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

America’s Military at Risk? Admiral Stavridis on the NYT’s Shocking ‘Overmatch’ Report

December 9, 2025 • 29 mins
Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis—former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO—to break down the intensifying debate over the U.S. boat strike: the moral questions, the legal stakes, the intelligence lost, and why the tape’s release matters. Stavridis also reacts to the New York Times’ startling “Overmatch” report, which warns that America could be vulnerable in a future conflict with China. From Ukraine’s battle...
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Is Legalizing Cocaine and Heroin the Only Way to Stop Fentanyl-Related Deaths?

December 9, 2025 • 15 mins
Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: Would legalizing heroin and cocaine actually reduce fentanyl deaths and improve global stability? Inspired by a listener’s message and supported by Kofi Annan’s striking 2016 essay, Michael examines the arguments for and against a radical shift in drug policy. He also updates listeners on the ongoing mystery around the unreleased video of the second Venezuela boat str...
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The COVID-Cash Fraud Nobody Saw Coming — Except Michael Smerconish

December 8, 2025 • 30 mins
Minnesota Star Tribune investigative reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt joins Michael Smerconish to break down the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota — from the Feeding Our Future nonprofit to autism-service billing schemes and housing fraud. While President Trump claims “billions” were stolen, the evidence so far paints a very different picture. They explore how loosened guardrails during COVID opened the door to widespread abuse, th...
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The Video They Don’t Want You to See? Smerconish Explores the Boat-Strike Mystery

December 8, 2025 • 11 mins
Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Why hasn’t video of the second boat strike been released? He explores the competing theories—from protecting sources and methods, to avoiding evidentiary exposure, to the mysterious surge in voters selecting “something else.” Michael also revisits recent poll results - A fast, insightful look at the biggest question listeners are debating today. Be sure to vote at Smerconish...
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Inside the J6 Pipe Bomb Arrest: Motive, Misconceptions, and a Stunning Legal Question

December 5, 2025 • 28 mins

Robert A. Pape
Professor, Political Science Department
Director, Chicago Project on Security and Threats
University of Chicago


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Drugs, War Crimes, and Politics: When Will We See The Boat Strike Video?

December 5, 2025 • 22 mins
Michael digs into the controversy surrounding the unreleased video of the second boat strike — the tape lawmakers saw but the public hasn’t. He breaks down conflicting accounts from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, revealing key details about the 41-minute deliberation, what the survivors were actually doing, and whether the strike may violate the Law of War. Listen here, then vote on today's poll ...
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AI Boom or Bust? Ron Insana on the Real Risk Behind Today’s Stock Market Surge

December 4, 2025 • 25 mins
CNBC and MSNBC commentator Ron Insana joins Michael to break down what’s really driving the stock market — and why most investors aren’t feeling the gains. From the soaring dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants to fears of an AI-fueled bubble, Insana explains the risks, the misconceptions, and how everyday Americans should think about investing in a highly concentrated market. They also tackle AI job displacement, univer...
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Not Feeling Rich: $1 Million Isn’t What It Used to Be

December 4, 2025 • 14 mins
Is a $1 million net worth still considered wealthy in 2025? New research reveals that most American millionaires don’t think so — and they’re more financially anxious than ever. Michael breaks down the surprising data, what “wealth” now means to Americans, and why geography and comparison play such big roles. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hoste...
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Admiral Stavridis on the Pentagon Firestorm: Congressional Inquiry Required

December 3, 2025 • 25 mins
Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis to unpack the explosive controversy surrounding a September military strike now under congressional investigation. Drawing on his experience as former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, Stavridis breaks down the chain of command, the laws of war, the role of the Secretary of Defense, and why missing video footage raises serious questions. Together, they examine whether orders...
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Second Strike Scandal: Is Admiral Bradley Responsible?

December 3, 2025 • 17 mins
Should Admiral “Mitch” Bradley face disciplinary action for authorizing a second strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat? Michael is asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today. Using reporting from The Washington Post, legal insights from military experts, and new comments from Secretary Hegseth, Michael unpacks the law-of-war implications, the political fallout, and why this case could affect far more than one admiral’s...
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Teens Don't Trust The News–And Think Spider-Man Is A Journalist

December 2, 2025 • 29 mins
Michael sits down with Peter Adams at the News Literacy Project to unpack a startling new study on how 13–18-year-olds view journalism—revealing deep distrust, confusion about media ethics, and a surprising cultural touchstone: Spider-Man. Michael also dives into how movies and TV shape our understanding of the press, from “Spotlight” and “Absence of Malice” to “Anchorman” and “The Morning Show.” A wide-ranging conversation about t...
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Should Ole Miss Have Let Lane Kiffin Finish the Season? Michael Battles His Emotions vs. Logic

December 2, 2025 • 18 mins
Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “Should Ole Miss have allowed Lane Kiffin to finish the season even after he accepted the LSU job?” Michael breaks down the full drama—from the Rebels’ championship run, to LSU’s massive contract offer, to the competing arguments from top analysts in the sports world. He explains why the decision raises bigger questions about loyalty, business, and the state of college football today. Cast your vot...
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Did the U.S. Commit a War Crime? Andrew McCarthy on the Drug Boat Strikes

December 1, 2025 • 17 mins

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.


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Is $50K… or $150K Enough? America’s True Cost of Living For A Family Of Four

December 1, 2025 • 17 mins
Michael dives into today’s "Cyber Monday" Smerconish.com poll: "How much does a family of four truly need to live independently in America?" He breaks down new research suggesting the real poverty line may be closer to $140,000—far above federal estimates—and explores the ‘Valley of Death’ where families lose benefits faster than wages rise. Plus, he reviews recent poll results and explains why this topic sparks so much frustration...
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Can Mentorship Fix America? Inside California’s Bold New Plan for Young Men

November 26, 2025 • 24 mins
Michael Smerconish talks with Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, about the alarming crisis facing young men — rising loneliness, declining engagement, and surging mental-health challenges. Fryday explains the newly launched California Men’s Service Challenge, a statewide push to recruit 10,000 male mentors, coaches, and role models. Together, they discuss the power of service, the...
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Hell Yes, Airline Passengers Should Dress Up!

November 26, 2025 • 21 mins
Michael dives into the Smerconish.com poll question inspired by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s controversial claim that airline passengers should “dress with respect” to promote civility. From shocking in-flight behavior stats to a viral DOT video, Michael explores whether our clothing really influences how we act in the air. Listen to this lively, timely conversation heading into Thanksgiving travel, vote at Smerconish.com, and then r...
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A Dirty Deal or the Only Deal? Admiral Stavridis on Ukraine’s Impossible Choice

November 25, 2025 • 32 mins
Breaking news meets expert analysis. As reports emerge that Ukraine may have agreed to a peace proposal with Russia, Michael brings in one of the world’s most trusted strategic minds — Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this urgent conversation, the Admiral reacts in real time to developing headlines, explains how the peace plan has shifted, and breaks down the difficult trade-offs Ukraine may face...
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Should Ukraine Trade Land for Peace?

November 25, 2025 • 16 mins
Michael dives into today’s hot-button poll question that he's asking at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine agree to a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia if its future security is guaranteed? From Tom Friedman’s “dirty vs. filthy” deal framework to the evolving U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, Michael breaks down the politics, principles, and tough trade-offs of ending the war. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun from the new Smerco...
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Disobeying Orders: Congress, the Military, and the Line Between Duty and Defiance

November 24, 2025 • 28 mins
When six Democratic members of Congress released a video urging troops to “refuse illegal orders,” President Trump called it seditious behavior. But was the video itself appropriate—or reckless? Michael speaks with Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham (ret.), a former Air Force JAG and law professor, who says the lawmakers “did more harm than good.” Together, they unpack what the law actually says about disobeying orders, how politics ris...
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Trump Calls It Treason — But Was The Democrats' 'Refuse Illegal Orders' Video Wrong?

November 24, 2025 • 15 mins
Was it appropriate for members of Congress to release a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders? That's today's Smerconish.com poll question...While President Trump’s fiery response suggesting the Democrats in the video be tried for treason grabbed headlines, Michael explores the deeper issue — was the video itself a political provocation or a necessary act of principle? Hear Michael’s take, and insights from a pi...
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