The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Qatari Jetgate: Will Trump Take Off in His $400M Presidential Plane? May 22, 2025

Show notes

Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times report detailing the backdoor deal, the secret talks, and the national security concerns over retrofitting the jet for presidential use. Will Trump cut corners to get in the air fast? Plus: the ethical firestorm over Trump's private dinner with crypto investors, meme coins, and the biggest questions yet about presidential pay-to-play politics. Listen to Michael's take before you head over to Smerconish.com to answer today's daily poll question: Will Donald Trump ever fly on the gifted Qatari jet as AF1 while he's still President? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Nation of Strangers: Do you know and trust your neighbor? May 21, 2025

Show notes

Michael sits down with Laura Silver, Associate Director at the Pew Research Center, to unpack the state of trust and neighborly connections in America. Drawing on the latest 2025 Pew survey data, they explore whether Americans still trust most people, know their neighbors, or engage in simple acts of kindness like watering plants or making small talk in a grocery store. From the decline of local media to the rise of digital isolation, this episode covers why Americans report more willingness to help others than they expect in return, and what this says about the social fabric of the country. Is it a crisis of connection? Or a misperception of division? Tune in to find out—and maybe be inspired to knock on a neighbor’s door. Original air date 19 May 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 Case for—and Against—Facial Recognition on Every Corner May 21, 2025

Show notes

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should police be permitted to use facial recognition technology in public spaces to identify and locate individuals wanted by law enforcement? Michael dives into the legal, ethical, and privacy implications of this controversial tool, sparked by a revealing Washington Post investigation and insights from a leading ACLU expert. Where should we draw the line between safety and surveillance? The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The "Stealthy Wealthy": Rich, Quiet, and Right Next Door May 20, 2025

Show notes

Michael invites the professor of Economics and Public Affairs from Princeton University's Department of Economics and School of Public and International Affairs Dr. Owen Zidar, to talk about the "Stealthy Wealthy". Dr. Zidar breaks down the demographic of wealthy Americans who "make their money the boring way". Original air date 20 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lights, Camera, Campaign! Could Celebs Be the Dems' Secret Weapon? May 20, 2025

Show notes

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: "To counter Donald Trump's influence, should the Democratic Party recruit and embrace celebrity candidates?" Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Biden Battles Cancer: The Diagnosis Everyone’s Talking About May 19, 2025

Show notes

Michael wishes Godspeed to President Joe Biden. According to a statement released by his personal office on Sunday, former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. He received This prostate cancer diagnosis on Friday, with a Gleason score of 9. Original air date 19 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most People Can Be Trusted… Or Can They? May 19, 2025

Show notes

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Agree or disagree: "Most people can be trusted." Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Does One Become A Four-Star Navy Admiral? James Stavridis Tells Us May 16, 2025

Show notes

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently ordered a 20% cut in four-star military officers. What exactly do those four stars mean and represent? Michael talks to Admiral James Stavridis - a retired four star Navy Admiral. A fascinating inside look into this really high military rank. Original air date 6 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is James Comey's "86 47" post a threat to President Trump? May 16, 2025

Show notes

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Was James Comey's "86 47" social media post a threat to President Trump? Listen here for Michael's take, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Danny on Diddy May 15, 2025

Show notes

SiriusXM Celebrity Guest Host (and NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst) Danny Cevallos breaks down the trial of music star Sean "Diddy" Combs. If you know nothing about this fascinating legal case, this is the explainer you want to listen to. Cevallos notes Combs' defense team argues that he is "not on trial for" domestic violence, assault, or rape. The prosecution argues otherwise, of course. On a day that Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura continued testifying on the stand, listen here for the expert legal analysis you need. Original air date 15 May 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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