer marriages, less socializing, and the death of “mingling,” we explore the cultural shifts driving a sex recession. What does this mean for relationships, marriage, and the future of intimacy? Tune in for a...
Sep 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1546
Kamala Harris reveals in her forthcoming book that she considered Pete Buttigieg as her running mate—but ultimately thought he was “too big of a risk.” Was she right? Michael Smerconish dives into Harris’s reasoning, Buttigieg’s struggles with Black voters, and what this means for the future of Democratic Party politics. Listen here, then vote at smerconish.com on today's poll question: "Was Kamala Harris correct in thinking Pete Buttigieg was “too big of a risk” to select as a running mate?" Ho...
Sep 19, 2025•14 min•Ep. 1545
In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast , Michael Smerconish is joined by Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios , to discuss VandeHei’s widely shared “Message to College Students.” His candid advice has gone viral for its tough love and optimism, urging young people to tune out the noise of toxic politics, social media doom scrolling, and fear-driven headlines — and instead recognize that “America rocks.” Michael and Jim explore: Why VandeHei believes America’s youth have been “duped” by m...
Sep 18, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1544
In this episode, Michael tackles today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Jimmy Kimmel have been suspended for comments made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk? He breaks down the First Amendment issues, the FCC’s role, and the political backlash surrounding Kimmel’s remarks. Michael also connects the debate to broader conversations on free speech, cancel culture, and media bias — while sharing insights from Mark Halperin and others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See http...
Sep 18, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1543
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Halperin shares personal reflections on Kirk, examines how the media and political opponents are framing his legacy, and discusses Donald Trump’s response. The two also debate whether America can find unity amid deep political divides, the role of social media in fueling anger, and what leaders like Utah Governor Spencer Cox represent for the future of U.S. pol...
Sep 17, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1542
Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question, sparked by a fiery legal debate after comments made by Attorney General Pam Pondi on going after people who were spreading 'hate speech'' in the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk: “Agree or Disagree: ‘Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’s ugly speech… gross speech… evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the 1st Amendment.’” Putting this current controversy in context with landmark Supreme Court rulings and his own legal...
Sep 17, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1541
Michael sits down with Cato Institute Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies Alex Nowrasteh to unpack hard data on politically motivated violence—who commits it, how often it happens, and what the numbers really show since 1975, and in a refocused set since 2020. A rigorous, nonpartisan, “stats over spin” conversation that challenges assumptions, separates outliers like 9/11, and puts recent headlines in context. Perfect for listeners who want facts, not fury. Original air date 16...
Sep 16, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1540
Michael spotlights Utah Governor Spencer Cox and asks today's Smerconish.com poll question: “Could Utah Governor Spencer Cox be elected president?” Why does he call it a trick question? Because national electability and party nomination aren’t the same thing. From “disagree better” to social-media backlash and primary math, Michael unpacks what it would take—and what’s in the way. Listen here, then share your view with your vote at Smerconish.com. And, please rate and review this podcast! Hosted...
Sep 16, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1539
