The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Today's Poll Question: Are the benefits of AI, or your privacy, more valuable to you? Jul 20, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more valuable to you: the benefits of artificial intelligence or your privacy? Michael explores a provocative new way of thinking about artificial intelligence after reading "The Problem with Personalization" by media scholar Joseph Turow. While most AI debates focus on privacy and surveillance, this conversation examines a deeper concern: whether hyper-personalization is creating entirely different realities for each of us, weakening the shared experiences that hold communities together. Is AI's greatest cost the information it collects—or the social fabric it quietly unravels? Cast your vote on today's poll and hear why this emerging issue deserves far more attention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Do schools need less technology and more pencils and books? Jul 17, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Agree or disagree: Schools need less technology and more pencils and books." Michael examines the growing backlash against classroom technology, inspired by neuroscientist Dr. Jared Horvath's bestselling book "The Digital Delusion" (hear that interview on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast!). Has America's decades-long experiment with laptops and tablets in the classroom undermined reading comprehension and academic performance, or are critics confusing correlation with causation? Michael explores the evidence, the sharp decline in student achievement, international trends like Sweden's return to printed textbooks, and why even supporters of educational technology are questioning whether schools have gone too far. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Norway is Better: The Youth Sports Secret America Refuses to Copy Jul 16, 2026

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What if everything Americans believe about youth sports is backwards? Michael Smerconish talks with Wall Street Journal columnist Ben Cohen about Norway's remarkably successful approach to developing young athletes—a system built on fun, participation, delayed specialization, and minimal parental pressure. Inspired by the hometown of soccer superstar Erling Haaland, they explore why Norway is producing elite talent while keeping kids engaged, and whether America's billion-dollar youth sports culture has lost its way. Michael also reflects on why he's changed his own views about participation trophies, competition, and what youth sports should really be about. Original air date 13 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Should ICE end all vehicle stops? Jul 16, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should ICE end all vehicle stops? Following two fatal ICE traffic-stop shootings, President Trump has ordered immigration agents to resume the controversial enforcement tactic, reigniting a fierce debate over public safety, immigration enforcement, and the limits of federal authority. Michael examines the legal standards governing ICE vehicle stops, the political fallout inside the Trump administration, and the larger unresolved question of what should happen to undocumented immigrants already living and working in the United States. He also explores why these cases have become a flashpoint in the broader immigration debate. Lijsten here, then vote, and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Halperin Breaks Down Trump's Latest Foreign Policy Reversal Jul 15, 2026

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Mark Halperin joins Michael Smerconish to unpack another whirlwind week in politics—from President Trump's shifting Iran strategy and foreign policy reversals to the political fallout from a fatal ICE operation in Maine. They also reflect on the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, assess Susan Collins' reelection prospects, and examine how the Democrats' search for a new Senate candidate could reshape one of 2026's biggest races. Original air date 15 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: If Not England-Argentina, What Is the Greatest Sports Rivalry Ever? Jul 15, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which of these is the greatest sports rivalry? England-Argentina, Yankees-Red Sox, Ohio State-Michigan, Army-Navy, Duke-North Carolina, Real Madrid-Barcelona, Ali-Frazier, Celtics-Lakers, Palmer-Nicklaus, India-Pakistan, Lehigh-Lafayette, or Harvard-Yale? As England and Argentina prepare for another high-stakes World Cup showdown, Michael explores why The Wall Street Journal calls it the greatest rivalry in sports, tracing its roots through World Cup history, the Falklands War, Maradona's "Hand of God," and decades of national pride. He also makes the case for legendary American and international rivalries - and asks you to weigh in and vote at Smerconish.com. Be sure to then rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're Not as Polarized as You Think Jul 14, 2026

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A groundbreaking new study challenges the idea that America is hopelessly divided. Michael speaks with Tufts political scientist Brian Schaffner about research involving more than 700,000 Americans that found Trump and Harris voters share remarkably similar life experiences and concerns. Then, listeners weigh in on whether our common humanity is enough to bridge today's political divide. Original air date 14 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: The next 'Sister Souljah Moment'...Should Democrats take on the Socialist wing? Jul 14, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would a 2028 Democratic contender benefit from taking on the socialist wing now? Michael revisits Bill Clinton's famous "Sister Souljah moment" from 1992, and asks whether today's Democratic Party is approaching a similar political crossroads. As Democratic Socialists gain momentum in key primaries, is there an opening for a 2028 presidential hopeful to draw a clear ideological line—or would that fracture the party before the general election? Featuring analysis of Josh Shapiro, Rahm Emanuel, Bernie Sanders' influence, and Bill Daley's warning about a potential "Tea Party trap," this episode explores the strategic debate shaping the Democrats' future. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com - and be sure to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America Is Getting Lindsey Graham Wrong Jul 13, 2026

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Michael Smerconish reflects on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, examining the contradictions that defined his career—from bipartisan dealmaker and military veteran to outspoken Trump ally. Was Graham a principled pragmatist, an opportunist, or something more complicated? Michael explores how history should remember one of Washington's most polarizing political figures before opening the phones for a thoughtful and spirited conversation with listeners. Original air date 13 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question: Is Soccer Here To Stay? Jul 13, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has this World Cup finally converted America to soccer? The 2026 World Cup has shattered viewing records, packed stadiums and watch parties, and reignited a decades-old question: has soccer finally secured a permanent place in American sports culture? Michael examines the numbers behind the surge, from television audiences and youth participation to billion-dollar media rights and MLS growth. Is this another fleeting World Cup phenomenon, or has the U.S. reached a genuine tipping point? Michael weighs the evidence, shares his own experience attending matches, and explains why he believes this time may be different. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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