The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Five Years Later, The J6 Rioters Still Believe They Were The Patriots Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He is a leading expert on political violence, terrorism, and democratic stability, and has conducted extensive research on the January 6 defendants.

Michael van der Veen is a Philadelphia-based trial attorney who served as lead defense counsel for President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. He has also represented multiple defendants charged in connection with January 6.

William J. Brennan is a veteran criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling complex federal cases. He has represented several January 6 defendants and frequently speaks on issues of criminal justice and prosecutorial overreach.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran Protests Escalate: Should the U.S. Respond With Force? Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

As protests spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and economic collapse, President Trump warns that the U.S. could respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities use deadly force against demonstrators. In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: If Iran uses force against protesters, should the United States respond militarily? Michael examines the moral case for intervention, the real-world risks of escalation, and whether non-military options—like sanctions, communications support, and exposure of regime abuses—offer a better path forward. With global tensions rising and America already stretched abroad, where should the line be drawn? 👉 Listen and vote now at Smerconish.com, and 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.

Maduro Captured: A Military Masterstroke—or the Start of America’s Next Forever War? Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic, highly coordinated military operation—but what happens next? in this episode, Michael examines the stunning takedown of Maduro, now facing sweeping narco-terrorism charges in a New York courtroom, and asks the question few seem prepared to answer: Was there a real plan for the day after? Michael breaks down the indictment, the potential life sentence Maduro faces, and the extraordinary military precision behind the operation—while weighing sharply divided reactions from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Thomas Friedman. He also explores concerns about U.S. overreach, regime change, and whether America is now responsible for Venezuela’s future. With calls from listeners across the U.S. and beyond, this episode captures the uncertainty, debate, and historical echoes surrounding one of the boldest foreign policy moves in decades. A tactical success—perhaps. A strategic gamble? Almost certainly. Original air date 5 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Minnesota Fraud: Shocking Exception—or Proof the System Is Broken? Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Is the Minnesota fraud the exception or the norm? From a viral video alleging widespread daycare fraud to the trillions of dollars rushed out during the COVID pandemic, Michael adds context, skepticism, and historical perspective. He explains why Minnesota may not be a one-off, how speed overtook security in federal relief programs, and why enforcement efforts later fell short. A timely conversation about government oversight, viral outrage, and the real cost of pandemic spending. Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review 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.

The Case for Volunteering as a Cure for Loneliness Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Why are fewer Americans volunteering—and why does it matter? Michael digs into new data showing a long-term decline in volunteerism, echoing warnings first raised by Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone. Joined by Wall Street Journal opinion editor Mary Julia Koch, Michael explores how civic engagement has shifted toward episodic, virtual, and performative activism—and what we’ve lost as a result. They discuss generational trends, loneliness, the rise of online substitutes for real connection, and why volunteering doesn’t just help communities—it strengthens the people who do it. From tutoring students to mentoring veterans, listeners across the country share how showing up has changed their lives. In a fragmented, self-sorted society, volunteering may be one of the last true “mingle” experiences left. Original air date 4 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If You Trust Your Phone With Your Money, Why Not Your Vote? Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Can you really trust your smartphone to cast a secure vote? Michael Smerconish talks with venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk about a groundbreaking experiment in mobile voting, launching in Anchorage, Alaska. As smartphones already manage our money, medical records, and identities, Tusk argues it’s time they handle our ballots too. They dive into how phone-based voting works, the security safeguards behind it, the criticism from election experts, and whether increased convenience could boost turnout and weaken political extremism. Plus, callers weigh in on trust, tradition, and whether voting should remain a communal civic ritual—or move fully into the digital age. Original air date 20 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump Wants New Battleships — Admiral Stavridis Explains Why That Could Be a Mistake Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

President Trump announces plans for a new class of massive U.S. Navy warships—but are battleships the future or a relic of the past? Michael Smerconish speaks with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, about America’s shrinking fleet, China’s rapid naval expansion, and why concentrating power in giant ships may create dangerous vulnerabilities in the age of drones, missiles, cyber warfare, and submarines. Original air date 23 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Faith, Politics, and Fracture: America at a Crossroads Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Is the United States a Christian nation — and should it be? Michael breaks down Vice President JD Vance’s explosive comments at Turning Point USA, sparking a national debate over faith, identity, and the Constitution. He also examines the very public conservative infighting between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Steve Bannon, raising questions about whether the movement’s biggest gathering is a political asset or liability. Plus: why CBS spiked a 60 Minutes segment, what that says about media power, major political and cultural headlines shaping the moment, and a year-end reflection on what truly unites America. Vote in today’s poll 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.

Hunting Bears, Not Each Other: A Rare Look at Life Beyond Politics Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

What can bear hunting in rural Pennsylvania teach us about American politics? Michael speaks with Washington Post columnist and bestselling author Salena Zito about her immersive reporting from a Pennsylvania bear camp — a place where Democrats, Republicans, and independents come together without arguing politics. Zito explains why most Americans are far less politically obsessed than social media suggests, how community and tradition shape voter behavior, and why Pennsylvania remains the most misunderstood — and decisive — state in national elections. A timely conversation about culture, unity, and the real lives behind the headlines. Original air date 22 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Turning Point USA an Asset or Liability for the Republican Party? Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Michael dives deep into the chaos at Turning Point USA’s America Fest. With more than 30,000 attendees, the event revealed a growing rift within the GOP. From Ben Shapiro’s scathing critique of fellow conservatives to the controversial presence of rapper Nicki Minaj, the conference exposed the future direction of the Republican Party. Is Turning Point USA a political asset or a liability for the GOP? Listen here then vote at Smerconish.com, 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Smerconish Podcast

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6