The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Truth About Trump’s Tariffs on Canada: Former Ambassador David L. Cohen Explains Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen joins Michael to unpack the escalating U.S.-Canada trade fight, President Trump’s tariffs, and whether Canada has really been taking advantage of the United States. Cohen explains who actually pays the price for tariffs, why he believes America has “wronged” its closest neighbor, and whether the historic alliance can recover. 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 You Let A Child Of Yours Play Tackle Football? Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Football season is back—but would you let your kid take the field? Michael weighs the alarming new CTE data, the dangers of youth tackle football, and the social pressure parents face when everyone else is playing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meta’s $18 Billion Reckoning: Are We All Addicted? Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Meta has agreed to an historic nearly $18 billion settlement over claims that Facebook and Instagram harm kids—but Michael says the story is bigger than teenagers. With new limits on screen time, overnight access and notifications, could adults live by the same rules? Michael examines America’s growing dependence on phones, the decline of face-to-face interaction, and takes calls from listeners about whether social media has taken too much from our lives. Original air date 27 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.

Today's Poll Question: Are the U.S. and Canada still allies? Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are the US and Canada still allies? For generations, the U.S.-Canada relationship was one Americans rarely had reason to question. Now tariffs, collapsed trade negotiations, Donald Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric, and growing Canadian resistance are putting that assumption under strain. Michael examines both sides: NATO, NORAD and Five Eyes cooperation remain intact, while Canada is reconsidering defense purchases, Canadians are cutting U.S. travel, and Prime Minister Mark Carney is drawing firm lines around trade and sovereignty. Today’s poll asks whether the alliance remains as strong in practice as it does on paper - Michael will, later today, ask former US Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen that question as well. Hear that live on SiriusXM, and on this podcast! Please rate, review and share this episode now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Was Dolly Parton the Last Person America Agreed On? Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Michael remembers Dolly Parton and asks what made her such a rare, universally beloved American figure - she did what politics can't: Unite us. Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers calls in from the road to discuss Dolly’s authenticity, her place in American culture, and whether anyone today can still bring people together across political and generational divides. Original air date 26 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.

Today's Poll Question: Which Is Worse? Building Data Centers, or Losing The AI Race to China? Aug 26, 2026

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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is worse, building data centers or losing to China the AI race they power? Michael examines the growing backlash against massive AI data centers—and the national-security stakes of refusing to build them. With Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly wary of data centers in their own communities, politicians are scrambling to respond. But Senator John Fetterman warns that China and Russia may benefit from America’s resistance. Michael previews a conversation he's having later today with Pennsylvania developer Brian O’Neill about taxes, environmental concerns, local opposition, and a larger question: Can the United States remain competitive with China in artificial intelligence if every community says “not in my backyard”? Listen here, 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.

Why America’s $40 Trillion Debt Matters to Your Wallet Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

America’s national debt has crossed a staggering $40 trillion — but what does that actually mean for you? Michael sits down with Michael A. Peterson, Chairman and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, to explain how the country got here, why mounting debt affects everything from mortgages to Social Security, and what it would really take for Washington to change course. Plus, listeners weigh in on whether Americans and their elected leaders are willing to make the difficult choices required to tackle the problem. Original air date 25 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.

Today's Poll Question: When a Party Can’t Win, Should It Get Out of the Way For A Strong Independent Candidate? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: In a state where one party can't win a Senate seat, should that party step aside for a strong independent? Michael examines a provocative Senate strategy taking shape in deep-red states: Democrats clearing the field for independent candidates who may have a better chance of defeating Republicans. From Seth Bodnar’s campaign in Montana to independent bids in Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Alaska, Michael asks whether breaking the two-party monopoly could create a new center of power in Washington—or whether partisan voters will ultimately come home. Could just a few truly independent senators change how Congress works? 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.

Charles Barkley Unfiltered: Politics, the WNBA & 2028 Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Charles Barkley joins Michael Smerconish for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about America’s political divide, the WNBA and transgender athletes, Caitlin Clark, race and sexuality in sports, and the 2028 presidential field. Sir Charles also weighs in on AI’s threat to American workers, the value of the trades, his own political independence — and why he thinks both parties are failing ordinary Americans. Original air date 24 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.

Today's Poll Question: If the Public Can Attend, Should Cameras Have a Right to Be There Too? Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should cameras be allowed in every government proceeding that the public has a right to attend? Today Michael makes the case for a “Smerconish Sunshine Rule”: if citizens are legally entitled to watch their government conduct public business, cameras should be allowed to watch too. With C-SPAN simulcasting his SiriusXM program this week, he looks at nearly 50 years of government television and asks why the same transparency shouldn’t extend from school boards and courtrooms to the Supreme Court. But Sarah Isgur offers a sharp counterargument: cameras can encourage grandstanding, viral soundbites, and political performance instead of serious deliberation. Where should transparency end? Listen here, vote there! 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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