The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Will the Great Wealth Transfer Spark a Millennial Civil War? Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Michael explores the political impact of the massive intergenerational wealth transfer underway. With over $124 trillion set to pass from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen X, could this spark a political divide or even a civil war? Joined by Eric Levitz, Senior Correspondent at Vox, the discussion dives deep into how inherited wealth might shape future political battles, the rise of economic inequality, and the shifting landscape of U.S. politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feds vs. States: The Fight for AI Control Just Got Real Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Michael digs into today’s poll question: Who should regulate AI — the federal government, the states, or no one at all? With Trump’s new executive order, escalating job losses, a shocking wrongful arrest tied to facial recognition, and global AI competition heating up, Michael breaks down why the stakes have never been higher. Plus, reactions to Time’s “AI” Person of the Year and the political twists shaping the regulation battle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Dead Men Tell No Tales”: Listeners Clash Over Trump’s Border Strike Dec 11, 2025

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Raw, emotional, and fiercely divided—today’s Smerconish Program features some of the most intense calls yet. Listeners share heartbreaking stories of fentanyl loss, defend or condemn Trump’s deadly anti-drug boat strike, question military orders, and debate the legality and morality of the operation. From “sink the boat” to “dead men tell no tales,” this episode captures the full spectrum of America’s reaction to the border controversy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TIME’s Shocking 2025 Person of the Year Reveal: Did They Get It Right? Dec 11, 2025

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TIME Magazine has officially named the “Architects of AI” as the 2025 Person of the Year — and Michael says it was the only possible choice. In today’s episode, he breaks down why AI’s impact, for better or worse, outweighs any single human, and revisits the history of TIME’s most controversial picks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“He’ll Never Be Disciplined”: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Speech, Post & Party Panic Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Michael and political analyst Mark Halperin unpack Trump’s marathon Pennsylvania speech and the instantly infamous late-night Truth Social post that followed. They dive into Trump’s ongoing message-discipline problem, the GOP’s economic and healthcare vulnerabilities, the latest reporting on a possible Ukraine deal, and Halperin’s early power rankings for the 2028 Democratic nomination—including surprising movement for Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. A fast, wide-ranging conversation about the political stakes heading into 2026 and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Australia Protects Its Teens. Should America Also Enact An Under-16 Social Media Ban? Dec 10, 2025

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Australia just logged out more than a million under-16 social media accounts — an unprecedented national ban aimed at protecting kids from the harms of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. Today, Michael Smerconish breaks down the sweeping new law, the public reaction, and why figures like Rahm Emanuel say the U.S. should follow Australia’s lead. Michael revisits the data, insights from Dr. Jean Twenge's research on youth mental health, and today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Should America adopt the same ban? Tune in, vote, 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.

America’s Military at Risk? Admiral Stavridis on the NYT’s Shocking ‘Overmatch’ Report Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis—former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO—to break down the intensifying debate over the U.S. boat strike: the moral questions, the legal stakes, the intelligence lost, and why the tape’s release matters. Stavridis also reacts to the New York Times’ startling “Overmatch” report, which warns that America could be vulnerable in a future conflict with China. From Ukraine’s battlefield innovations to the future of aircraft carriers, drones, and U.S. military readiness, this is a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss. Original air date 9 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 Legalizing Cocaine and Heroin the Only Way to Stop Fentanyl-Related Deaths? Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: Would legalizing heroin and cocaine actually reduce fentanyl deaths and improve global stability? Inspired by a listener’s message and supported by Kofi Annan’s striking 2016 essay, Michael examines the arguments for and against a radical shift in drug policy. He also updates listeners on the ongoing mystery around the unreleased video of the second Venezuela boat strike and how the administration’s messaging continues to shift. 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.

The COVID-Cash Fraud Nobody Saw Coming — Except Michael Smerconish Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Minnesota Star Tribune investigative reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt joins Michael Smerconish to break down the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota — from the Feeding Our Future nonprofit to autism-service billing schemes and housing fraud. While President Trump claims “billions” were stolen, the evidence so far paints a very different picture. They explore how loosened guardrails during COVID opened the door to widespread abuse, the political fallout targeting the Somali community, and why federal investigators say more indictments are coming. Smerconish revisits his early warnings about pandemic-era fraud and hears from listeners on the front lines. A deep dive into one of America’s most troubling — and misunderstood — corruption stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Video They Don’t Want You to See? Smerconish Explores the Boat-Strike Mystery Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Why hasn’t video of the second boat strike been released? He explores the competing theories—from protecting sources and methods, to avoiding evidentiary exposure, to the mysterious surge in voters selecting “something else.” Michael also revisits recent poll results - A fast, insightful look at the biggest question listeners are debating today. Be sure to 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.

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