The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Michael Sees The East Wing Demolition For Himself Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Michael takes listeners on a spontaneous walking tour outside the White House, where demolition of the East Wing is making way for what’s being called the “Trump Ballroom.” From firsthand observations to reflections on history, tradition, and presidential legacy, Michael asks today’s poll question: Decades from now, will presidents be hosting parties there—or pretending it never happened? Place your vote at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Halperin on Trump’s White House Makeover and the Democratic Party Identity Crisis Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin.

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Is a Zohran Mamdani Win Good or Bad for National Democrats? Oct 22, 2025

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Michael tackles a provocative poll question at Smerconish.com today: "Is it better for the national Democratic Party if Zohran Mamdani wins or loses in NYC?" Michael explores how the Mamdani campaign embodies the tug-of-war between progressives and centrists, and what that tension means for Democrats trying to win across swing districts. He adds commentary from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal about the party’s ideological crossroads, from Joe Manchin’s centrism to AOC-style activism. It’s a smart, spirited look at what is really at stake in one city’s election. Listen here and please rate and review this podcast! Then, vote on the question at smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

No Kings Rallies Explained: Ridicule As Resistance Oct 21, 2025

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Michael Smerconish sits down with Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, one of the organizers behind the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that drew millions around the globe. They discuss how humor and ridicule have become tools of resistance, the logistics of coordinating thousands of peaceful protests, and whether demonstrations can truly lead to political change. Then, Michael gets reaction from the audience, sparking a lively debate over protest effectiveness. Listen to this conversation that blends politics, strategy, and satire — and asks: Can laughter really challenge power? Original air date 21 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Unthinkable Option: Make Today’s Ukraine Map Lines Permanent? Oct 21, 2025

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A brutal poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should the Russia–Ukraine conflict be settled by accepting the current front lines as permanent? Michael breaks down why this option—awful for Ukraine—might still be the only “practical” endgame if the alternatives are endless attrition or dangerous escalation. Listen in for the case for a territorial “freeze” vs. the risks of arming Ukraine with long-range missiles and more. Please rate and review this podcast, thanks for listening! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will the ‘No Kings’ Protests Change Anything? Colby Hall vs. Will Bunch Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the explosive debate over the nationwide “No Kings” rallies, which drew millions across America this past weekend. Two excellent voices join the conversation with very different takes: Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite, questions whether these protests accomplish anything beyond social media posts and self-satisfaction. Will Bunch, national opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, argues that the movement’s true power lies in restoring community, courage, and hope in a divided democracy. From the power of collective action to the pitfalls of performative protest, this conversation asks: Can massive marches really make meaningful change—or are we mistaking hashtags for history? Original air date 20 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7 Million Protesters. But Will The 'No Kings' Movement Matter? Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Over 7 million protesters participated in "No Kings" protests across 2,600+ locations nationwide. Michael talks about this here and is asking you in today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Will the “No Kings” rallies lead to meaningful change? Listen to Michael offer dueling views from Colby Hall (Mediaite) and Will Bunch (Philly Inquirer), and then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

'He Is Not A She': Nancy Mace Clashes with Michael Smerconish Over Trans Rights and Military Service Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) joins Michael Smerconish to discuss their recent joint appearance on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher', the government shutdown, President Trump, and foreign policy — until a fiery exchange over transgender service members derails the conversation. After Mace abruptly ends the call, Jo Ellis, the decorated National Guard veteran and black hawk pilot at the center of the debate, joins Michael to respond — offering a deeply personal perspective on service, identity, and respect. A powerful episode exploring free speech, empathy, and where civil discourse breaks down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bolton, Comey, or Letitia James — Who’s Really in the Hottest Water? Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Michael dives into today’s smerconish.com poll question: "Which indictment is strongest — John Bolton, James Comey, or Letitia James?" In this episode, Michael breaks down each case, weighs the legal and political stakes, and explains why he thinks one indictment clearly stands out. Plus, what “Show me the man, I’ll find the crime” really says about our justice system. Listen, vote, and 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.

Two Miles Then, Two Doors Now: The Collapse of Kids’ ‘Home Range’ Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

This interview is part of Michael's ongoing "Mingle Project." Learn more here.

Helen Woolley is a Professor of Landscape Architecture, Children's Environments and Society at the University of Sheffield.

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