The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

We're Losing Touch with Nature — And It's Worse Than You Think Aug 25, 2025

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Are we forgetting nature? Michael speaks with Professor Miles Richardson, a leading expert on "nature connectedness" at the University of Derby. Richardson’s research shows a 60% drop in our connection to nature since 1800—reflected in everything from language to lifestyle. Together, they explore why children are growing up without a bond to the natural world, how urbanization plays a role, and what we can still do to reverse this hidden crisis. If you’ve ever loved a walk in the woods, this episode will make you think twice about how—and whether—that experience is being passed on. Original air date 13 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live From The New Joint Aug 22, 2025

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Today’s episode marks a milestone over 30 years in the making. Michael Smerconish unveils his brand new studio—affectionately dubbed The New Joint—a space he’s envisioned for decades and finally brought to life. This isn’t just a backdrop for broadcasting; it’s the physical realization of a lifelong dream, built with purpose, precision, and a whole lot of personality. In this special episode, Michael takes you behind the scenes of The New Joint, guiding you through every detail of his long-envisioned studio—from lighting and layout to the personal touches that make it uniquely his. He shares the journey from dream to reality, reflecting on how the new space will enhance everything from daily poll segments to deep-dive conversations, while offering heartfelt thanks to the designers, contractors, artists, engineers, and friends who helped bring it to life. this episode offers a rare peek behind the mic—and a powerful reminder that dreams, even those 30 years in the making, can come true with patience, grit, and the right people by your side. Original air date 22 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California’s Political Earthquake: Is Redistricting Reform About to End? Aug 22, 2025

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Gerrymandering is bad. But self-sorting? It might be the silent force doing even more damage to American democracy. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into California’s surprising move to potentially dismantle its independent redistricting commission—a system once hailed as the national model for fairness and transparency. Why now? What’s driving this shift? Should California abandon its independent redistricting commission? Vote Now 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.

A Bad Day For World Peace Aug 21, 2025

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Michael reflects on what he calls a truly bad day for world peace. From Israel’s explosive expansion of West Bank settlements to Russia’s massive new strike on Ukraine, he connects the dots and explains why these developments may mark the death of the two-state solution and a dangerous new phase in global instability. Sobering, passionate, and essential listening...all starting with something he found as he began to unpack in his brand new studio. Original air date 21 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Too Left? Too Elitist?... Why Dems Are Hemorrhaging Voters Aug 21, 2025

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The numbers are in—and they’re brutal. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks what the data reveals—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Democrats have lost ground to Republicans in every single state that tracks party registration—an eye-popping 4.5 million voter swing since 2020. Why are so many Americans abandoning the Democratic Party? Michael lays out six possible explanations. His choice is surprising; what's yours? Go 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.

'Shambolic But Strategic’: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Ukraine Move Aug 20, 2025

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Listen to Mark's Next Up Podcast.

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

Yes, Voting By Mail Is Secure Aug 20, 2025

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Is voting by mail secure? With President Trump vowing to ban it and bringing election integrity back in the spotlight, Michael explores the real data behind mail-in voting. From Civil War history to MIT studies to recent political firestorms, this episode breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s at stake for 2026 and 2028. Spoiler: The fraud rate is lower than your chances of getting struck by lightning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could Trump Really Win the Nobel Peace Prize? Aug 19, 2025

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Could Donald Trump ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Michael speaks with with University of Agder Professor Dr. Øyvind Tønnesson, a former advisor to the Nobel Institute, for a provocative conversation about peace, politics, and character. With historical insight and sharp commentary, they debate whether Trump — even if he brokered peace in Ukraine — would ever be a viable candidate. An unmissable episode about power, perception, and the most prestigious prize on earth. Original air date 19 August 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the U.S. Go to War with Russia? Aug 19, 2025

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Michael dives into one of the most provocative poll questions he's ever posed: Should Ukraine join NATO — and should the United States invoke Article 5 and go to war with Russia? What prompted such a bold ask? A pattern of consistently hawkish responses from his audience on past Ukraine-related poll questions. With 79% recently supporting U.S. troop deployment to enforce peace in Ukraine, Michael wonders: Are we ready to go all the way? He breaks down historical poll results, examines the implications of invoking Article 5, and challenges his audience to consider the real-life consequences of their answers. Are we serious about war — or just keyboard warriors? Listen here, and leave a rating and review of 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.

Reading Trump & Putin Like a Book – A Body Language Deep Dive Aug 18, 2025

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In this eye-opening episode, Michael Smerconish sits down with body language expert Chris Ulrich, founder of CU in the Moment, to analyze the high-stakes optics of the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Anchorage. What did the red carpet, the handshake, the subtle smirks, and even the way the leaders stood and sat reveal about power, control, and unspoken dynamics?

Ulrich, a seasoned consultant in nonverbal communication and behavioral dynamics, breaks down the symbolism and stagecraft that played out between the two leaders. He explains why Trump’s shoulder pat, Putin’s quickened pace, and Trump’s open-palm gesture weren't just random choices—they were calculated or habitual moves loaded with meaning.

From the arrival choreography to the final moments of the press conference, Ulrich reads into every gesture, clap, steeple, and foot position, revealing how physical behavior can either project dominance or deference—and how both Trump and Putin used those tools to their advantage.

Michael and Chris also explore whether these behaviors are intentional or instinctive, what Trump might have done differently had he sought expert coaching beforehand, and how viewers at home can sharpen their own observation skills to spot influence, tension, and strategy through body language alone.

Whether you're politically engaged, fascinated by leadership dynamics, or curious about the unspoken psychology behind international relations, this episode offers a rare decoding of political theater at the highest level.

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

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