The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is Gen Z Unemployable? Suzy Welch Drops A Bombshell Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Michael sits down with Suzy Welch—NYU professor, journalist, and author of "Becoming You", to unpack her provocative Wall Street Journal essay that asked: Is Gen Z unemployable? Welch’s research found that only 2% of Gen Z shares the core values most prized by employers, like achievement and a strong work ethic. Instead, young workers are prioritizing self-care, authenticity, and purpose—sparking a growing clash between companies and new hires. Michael and Suzy dive deep into the data, the pushback from Gen Z, and what this generational disconnect means for the future of work, parenting, and American competitiveness. Original air date 2 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.

Shutdown Showdown: Which Party Takes the Political Hit? Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Michael Smerconish breaks down today's critical poll question: Which party faces more political risk from the government shutdown? He dives into how healthcare is at the heart of the standoff, and what the latest polling data reveals about public perception. Plus, reflections on Hispanic voting trends, the "Hard Hat Riot," and how history might be repeating itself. A can’t-miss episode for political junkies. 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 How the Shutdown Could End Today Oct 01, 2025

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Michael is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest political stories of the week. From the government shutdown and who’s most likely to take the blame, to President Biden’s approval numbers, the Comey indictment, and the surprising twists in the New York City mayoral race, they cover it all. Halperin shares why the shutdown could end sooner than most expect, why Democrats may be politically vulnerable, and how Andrew Cuomo’s comeback campaign might not be over yet. Plus, the two dive into the consequences of political prosecutions, the role of the military in domestic crises, and whether Americans are as engaged with D.C. drama as pundits think. Original air date 1 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.

Will Hispanic Voters Shift Right, Like White Working-Class Voters Did? Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Will Hispanic voters ultimately drift rightward, as so-called ethnic whites once did? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com...drawing lessons from the 1970s “Hard Hat Riot” and the political realignment of working-class whites, Michael explores whether Democrats face an existential threat if Hispanic voters follow a similar path. He also revisits President Trump and War Secretary Hegseth's remarks to military generals yesterday, plus touching on his latest YouTube Episode of "The Mingle Project." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Admiral Stavridis: Hegseth’s Speech Was a Pep Rally with No Impact Sep 30, 2025

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When Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 800 of America’s top generals and admirals to Quantico — with President Trump making a surprise appearance — it was an unprecedented show of force. But was it effective, or just political theater? Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, joins Michael Smerconish to share a candid gut check on Hegseth’s remarks. Original air date 30 September 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Quantico: Should We Fear Trump & Hegseth's Big Meeting? Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there anything inherently wrong with the Department of War summoning senior military leaders to Quantico?" He explains why his answer is “no,” explores the concerns behind such a high-level gathering, and reflects on recent poll results about political violence and rhetoric. Plus, a preview of today’s Mingle Project episode with Dr. Brian Rosenwald on the history of talk radio. 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.

The New Status Symbol: A Memoir for Your Kids Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Ensign joins Michael to explore a surprising new trend: wealthy retirees are hiring professional writers to craft their family memoirs — sometimes spending tens of thousands, even six figures, to do it. From revealing secrets to preserving heritage, these personal histories aren’t meant for bookstores, but for children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Is this a priceless legacy, or a self-indulgent luxury? Hear Michael and callers share their own experiences with capturing family stories. Original air date 18 September 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 Rise of Retributive Justice — and Why It Must End Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Michael is on the west coast today, having appeared on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday night. He shares stories from his time there, and then moves on to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com, where he's asking you: "Will the trend of retributive prosecutions persist beyond the Trump administration?" From Alvin Bragg to Fani Willis to the new Comey indictment, Michael lays out why he believes the weaponization of justice is one of the greatest threats facing democracy today. Listen here, then cast your vote 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.

Will Kamala Harris' Book Ruin a Future Presidential Run Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Despite a long day of travel ahead, Michael Smerconish shares his thoughts on today's daily poll question: "Is Kamala Harris’ book release and media tour enhancing or diminishing her prospects to one day be elected president?" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Political Violence Is Here In America — But It's Not What You Think Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

New York Times' Jia Lynn Yang joins Michael to unpack America’s disturbing new era of political violence. From the assassination of Charlie Kirk to nihilistic acts with unclear ideology, are we witnessing the collapse of coherent political conflict — or the rise of something even more dangerous? 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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