The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Associated Press Dives Deep Into What The FBI Concluded On The Epstein Files Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Associated Press investigative reporter Michael Sisak joins Michael to unpack newly released FBI and Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. After years of investigation, the FBI concluded there was no evidence that Epstein ran a coordinated sex trafficking ring for powerful men—despite extensive proof of his abuse of underage girls. Sisak explains what investigators found, what they couldn’t corroborate, why so many files remain heavily redacted, and how these conclusions span multiple administrations—Trump, Biden, and Trump again. A deep dive into evidence, nuance, and the unanswered questions still haunting one of the most disturbing cases in modern history. Original air date 10 February 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: Did Jeffrey Epstein Traffic Girls for Powerful Men? Feb 10, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe that Jeffrey Epstein was running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men? Michael Smerconish urges listeners not to rush to judgment before voting on this question, unpacking a recent Associated Press investigation based on internal Justice Department and FBI records. While the evidence of Epstein’s repeated sexual abuse of underage girls is overwhelming and disturbing, the AP reports that investigators found scant proof he operated a trafficking ring on behalf of powerful men. Michael walks through the findings, the graphic nature of the memo, and the frustration surrounding heavily redacted sections dealing with possible co-conspirators. It’s a careful, unsettling discussion about evidence, assumptions, and what the public still doesn’t know. Listen to this episode, then cast your vote at Smerconish. And please 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.

Why the Super Bowl Still Matters in a Fractured America Feb 09, 2026

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Michael breaks down a Super Bowl that was more cultural flashpoint than classic game. From a lackluster matchup and standout commercials to Bad Bunny’s polarizing halftime show, Michael explores why the Super Bowl remains one of America’s last shared experiences. Drawing on a powerful Wall Street Journal essay by Ben Sasse, he asks whether the event still unites us — or reflects a nation increasingly divided by politics, culture, and language. Original air date 9 February 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: How Many Stars for Bad Bunny's Halftime Show? Feb 09, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "How many stars for Bad Bunny's half time show?" Michael reflects on the Super Bowl as one of the last shared cultural experiences in America, which is the basis for his thinking behind today's poll question. He explains why Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was less about politics and more about global market forces, the NFL’s international ambitions, and shifting cultural norms. Listen as Michael explores the idea of monoculture, unity, and whether it’s fair to want the Super Bowl to remain linguistically and culturally familiar. He also shares his own rating of the show—and why he landed where he did. Listen, and 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.

When a House Has a Dark Past: What Sellers Are (and Aren’t) Required to Disclose Feb 07, 2026

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What happens when you buy a home—and uncover a shocking symbol hidden beneath the floor? Michael and TC unpack a viral legal case out of western Pennsylvania where new homeowners discovered a swastika and German eagle concealed in their basement. The sellers didn’t disclose it—and the court ruled they didn’t have to. Michael reflects on his own experience encountering historic swastika tiles, explores the ethics of real estate disclosure, and asks a bigger question: what else could be hidden in a home that buyers think they should’ve been told? A fascinating intersection of history, law, real estate, and cultural meaning—this is one discovery you won’t forget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The TV Shows That Defined Every Decade—from I Love Lucy to Stranger Things Feb 06, 2026

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Television has shaped American culture for more than 70 years—but which shows truly defined each decade? Michael is joined by legendary TV critic Alan Sepinwall (The Wall Street Journal; "The Sopranos Sessions" author) to break down the most influential TV series from the 1950s to today, from I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone to Seinfeld, The Sopranos, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Stranger Things. Then, TC joins Michael to preview this week’s episode of The TC After Dark Podcast—covering Dry (or Damp) January, the Costco rotisserie chicken controversy, viral headlines, and whether “Josh” is the new “Karen.” Smart, funny, and culture-packed—this is TV history, media insight, and modern life all in one episode. Original air date 6 Febuary 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: Since He's Rich, Should Jeff Bezos Be Expected to Save The Washington Post? Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Jeff Bezos be held to a higher standard of financial commitment to the Washington Post because of his personal wealth?" After the Washington Post announced newsroom cuts affecting more than a third of its journalists, Michael Smerconish examines whether criticism of Jeff Bezos is fair—or misplaced. Drawing on commentary from Hanna Rosin and Glenn Kessler, Michael explores the economics of modern journalism, the consequences of editorial decisions, and whether a billionaire owner has a special obligation to sustain a legacy newsroom. Is this about mismanagement, market realities, or expectations that only apply to the ultra-wealthy? Listen here, then vote, and please 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.

Scott Galloway Warns of a “Slow Burn Into Fascism” — and Says THIS is the Only Fix Feb 05, 2026

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Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and NYU Professor Scott Galloway joins Michael for a wide-ranging and provocative conversation about power, politics, and protest. Galloway explains why he believes traditional demonstrations fall short — and why targeting Big Tech’s subscription-based business models may be the fastest way to get Washington’s attention. From ICE policy and corporate influence to markets, consumer behavior, and historical warnings about silence and power, this episode sparks a fierce debate about whether canceling subscriptions can truly move the needle — and what it costs to do nothing. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 4 February 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: Is Boycotting Big Tech an Effective Way to Protest ICE Policies? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Are major tech companies an appropriate target for those protesting ICE policies?" Michael examines a growing protest strategy urged by NYU Professor Scott Galloway: a coordinated, month-long boycott of dominant tech companies to pressure the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. The episode explores the logic behind targeting market leaders like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft—even when they have no direct ties to ICE—versus companies that actively contract with the agency. Smerconish weighs the effectiveness, fairness, and consequences of using economic leverage as political protest, while revisiting the dangers of overheated rhetoric in the immigration debate and asking whether market disruption is a meaningful path to change. Listen here, then cast your ballot! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blue Wave Incoming? Halperin on Why Republicans Are in Real Trouble Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

2WAY's Mark Halperin is here for a wide-ranging conversation on power, accountability, and the future of American politics. He and Michael examine why Republicans are putting the Clintons front and center in the Epstein story, why younger Democrats feel no obligation to defend them, and whether selective scrutiny undermines public trust. Halperin also breaks down alarming signs for Republicans ahead of the midterms, the central role of the economy, and what the early jockeying for 2028 reveals about figures like Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and J.D. Vance. A candid discussion about generational change, media responsibility, and where the political ground is truly shifting. 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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