The Smerconish Podcast

The Smerconish Podcast

Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds. The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.

Episodes

Go Forth and Mingle: Michael Smerconish’s Commencement Legacy

June 14, 2025 • 23 mins
Michael Smerconish closes out the 2024–25 graduation season by looking back on the commencement addresses he’s delivered over the years—and the one that got canceled. From standing in a downpour at Widener University to confronting cancellation at Dickinson, Michael shares the messages of perseverance, citizenship, and civility he’s brought to graduates across the country. It’s a personal, powerful look at what he’s learned and wha...
Mark as Played

India Plane Crash: How to Survive the Unthinkable

June 13, 2025 • 18 mins
When a plane crashes in India, killing over 240 people and sparing just one, Michael Smerconish turns to survival expert and author Ben Sherwood. The former ABC News President, now Publisher/CEO of The Daily Beast is the bestselling author of "The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life." Together they explore the science, strategy, and even spirituality behind surviving catastrophe—from airplane disasters...
Mark as Played

Sorry, Senator Padilla, You Crossed The Line

June 13, 2025 • 15 mins
Michael and TC talk about California Senator Alex Padilla's (D) appearance at a press conference that HHS Secretary Kristi Noem was holding, where he was forcibly removed and detained for a short time. Michael takes note of the partisan silos everyone is falling in to when analyzing this incident - but his take is more nuanced, and he makes it clear that Secretary Noem is not to blame in this situation. Original air date 13 June 20...
Mark as Played

Michael’s Take: Why I Oppose Israel's Strike on Iran (With a Caveat)

June 13, 2025 • 20 mins
Michael offers a nuanced take on Israel attacking Iran last night. He unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question, which asks "Do you favor or oppose Israel’s attack against Iran?" Listen to him talk about what it means for U.S.-Israel relations, and the looming risk of a wider war. Plus, thoughts on immigration protests, political optics, and why this moment may change everything.
Mark as Played

Fox News or Bust? The Alarming Shrinking Media Trust on the Right

June 12, 2025 • 25 mins
Michael Smerconish sits down with Pew Research Center's Elisa Shearer to unpack new data on media trust in America. Why do Republicans overwhelmingly trust only Fox News and Joe Rogan, while Democrats rely on a much broader mix of outlets? What does this growing media divide mean for political discourse—and democracy itself? A revealing conversation on the trust crisis shaping the nation's news diet. It is summarized in the piece s...
Mark as Played

Protesters, the President, or the Press: Who’s Escalating Immigration Unrest?

June 12, 2025 • 14 mins
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “What is most to blame for the escalation of immigration related protests — the protesters, the president, or the media?” Michael breaks down the timing, media dynamics, political implications, and public perception of recent protests. Plus, he shares his own vote — and why he thinks the media plays a bigger role than many believe.
Mark as Played

The Media’s Trump-Obsessed Blindspot: Mark Halperin On What's Being Overlooked

June 11, 2025 • 27 mins
Michael Smerconish and 2WAY's Mark Halperin break down how the media’s obsession with Trump vs. CA Gov. Newsom is drowning out critical issues—from military use on U.S. streets and immigration realities to rare earth dependencies on China. Plus, a fiery look back at Senator Tom Cotton’s controversial NYT op-ed on sending troops, and why Democrats keep losing the immigration narrative. Hard truths, sharp insight, and no spin: Rate, ...
Mark as Played

Salute or Skip: The Media is Divided on Covering The Army Parade

June 11, 2025 • 15 mins
What level of coverage should the media afford the U.S. Army's 250th birthday parade? That's the poll question at Smerconish.com today. Michael dives into the controversy over a massive military celebration in D.C., complete with tanks, fighter jets, and 7,000 personnel. With Trump’s birthday falling on the same day, some say it’s more about politics than patriotism. Should major networks broadcast it—or sit it out? Michael explore...
Mark as Played

Parade or Power Play? The Army Turns 250

June 10, 2025 • 35 mins
This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, opt...
Mark as Played

Life, Death, and Suffering: Who Gets to Choose? Bioethicist Dr. Art Caplan On The Right To Die Without A Terminal Illness

June 10, 2025 • 37 mins
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman ...
Mark as Played

Democrats Are Trying To Speak To Young Men To Win Them Back

June 9, 2025 • 29 mins
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters who are no longer aligning themselves with the party, many even becoming more conservative. These are younger men who feel ignored, ridiculed, left behind in education, the labor force, the dating pool, and other areas. Listen to find out what this project entails, and what she...
Mark as Played

Should You Check Papers Before Hiring Help?

June 9, 2025 • 17 mins
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. ...
Mark as Played

From D-Day Reflections to Renaming A Ship During Pride Month: Admiral Stavridis Breaks It Down

June 6, 2025 • 16 mins
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Michael Smerconish is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower (Who was the first NATO Supreme Allied Commander), Ukraine's bold strike deep into Russia, rising tensions with Iran, the Trump-Musk feud and its global stakes, and the controversy over renaming Navy ships during Pride Month. A gripping conversation on leader...
Mark as Played

Musk vs. Trump: Who Can Destroy the Other First?

June 6, 2025 • 17 mins
Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud, their mutual vulnerabilities, and why a truce might be on the horizon. Listen in for Michael’s insider commentary on today's sizzling poll question, and the political and business stakes of this heavyweight clash. Then head to Smerconish.com and vote on the question: "Who coul...
Mark as Played

Pouring Harvey Milk Out To Sea

June 5, 2025 • 26 mins
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is considering renaming several US Navy ships that are named after civil rights icons. One in particular is the U.S.S. Harvey Milk, a ship that carries oil at sea in support of other Navy vessels. It is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Michael is joined by New York Times Reporter John Ismay, who is covering this story. He reports on the...
Mark as Played

Before You Vote 'No' To Reducing Foreign Enrollment in American Colleges - Hear This

June 5, 2025 • 19 mins
Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S. colleges reduce foreign enrollment to better preserve American social mobility and promote national unity?" Drawing on a provocative New York Times essay by Princeton professor David Bell, he explores the complex trade-offs behind foreign student enrollment—from economic benefits...
Mark as Played

Human Connection in a Disconnected World: The Guy Meeting 10,000 People, One Hour At A Time

June 4, 2025 • 42 mins

Find more about Rob Lawless here.

Find more about The Mingle Project here.

Mark as Played

Mark Halperin on Musk vs. Trump, Stephen Miller’s Power Grab & Hidden White House Chaos

June 4, 2025 • 26 mins
Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a high-octane breakdown of the week’s biggest—and most overlooked—stories in U.S. politics. Elon Musk's surprise criticism of Trump's economic bill has reportedly infuriated the President, but is it a distraction from deeper GOP infighting and dysfunction? Halperin peels back the curtain on the real stories happening beneath the headlines—including the surprising influ...
Mark as Played

Disgusting Abomination! Did Elon Musk Just Kill President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill"?

June 4, 2025 • 12 mins
Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump’s major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and more. Musk calls it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ Has the billionaire, who just left his 'DOGE' position at the White House, just derailed Trump's agenda? Michael Smerconish breaks it all down, from fiscal policy to political fallout. Listen in, then vote on today's Smerconish...
Mark as Played

An Increasing Number of Ordinary Americans are Supporting Political Violence

June 3, 2025 • 30 mins
Following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado were 8 people were injured by a man attacking them with a flame thrower and Molotov cocktails. The victims who were burned were marching in a parade in support of Israel. Michael turns to Dr. Robert A. Pape, who has researched and taught on this is type of violence, for expertise. He is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Crime Junkie

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Ridiculous History

    Ridiculous History

    History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.