The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Sam Bankman-Fried Case Isn’t What You Think Sep 10, 2026

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Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was convicted of fraud after prosecutors argued that billions of dollars in customer deposits were improperly funneled to his trading firm, Alameda Research. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and hit with an $11 billion forfeiture judgment. Now, Michael speaks with SBF’s Supreme Court attorney Jeffrey Fisher about why he believes the jury never heard the full story, whether Bankman-Fried received a fair trial, and the case for giving him another one. Original air date 10 September 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: Will Trump’s $5,000 Dividend Help Republicans—or Backfire? Sep 10, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Trump's $5000 dividend promise help Republicans in the midterms or will it backfire? President Trump is promising every adult U.S. citizen a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the House and Senate—a proposal that could cost roughly $1.2 trillion. Michael examines the political calculation behind the pledge, the questions surrounding how it would work, and the striking contrast with a national debt approaching $40 trillion. Does putting money directly into voters’ pockets give Republicans a powerful midterm advantage, or does the promise look like fiscal recklessness—or even desperation—at exactly the wrong moment? Listen 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.

"The Chaos Is The Point": Chris Coons Sounds Alarm on Trump’s Mail-In Voting Plan Sep 09, 2026

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Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) joins Michael to discuss President Trump’s push to change mail-in voting, the battle for control of the House in the 2026 midterms, and what he sees as the administration’s priorities. Plus, Coons explains his bipartisan effort with Sen. Ted Cruz and other Senators to bring order to college sports, NIL payments, and the transfer portal, in the "Protect College Sports Act." Original air date 9 September 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: Who Wins The House In November? Sep 09, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who wins the House in November - Democrats or Republicans? With the 2026 midterms approaching, Michael Smerconish examines whether Democrats are headed for a comfortable House victory—or whether Republicans can hold on. History strongly favors the opposition party in midterm elections, Trump’s approval rating stands at 36%, and Democrats lead the generic ballot. But newly redrawn congressional maps could give Republicans a crucial cushion, while uncertainty surrounding mail-in voting adds another variable. Michael breaks down the numbers, the historical precedents, and the possible paths to 218 seats before asking you to make the call 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.

Lindsay Clancy: Why Yale Law School's Jed Rubenfeld Predicts a Plea Deal Sep 08, 2026

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Why did the Lindsay Clancy case end in a mistrial—and what happens next? Michael speaks with Yale Law professor Jed Rubenfeld about the unusual Massachusetts insanity law that shaped the trial, why the jury never had voluntary manslaughter as an option, and why he believes the case may ultimately end in a plea deal. Michael then hears from listeners about the difficult legal and human questions surrounding the case. Original air date 8 September 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: "Would America be better off as two countries?" Sep 08, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Would America be better off as two countries?" Could America’s political divisions eventually become national borders? Michael examines the provocative idea of an American “disunion” through two very different lenses: Kurt Andersen’s new novel 'The Break-Up', which imagines a divided United States after civil conflict, and Syracuse professor Ryan Griffiths’ research into real-world secession movements and why they so rarely succeed. From red and blue states to national security, polarization, democracy, and the practical nightmare of drawing new borders, Michael explores whether breaking America apart could ever solve its problems—or whether the better answer is finding a way to live together. Listen here, then vote - 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.

What Your College Major Says About Your Politics Sep 03, 2026

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Can your college major predict your politics—or even how religious you are? Michael talks with Ryan Burge, a professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis’ John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, about fascinating new data showing sharp differences among finance, nursing, English, theater and other majors when it comes to ideology and religiosity. Then listeners call in to see whether they fit the stereotype—or completely break the mold. Original air date 17 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Government Took His $95,000 Plane Over a Six-Pack of Beer Sep 02, 2026

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A six-pack of beer could help redefine the Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. Michael breaks down the extraordinary Supreme Court case of an Alaska bush pilot whose $95,000 airplane was seized after alcohol was found aboard a flight to a dry village—and explains why the story is far more complicated than the headline suggests. Then, listeners weigh in on how much punishment is simply too much. Original air date 21 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Shapiro Says “Hell No” to Data Centers — The Developer Responds Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Data centers are becoming one of America’s hottest political fights. Michael talks with Pennsylvania developer Brian O’Neill, who is seeking to build $18 billion worth of data center projects, about Governor Josh Shapiro’s opposition, concerns over power, water, jobs and local communities — and whether resistance to new development could cost the U.S. the AI race against China. Then, listeners from across the country weigh in. Original air date 1 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

America Is Divided. Except at Costco. Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

In an increasingly fragmented America, could Costco be one of the last places that still brings everyone together? Michael explores how the warehouse giant became an unlikely cultural phenomenon—from $5 rotisserie chickens and $1.50 hot dogs to date nights, marriage proposals and remarkably loyal employees—and asks listeners: What is Costco’s secret sauce? Listen in about how its not just a place to shop - its a place to mingle. Original air date 14 July 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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