Podcast
The Smerconish Podcast
Hosted by SiriusXM · EN
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.
148episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Today's Poll Question: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran?
Yesterday00:14:00Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Trump retreating too soon on Iran? President Trump announces a new agreement with Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, oil prices are falling, and Tehran has agreed not to pursue a nuclear weapon. But major questions remain: What happens to Iran’s nuclear program? Will sanctions be lifted before meaningful concessions are secured? And after months of military escalation and economic disruption, what has actually been achieved? Michael explores the uncertainties surrounding the deal, the arguments for staying the course versus declaring victory, and why today’s poll has voters almost perfectly divided. A timely conversation about diplomacy, deterrence, and America’s role in the Middle East. Listen here, then vote! And be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →America Turns 250—But Americans Aren't Celebrating
2d ago00:28:02Tap to summarizeAs America approaches its 250th birthday, a new NBC News poll paints a sobering picture of the nation's mood. Michael speaks with NBC senior national politics reporter Jonathan Allen about why most Americans believe the American Dream is harder to achieve, why trust in institutions has eroded, and why many think the country's best days are behind it. Is this simply a rough chapter in American history—or a sign of something deeper? A conversation about patriotism, pessimism, politics, and whether Americans still share common values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Daily Poll Question: Genes or money - which shapes a child's brain more?
2d ago00:10:59Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Genes or money — which shapes a child's brain more? Michael revisits the classic nature-versus-nurture debate, but with a modern twist. Prompted by new research from Washington University in St. Louis, he examines evidence suggesting that socioeconomic factors—including income, neighborhood conditions, stress, sleep, and screen time—may have a profound impact on measurable brain development in children. He also connects the findings to economist Raj Chetty’s work on economic mobility and the power of cross-class friendships. Is money really the key factor, or is it a proxy for something larger: opportunity, connection, and social capital? Listen here, then vote, and be sure to rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →From Fight Night to Loneliness: Dana White, Trump, and America’s Isolation Crisis
4d ago00:33:46Tap to summarizeMichael speaks with TIME Senior Sports Rorrespondent Sean Gregory about Dana White’s rise, his relationship with Donald Trump, and the unprecedented UFC event set for the White House lawn. Plus, Michael previews his CNN special “The Mingle Project,” exploring America’s loneliness crisis, social isolation, and the urgent need to restore common experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: UFC...Sport or Spectacle?
5d ago00:13:45Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: UFC: Sport or Spectacle? With UFC preparing for an unprecedented event on the White House South Lawn, Michael examines the evolution of mixed martial arts from a once-marginalized attraction derided as “human cockfighting” to a global entertainment powerhouse. He reflects on Dana White’s role in building the UFC brand, the organization’s long relationship with Donald Trump, and the growing mainstream acceptance of MMA. Are UFC fighters elite athletes competing in a demanding sport, or is the appeal rooted primarily in spectacle? Listen here then cast your ballot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →The World Cup Is Here—Is America Ready? Andrew Giuliani Makes A Bold Prediction
6d ago00:30:08Tap to summarizeThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and the United States is hosting the largest sporting event on the planet. Michael speaks with Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force, about security, logistics, President Trump's involvement, and why he believes Team USA could make a historic run. Then, Philadelphia World Cup host committee co-chair Dan Hilferty joins the conversation to discuss the economic impact, fan experience, and what visitors can expect when the tournament arrives. A wide-ranging discussion about soccer's growth in America, global sports, and the opportunities—and challenges—of hosting the world's game. Original air date 11 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly?
6d ago00:13:14Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly? As tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, Michael examines one of the oldest and most consequential questions in foreign policy: when America is attacked, should it strike back in kind or with overwhelming force? Drawing on recent developments in the Gulf, President Trump’s response strategy, a memorable scene from The West Wing, and a provocative Wall Street Journal editorial, Michael explores the competing arguments for restraint and escalation. Listen here, then vote. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Scott Pelley, CBS News, and Trump's Iran Crisis: Halperin Unfiltered
1w ago00:31:24Tap to summarizeMichael Smerconish talks with Mark Halperin about the controversy surrounding Scott Pelley's exit from CBS News, questions of media bias at 60 Minutes, and President Trump's evolving strategy toward Iran. A timely discussion on journalism, politics, and international tensions. Original air date 10 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Today's Poll Question: Would you rather watch Baseball or Soccer?
1w ago00:11:12Tap to summarizeToday's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which would you rather watch: baseball or soccer? As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Michael explores how dramatically soccer’s standing has changed in America. Once dismissed as a niche sport, soccer has climbed to become one of the nation’s most popular spectator sports—according to recent data, even edging past baseball. Michael shares fascinating World Cup logistics, from team base camps and travel challenges to Philadelphia’s role as a host city, while revisiting a memorable 1986 speech from Jack Kemp that captured America’s former skepticism toward the game. Has soccer truly surpassed the national pastime? Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Trump vs. Netanyahu? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Growing Rift
1w ago00:26:14Tap to summarizeFormer NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to break down the increasingly complicated dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and the Trump administration. Are President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu pursuing different goals? Can a U.S.-Iran deal still happen? And what role does Hezbollah play in the growing tensions across the region? Then, Michael talks with listeners on whether the U.S. and Israel are drifting apart, the challenges of Middle East diplomacy, and a provocative question from listeners: who’s the tougher partner—Trump or Netanyahu? Original air date 9 June 2026. 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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