The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Autism and Vaccines: What the Science Really Says May 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael dives into one of the most sensitive and misunderstood topics in public discourse today: the rise in autism diagnoses and the persistent myths surrounding vaccines. Prompted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent pledge to “find the cause of autism,” Michael critically examines those claims and reflects on his own past interview with RFK Jr. He then speaks with Dr. Annette Estes, Director of the University of Washington Autism Center, to unpack the science behind autism’s rising prevalence, the role of genetics, environmental factors, and the impact of changing diagnostic criteria. Dr. Estes also firmly addresses the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism and explains why the public’s energy should be focused on early identification and support rather than fear-driven theories. This thoughtful and informative conversation offers clarity in a space often clouded by misinformation. Original air date 8 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 Debate Over A Secure Career Path: College Degree v. Skilled Trade May 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael has three things that he's seen in the last 24 hours that bring this commentary and question he's asking to mind in this episode. It starts with a story in the New Yorker titled "Everybody is Cheating Their Way Through College", and then builds from there to get to what he's asking in today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Which is a more secure career path: College Degree or Skilled Trade? Listen to his thoughts, 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.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Trump's Inner Circle Power Plays: A Deep Dive with Mark Halperin May 07, 2025

Show notes

Mark Halperin is editor-in-chief of 2WAY, author of the Wide World of News newsletter, and host of the "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.

Should transgender individuals be banned from military service? May 07, 2025

Show notes

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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven Singer Unfiltered: His insightful and transparent take on Tariffs May 06, 2025

Show notes

Visit Steven Singer Jewelers.

Steven Singer is a long time advertiser on The Michael Smerconish Program. However, this was an unpaid appearance, he was invited to speak about his experience with the new tariffs.

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

America’s Next Immigration Plan: Pay-to-Exit? May 06, 2025

Show notes

Self-Deportation for Cash? President Trump's controversial idea of giving $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who volunteer to leave the country is splitting Americans and is basis of Michael's Poll Question at Smerconish.com today, asking: Should the U.S. government provide financial stipends to undocumented immigrants who volunteer to self-deport? Listen to Michael explain the issue, 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.

Senator in Denial? Inside Ben Terris's Bombshell Fetterman Report May 05, 2025

Show notes

Is Senator John Fetterman in trouble? In this eye-opening episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with New York Magazine’s Ben Terris about his report detailing growing concerns over the Pennsylvania senator’s health, behavior, and fitness to serve. Terris shares details from a confidential letter written by Fetterman’s former chief of staff, who warned of reckless behavior, skipped medical treatments, and signs of serious mental health decline. Is this a mental health success story unraveling? Listen here. Original air date 5 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.

GOP Loyalty to Trump Trumps All—Even the Constitution May 05, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Will President Trump's ambivalence about upholding the Constitution cause ANY erosion of his support among Republicans? Listen to Michael explain the issue, 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.

Get Rid of Grades. It's An A+ Idea May 02, 2025

Show notes

Author Daniel Pink argues that grade inflation is ruining education. Michael welcomes him to discuss his Washington Post op-ed "Why not get rid of grades?" Original air date 4 March 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 Critics of Trump’s Immigration Tactics Back Off? Michael Smerconish Says YES May 02, 2025

Show notes

Read Elie Honig's piece in New York Magazine here.

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