The Smerconish Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Brad Meltzer Wrote an Oath That Changed America—Now It’s Under Attack May 01, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode, Michael Smerconish is joined by bestselling author Brad Meltzer—whose writing career began not with thrillers, but by penning the AmeriCorps oath at just 24. As AmeriCorps faces budget cuts from the federal government, Meltzer defends the national service program he helped shape, calling it "the best part of American government." They discuss the transformative power of community service, the bipartisan legacy of AmeriCorps, and the urgent need to protect it. With personal stories and hard-hitting statistics, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the unifying power of service. Original air date 1 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.

STICKER SHOCK: Should Stores Tell You The Tariff Cost On What You're Buying? May 01, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should retailers itemize tariff surcharges on customer bills? 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.

100 Days of Trump 2.0: A Masterclass with Halperin, Rove, Sosnik & Axelrod Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this comprehensive analysis, four of America's top political minds dissect the first 100 days of Trump's second term. Michael talks to Mark Halperin, Karl Rove, Doug Sosnik, and David Axelrod. Four incredible conversations in a row, exploring The controversial tariff policies affecting the economy, the dramatic shift in voter demographics based on education levels, and the transformation of Republicans into the working-class party. The experts examine how economic disparities and educational divides are reshaping American politics, while debating the Democrats' challenges in connecting with non-college-educated voters. Original air date 30 April 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Supreme Court Showdown: Should Religious Charter Schools Get Public Funds? Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Should charter schools with religious affiliations be eligible to receive public funds? 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.

Today's Complex Geopolitical Moment: Admiral James Stavridis on Global Tensions and Domestic Uncertainty Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Michael and the Admiral reference Michael's conversation upcoming with Admiral William McRaven - listen to that on the Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast.

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100 Days In: Rethinking The Trump-Harris Defeat Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: If voters knew what they know 100 days into Trump 2.0, would Trump have defeated Harris? 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.

The Back Story of Michael's CNN Festivus Commentary, Larry David v. Bill Maher Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Saturday Morning was quite a morning amidst the funeral of Pope Francis. Michael offers a play-by-play of how his show still went on-air on CNN, where he offered a commentary completely unrelated to what was happening in the news that morning, on "Festivus" and the spat between Bill Maher and Larry David, the former having recently met with President Trump, and the latter comparing it to sharing a meal with a modern day Hitler. Here, Michael gives you the full back story on what happened. Original air date 28 April 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 Wisconsin Judge Go to Jail? The Hannah Dugan-ICE Controversy Explained Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: If a state judge helps a migrant evade federal ICE agents, should that judge be arrested and charged with obstruction and concealment? 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.

Conclave Countdown: Politics, Papal Legacy & Who’s Watching? Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Richard Wood is President of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California.

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Lizard Breath, Ponch, Beysh and Smerc: What Happened To Nicknames? Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Where Have All The Nicknames Gone? Read In The Wall Street Journal

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