The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should Trump Send U.S. Troops to Ukraine After the War To Provide Security? Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Michael dives deep into today’s provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should President Trump commit to deploying U.S. troops alongside those of European nations to provide security to Ukraine once hostilities have ended?" With major diplomatic moves unfolding and Europe pushing for security guarantees, Michael breaks down what’s at stake, why this moment matters, and what the public really thinks. All this just after the "Alaska Summit" on Friday between Trump and Putin, and before Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington, DC today. Listen here, then 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.

Trump Wants On Mount Rushmore Aug 15, 2025

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Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why adding a fifth face—like Donald Trump’s—is more complicated than it sounds. From the original sculptor’s vision to political dreams and structural realities, this episode dives deep into one of America's most iconic monuments—and the controversy swirling around it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're Not Mingling. So We're Not Drinking. Aug 15, 2025

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Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were voting before listening to this episode...it's important, eye-opening, and isolating: Drawing from new Gallup data, cultural commentary, and The “Mingle Project,” he argues that a growing lack of social connection is to blame. Plus, reflections on the Ukraine war, the Trump-Putin summit. A must-listen on loneliness, polarization, and what we’ve lost in a screen-bound society. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can Trump Broker Peace with Putin? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Stakes Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to dissect the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage. With Zelensky absent from the table, can any deal truly hold? Admiral Stavridis offers sharp analysis on the potential for a ceasefire, the personalities involved, historical parallels, and why he thinks a resolution could be just six months away. A must-listen on diplomacy, strategy, and the global consequences of this pivotal meeting. Original air date 14 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.

An End To The Russia-Ukraine War: "My Head Says No, My Heart Says Yes" Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Will the war between Russia and Ukraine end within the next six months? Michael shares his surprising take on today's Smerconsih.com Poll Question—and why he’s leading with his heart, not his head. Plus, analysis of the Trump-Putin summit, body language predictions, and what a peace deal might really require. Listen here, rate and review this podcast, and 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.

Republicans Are Drinking Way Less Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

New Gallup data shows U.S. alcohol consumption has hit a record low—and Republicans are leading the trend. Michael digs into the numbers, which reveal a surprising 20-point drop in drinking among GOP'ers. He explores the cultural and political factors at play, and takes calls from listeners on whether it’s weed, wellness, or something deeper driving Americans to drink less. 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.

Underpoliced, Over Incarcerated? The Data May Surprise You Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From Trump’s National Guard plan in DC to a groundbreaking academic paper, this episode dives deep into whether our justice system is prioritizing the wrong solutions. With insights from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and scholarly work you’ve probably never heard of, this is one you don’t want to miss. Listen here, then rate and review the podcast, and 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.

Public Safety or Political Optics: The National Guard in Washington, DC Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to our nation's capital — despite data showing crime is at a 30-year low. Listen to his sharp commentary, and what our audience has to say about it. Original air date 12 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.

From Lock 'Em Up to Light 'Em Up? Trump’s Marijuana Shift Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind the shift, and how cannabis is becoming an 80/20 issue. Plus, reflections on Trump-Putin peace talks and the strategic optics behind Zelensky’s possible absence. Don’t miss this blend of politics, polling, and pot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

F**k Around and Find Out: A Tough-Love Parenting Approach Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar joins Michael to discuss the rise of FAFO (“F*** Around and Find Out”) parenting — a viral, consequence-driven style gaining popularity as a backlash to gentle parenting. Komisar explains why she believes both extremes miss the mark, and why the real solution lies in combining empathy with firm limits. What went wrong in raising Gen Z? Are we too sensitive — or not sensitive enough? This episode dives deep into the parenting pendulum, resilience, and what kids really need to thrive. Original air date 11 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.

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