The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Escalation Trap: Why the Iran Conflict Could Get Much Worse May 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael speaks with University of Chicago political scientist Dr. Robert Pape about the growing conflict with Iran, rising oil prices, and the strategic dangers of what Pape calls the “Escalation Trap.” From the Strait of Hormuz to the risks of ground operations and global economic fallout, Pape argues the U.S. may have underestimated both Iran’s capabilities and the long-term consequences of military escalation. 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 the U.S. Lift Sanctions on Iran Before Its Nuclear Program is Dismantled? May 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael examines today’s poll question: Should the U.S. lift sanctions on Iran before its nuclear program is dismantled? With Trump weighing a possible deal, Republicans divided, and fears growing over America’s leverage, Michael breaks down the political, military, and economic stakes — including insights from Admiral Stavridis and the Wall Street Journal editorial board. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI on the Battlefield: Precision Tool or Moral Danger? May 26, 2026

Show notes

Michael talks with Admiral James Stavridis about escalating tensions with Iran, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of AI-assisted warfare. Prompted by Pope Leo’s warning about autonomous weapons, Michael asks whether artificial intelligence will ultimately make war more precise and humane—or easier to wage. 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: Will AI-assisted Warfare Ultimately Save Lives? May 26, 2026

Show notes

Michael traces an unexpected through line from his very first talk radio show in 1993 — centered on a papal encyclical — to Pope Leo XIV’s new warning about artificial intelligence and modern warfare. The Pope argues AI could make war easier to wage and harder to control, while supporters say AI-driven targeting may actually reduce civilian casualties and battlefield mistakes. Michael explores the ethical tension between technological precision and moral responsibility, including the growing role of autonomous systems, Palantir, and algorithmic warfare. Is AI removing dangerous human emotion from combat — or making conflict dangerously impersonal? 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: What song best defines America? May 25, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which song best defines America? On this Memorial Day edition, Michael Smerconish explores a deeply personal and surprisingly revealing question inspired by President Obama’s latest reflections on music and national identity: which song best captures the American experience? From “This Land Is Your Land” and “We Shall Overcome” to “Fortunate Son,” “What’s Going On,” and “The Message,” Obama’s selections highlight protest, struggle, and social change. But Michael makes the case for a different classic altogether — Frank Sinatra’s “The House I Live In” — and uncovers the extraordinary backstory behind the song and its writers. A thoughtful conversation about patriotism, music, memory, and what binds Americans together. 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.

From Johnny Carson to Taking Over CBS Late Night: Byron Allen’s Full-Circle Moment May 22, 2026

Show notes

Media mogul Byron Allen joins Michael to discuss the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the launch of Comics Unleashed in CBS late night, and his remarkable journey from teenage comedian to media empire builder. Allen shares stories about Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, his mother’s influence, and why he believes comedy can bring America together. 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: With Colbert done, should late night TV get rid of political comedy? May 22, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does political comedy make you more or less likely to watch late night television? Stephen Colbert signs off after more than a decade hosting The Late Show, triggering debate over whether political comedy helped sustain late night television or accelerated its decline. Michael examines CBS’s explanation that the show was losing tens of millions annually, the political backlash surrounding Colbert’s exit, and the larger question of whether audiences still want partisan humor as part of their nightly routine. He also shares highlights from his interview with media mogul Byron Allen, who is taking over the time slot with a comedy-first approach deliberately free of politics. Can late night succeed again by simply trying to make people laugh? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump vs. His Own Party? Mark Halperin Warns of a Major GOP Turning Point May 21, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish welcomes Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest political flashpoints: the controversy surrounding potential compensation for January 6 defendants, growing Republican resistance to Donald Trump, tensions with Iran, and Trump’s public feud with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Halperin explains why some GOP lawmakers may finally be willing to push back — and what it could mean heading into the midterms. Plus, Michael reflects on the legacy and final political warnings of the late Barney Frank. Original air date 21 May 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: Like Barney Frank said, is overreach by the left alienating moderates and setting back Democrats? May 21, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Before his death, Barney Frank said overreach by the left is alienating moderates and setting back Democrats. Do you agree? Michael reflects on the life and political legacy of Barney Frank, the pioneering congressman and liberal icon who, in his final interviews, warned that Democrats risk alienating mainstream voters through ideological overreach and rigid litmus tests. Drawing from past conversations with Frank, Michael explores the late lawmaker’s argument that successful political movements require strategy, sequencing, and coalition-building — not purity tests. The episode also revisits Frank’s wit, groundbreaking role in Congress, and his candid assessment of today’s Democratic Party at a pivotal political moment. 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.

Graduation Advice That Actually Matters May 20, 2026

Show notes

Michael and TC revisit some of the most memorable commencement speeches from both this year and years past — from Roger Federer, Steve Jobs, Shonda Rhimes, Steve Carell, Eric Church, Arthur Brooks, and more. From lessons on resilience and rejection to purpose, kindness, ambition, and community, they break down the advice that resonated most with graduates — and why these messages matter far beyond campus. Plus: AI gets booed at graduations, universities navigate speech controversies, and Michael reflects on the power of rejection in his own commencement addresses. A thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about success, failure, and what actually makes a meaningful life. Original air date 19 May 2026. 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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