Is organized religion making a comeback? Michael explores a surprising trend: growing interest in faith—especially among Gen Z men. Joined by SiriusXM Catholic Channel 129 host Katie McGrady, the conversation dives into why young people are returning to church after decades of decline. Is it a search for community in an increasingly isolated, screen-driven world? A response to anxiety, uncertainty, and global instability? Or something deeper? From rising conversion numbers to the role of technol...
Apr 02, 2026•32 min•Ep. 1807
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which comes next in the war with Iran—escalation or an ending? Michael Smerconish breaks down President Trump’s latest address outlining the rationale for U.S. strikes and what may lie ahead. With questions lingering over intelligence, military objectives, and public tolerance for prolonged conflict, Michael examines whether the administration has made a compelling case—or missed its moment. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...
Apr 02, 2026•10 min•Ep. 1806
Admiral James Stavridis Mark Halperin's Morning Meeting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Apr 01, 2026•35 min•Ep. 1805
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which should determine US citizenship, the place of birth or the citizenship of one's parents? Michael Smerconish breaks down the high-stakes legal and political battle over birthright citizenship as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments tied to Donald Trump’s executive order. With history stretching from Dred Scott to Wong Kim Ark, the episode explores whether the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to all born on U.S. soil—or if that interpreta...
Apr 01, 2026•13 min•Ep. 1804
Visit SCOTUSblog here. In this episode, Michael and Amy unpack: -The origins of birthright citizenship (Dred Scott → 14th Amendment → Wong Kim Ark) -What “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” really means -How the current Supreme Court might rule -Whether the U.S. is an outlier globally Then, Michael turns to listeners for a wide-ranging and candid debate: Should being born on U.S. soil automatically make you a citizen? This is a timely, nonpartisan conversation about law, policy, and identity—r...
Mar 31, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1803
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is the Democratic Party's best chance of winning the White House in 2028 a straight, white Christian man? Michael Smerconish examines a quietly intensifying debate among Democratic strategists about electability, identity, and voter bias after recent presidential losses. Drawing on reporting from Axios and insights from Mark Halperin’s early 2028 rankings, he weighs which potential candidates could actually win a general election—and whether party values ...
Mar 31, 2026•11 min•Ep. 1802
Visit Michael's Mingle Project Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 30, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1801
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: After a month of watching this war, based on Iran's actions, do you now believe they'd be more or less likely to use a nuke if they had one? Michael Smerconish examines how recent Iranian missile and drone strikes—targeting both military installations and civilian areas—are shaping public perception of nuclear risk. He also explores a provocative debate: whether a U.S. victory in Iran could have unintended global consequences, and how partisan reactions t...
Mar 30, 2026•10 min•Ep. 1800
Find R.m. Schneiderman's work on Substack. Hear Michael's book club podcast episode with Marcus Luttrell here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 27, 2026•45 min•Ep. 1799
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Congress ban betting on government actions, terrorism and war? Michael examines a wave of suspicious trading activity that appears to anticipate major geopolitical decisions—from U.S. strikes abroad to sudden policy reversals—raising questions about who knows what, and when. With new legislation proposed to prohibit wagering on sensitive events, the debate pits national security and ethics against free markets and predictive insight. Are these plat...
Mar 27, 2026•12 min•Ep. 1798
Find Holly Peterson's work here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 26, 2026•30 min•Ep. 1797
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with the California jury verdict, blaming Meta and YouTube for designing features that cause mental health distress? Michael Smerconish breaks down a landmark Los Angeles verdict holding Meta and Google liable for millions in damages tied to a young woman’s mental health harms. Is this Big Tech’s “Big Tobacco moment,” or an overreach by trial lawyers? He explores the product liability theory behind the case, why Section 230 didn’t apply, and ...
Mar 26, 2026•10 min•Ep. 1796
The impersonation of President Trump in this episode was done by Shawn Farash. Find Mark Halperin's Wide World of News here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 25, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1795
Michael dives into two major debates shaping today’s headlines: a Supreme Court case that could redefine when mail-in ballots count, and a critical question about the war with Iran—should it end before the country’s enriched uranium is secured? With new polling data, political fallout, and sharp analysis, Michael challenges listeners to weigh in on where they stand. Vote at Smerconish.com, and then be sure to rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See htt...
Mar 25, 2026•12 min•Ep. 1794
Also, listeners from across the country weigh in with passionate opinions, real-world experiences, and sharp disagreements on fairness, trust, and access in American elections. Is a strict deadline the key to confidence—or a barrier to participation? This is a conversation at the heart of democracy heading into the next election cycle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Mar 24, 2026•36 min•Ep. 1793
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should mail in ballots have to be received by Election Day to be counted? A Supreme Court case out of Mississippi could reshape how votes are counted nationwide, with justices appearing ready to reject laws allowing ballots to arrive after Election Day. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal arguments, the role of federalism, and what’s at stake for voter access versus election finality. With millions of ballots potentially affected and states divided o...
Mar 24, 2026•14 min•Ep. 1792
Michael Smerconish reflects on the life and legacy of former FBI Director Robert Mueller following his passing — and reacts to the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s shocking public response. Joined by journalist and historian Garrett Graff, author of "The Threat Matrix," the conversation explores Mueller’s decades of public service, from Vietnam War hero to the man who reshaped the FBI after 9/11. Graff offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mueller’s character, leadership, and why he was once ...
Mar 23, 2026•32 min•Ep. 1791
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Will the new U.S. - Iran talks be successful?" Michael begins with a dramatic 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and a looming military deadline, then adds a critical postscript near the end of this episode: an early-morning reversal from President Trump delaying strikes for five days amid “productive” talks. That late-breaking addendum forces a complete reset of the poll question—AND the stakes! Is this strategic de-escalation, political necessity, or something ...
Mar 23, 2026•17 min•Ep. 1790
Michael Smerconish speaks with Washington Post tech columnist Shira Ovide about a new analysis of how artificial intelligence could reshape the workforce. It’s not just about which jobs are most exposed to AI—it’s about who can adapt when change comes. From white-collar roles like journalists and PR professionals to hands-on trades that may be safer (for now), the conversation breaks down the four types of workers in an AI economy—and why adaptability may matter more than your job title. Plus, c...
Mar 20, 2026•30 min•Ep. 1789
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should non undercover police be allowed to wear masks? Michael Smerconish examines a timely and contentious issue at the intersection of public safety and civil liberties. As concerns grow over doxxing and digital exposure, some argue masks are a necessary safeguard for law enforcement. Critics counter that visible identity is essential for accountability in a free society. With tensions already impacting TSA staffing and airport delays, the debate carrie...
Mar 20, 2026•9 min•Ep. 1788
Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy surrounding Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination and the questions swirling around his claims of “special assignments” overseas. Joined by Washington Post reporter Liz Goodwin, Michael breaks down a tense Senate hearing where lawmakers pressed Mullin on ambiguous statements about war, classified trips, and his past. Is this a case of miscommunication, exaggeration, or something more serious? After the interview, listeners from across the country wei...
Mar 19, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1787
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: Does reforming ICE justify TSA agents missing their paychecks? As airport delays grow and thousands of TSA workers go unpaid amid a government funding standoff, Michael explores the real-world impact of political gridlock. Plus, an update on the Iran intelligence controversy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 19, 2026•13 min•Ep. 1786
Michael sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack a turbulent moment in Washington — from Joe Kent’s sudden resignation and growing divisions inside the GOP to the escalating conflict with Iran. Was there truly an “imminent threat,” or is the administration struggling to justify its actions? Halperin breaks down what the White House knew, how the politics are shifting, and whether Trump can win back skeptical independents. Plus, a look at what’s flying under the radar — from a pos...
Mar 18, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1785
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who do you believe on whether Iran posed an imminent threat to the US? Joe Kent, who says no, or Mike Johnson, who says yes? Michael Smerconish connects the dots across a week of polling that reveals deep skepticism about the Iran conflict—culminating in a dramatic split between a former top counterterrorism official and House leadership. With echoes of Iraq and questions about intelligence, timing, and political motives, this episode explores whether the...
Mar 18, 2026•19 min•Ep. 1784
Richard Clarke served for thirty years in national security roles in the US government, including ten years in the White House under three presidents. He is the CEO of Good Harbor Security Risk Management. Find him here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 17, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1783
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "For those who oppose President Trump, which matters more, his political defeat or a US victory against Iran?" Michael Smerconish reacts to a striking poll result showing most respondents don’t believe the U.S. is winning in Iran—and asks whether political bias is shaping that perception. He explores competing narratives about the conflict, media framing, and whether partisan divides are influencing how Americans assess national success abroad. The episod...
Mar 17, 2026•11 min•Ep. 1782
Michael Smerconish examines the Iran conflict through two very different lenses. Admiral James Stavridis explains the military realities of the Straight of Hormuz, drones, minesweepers, and the risk of a prolonged war. Then legendary trial lawyer David Boies argues that partisanship should not dictate how Americans judge President Trump’s actions on Iran. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Original air date 16 March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See htt...
Mar 16, 2026•34 min•Ep. 1781
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Is the US winning the war with Iran?" Michael Smerconish revisits Donald Trump’s famous “we’re going to win so much” campaign line and applies it to the current conflict with Iran. Militarily, the U.S. appears to be hitting its targets and degrading Iran’s capabilities—but does tactical success equal victory? Drawing on reporting about the Strait of Hormuz, analysis from national security experts, and a provocative comparison to the Soviet experience in ...
Mar 16, 2026•9 min•Ep. 1780
Michael Smerconish asks a provocative question: Is Donald Trump the most consequential president of the last 100 years? To explore it, he’s joined by presidential scholar Dr. Michael Genovese, author of more than 50 books on leadership and American politics. Together they examine Trump’s impact on the presidency, executive power, immigration, the courts, and America’s role in the world—while comparing his legacy to presidents like FDR, LBJ, Reagan, and Obama. Is Trump a transformational figure w...
Mar 13, 2026•31 min•Ep. 1779
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who will be the 2028 GOP nominee—Rubio, Vance, or neither?" The 2028 race may be years away, but the jockeying has clearly begun. Michael breaks down fresh reporting from The Wall Street Journal detailing how President Trump is privately sizing up Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential heirs to the MAGA movement. Betting markets show Rubio rapidly closing the gap with Vance for the nomination—and even rating Rubio as more...
Mar 13, 2026•11 min•Ep. 1778
