Michael talks to Matt Welch, editor at large at Reason, the libertarian magazine of "free minds and free markets." They discuss his latest piece on the increasing number of third party candidates that will appear on the ballot this fall.

Michael opens a new week asking this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which issue is more politically potent in 2024. Abortion or The Border? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote.

Michael gets the full story on what's happening in Kansas City, Missouri, where three men where found dead outside a home after watching a playoff football game together. FOX 4 Kansas City's Malik Jackson paints a fuller picture on what is now known, yet, so much of what's on the canvas still remains a mystery. Original air date 2 February 2024

Michael asks this daily poll question today at Smerconish.com: Is there a Constitutional right to vagrancy? Listen to him explain it here, then cast your vote.

Fulton County, GA District Attorney Fani Willis is being called on to recuse herself from the Georgia election subversion case against Donald Trump, over an alleged affair with her lead prosecutor on the case. It it time for her to step down? Michael has an in-depth and smart conversation with Clark Cunningham, Law Professor at Georgia State University. He is an expert in legal ethics and penned an Op-Ed in the New York Times, "Why Fani Willis Should Step Aside in the Trump Case in Georgia" on 24 January. Original air date 1 February 2024.

With rumors swirling again about a possible new candidate entering the race, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: What are the odds Michelle Obama runs for president 2024? Listen here, then vote!

Michael hosts a conversation on what has suddenly become the biggest political issue: Taylor Swift's impact on the 2024 presidential race, and MAGA making moves to shut her down, fearing she may publicly endorse President Biden for reelection. Original air date 31 January 2024.

Michael focuses on the turmoil in the Middle East in today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. exert pressure on Israel to accept a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages? Listen here, then vote!

Let's check in on the workplace, post-pandemic. Are the increasing number of "Return-To-Office Mandates" working? New research suggests...not so much. Listen to Michael's conversation with University of Pittsburgh Professor of Business Administration Mark Ma, and then the audience's own experiences. Original air date 30 January 2024.

The US military is having difficulty recruiting the number of enlisted people it needs to keep proper staffing levels. This has Michael asking today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the military enlist individuals who didn’t graduate from high school or get a GED? Listen to him lay it out, then vote, and leave a rating and review of this podcast.

Michael Bamberger, now senior writer at Golf.com, was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated for over 20 years. He talks to Michael about his exclusive smerconish.com piece "The Rise and Fall of Sports Illustrated." Original air date 29 January 2024.

As President Biden mulls over a decision following what happened over the weekend, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. strike Iran in response to Iranian proxies causing the deaths of 3 U.S. service members? Listen here, vote there.

TC and Dan were skeptical at the beginning of the month. Michael has the finish line in sight for a successful "Dry January" staying away from both booze and cigars. Original air date 25 January 2024.

With a hat tip to law professor Shanin Specter, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: Which is more responsible for the apparent death of a border deal: Donald Trump or the Senators who listened to him? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote!

Michael in conversation with Vanity Fair special correspondent Brian Stelter.

New research from the Pew Research Center on religion in America is out. Michael offers this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Is the growth of the religiously unaffiliated good or bad for society? Listen to his thoughts and then vote!

After introducing you to a very important member of our team, Associate Producer Tamsin Vidal, Michael offers his thoughts on the New Hampshire Primary results and what's next in the 2024 presidential race. Original air date 24 January 2024.

Former President Trump won the New Hampshire Primary and is expected to be the Republican presidential nominee, so Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Who will Trump pick as a running mate? He offers the following choices: Katie Britt, Tucker Carlson, Byron Donalds, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nikki Haley, Kari Lake, Kristi Noem, Vivek Ramaswamy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tim Scott, Elise Stefanik, JD Vance, Other. Listen to his thoughts here, then vote!

You read that title correctly - listen to Michael's great conversation with journalist McKay Coppins, Staff Writer at The Atlantic. For many Americans, the former president has become an abstraction. They should see for themselves what his campaign is really about. Original air date 18 January 2024.

Today is the New Hampshire Primary. It is seen as Nikki Haley's last shot - so Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would Trump be the leading GOP candidate had he NOT been indicted? Listen here, then vote! And, please rate and review this daily podcast.

Republican Strategist Alex Castellanos joins Michael following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. Castellanos writes in Politico on "the bizarre decisions behind a $130 million debacle." Original air date 22 January 2024.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should U.S. aid to Israel be conditioned upon Israel’s acceptance of a post war, two-state solution? Listen to Michael explain it here and offer his thoughts, and then vote!

Michael welcomes Patricia Murphy as well as your calls to the podcast to discuss allegations of an improper romantic relationship between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and the private lawyer hired as a special prosecutor. Original air date 19 January 2024.

Nikki Haley made headlines for her claims that "America has never been a racist country." Michael asks you to react to that statement with today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree that “America has always had racism, but America has never been a racist country”? Listen here, vote there!

Michael welcomes journalist Jeff Greenfield for a conversation on his Politico opinion piece "5 Scenarios for What Might Come Next in New Hampshire ." Original air date 18 January 2024.

After MSNBC and CNN opted to not carry (at all, or partially only) former President Trump's Iowa Caucus victory speech this week, Michael is asking you today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should major events involving Donald Trump, such as an election night victory speech, be carried live by the media? Listen here, then vote!

What's next for Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley? Michael gets the latest insights on the 2024 presidential race from Mark Halperin at Wide World of News. Original air date 17 January 2024.

As the presidential contest moves on to New Hampshire, all eyes are still on what happened in Iowa with media outlets calling caucus results before the caucusing was actually finished. Michael asks you today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is a media outlet projecting election outcomes before all votes are cast effectively the same as conducting and publicizing pre-election polling? Listen here, vote there!

Media outlets declared Donald Trump the 2024 Republican Iowa Caucus winner, just 30 minutes after they began. Was it too soon? Yes, let them have their say. Michael dives into the caucus results, and talks with New York Times writer Adam Nagourney. Original air date 16 January 2024.

Former President Trump won the 2024 Iowa Caucuses. As the candidates now set their sights on New Hampshire, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Is Donald Trump a more or less formidable candidate than he was in 2020? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! And, leave a rating and review on this podcast.

Retired Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula, former Chief of Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, offers expertise on the Houthis and why the US and UK conducted air strikes on them this week. You will learn all about it in this conversation on what is happening in the Middle East. Original air date 12 January 2024.

With President Biden's son making a surprise appearance in a Capitol Hill hearing this week, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Will Hunter Biden going on offense make him a more sympathetic figure? Listen here, vote there, and rate and review the podcast!

Michael talks to former Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), co-chair of No Labels, the morning after Chris Christie drops out of the 2024 presidential race, for an update on their call for a third party 'unity ticket.' Original air date 11 January 2024.

Former Governor Chris Christie drops out of the presidential race, and then gets caught on a hot mic about his opponent that many thought he was going to support. Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Chris Christie that Nikki Haley is "gonna get smoked"? Listen to his thoughts here, leave a review on this podcast, and then vote!

G. Elliott Morris is the Director of Data Analytics at ABC News and joins Michael ahead of the Iowa Caucus to discuss his new article "The 2024 Republican presidential primary could be over in a month." Morris has looked at every presidential election since 1980 to see how each candidate is doing at this point in time in the race, and uses the data to articulate the inevitability of Trump's nomination. Original air date 08 January 2024.

With the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary in sight, Michael asks you this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Could Nikki Haley defeat Donald Trump in New Hampshire if Chris Christie drops out and endorses her? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote! And, please leave a rating and review of this podcast!

Confused about what former President Trump's time in court today, and the days to come, entails? Don't worry - Michael has a stellar tutorial right here for you, and then brings in expertise from our friend and colleague NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos with even more analysis as Trump's attorneys argued in front of a judge that he should have immunity. Original air date 9 January 2024.

He did not let his superiors - anyone at the White House - or anyone in Congress know that he was in the hospital and not able to carry out his duties, but has acknowledged what he did. This has Michael asking today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin resign? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! And please rate and review this podcast.

Michael's cynicism knows no bounds, especially when it comes to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin not disclosing - to anyone, really - that he was in the hospital. Michael offers his observations and then welcomes expert reporting from Politico Defense Reporter Lara Seligman. Original air date 8 January 2024.

Senator Mitt Romney tells The New York Times that President Joe Biden's "threat to democracy" theme he uses campaigning against former President Trump is a "bust." That has Michael asking the Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Mitt Romney that with regard to the Biden campaign, "the threat to democracy theme is a bust"? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote!

Michael is totally intrigued by Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher's piece "Biden vs. Trump Is the Race Voters Want. Really." Listen to their conversation and leave a review and rate his podcast! Original air date 5 January 2024.

Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned under controversy this week, serving the shortest tenure as President at the Ivy League institution ever. Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which was more responsible for Claudine Gay's resignation - Racism, or Plagiarism? Listen to him lay out the story here, then vote!

Is Former President Donald Trump going to be tried before the election? There is a major argument being heart in court in Washington DC that could set the timeline for the rest of the 2024 election cycle, and how Trump's coming court cases play into it. Listen to Michael's commentary, and leave a review and rating on this podcast. Original air date 4 January 2024.

Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has shared his opinion that a crisis is on the horizon. This prompts Michael to ask today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Mitch Daniels that a major economic and social crisis is inevitable? Listen to Michael's thoughts here, then vote!

Kenneth C. Davis is the bestselling author of the "Don't Know Much About..." series, which includes his book "Don't Know Much About The Civil War" (1996). He's the perfect person for Michael to talk to about Nikki Haley's recent poor answer to a question about the Civil War, on the 2024 presidential campaign trail. Original air date 3 January 2024.

With several major international situations facing the United States, Michael spoke with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, yesterday about what worries him the most on the international security state going in to 2024, and today asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which of the following worries you most: The Middle East, Ukraine/Russia, China/Taiwan, or the U.S. Southern Border? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote!

Michael talks to life and sobriety coach Casey McGuire Davidson about setting up for success for "Dry January", where one abstains from drinking after the holidays for the full first month of the year. Original air date 2 January 2023.

Happy New Year! Michael thinks today's poll question is the most important to ask, as 2024 begins. At Smerconish.com, the Daily Poll Question: Would keeping Trump off the ballot hurt or help democracy? Listen here, then vote!

Nico Grant is a New York Times reporter covering technology advancements. He joins Michael to discuss what the future of AI may look like, having been on the NYT team doing a multipart series on it. Original air date: 08 December 2023.

Michael is joined by Barbara Mellers, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She joins Michael to look at an age-old question: does more money equal more happiness? Original air date: 04 December 2023

As a frequent traveler, Michael has some thoughts on how the boarding process on commercial airliners could be changed to become more efficient. He gives his idea, then, welcomes UNLV professor and astrophysicist Jason Steffen for a conversation, his boarding method has gone viral. Original air date 18 October 2023.

You'd be surprised at this list and how it puts age into perspective. Michael and TC go through Buzzfeed's "16 Celebrities Who Are Just As Old As Joe Biden And Donald Trump." Original air date 14 December 2023.

Why do 'gate lice' line up early for a flight? Michael talks to Psychologist Dr. Shira Gabriel, professor at the University at Buffalo, who explains. Original air date 15 December 2023.

It's all about that hook! Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Mardy Grothe joins Michael to present "Twenty-Three of the Best Opening Lines of 2023," a captivating collection of this year's most powerful literary openers. Original Air Date 21 December 2023.

What a year it has been! Before stepping away for holiday break, Michael and TC look back at the SiriusXM show for the year 2023. Original air date 21 December 2023.

Michael poses a hypothetical as today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Trump were unindicted and not facing legal challenge to his candidacy, would he still be the GOP frontrunner? Listen to him lay it out here, then vote! Thank you for listening to this podcast everyday - Happy Holidays from Team Smerconish. The Daily Poll Question podcast will return in 2024. Original air date 21 December 2023.

A look back at 2023 with political analyst Mark Halperin, editor of The Wide World of News. Original air date 20 December 2023.

Michael offers his take on COMPACT founder Matthew Schmitz' op-ed in the New York Times, "The Secret of Trump’s Appeal Isn’t Authoritarianism." He asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Trump actually more moderate than authoritarian? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 20 December 2023.

What's it take to host a great radio show? Many different elements that come together - Michael offers his philosophy of hosting a radio show to NBC News Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos, who is guest-hosting The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM over the holidays for a couple of days while Michael is out. Original air date 19 December 2023.

Decorations for the holidays are up! Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: The color of your Christmas lights: White or Colored? Original air date 19 December 2023.

Donald Trump thanked Michael over the weekend on the same day as he used extreme rhetoric to discuss illegal immigration. Michael reacts to Trump's comments and looks ahead at Trump's upcoming trials. Then Michael listens to a diverse group of callers who share their thoughts on Trump's rhetoric and its effects on the 2024 race. Original air date 18 December 2023.

On Saturday, Donald Trump spoke in New Hampshire and gave a speech that quoted autocrats and also included an anti-immigration poem. Listen here as Michael explains today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is Donald Trump doing well politically despite his extreme rhetoric and dog whistles or because of those things? Original air date 18 December 2023.

Your garbage man, your manicurist, your delivery drivers, and maybe your dry cleaner? To whom, and how much, do you tip during the holidays? Michael, TC and Dan talk about this annual tradition, and there are a wide variety of takes. Original air date 15 December 2023.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is defending an invitation for a holiday party only for elected officials of color, stressing the need for shared experiences and carving out spaces for communities of color. Listen here as Michael explains today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is it appropriate for a mayor to host a holiday party exclusively for elected officials of color? Hear his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 15 December 2023.

Hans Noel, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, wrote an Op-Ed in the New York Times that caught Michael's eye, "There Is a Better Way to Pick a Presidential Nominee ." He explains the way the US selects its presidential nominees today is not the way it has always been, and it is not the way it needs to be. Original air date 14 December 2023.

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, appeared on Capitol Hill yesterday but did not testify, instead giving a statement to the press. Michael asks you today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If Hunter is convicted and sentenced to prison, will President Biden pardon him? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 14 December 2023.

Michael talks to political analyst Mark Halperin at the Wide World of News, just as Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, appears on Capitol Hill and offers an impromptu statement to the press on the day he is supposed to be deposed in Congress behind closed doors, but wishes to testify publicly. Original air date 13 December 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington, DC hat-in-hand this week asking for more help in his country's war against Russia. Michael asks this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconsih.com: "Should U.S. aid to Ukraine be tied to American border security?" Listen to his explanation here, then vote! Original air date 13 December 2023.

CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig joins Michael to go in depth on Special Counsel Jack Smith's petition to the Supreme Court to expedite former President Trump's DC election subversion trial by skipping the appellate process. For Michael, the petition is really interesting for both what it does - and does not - say. Original air date 12 December 2023.

With Special Counsel Jack Smith going directly to the Supreme Court to resolve whether former President Trump has immunity from prosecution, in an attempt to keep the election subversion trial on schedule for March 2024, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question today at Smerconish.com: Is it appropriate for Jack Smith to take the election calendar into account in his prosecution of Trump? Listen to his analysis here, then vote! Original air date 12 December 2023.

New polling data shows Donald Trump with a significant lead in many of the swing states. Michael discusses why the polls are favoring the former president and speaks with callers about their individual perspectives on the polls and the presidential race. Original air date 11 December 2023.

Liz Magill, the president of University of Pennsylvania, voluntarily stepped down from the helm of the Ivy League school following a barrage of criticism over her answer to a question about antisemitism and free speech. Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: "Should Liz Magill Have Been Forced Out Of Penn?" Listen here, then vote! Original air date 11 December 2023.

Danny Cevallos, NBC News/MSNBC Legal Analyst, explains the latest indictment of Hunter Biden on nine new tax-related charges. President Biden's son once had a shot at a great plea deal, but that is now more...so, what does that mean for his father in 2024, and...a potential pardon? The audience weighs in. Original air date 8 December 2023.

Michael has been very interested in a multi-part series on artificial intelligence running in The New York Times. It is the basis for what he's asking in today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is AI more likely to elevate humanity or destroy it? Listen to him explain here, then vote! And please follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app, and feel free to leave a review. Original air date 8 December 2023.

Ilya Shapiro, Director of Constitutional Studies at The Manhattan Institute joins Michael to discuss what's happening on college campuses in reaction to the Israel-Hamas war. His piece on it at The Free Press is "Where Free Speech Ends and Lawbreaking Begins." Original air date 7 December 2023.

TIME named Taylor Swift as the "2023 Person of the Year." Was that the right choice? Today, Michael's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Which of the following most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important about 2023? 1) Taylor Swift 2) Hamas 3) Artificial Intelligence. Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 7 December 2023.

Michael takes issue with TIME choosing musician and pop star Taylor Swift as its 2023 Person of the Year. Does she meet the magazine's criteria of being "the individual, group, or concept that has had the most influence on the world throughout the previous 12 months"? Listen here and decide.

Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney is out with a new book. The outspoken critic of former President Trump is weighing a third party presidential bid as well, which prompts Michael's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: "Should Liz Cheney run for president?" Listen here, then vote! Original air date 6 December 2023.

Michael talks to author and journalist Gerald Posner about the Supreme Court hearing the case of the Sackler family, founders of Purdue Pharma, and whether they can be protected from future lawsuits tied to the opioid crisis. Posner is author of the 2020 book "Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America." Original air date 5 December 2023.

Michael has been part of a book club with friends for over 20 years. Their latest book that they got together to discuss, eat, and drink over this week is "Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine" by David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts. It is the basis for today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine? Original air date 5 December 2023.

Could a terrorist attack be predicted by a futures or betting market? Michael revisits an outside the box idea from two decades ago, which is now top-of-mind with what is happening in Israel and Gaza.

Can money buy happiness? It is a (not so) simple question that Michael is asking as today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com. He offers up research and data and explains his thoughts here - listen, then vote! Original air date 4 December 2023.

Michael discusses the most recent debate between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis. Michael continues the discussion by speaking with a diverse group of callers and asking each of them how they feel the debate went. Original air date 01 December 2023.

With the pentagon continuing to pursue military actions in both the middle east and many other parts of the world, Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does the U.S. global footprint make its citizens more or less safe? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 01 December 2023.

Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis gives Michael his perspective on the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement, and offers thoughts on the legacy of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who passed away at age 100. Original air date 30 November 2023.

With a debate happening tonight, and one next Wednednesday, Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which debate will have more viewers? DeSantis vs. Newsom (tonight), or the 4th GOP Presidential Debate (Wednesday December 6). Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 30 November 2023.

Michael is incredibly proud of the Daily Newsletter he sends out each morning - 20 different links to a wide variety of news stories to start your day. But, he does sometimes miss some really great stories - here he catches up on what's not in today's newsletter...he picks up a physical copy of the New York Times, and learns a lot. Come along for the ride! Original air date 29 November 2023.

A specific phrase has become a battle cry for pro-Palestinians activists, and has angered Jews who see it as a call for Israel to be wiped off the map. Michael asks about it in today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Is there any benign interpretation of the phrase: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 29 November 2023.

A new Wall Street Journal/NORC poll shows that voters see the 'American Dream' slipping out of reach. Michael gets the data and details from WSJ reporter/editor Aaron Zitner. The question: Do you believe that anyone who works hard in this country can get ahead? Original air date 28 November 2023.

"Even Most Biden Voters Don’t See a Thriving Economy" is a front page headline on today's New York Times. This article has Michael asking today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more fueling voter angst? Social media and perceptions, or, Real conditions in the economy? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 28 November 2023.

Michael discusses Biden's low poll numbers and its correlation with the current state of the economy. Michael continues the discussion by speaking with a diverse group of callers and asking each of them how they feel the economy is doing as well as how it is affecting them individually. Original air date 27 November 2023.

Gaza civilians under Israeli barrage are being killed at a historic pace. Israel has cast the deaths of civilians in the Gaza Strip as a regrettable and unavoidable part of modern conflict. Listen to Michael lay out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Agree or Disagree: Israel military activities in Gaza should be considered proportionate inasmuch as they minimize civilian casualties in the course of fighting for just cause? Listen here, then vote. Original air date 27 November 2023.

The Fall 2024 presidential debate schedule has been announced. Michael offers up some memorable debate moments from years past, and then welcomes Frank Fahrenkopf, co-chair of the non-partisan non-profit Commission on Presidential Debates to talk about how the location selection process works. Original air date 22 November 2023.

Michael looks back at November 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was killed. Listen to conversations from the archives with Senator Arlen Specter and forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht, Michael spoke with them in 2003 on the 40th anniversary of the assassination. Original air date 22 November 2023.

The non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced the 2024 debate schedule for next fall, with three presidential and one vice presidential debate happening in September and October in TX, PA, VA and UT. Listen to Michael lay out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: If held, will the debates in Fall of 2024 significantly influence the outcome of the Presidential Race? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 22 November 2023.

Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis gives his insights on Israel's "proportionality" of response to attacks from Hamas. Original air date 21 November 2023.

Today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Is it possible to draft a court order which balances Donald Trump's First Amendment rights with the need to protect the safety of possible witnesses? Listen to Michael lay it out here, and then vote! Original air date 21 November 2023.

Michael recaps a fascinating conversation he had on CNN over the weekend with Jacob Chansley, known as "QAnon Shaman" when he stormed the US Capitol on January 6th 2021. He has done his time in prison and is now running for congress in Arizona. Original air date 20 November 2023.

With President Biden celebrating his 81st birthday today, and former President Trump facing numerous lawsuits and indictments, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Which is more likely to determine the outcome in 2024: Biden's age or Trump's legal peril? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 20 November 2023.

Michael welcomes Ann Arbor News and MLive's Michigan Football Beat Reporter Aaron McCann to give the back story and details - and more that you likely don't know about the interesting rules of college football - following the announcement of a three-game suspension for Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh. Original air date 17 November 2023.

In 2002, Al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden wrote a letter laying out his justification for the September 11th attacks on the U.S. The letter was published by many news organizations back then, and now it has resurfaced. It prompts Michael to offer his take - or two takes - on today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should social media outlets publish or censor Bin Laden's 2002 "Letter to America"? Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 17 November 2023.

What is going on with the Israeli hostages in Gaza? What to efforts to rescue them look like? Michael talks to Soufan Group Senior VP Christopher O'Leary. He was previously the Director of U.S. Hostage Rescue & Recovery. Original air date 16 November 2023.

Attention keyboard warriors....Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Do you agree with Nikki Haley: “Every person on social media should be verified by their name." Listen to his thoughts here, then vote! Original air date 16 November 2023.

With the talk of third party candidates becoming more popular these days, Michael recalls a conversation he had with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in 2016 about voting for a third party candidate instead of a Democrat or Republican. Original air date 15 November 2023.

After Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital believing that Hamas militants were inside, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Should Israeli forces have entered Al-Shifa Hospital? Listen to his thought process here, then vote! Original air date 15 November 2023.

Michael welcomes Angela McArdle, Chair of the Libertarian Party, for a conversation to learn about their platform and plans for the 2024 presidential race. Original air date 14 November 2023.

As more people look at the possibility of voting for a third party candidate in 2024 over the traditional two party candidates, Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Are you open to the idea of voting for a Libertarian candidate for local, state or national office? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 14 November 2024.

Michael is a big fan of comedian Bill Burr. He offers thoughts on Burr's wife gesture toward former President Trump at an event at Madison Square Garden over the weekend. Original air date 13 November 2023.

Michael speaks on today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which side benefits if the Trump federal subversion trial is televised? Prosecutors, or Trump. Listen here, then vote! Original air date 13 November 2023.

Former President Trump's numerous court battles are benefitting him in the 2024 race. Michael talks to Alex Isenstadt at Politico, on his piece "An anti-Trump group produced four ads attacking his legal troubles. They backfired." Original air date 10 November 2023.

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has announced he is not running for reelection. That brings Michael to today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will Joe Manchin run for president? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 10 November 2023.

Analysis of the third Republican Presidential Primary Debate, which was hosted by NBC News. Original air date 9 November 2023.

Now two days removed from the 2023 off-year election day, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which is more predictive for 2024? Recent polling, or Tuesday's election results? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 9 November 2023.

It's the day after a big off-year election with notable outcomes in states like Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky .... but - there's something even bigger today that matters. Michael explains. Original air date 8 November 2023.

With the former President appearing in court this week, Michael explains today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would Republicans abandon Donald Trump if he were convicted and sentenced? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 8 November 2023.

"Joe Biden Is In Trouble." That's the headline of John Della Volpe's latest op-ed in the New York Times. He is the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, and was a pollster on Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. Michael talks to him about his piece. Original air date 7 November 2023.

One of the most watched races in the country on Election Day today is a local one, in Virginia's 57th House district, Republican David Owen versus Democrat Susanna Gibson. In September, it was revealed that Gibson had performed sex acts with her husband on a paid online video streaming site. She denounced it as a violation of privacy. This story is the basis of Michael's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Could you vote for a political candidate who live-streamed sexual acts with their spouse for money? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 7 November 2023.

Michael welcomes New York Times Investigative Reporter David Fahrenthold to discuss how rich donors has upended the economics of college football and other sports for college athletes while giving many donors a tax break. Original air date 2 November 2023.

A new New York Times/Siena College poll of 3,662 registered voters in six swing states shows Donald Trump leading Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race (From the NY Times: "When all states are combined, the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 1.8 percentage points. The margin of sampling error for each state is between 4.4 and 4.8 percentage points.")Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you accept the accuracy of the new Times/Siena poll showing Trump leading Biden in 5 of 6 battleground states? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 6 November 2023.

Tuesday is Election Day and all eyes are on the 57th district of Virginia, where Susanna Gibson, a Democrat, is running against Republican David Owen for the open House of Delegates seat. Gibson is the candidate who in the past streamed sexual acts with her husband on the internet. Michael talks to Charlotte Rene Woods, a state politics reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, about the race.

President Biden this week said "we need a pause." Michael puts that into today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Israel agree to U.S. requests for "humanitarian pauses"? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 3 November 2023.

Michael runs through several new headlines in the 2024 Presidential race. Original air date 2 November 2023.

It is a difficult question for a difficult action - Michael's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Is Israel justified in striking Hamas leaders when located in refugee camps? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 2 November 2023.

Gallup Editor in Chief Mohamed Younis joins Michael to discuss the results of polling Gallup did among Palestinians before the war in Israel broke out on October 7th, "Palestinians Lack Faith in Biden, Two-State Solution" and how that data is now viewed, three weeks later. Original air date 1 November 2023.

Michael lays out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Would it change the final outcome if every GOP candidate challenging Trump, except Nikki Haley, dropped out now? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 1 November 2023.

Michael talks to Josh Paul, Former Director, State Department Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. Mr. Paul recently resigned over his disagreement with the Biden Administration's policies on arms transfers. Original air date 31 October 2023.

Michael takes this quote from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech yesterday, "Calls for a cease-fire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism," and asks you in today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com, do you agree, or disagree? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 31 October 2023.

Michael talks to Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN), who is now challenging President Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. They discuss his upbringing, stance on issues including Israel, and why he thinks it is time for President Biden to step aside. Original air date 30 October 2023.

Michael lays out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should pro-Palestinian groups be banned from state colleges? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 30 October 2023.

Eric Cheyfitz is the Ernest I. White Professor of American Studies and Humane Letters at Cornell University. Michael was uncomfortable publishing an essay from Eric about the war in Gaza at Smerconish.com, but willing to have the conversation on radio. Original air date 27 October 2023.

In the wake of the shooting massacre in Lewiston, Maine this week, Michael asks this Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com today: Occasional mass murder is an unfortunate reality of American life that is not going to change. Agree, or Disagree? Listen here, then vote. Original air date 27 October 2023.

Michael talks to Dante Chinni, Wall Street Journal Columnist and Director of the American Communities Project at Michigan State University. They discuss his latest WSJ piece "Grand Old Party: How Aging Makes You More Conservative." Original air date 26 October 2023.

Michael lays out today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Which has the greatest likelihood of reining in addictive aspects of social media? Platforms, Parents, Legislators, or Litigators? Original air date 26 October 2023.

Political analyst Mark Halperin at Wide World of News parses through his latest "Fake Ron Klain Memo" with Michael. Original air date 25 October 2023.

As protests are happening on college campuses across the country on what's happening in the Middle East, and some of those schools are taking stances as institutions, Michael offers today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should major university donors have a say in the schools' stance on geopolitical issues? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 25 October 2023.

It's a case of city versus state, and it has to do with pot. Michael talks to Steven Fulop, the Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey, who does not want officers on his police force to be able to use marijuana during their personal, off-duty time. However, with cannabis being legal in NJ, he's now fighting the state in court, as they say, yes, officers can partake when not on the job. Original air date 24 October 2023.

Michael discusses the latest Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com. It is an Agree-or-Disagree option today, stating: There should be no ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war until the hostages are released. Listen, then vote! Original air date 24 October 2023.

16 days since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, Michael examines the protests - what are they protesting about and where? And, a look at columnist Thomas Friedman's take in the New York Times on how this could and should end. Original air date 23 October 2023.

Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you agree with Thomas Friedman that any Israeli move into Gaza must be paired with a new Israeli commitment to a two-state solution?

Michael talks to Graeme Wood, staff writer at The Atlantic and co-author of "The Way of the Strangers: Encounters With The Islamic State." He obtained a handbook that tells Hamas's members how to take hostages. His piece is "Hamas's Hostage-Taking Handbook Says to 'Kill the Difficult Ones' and Use Hostages as 'Human Shields'." Original air date 20 October 2023.

Following the address to the nation from the Oval Office last night, Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you support President Biden’s anticipated request for $100 Billion in military aid primarily for Ukraine and Israel? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 20 October 2023.

A possible third party candidate no one has really talked about yet: Admiral William McRaven. Michael talks to NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd about his column, "The search for a winner behind Door No. 3."

As the fighting escalates in Israel and Gaza, and after Biden visited Israel, Michael asks today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. become directly involved if Hezbollah joins the war in Gaza? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 19 October 2023.

Michael welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin at Wide World of News to talk about possible shifts in the 2024 presidential race due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Good for Biden or Trump? Or...Nikki Haley? Lots to discuss in today's episode. Original air date 18 October 2023.

With the war seemingly escalating in the Middle East and President Biden arriving in Israel overnight, Michael offers up today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Will we ever know definitively who/what caused the strike on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza?" Listen, then vote! Original air date 18 October 2023.

Every Tuesday, Michael talks with Retired Navy Admiral James Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. He is currently vice chair, global affairs and managing director of the global investment firm the Carlyle Group, and chair of the board of trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation. Original air date 17 October 2023.

Michael offers up today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Does the attack on Israel suddenly make Joe Biden's age and experience more an asset than liability in the 2024 election? Listen here, then vote! Original air date 17 October 2023.

Bill Maher says social media is helping us be anything BUT social...it is increasing loneliness and isolation, and Michael agrees. Original air date 16 October 2023.

Michael offers today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. accept refugees from Gaza? Listen, then vote. Original air date 16 October 2023.

Michael talks to J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami on what's happening in Israel. From their website, "J Street organizes pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans to promote US policies that embody our deeply held Jewish and democratic values and that help secure the State of Israel as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people. We believe that only a negotiated resolution agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians can meet the legitimate needs and national aspirations of both peoples." Original air date 13 October 2023.

Michael asks today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: Should the news media publish the horrifying images resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel? Listen, then vote. Original air date 13 October 2023.

Michael welcomes David McCullough III (grandson of '1776' author David McCullough, to talk about the AEP, where he is co-founder and CEO of the organization that sends high school seniors on a free, week-long trip, after they graduate, to a hometown very different from their own. Original air date 11 October 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should students who blame Israel for the Saturday Hamas attack be blacklisted by prospective employers? Listen and vote. Original air date 12 October 2023.

An important perspective on the Israel-Hamas War - former Defense and State Department official Richard Clarke talks about his exclusive Smerconish.com piece "The War 50 Years After the War." Assistant Secretary Clarke served on the White House National Security Council (serving three presidents) for thirty years. Original air date 11 October 2023.

Michael examines today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Either publicly or privately, should President Biden encourage PM Netanyahu to exercise restraint? Original air date 11 October 2023.

Michael shares some words for independent minds, a day after Robert F Kennedy, Jr. switches to run for President as an independent candidate in 2024. Original air date 10 October 2023.

Michael offers today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will RFK Jr. make more or less of an impact on 2024 as an Independent than as a Democrat? Listen, then cast your vote. Original air date 10 October 2023.

Is 2024 the year for a successful third party presidential candidate? Many groups. including No Labels, hope so - however - others fear their efforts may help put former President Donald Trump back in the White House. Former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), in his new role as Co-Founder of the SuperPAC Citizens to Save Our Republic, joins Michael to discuss their work. Original air date 9 October 2023.

Michael offers today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Will the Israel/Hamas conflict remain localized or become a broad regional war? Original air date 9 October 2023.

Michael talks to Princeton University Professor Anne Case, about her recent co-authored essay published in the New York Times, "Without a College Degree, Life in America is staggeringly shorter." Original air date 5 October 2023.

Cook Political Report Senior Editor & Elections Analyst David Wasserman joins Michael to analyze how 8 people in the House were able to move to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy - how do they get elected? Original air date 5 October 2023.

Michael chats with regular-guest of the show Mark Halperin about the recent ousting of former US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The two discuss the outcome of the vote and how it impacts both political parties. Listeners also call the program to provide their own perspectives. Original air date 4 October 2023.

Michael welcomes "Black Hawk Down" author Mark Bowden to the program on the 30th anniversary of The Battle of Mogadishu. The two go in-depth on what exactly happened during that infamous battle in Somalia, and Bowden reveals details about a secret memo from a General who foresaw the incident. Michael also invites callers to weigh in on the topic. Original air date 4 October 2023.

Michael chats with Rodney Scott, Senior Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and former Chief of US Border Patrol, about a variety of topics pertaining to the US-Mexico border. The two dissect Elon Musk's comments on border control, apprehension rates at the border, and organized crime's impact on illegal immigration. Original air date 30 September 2023.

There has been an existential crisis for young men for years. and now, with the ability to get an A.I. girlfriend, it is getting even worse. Original air date 29 September 2023.

Michael talks to Washington University of St. Louis Professor Liberty Vittert about her op-ed in The Hill, "AI girlfiends are ruining an entire generation of men." Original air date 28 September 2023.

With US regulators at 17 states suing Amazon over allegations of price inflation and overcharging sellers, Michael lays out today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Amazon...good or bad for America? Original air date 27 September 2023.

The conversation on new poll numbers out in two ABC and NBC polls this week continues, with Neil Newhouse at Public Opinion Strategies, which conducted the poll for NBC News. And Michael asks today's Smerconish.com Poll Question: Would Biden's poll numbers be boosted if he replaced Kamala Harris? Original air date 26 September 2023, the interview with Mr. Newhouse was conducted on 25 September 2023.

Michael lays out new 2024 race polling data from ABC News and NBC News and asks today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should Democrats be alarmed about recent polling data concerning President Biden? Original air date 25 September 2023.

Michael is looking forward to watching Colorado vs Oregon this weekend, and asks today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question - Coach Prime: Good or bad for college football? Original air date 22 September 2023.

Michael asks today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: Should states automatically register to vote eligible residents when they obtain driver’s licenses? Original air date 21 September 2023.

With President Biden, 80, and former President Trump, 77, both leading their respective parties in the 2024 presidential contest, Michael asks today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should elderly politicians, including candidates for President, undergo mandatory cognitive testing? Listen now, then vote. Original air date 20 September 2023.

Should the U.S. Senate have a dress code for members while on the Senate floor? That is today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question posed by Michael, who was once named "best dressed" by Roger Stone. Original air date 19 September 2023.

Michael lays out today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the Rock Hall have removed Jann Wenner from its board based on his comments about why he didn't include women and black musicians in his book? Original air date 18 September 2023.

With Hunter Biden getting indicted on federal gun charges, Michael asks in today's Smerconish.com Poll Question, will his father, President Joe Biden, pardon him? Original air date 15 September 2023.

At Smerconish.com today, Michael asks: Was it appropriate for law enforcement to pose with Danelo Cavalcante after his capture? He offers thoughts on the photograph after the 14-day manhunt in Pennsylvania. Original air date 14 September 2023.

Michael looks at today's Smerconish.com poll question, on if President Biden should step aside and not run for reelection in 2024. Original air date 13 September 2023.

Michael talks to longtime political commentator Doug Sosnik, on his latest Strategy Memo about the current state of politics in the U.S. Original air date 12 September 2023.

As Hurricane Lee approaches the Atlantic Seaboard and the recent Hurricane Idalia's path of destruction is on the mind, Washington Post business and technology writer Jacob Bogage talks to Michael about how it is getting much tougher and much more expensive to find insurance in areas susceptible to natural disasters. Original air date 11 September 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on new polling showing very low approval ratings for President Biden, which makes some wonder if he is not the best candidate for Democrats to run for President in 2024. Original air date 8 September 2023.

As Michael's recent conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci continues to be a central part of the story on whether masks are effective against preventing COVID or not, today he welcomes the lead author of the Cochran Library's review of mask studies. Listen to his interview with Oxford University Epidemiologist Dr. Tom Jefferson. Original air date 7 September 2023.

Michael welcomes Rob Rogers, former cartoonist for the Pittsburg Post Gazette, who is now drawing an exclusive political cartoon for the Smerconish.com Daily Newsletter every Wednesday. Original air date 6 September 2023.

Michael offers follow-up thoughts to a weekend interview he conducted with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on new data showing masks were not as effective against COVID-19 as previously thought. And, he hears from John Barry, author of "The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History." Original air date 5 September 2023.

Michael checks out the latest Ad Fontas Media Bias Chart, and he likes where he's landed. Original air date 29 August 2023.

As news comes out that the Biden administration wants to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana and lower its drug classification, Michael takes an olfactory trip down memory lane. Plus, a check-in with Bloomberg Health Reporter Riley Ray Griffin on what the administration is trying to do. Original air date 1 September 2023.

Michael speaks with Wesley Wofford, a sculptor selected by the city of Philadelphia to create a statue of Harriet Tubman. He is white, and many were not happy with how the artist selection process was made. Listen to this conversation focusing on cultural appropriation. Original air date 31 August 2023.

Michael talks to Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin about the latest in the 2024 presidential race, including what might happen on the democratic side if President Biden were to drop out of the race. Original air date 30 August 2023.

Michael and TC engage in a conversation about a piece in the LA Times by Marisa Gerber, titled "Americans face an epidemic of loneliness. For some, supermarket self-checkouts make it worse." Many people experience joy by quick, weekly encounters in stores with people who work there, who they see regularly. But, as workers get replaced by machines...those encounters become more infrequent. Original air date 29 August 2023.

On the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech at the March on Washington, Michael asks, are people judged more by the color of their skin or the content of their character? He is joined by Dr. Christopher Strain, Professor of History & American Studies at Florida Atlantic University. Original air date 28 August 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on Former President Trump surrendering in jail in Fulton County, GA, and getting out on $200,000 bond. A big question: Why was this not more widely covered? Original air date 25 August 2023.

The first 2024 Republican primary debate had a little someone for everyone, and likely no two people saw it the same way. Michael offers his thoughts. Original air date 24 August 2023.

As Rudy Giuliani surrenders in Georgia, charged in the case alleging attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, Michael wonders, what happened to America's Mayor? The former Mayor of New York City who led the city through 9/11 has changed over the last two decades. Original air date 23 August 2023.

Michael breaks down the $200,000 bond order set by a judge in Fulton County, Georgia, and the restrictions it brings against former President Trump. Original air date 22 August 2023.

We are at an incredible moment in time. Michael has never seen anything in like it - there is so much mystery. President Trump is facing four indictments, and some now are saying he may not even eligible to run for President because of what happened on January 6th, but, he holds a strong lead for the GOP nomination. Hear Michael's thoughts here. Original air date 21 August 2023.

Michael is joined by William J. Haun, Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing a couple in Massachusetts, who was denied the ability to foster a child, because of their religious views. Original air date 18 August 2023.

Part of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, bans people who aided in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, from working for its government. This could, for his actions related to January 6th, make former President Trump ineligible to run for President again. So argues Edward "Ned" Foley, Professor at Ohio State University and contributor to The Washington Post, in today's conversation with Michael. Original air date 17 August 2023.

Four indictments against former President Trump. But...they may not hurt him. Michael breaks down the pyschology of why the indictments help Trump. Original air date 16 August 2023.

Michael digs deep into the Fulton County, GA, indictment of former President Donald Trump for alleged election interference.

The New York Times' Adam Liptak joins Michael to bat around a theory that might have some substance: whether the 14th Amendment really poses a threat to former President Donald Trump's reelection hopes.

We're back with the question that continues to dirty the waters of the upcoming presidential election: how will the timing of Trump's trials impact 2024? Original air date 11 August 2023.

Provoked by a Mike Pence gaffe in a new video at the gas pump, Michael, Former Advance Man Josh King, and our listeners swap stories of politicians revealing how out of touch they can be. From Dukakis to Obama to Bush, overpriced haircuts and ill-fitting helmets, today's episode is full of campaign trail throwbacks and good laughs. Original air date: 10 August 2023.

Political Analyst Mark Halperin is back this week to unpack the latest logistical questions around Trump's trials. Original air date 9 August 2023.

Renowned financial journalist William Cohan reports on a radical deal being drawn up on Wall Street to make peace with the Trump Indictments. Could this dream make it out of Manhattan and into Washington? Original air date 8 August 2023.

Michael wants to know, politically speaking, would Trump actually be more vulnerable never having been indicted? Original air date 7 August 2023.

Michael talks to Kirsten Grind at the Wall Street Journal on her piece "Magic Mushrooms. LSD. Ketamine. The Drugs That Power Silicon Valley." Then, he gets reaction from Frank Biden, a recovering alcoholic who advocates for addiction recovery, and is the brother of President Joe Biden. Original air date 28 June 2023.

Michael speaks to Mark Geragos, defense attorney for Erik & Lyle Menendez, convicted of killing their parents in 1989. The story is back in the news three-plus decades later because new evidence has come to light, that could go so far as freeing them from prison.

Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Jack Ohman worked for The Sacramento Bee until he and two other cartoonists were fired by McClatchy, the paper's owner, when they announced they were ceasing running political cartoons in their papers. In this podcast episode, Hear Michael's conversation with him from when he was let go, and then hear the special news that Jack is now drawing for Smerconish.com The Daily Newsletter! Original air dates 14 July and 26 July 2023.

Michael has the unique opportunity to see a previously unpublished letter sent by President Abraham Lincoln early in the Civil War when rare documents dealer Nathan Raab of the Raab Collection brings it in studio. The letter sold in July 2023 from a private collection for $85,000. Original air date 11 July 2023.

Meet a world traveler - thousands of times over. Tom Stuker has flown over 23 million miles. Michael hears his amazing story here. Original air date 7 July 2023.

Mark Landler is London Bureau Chief for the New York Times, where he's worked for over three decades. In 2013, he served as the paper's White House Correspondent, and went on a trip to China with then-Vice President Joe Biden. Also on the plane: Hunter Biden. Mark recounts the trip here with Michael. Original air date 28 July 2023.

Michael welcomes Dr. Avi Loeb, the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science, and Director, Institute for Theory & Computation at Harvard University, to talk about the hearing on extraterrestrials in the US House where three eyewitnesses testified under oath about seeing "Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena" (UAP). Dr. Loeb is the bestselling author of "Extraterrestrial" (2021) and the forthcoming book "Interstellar" (August 2023). Original air date 27 July 2023.

Political Analyst Mark Halperin joins to talk big ticket politics of the day, from Hunter Biden's looming charges to the likeliness of Trump showing up to the August debate. Original air date 26 July 2023.

Michael takes on on five subjects in the news today that are all ... touchy. Israel, Aging, Families, Slavery, Jason Aldean. Original air date 25 July 2023.

Michael asks at Smerconish.com today, "Putting aside the constitutional requirements, could anyone now on earth win a landslide American presidential election?" Due to polarization and redistricting, the answer is likely no - but, we come up with some interesting names in this conversation regardless. Original air date 24 July 2023.

Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, now a National Co-Chair at No Labels, joins Michael to explain the group's plans for a potential third party ticket in the 2024 presidential race. Original air date 21 July 2023.

Some outlets covered it, some did not. Michael believes the IRS whistleblowers who testified at yeterday's Hunter Biden hearing are credible, and the entire investigation and story has merit. Hear his take. Original air date 20 July 2023.

What would be the impact among Republicans of another federal indictment of Donald Trump? Michael talks to CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig. Original air date 19 July 2023.

Michael offers his thoughts on a town hall conversation between Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and former Governor Jon Huntsman (R-UT). The pair are part of the No Labels movement, which may potentially offer up a third party ticket in the 2024 presidential election. Original air date 18 July 2023.

Michael welcomes retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente, who in 2011 described what the profile of the "Gilgo Beach Serial Killer" on New York's Long Island likely was. The description was featured in The New York Times that year - and now, in July 2023, the accused killer was caught - and the description fits the bill that Clemente nailed 12 years ago. Original air date 17 July 2023.

Elizabeth Bernstein writes the “Bonds: On Relationships” column for The Wall Street Journal. Michael talks to her about her latest piece "On Ozempic, and Feeling Judged for Taking the ‘Easy Way Out’." Original air date 14 July 2023.

Michael talks with ESPN Senior Writer Don Van Natta, Jr., about his latest piece "'He was free and clear': How the leak of Jon Gruden's email led to the fall of Commanders owner Dan Snyder." Original air date 13 July 2023.

Michael runs through the current headlines in the 2024 presidential race with Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin, including a focus on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' failure to gain traction, and with six weeks out before the first primary debate, will we see former President Trump on stage? Original air date 12 July 2023.

Michael Smerconish chat with Christine Emba, a Washington Post Columnist, on the growing popularity of misogynistic views found within online male communities. Callers also weigh in on the reasoning for this uprise, and share their own personal experiences. Original air date 11 July 2023.

It's hot everywhere, it is raining in many parts of the country, and much of the US is under the threat of severe weather. Time to check in with University of Pennsylvania's Director of the Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media, Dr. Michael Mann, about what's going on. Original air date 10 July 2023.

A recent appellate court decision could put people experiencing homelessness on the west coast at risk of criminal fines for sleeping outside. This case was provoked by a community in Oregon looking for a last resort solution to squash their own homeless encampments. Join Michael and Michael Shellenberger, author of "San Fransicko" as they break down the ruling and lay out how this could become a high profile case to watch. Original air date 7 July 2023.

Would a mandatory draft save our dwindling military? Michael and his guest, Admiral James Stavridis, explain why recruiting efforts are failing and what kind of hoops most of the population would have to jump through to enlist. Original air date 6 July 2023.

Michael takes the recent SCOTUS decision on affirmative action up a notch, throwing in the question of legacy admissions. When a student applies to a prestigious school their parent attended, how far should their application go? Original air date 5 July 2023.

Michael welcomes Wall Street Journal enterprise reporter Kirsten Grind to talk about her piece "Magic Mushrooms. LSD. Ketamine. The Drugs That Power Silicon Valley." Then, he receives a surprise phone call from Frank Biden, brother to the President of the United States. Original air date 28 June 2023.

Bestselling higher education writer Jeffrey Selingo, author of "Who Gets In And Why: A Year Inside College Admissions", joins Michael to talk about the Supreme Court’s decision this week to gut affirmative action - making it unlawful for colleges to take race into consideration as a specific factor in admissions. Original air date 30 June 2023.

New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush briefs Michael on his piece "Competing Accounts of Justice Dept.’s Handling of Hunter Biden Case." Listen to hear the differing stories from an IRS investigator versus the one from Attorney General Merrick Garland. Original air date 29 June 2023.

There is more information in the Hunter Biden story, with IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley speaking on CBS News, plus recent comments from Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Delaware US Attorney David Weiss. Michael takes a deeper dive. Original air date 28 June 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on the leaked audio tape of President Trump, first shared by CNN, sharing classified documents with people in a room who were not authorized to view them. Original air date 27 June 2023.

Michael tackles the tough questions raised by the context of wealth in last week's unprecedented OceanGate saga. Dr. Arun Upneja, Dean & Professor at Boston University School's of Hospitality Administration joins to offer his academic take.

Michael begs the question: how do we define the good old days? Experimental psychologist and author of science blog Experimental History Adam Mastroianni helps tackle this question and more. Original air date 23 June 2023.

Michael does a deep, comprehensive dive into the recent ruling in Arkansas on the medical rights of transgender youth. He details the nitty gritty of a case that came into the national spotlight on Tuesday when a federal district court judge sided with trans youth. Original air date: 22 June 2023.

Michael unpacks the Hunter Biden plea deal news with past interviews and recent updates. Callers share opinions and lived experiences with addiction, the Trump children, and more. Original air date 21 June 2023.

2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy joins Michael at the historic Centre Theater in Norristown, PA for a SiriusXM Town Hall. They talk affirmative action, the Trump indictment, and more with a live studio audience. Original air date 20 June 2023.

An incredible story on how four indigineous children survived 40 days in the Amazon rain forest. Michael hears it from Eliran Arazi, PhD researcher in Anthropology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (Paris). Original air date 16 June 2023.

Michael previews a looming Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action in the college admissions process. Hear his analysis, which includes an important part of a speech by former President Lyndon Baines Johnson from 1965, which is suddenly highly relevant today. Original air date 16 June 2023.

Michael welcomes Associated Press reporter Richard Lardner to talk about COVID-19 relief funds and how much of the money that came from the government to help Americans was stolen or wasted. And, listeners then share their stories. Original air date 15 June 2023.

A day after former President Donald J. Trump was arraigned in federal court in Miami, FL, Michael looks ahead to what the trial might look like, and how a jury will be chosen in south Florida. Could you be a fair and impartial juror in the case of United States v. Donald J. Trump? Original air date 14 June 2023.

On the day of former President Trump's arraignment on federal charges in a Miami courtroom, Michael argues we should be able to watch it unfold live on TV. Plus, what is an arraignment, and what are the next steps? We get a great explainer of this entire process and what is to come for Trump and his defense attorneys, and the federal prosecutors, from longtime criminal defense attorney Mark O'Mara. Original air date 13 June 2023.

In late December 2022, investigators arrested Bryan Kohberger in connection with the murder of four University of Idaho students over a month prior. He was found on the other side of the country thanks to DNA evidence - Michael gets the incredible details from "The DNA Detective" Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore. Original air date 12 June 2023.

Michael offers his thoughts on the politics of a brand new federal indictment of former President Donald Trump as he continues on the 2024 campaign trail, and then welcomes NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos to the conversation with the legal aspect of what it all means for the former President, his opponents, and the country. original air date 9 June 2023.

We're all eagerly awaiting the outcome of former President Trump's legal entanglements. CNN senior legal analyst and author of 'Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It' Elie Honig breaks down the potential outcomes with Michael. Original air date 8 June 2023.

Not counting the candidates themselves, there are several key people to watch who could make or break their candidate's chances in the 2024 presidential race. Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin offers insights today with Michael. Original air date 7 June 2023.

Michael sits back and parses through his Town Hall conversation with 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr from yesterday. From RFK's voice, to vaccines, to his political ideas, hear Michael's take on it all. Original air date 6 June 2023.

Michael sits down with 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in a Town Hall at the historic Centre Theater in Norristown, PA. Listen to a wide ranging conversation covering his campaign platform, stance on vaccines and autism, the anniversary of his fathers' assassination, and more. Original air date 5 June 2023.

Over the years, there have been different pronunciations of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' (R) name. It has become a hot topic as he hits the 2024 campaign trail, does it depend where he is and who he is talking to, as to how he pronounces it? Listen to Michael Smerakanich's observations and analysis. Original air date 1 June 2023.

NBC News Justice Correspondent Ken Dilanian joins Michael to talk about an incredible story that would be great fodder in any law school class - or - any dinner table, like it was at Michael's house. Listen to hear about Ken's story "Case against ex-CIA officer accused of abusing women may collapse because of how federal agents searched his phones." Original air date 1 June 2023.

Michael discusses the current "War on Pride" that has crept up with major brands either engaging in, or staying away from, LGBTQ+ related marketing, advertising, and products. What is driving this war - is it bigotry? Fear of indoctrination? Concerns over the sexualization of children? Listen to today's conversation. Original air date 31 May 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on the finale of HBO's "Succession." (Spoiler Alert!) Original air date 30 May 2023.

CNN Legal Analyst Elie Honig on the three separate major lawsuits in NY and GA that former President Trump is facing while on the 2024 campaign trail. Original air date 26 May 2023.

Michael talks about the launch of Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign on Twitter Spaces, and notes, he's had plenty of technical difficulties in his career too. Original air date 25 May 2023.

Michael offers a commentary as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) gets in to the 2024 presidential race, all the while former President Donald Trump has a commanding lead in the polls for the GOP nomination. But, might his legal troubles derail his campaign? Michael explains. Original air date 24 May 2023.

"Follow your passion." It's a line in many graduation speaker remarks, and New York University Stern School of Business Professor of Marketing Scott Galloway says: Don't listen to that, and be wary of your passion. Listen to his conversation with Michael to hear why. Original air date 23 May 2023.

A New York Times piece over the weekend caught Michael's eye: "‘No Labels’ Eyes a Third-Party Run in 2024. Democrats Are Alarmed." He speaks with No Labels Chief Strategist Ryan Clancy about their plans for 2024. Original air date 22 May 2023.

Ron DeSantis is expected to announce next week that he is officially running for president in 2024. Fresh off the battle with Disney in Florida, Michael talks to Politico's Gary Fineout about what a DeSantis-Trump matchup looks like in the GOP primary. Original air date 19 May 2023.

Is Michael Fat-Phobic? He takes a quiz after a conversation with L.A. Times Columnist Robin Abcarian on her piece "It’s a weird cultural moment. Taking Ozempic to lose weight is all the rage, but so is the fight for fat acceptance." Original air date 18 May 2023.

Michael offers in-depth analysis of the Department of Justice's release of special counsel John Durham on the origins of the FBI's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Original air date 17 May 2023.

Michael talks with longtime political strategist Douglas Schoen about his latest op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, "If Biden Bows Out, How About Michelle Obama?" Original air date 16 May 2023.

Let's lighten things up and focus on the garden. Michael welcomes George Ball, chairman and CEO of W. Atlee Burpee Company. Original air date 10 May 2023.

He wants to raise the voting age to 25, revive the spirit of Reagan, put America first, and stop talking about Trump. Meet entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for the 2024 GOP Presidential Nomination. Original air date 12 May 2023.

Michael offers his thoughts on the CNN Town Hall with former President Donald Trump, hosted by Kaitlan Collins. Original air date 11 May 2023.

Michael discusses both the outcome of the E. Jean Carroll-Donald Trump civil trial, where the former President was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation for $5M, and the chaos currently happening at the border - but, which story will have more impact politically? Listen to the discussion. Original air date 10 May 2023.

Michael opens reminiscing on last evening listening to Dead & Co live from Barton Hall on SiriusXM's Grateful Dead Channel 23, then focuses on a story out of Colorado that's garnering a lot of buzz: A proposed bill to ban employers from preventing employees from accepting tips on the job. A wide-ranging conversation on tipping customs and etiquette...has it gotten out of hand? Original air date 9 May 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on two of the day's big stories, including former President Trump's civil trial, being brought by E. Jean Carroll, where he won't testify and closing arguments begin; plus what's next for Tucker Carlson? Should FOX sideline him and pay the rest of his contract out through 2025, or cut him loose? Original air date 8 May 2023.

Former Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), a co-chair of No Labels, joins Michael to discuss the group's plan to possibly nominate a third party presidential candidate in 2024. They are currently working to get ballot access in all 50 states. Original air date 5 May 2023.

The former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, Admiral James Stavridis, joined Michael on the developing story that there was an assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin. True? A False Flag? Even Possible? Bogus? Hear great insight in this episode. Original air date 4 May 2023.

"Free Range Kids" author and President of Let Grow, Lenore Skenazy joins Michael to talk about Youth Mental Health, the subject of a new article "Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children's Mental Wellbeing" written up in the May issue of the Journal of Pediatrics. Original air date 3 May 2023.

Investigative journalist Gerald Posner joins Michael to discuss his Substack piece "Do you know that the National Archives just released more CIA-JFK Assassination Files?" Posner is the bestselling author of "Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK." Original air date 2 May 2023.

Should marijuana use be immaterial in security clearance reviews required for federal jobs? Michael talks to Washington, DC-based attorney Andrew Bakaj, of the Compass Rose Legal Group, about how federal agencies are having difficulty filling jobs due to candidates not getting through drug clearances, as more and more states legalize marijuana use, but federally, it is still illegal. Original air date 1 May 2023.

Longtime daytime TV talk show host, and former Cincinnati Mayor, Jerry Springer passed away at 79. Michael offers up a great interview from the archives from 2009 with Springer, giving great insight into the man best known for showcasing fights on daytime television. But, there was so much more to him. Original air date 28 April 2023.

Michael talks with data scientist and best-selling author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz about a new study on data and decision making conducted by Oracle. Original air date 27 April 2023.

"Call me at about 11:30. These pix are very important. I'll explain." This is how Larry Kane's email was worded to Michael with a screenshot of his TV just after Michael finished hosting CNN in prime time last night. Kane is a retired award winning newscaster from Philadelphia, and a mentor to Michael. Listen to the story of how they met. Original air date 26 April 2023.

"What about Don Lemon?" Michael's first words today as he addresses FOX News firing its #1 prime time host Tucker Carlson. Yes, Mr. Lemon was fired from his respective network, CNN, as well. But the main question today is, is firing Carlson a good business decision for FOX News? Hear Michael out. Original air date 25 April 2023.

A new chapter in fertility options is giving some hope, and some concern - human reproduction without eggs and sperm. Michael talks to NYU Grossman School of Medicone Bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan about "in vitro gametogenesis", or IVG. Original air date 24 April 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on a piece appearing in this weekend's New York Times Magazine on the horrific photos of school shooting crime scenes, like at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT in 2012. If the photos were to be released, would that change anything regarding the number of deadly mass shootings in America? Original air date 21 April 2023.

Should cash bail - allowing a person arrested to pay money for release before trial - be eliminated? Michael gets expertise from Brooklyn Law School Professor Jocelyn Simenson, author of the forthcoming book "Radical Acts of Justice: How Ordinary People Are Dismantling Mass Incarceration." Original air date 20 April 2023.

Michael offers his thoughts on the record $787.5 million settlement that FOX News will pay to Dominion Voting Systems, wrapping up the defamation lawsuit before it goes to trial.

Michael gets expertise from NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos on two shootings that happened in Missouri and upstate New York, where the victims both arrived at homes by mistake while searching for an address, and they were both shot by the respective homeowners. Were the shootings racially or otherwise motivated? Listen for the full story. Original air date 18 April 2023.

CNN Senior Reporter Edward Isaac Dovere joins Michael in discussing the 2024 presidential race and potential challengers to President Biden on the Democratic side. Original air date 17 April 2023.

Michael began hosting "The Michael Smerconish Program" on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 on "tax day" - April 15th, 2013. He celebrated on air today reminiscing on how he came to SiriusXM, and welcomed a special in studio audience. Original air date 14 April 2023.

As Michael read in and learned about Jack Teixeira, who was arrested on charges related to the latest classified document leak on Discord, he thought of NYU Stern School of Business Professor Scott Galloway, and his theories on how society is failing young men. Original air date 14 April 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on the latest revelations about the recently leaked classified documents released on Discord by someone named "O.G." Original air date 13 April 2023.

Michael welcomes expertise today from longtime First Amendment attorney Lee Levine, who has represented media companies in his career, the day before jury selection begins in the defamation lawsuit that Dominion Voting Systems has brought against FOX News in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. Original air date 12 April 2023.

To combat gun violence, should we use harm reduction efforts like we do for other dangers that affect the population, like cars and cigarettes? Michael talks with New York Times Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Nicholas Kristof, who has written about this in his piece "A Smarter Way to Reduce Gun Deaths."

Michael welcomes Republican pollster and strategist Frank Luntz on his New York Times op-ed, "How To Make Trump Go Away." Original air date 10 April 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on the expulsion of two democratic state legislators by Republicans in Tennessee. Original air date 7 April 2023.

Michael offers a commentary on the FOX vs Dominion Voting Systems case, where a judge just ruled that 92-year old FOX Chair Rupert Murdoch must testify. Original air date 6 April 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on the arraignment of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony charges, following District Attorney Alvin Bragg unsealing the indictment. Original air date 5 April 2023.

Michael offers thoughts just ahead of former President Trump's arraignment in New York City, where he both wishes for cameras in the court room so we could all watch, and, with the potential of a gag order being placed on the former president, what exactly does that mean? A great explainer from former federal proseuctor Duncan Levin. Original air date 4 April 2023.

Michael offers thoughts on new polling that has come out in the wake of the indictment of former President Donald Trump, and gets smart analysis from Anthony Coley, Former Director of the Office of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice and Former Senior Advisor to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Original air date 3 April 2023.

Is the indictment of former President Trump by Alvin Bragg political? Michael offers thoughts, and welcomes Berkeley Law Professor John Yoo to to the conversation. Original air date 31 March 2023.

Wall Street Journal reporter and editor Aaron Zitner joins Michael to report on their latest WSJ-NORC poll, "America Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It. Original air date 30 March 2023.

What would The McLaughlin Group say about Donald Trump vs. Ron DeSantis? Michael recreates a conversation in the style of the long-running public affairs show with Mark Halperin, based on his Wide World of News newsletter. Original air date 29 March 2023.

Michael offers thoughts about how the latest school shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN, is being covered, in particularly how the transgender community is being talked about, since the shooter was identified as transgender. Original air date 28 March 2023.

Michael offers a commentary as strikes and protests against a proposed judicial overhaul in Israel continue to rise up. Plus, his conversation from two weeks ago with Carnegie Endowment Senior Fellow Aaron David Miller is included today for some excellent context. Original air date 27 March 2023, Miller interview aired 10 March 2023.

UCLA Law Professor Eugene Volokh joins Michael to discuss a striking down of a Seattle ban on landlords' inquiring about prospective tenants' criminal histories, which Volokh wrote about at Reason.com. Volokh is the Gary T. Schwarz Distinguished Professor of Law at UCLA. Original air date 24 March 2023.

There is SO much to keep track of relative to former President Donald Trump and the various investigations. Everyone is racing to the finish line to an indictment, and a lot is about to happen. Michael offers his thoughts. Original air date 23 March 2023.

Michael talks to crisis management expert and attorney Lanny Davis, who is representing former Trump advisor Michael Cohen, ahead of the Manhattan District Attorney possibly indicting former President Trump in connection with hush money payments paid to Stormy Daniels. Original air date 22 March 2023.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance, or ESG for short. What is ESG? Listen for a great explainer from Alex Friedman, CEO and Co-Founder of Novata.

As a new week begins with news of a possible indictment in New York of former President Donald Trump in connection with hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, former federal prosecutor and CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig discusses the case with Michael, and how it is not a very strong one. Honig is the author of "Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It" which was released in February of this year. Original air date 20 March 2023.

Washington Post writer Sarah Ellison joins Michael in a conversation about a controversial email centered around 2020 election fraud discourse which circulated within Fox News. The duo discuss what came to be known as "the Wackadoodle Email," the lawsuit surrounding it, and its impact on political journalism. Callers also weigh in on the topic. Original air date 17 March 2023.

The San Francisco, CA Board of Supervisors is open to major payouts - up to $5M - for reparations for slavery. Michael talks about a draft reparations plan that made headlines this week with Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director at Californians for Safety and Justice, and Vice Chair of the African American Reparations Advisory Committee in San Francisco. Original air date 16 March 2023.

Michael speaks with retired Congressman Barney Frank, who represented Massachusetts from 1981 to 2013, and was a primary architect of the Dodd-Frank legislation put in place in 2010 following the 2008 financial crisis. He is now a board member at Signature Bank, which was shut down by regulators following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Original air date 15 March 2023.

Michael offers analysis of President Biden's response to the Silicon Valley Bank failure. Is it a bailout? Many are asking. Listen to find out. Original air date 14 March 2023.

Michael looks at two important matters regarding speech, and freedom thereof. First, a conversation with Mark Landler, NY Times London Bureau Chief, on the controversial suspension and reinstatement of a popular British sports anchor who made comments on immigration. Then, Michael revisits the closer-to-home story surrounding U Penn Law Professor Amy Wax being accused of making racist statements - today, the New York Times reports on her on its front page. Original air date 13 March 2023.

NBC News Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos breaks down the legal aspects of a possible indictment of former President Trump in connection with alleged hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels. And, Michael revisits a conversation he had with former presidential advisor Michael Cohen about this case, one month ago. Original air date 10 March 2023.

Should candidates who lose in a primary be permitted to run in the same general election as an independent or third party? Michael asks this question today and turns to attorney Jason Torchinsky for expertise. He's a partner at Holtzman, Vogel, Baran, Torchinsky & Josefiak PLLC, amd c-author of a paper on the topic of how it may be impossible for Trump to run a successful third-party campaign if he loses the 2024 Republican Primary. Original air date 9 March 2023.

Michael parses through Tucker Carlson's presentation on FOX News of the security video footage from January 6th at the US Capitol, which was exclusively given to him by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Original air date 8 March 2023.

Admiral (Ret.) James Stavridis talks about the latest in the Ukraine-Russia War, and whether now is the time to start peace negotiations. Original air date 7 March 2023.

Michael expands on new information that has come to light in the case of Dominion Voting Systems suing FOX for defamation over the 2020 election outcomes, following last week's comments by Rupert Murdoch that came to light. Original air date 6 March 2023.

Michael offers a fun commentary on how to call in to his radio program, in response to a piece written by a listener at Smerconish.com. Original air date 3 March 2023.

Michael talks to Jeff Reitz, who is now a Guinness Book of World Records holder for the longest daily streak of visits to Disneyland. Original air date 2 March 2023.

Michael tells a tale of his mid-week visit to Washington, DC, and met a Member of Congress. But who?

Michael offers thoughts on the revelations in a public legal filing that Fox Corporation Chairman Rupert Murdoch acknowledged that Fox News hosts endorsed false stolen election claims in the 2020 presidential race.

"Dilbert" comic strip creator Scott Adams recently described black people as members of “a hate group” from which white people should “get away.” Should newspapers stop publishing his famous comic strip? Michael takes on the case and asks the audience. Original air date 27 February 2023.

Gallup Editor-in-Chief Mohamed Younis joins Michael on their latest polling in Russia, summarized in their piece "Sanctions Fail to Sour Russians' Outlook on Economy." Original air date 24 February 2023.

Michael talks to Blake Lemoine, an engineer who was fired by Google in July 2022 for saying publicly that the company's "LaMDA" A.I. was "sentient." Michael asks him about a piece written in the New York Times by Kevin Roose, "A conversation with Bing's Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled." Original air date 23 February 2023.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis, now Vice Chair, Global Affairs and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, and Chair of Rockefeller Foundation Board of Directors, joins Michael today with his thoughts on world affairs from recent days, including President Biden's trip to Ukraine. Original air date 22 February 2023.

Does the market know better than the pundit class? Should we be able to wager on elections in America, just like we wager on sports? Michael talks with the founder of PredictIt, John Aristotle. Original air date 10 February 2023.

Michael has interviewed several US presidents during his career. In this episode, he goes back and listens to his conversations with Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.

Michael talks to former US Solicitor General Ted Olson, who's wife was killed in the September 11th, 2001 Attacks, about his call for the cases of the Guantanamo detainees to be resolved, in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. Original air date 10 February 2023.

Meet Malcolm Lazin, an LGBTQ rights activist and former federal prosecutor. He filed a letter with congressional ethics watchdogs requesting an investigation into whether embattled Congressman George Santos (R-NY) violated federal immigration laws when he was married to a Brazilian woman for seven years. Hear his conversation with Michael in this episode. Original air date 16 February 2023.

'Solar Geoengineering' has been brought up recently as a solution to combat climate change. But, what is it, and are its potential rewards worth the risks? Michael gets expertise from leading climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann, Presidential Distinguished Professor and Director, Penn Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media in the Department of Earth & Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Original air date 15 February 2023.

Michael speaks with Dr. Devika Bhushan, a pediatrician who served as California's acting Surgeon General, about her journey with Bipolar Disorder, and her work to help end the stigma surrounding it. Original air date 6 February 2023.

Although UFO sightings have been prominent in American culture for decades, we could be in the midst of an Unidentified Flying Object-resurgence as the USA has recently had multiple back-to-back sightings and neutralizations of UFO's. Are aliens visiting our nation, or are there other factors at play? To answer this question, Michael is joined by Richard Clarke, a national security expert and former government official, in a conversation about flying objects and the unknown. Original air date 13 February 2023.

Ahead of this weekend's football game, listen to a great storyteller in this episode. From February 2010, just ahead of Superbowl 44, Michael spoke with the late Steve Sabol (1942-2012), then-President and one of the founders of NFL Films.

Michael Smerconish chats with Michael Cohen, a lawyer who formally worked under Donald Trump, as the two discuss Trump's controversies and legal issues. Callers also weigh in with their own opinions. Original air date 09 February 2023.

Michael offers his thoughts on President Biden's State of the Union address, focusing on four particular numbers you need to know. Plus, the awkward presence of Congressman George Santos (R-NY). Original air date 8 February 2023.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis, in his weekly conversation with Michael, weighs in on the Chinese Balloon and the latest in Ukraine, including whether the US should be helping in the conflict more. Original air date 7 February 2023.

Pervez Musharraf, who served as President of Pakistan from 2001-2008, passed away on 5 February 2023. He once came to Michael's house for dinner. It's a must-listen that you do not want to miss. Original air date 6 February 2023.

Erik X, the (unofficial) CEO and Intern at Smerconish.com, calls Michael out on how he interacts with Peleton after catching a glimpse on Instagram, of Michael riding with instructor Leanne Hainsby. Original air date 3 February 2023.

White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans, joins Michael to talk about investing in roads, bridges, water systems, mine lands, high speed internet, clean energy and more. Original air date 2 February 2023.

Wide World of News Political Analyst Mark Halperin offers insight on the latest on the Republican 2024 presidential race. Original air date 1 February 2023.

Michael talks with Virginia Sole-Smith about her NY Times Op-Ed "Why the New Obesity Guidelines for Kids Terrify Me." Smith is the author of "The Eating Instinct" and the forthcoming book (April 2023) "Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture." Original air date 31 January 2023.

A conversation on classified materials with Richard Clarke, who served for 30 years in national security policy roles, and 10 years in the White House National Security Council under three different presidents. Original air date 27 January 2023

Senator Chris Coons joins Michael in studio for a wide-ranging conversation on the news of the day. Original air date 27 January 2023.

Michael talks to Washington Post Global Opinions Columnist Jason Rezaian, following comments from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about Rezaian's former colleague, murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Original air date 26 January 2023.

Rich Thau, President of the research firm Engagious, talks with Michael about a controversial proposal from the Federal Trade Commission that could affect millions of American workers, regarding the use of non-complete clauses and contracts. Original air date 25 January 2025.

In the wake of yet another mass shooting in California, Michael offers a commentary on how people support - or don't support - law enforcement, looking at a piece in the LA Times, "LAPD ban of 'thin blue line' flags is latest salvo in culture war." Original air date 24 January 2023.

Valerie Bauerline has owned the story of South Carolina ex-attorney Alex Murdaugh's murder case for The Wall Street Journal. She speaks with Michael on the opening day of the trial, which begins today with jury selection.

Rock musician David Crosby has passed away at 81 years old. Michael and TC reminisce over his 2004 interview with the Hall of Fame member, during the height of the Iraq war. Original air date 20 January 2023 - the interview was recorded 7 March 2004.

Michael welcomes back Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, with his latest thoughts on the US involvement in Ukraine, plus, ocean pirates are back, and more conversation on world affairs. Original air date 19 January 2023.

During New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge's historic home run stretch this past MLB season, Michael spoke with David Waldstein at The New York Times on his piece "For Major Milestones, MLB Trusts but Verifies." Original air date 28 September 2022.

Ever wanted to avoid the toll fees of turnpikes and tollways? Many do by defacing their license plates with tape, paint, or other common items, but this man, Streetsblog NYC Editor Gersh Kuntzman, stands in the way of vandalism by upkeeping license plates in his community. He joins Michael Smerconish in a riveting talk on tolls, plates, and police. Callers also contribute to the conversation with their own thoughts and experiences. Original air date 21 December 2022.

How ambitious are you? Original air date 3 January 2023.

"Tell it Early, Tell it All, Tell it Yourself." That is always the advice from crisis management expert Lanny Davis, who joins Michael to talk about the case of President Biden's classified documents, recently found in his home in Wilmington DE. Original air date 13 January 2023.

Michael Schmidt, New York Times Washington Correspondent, joins Michael on today's front page story, "Hunter Biden's Tangled Tale Comes Front And Center." Original air date 12 January 2023

Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin offers up his latest "Fake Ron Klain Memo" that makes some very real points about the discovery of classified documents in an office that President Biden once used while servicing as Vice President. Original air date 11 January 2023.

Michael's thoughts on the discovery of classified documents once used by Joe Biden before he became President. Original air date 10 January 2023.

Michael delivers an opening commentary on the news of the day including whether schools should stay open on snow days now that they can teach and learn virtually, and, on President Biden's visit to the southern border and the implications of title 42. But, the words are not his own....they come from artificial intelligence. Original air date 9 January 2023

Michael breaks down the affidavit that authorities in Idaho released, which offers details into how Bryan Kohberger was identified as a suspect and captured, in connection with the murders of four University of Idaho students seven weeks ago. Michael offers his key takeaways. Original air date 6 January 2023.

Michael talks with former Ohio Governor John Kasich about the undecided battle for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Original air date 5 January 2023.

There is no way police found Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger's DNA through popular websites like Ancestry.com or "23 and Me" - so says the DNA Detective, CeCe Moore. Michael gets expertise from her on how DNA tracing works in police investigations, and what most likely led police to arrest Kohberger in Pennsylvania, arrested as a suspect in the murders of four college students in Moscow, Idaho. Original air date 4 January 2023.

Russia, COVID, Ukraine, Cyberattacks...what are the biggest issues of concern ahead in 2023 to retired Admiral James Stavridis? Michael talks with the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander on his first weekly visit of the year. Hear him on SiriusXM's Michael Smerconish Program each Tuesday at 10AM East. Original air date 3 January 2023.

Michael joins Howard Husock, Manhattan Institute's Vice President of policy research, in a conversation about the logistics of...leaf blowers. Should they be regulated or outright banned? What are the environmental impacts? Are electric blowers a reliable alternative? Michael and Husock hope to answer these questions in a surprisingly complex episode of the Smerconish Podcast. Original air date 01 December 2022.

Michael is joined by John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division for the United Nations, in a conversation about global population and world resources. Original air date 29 November 2022.

Michael invites Jessica Calarco, associate professor of sociology at Indiana University, to the program to discuss a controversial decision at NYU to fire a professor after various complaints from students. Callers also provide their opinion on difficulty in education. Original air date 11 October 2022.

Michael invites Vidocq Society Founder, former Police Officer and FBI Agent William Fleisher to the program, as the two talk what was formerly one of Philadelphia's longest unsolved crimes: The Boy in the Box. Original air date 13 December 2022.

Michael is joined by Christopher Rea, a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, in a conversation on the heavy censorship found within China and how citizens use humor to combat free speech. Callers also provide their thoughts on that phrase we see almost everyday on our products and goods: "Made in China." Original air date 05 December 2022.

Michael provides commentary with Michael Lynn, a Cornell University Professor of Consumer Behavior and Marketing, on tipping etiquette and its recent cultural changes. Callers also join the program to share their own tipping techniques. Original air date 19 December 2022.

On Michael's last live day on air in 2022, he let the callers take control, with no commentary, no topics, no rules - just Open Line Friday. Original air date 23 December 2022.

A man on the phone gets the manager of a restaurant to strip search an employee - as many as 100 times in 32 different states. This wild-but-true story is the basis of the plotline of the Netflix series "Don't Pick Up The Phone." Michael gets the full, real story from the reporter who has owned it for the Louisville Courier-Journal, Andrew Wolfson. Original air date 21 December 2022.

Michael offers a run-through of some important headlines from Smerconish.com, including the latest on former President Trump's tax returns. And, it's Executive Producer TC's birthday. Original air date 21 December 2022.

Michael wordsmiths a commentary. Original air date 20 December 2022.

Michael offers thoughts on Argentina defeating France in the 2022 World Cup with penalty kicks after extra time expired. Original air date 19 December 2022.

Michael is fascinated by the story of the newly-changed-to-Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona apparently selling items on Facebook Marketplace. This is a fun conversation! Original air date 16 December 2022.

Homeowners Associations. Everyone's got a story - this one out of Maryland caught Michael's eye. Let's talk about the politics of lawns. Original air date 15 December 2022.

Michael speaks with Wide World of News founder and political analyst Mark Halperin every Wednesday. In his final 2022 appearance, he runs through his 2023 Prediction Pool. Congress, White House, and More...what will happen next hear? Original air date 14 December 2022.

Michael breaks down the cultural shift in faith and religion as religious organizations adapt to the requests and desires of younger generations. Callers also share their intentions to attend or skip religious services this holiday season. Original air date 13 December 2022.

Michael talks with NBC News Investigative Unit Reporter Rich Schapiro on his report "‘Don’t believe everything you see’: Inside Whitey Bulger’s bloody final hours." Original air date 12 December 2022.

Michael offers his take on the United States securing WNBA star Brittney Griner's freedom from Russia in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death." Original air date 9 December 2022.

Michael chats with Victoria Cobb, President of The Family Foundation, on her experience being refused service by the Richmond restaurant that disagreed with her organization's mission statement. Callers also weigh in on the morality of businesses rejecting patrons. Original air date 08 December 2022.

Michael opens with more follow-up on the 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis case, involving the Colorado-based graphic designer who refused to make a website for a same-sex couple. Then he offers an explanation on a major case before the Supreme Court today, Moore v. Harper, on the "independent state legislature theory" and how election administration could be upended nationwide. Original air date 7 December 2022.

Michael discusses the case of Lorie Smith, a website designer who is challenging a Colorado law that prohibits most businesses from discriminating against LGBTQ customers. The morning after it was heard in the Supreme Court of the United States, he asks whether a business which renders artistic services be permitted to refuse service to a gay couple. But, what is the right question that should be asked in this case? ACLU National Legal Director David Cole joins Michael in the conversation. Original Air Date 6 December 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on several interconnected news stories coming out of the weekend, some of which are not all being covered by different news networks and sites. Original air date 5 December 2022.

If you are currently watching "The Crown" on Netflix, you absolutely want to hear this conversation. Patrick Jephson, former private secretary to the late Princess Diana, joins Michael to set the record straight on the 1995 interview that Martin Bashir conducted with Lady Di, where Jephson was thrown under the bus - a move the BBC finally, recently apologized for. Original air date 02 December 2022.

Michael looks at a plan set forth by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to involuntarily hospitalize certain homeless people, and asks what can be done about the nation's homeless problem. Original air date 1 December 2022.

Five-time Emmy-winning network television analyst and author Jeff Greenfield on his Politico opinion piece "An Early Clue on Trump's Republican Support." Original air date 30 November 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on checking privilege when selecting holiday gifts for underprivileged kids, and a University of Delaware requirement for freshman students to learn how to check their privilege. Original air date 29 November 2022.

In the tightened labor market, employers are dropping the requirement for college degrees for many open positions. Michael speaks with Dr. Nicole Smith, Chief Economist at the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University. Original air date 28 November 2022.

Michael offers a commentary after a second mass shooting in America this week, at a Walmart in Chesapeake, VA. That after a shooting at a night club in Colorado Springs, CO, a few days earlier. Original air date 23 November 2022.

Michael talks to homeland security and disaster expert Juliette Kayyem, now a lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School. Author of "Security Mom" and "The Devil Never Sleeps", her latest piece in The Atlantic is "Rethinking ‘Run, Hide, Fight’: Our mass-shooting guidance may be woefully out of date." Original air date 22 November 2022.

When President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address, where did he actually stand? UNC-Asheville Professor Christopher Oakley, a historian and former Disney animator, says he has found the spot. Listen to this fascinating conversation with Michael. Original air date 21 November 2022.

Michael is joined by Philip Shenon, author of "A Cruel and Shocking Act, The Secret History of the Kennedy Assassination," in a conversation about the various unknown details surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Original air date 18 November 2022.

Expand the Civil Rights Act to protect employees from being fired for their political beliefs. So says Yale Law School Professor Jed Rubenfeld, he joins Michael on his co-authored WSJ op-ed "The New Woke Discrimination Demands a New Law." Original air date 17 November 2022.

"The Trump Illusion" is how Mark Halperin headlined his Wide World of News Newsletter today. He joins Michael to discuss former President Donald Trump announcing that he is again running for President, in 2024. Original air date 16 November 2022.

Michael talks with Frank Sesno, Director of Strategist Initiatives at George Washington University's School of Media & Public Affairs. Original air date 15 November 2022.

Michael went to the movies over the weekend and saw "The Banshees of Inisherin" and has thoughts to share about it. Spoiler Alert: He leaves nothing out! Original air date 14 November 2022.

With Midterm voting at a close and Republican support being less than projected, Michael deliberates on whether the end of Trump is near, and if so, how may that impact the MAGA movement? Callers are also given a chance to weigh in on Trump, MAGA, and elections. Original air date 11 November 2022.

Michael tells the tale of meeting a squirrel in his home, and hilarity ensues. Original air date 9 and 10 November 2022.

David Byler, a Washington Post Political Columnist and Data Analyst, joins Michael Smerconish in a conversation about midterm polling accuracy. Callers also weigh in on polls and election results. Original air date 9 November 2022.

Michael lays out an 11th-hour election issue that has popped up in Pennsylvania regarding the counting of mail-in ballots. He gets expertise from longtime PA politics expert Dr. Terry Madonna, Senior Fellow in Residence for Political Affairs at Millersville University, and Al Schmidt, CEO of the Committee of Seventy, which works to build trust and confidence in elections and encourage civic participation. Original air date 8 November 2022.

Michael opens with his latest analysis of the midterm elections, one day before election day. Then, hear from Trafalgar Group Senior Strategist and Pollster Robert Cahaly, and CBS News Chief Election and Campaign Correspondent Robert Costa with their takes. Original air date 7 November 2022.

The Cook Political Report's very own David Wasserman joins Michael Smerconish in a conversation about upcoming elections and the upper edge Republicans may have heading into Midterms. Listeners of the program also call in to provide their own thoughts on the current election cycle. Original air date 04 November 2022.

Michael welcomes University of Chicago Law Professor Geoffrey R. Stone who co-authored a piece in The Atlantic, "The End of Affirmative Action Would Be A Disaster." Stone is author of the forthcoming book "A Legacy of Discrimination: The Essential Constitutionality of Affirmative Action." Hear a conversation on today's smerconish.com poll question, Which is the stronger argument for continuation of affirmative action? The benefits of diversity, or, Addressing a history of racism? Original air date 3 November 2022.

Michael opens this episode by telling the story of attending World Series Game 3 in Philadelphia, and then offers a commentary on the news of video of the attack against Paul Pelosi being available. Should it be released to the public? Original air date 2 November 2022.

Michael offers a commentary as new information following the attack of Paul Pelosi, husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, comes to light. Original air date 1 November 2022.

In recent years, less attention has been to the level of US national debt. That is a problem, because it is certainly a threat to the future of the country. In steps the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, named after its founder, the late US Secretary of Commerce Peter Peterson. Michael talks with his son, President/CEO Michael Peterson, about their mission to raise awareness about America's long-term fiscal challenges. ]';/'

Michael talks to CNN's Dana Bash about this weekend's special airing on CNN about Douglas Emhoff, "Being...The Second Gentleman." Original air date 28 October 2022.

Michael talks with veteran criminal defense attorney William J Brennan, who is defending a Trump-entity in a trial in New York City. The question: Can they seat an impartial jury? Original air date 27 October 2022.

Wide World of News political analyst makes his weekly visit with Michael, but he prepared a little differently this time. No Fake Ron Klain Memo's today. Original air date 26 October 2022.

Michael talks with Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) who is running for Senate against Republican candidate JD Vance, to replace the retiring Senator Rob Portman. Original air date 25 October 2022.

Why do Democrats not want to talk about crime? Michael talks with CNN Democratic Strategist Paul Begala about his cnn.com piece "The slogan hurting Democrats' election chances." Original air date 24 October 2022.

Are Americans losing interest in Ukraine? Michael has a conversation with Gallup Editor-in-Chief Mohamed Younis, he oversees Gallups news division, where they have been doing a series of polls in Ukraine, something that is not easy to do. Original air date 21 October 2022.

With the recently new and improved Smerconish.com allowing listeners to propose their own poll questions for the program, Michael reads and reacts to some of the thought provoking questions that were submitted. Callers are also given a chance to discuses poll topics and political news of the day. Original air date, 20 October 2022.

Michael analyzes the current political landscape ahead of Midterms, and callers offer their own thoughts on this election season. Original air date 19 October 2022.

The midterm elections are three weeks away. Democratic candidates across the United States have made serious gains in the polls in recent weeks, but, Michael looks at the data and the storylines and asks, did they peak too soon? Original air date 18 October 2022.

Michael talks to Washington Post national politics enterprise reporter Ruby Cramer about the hotly contested Arizona gubernatorial race where MAGA-Republican candidate Kari Lake.

The prospect of nuclear war is now being weighed as seriously as any time since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, but the thinking among government officials has veered in a surprising direction. So says Michael's guest, best selling author of "The Bomb" and columnist for Slate, Fred Kaplan. Original air date 13 October 2022.

National Political Reporter Salena Zito has interviewed every President and Vice President in the 21st century, and has covered Pennsylvania politics for a long time, writing for the NY Post and Washington Examiner. Michael talks with her about the PA Senate race between John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz, in particular focusing on Fetterman's health. Original air date 13 October 2022.

Michael invites Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent, to the program for a conversation about Nevada's Senate race and the high stakes which democrats face during this election season. Original air date 12 October 2022.

Michael offers thoughts on the news of LA City Council President Nury Martinez resigning as council President, but not resigning from the council, after audio leaked of her and colleagues using racist language while discussing race and power in Los Angeles. Original air date 11 October 2022.

Is the media to blame for political polarization? Michael recaps the panel that he hosted last Friday afternoon (7 October) at the 2022 Un-Convention, where he spoke with former CNN president Jeff Zucker and former MSNBC president Phil Griffin. Original air date 10 October 2022.

For more on the Un-Convention, visit http://www.unconvention2022.com 

The politics of oil and gas prices. Michael looks at the latest move by the Saudis and OPEC+ to cut oil production just five weeks ahead of the US midterm elections.

This episode is not just an advertisement for a new website - Michael is very proud to present to you a new unbiased news source - a unique home base for non-ideological thinking where independent viewpoints not tethered to partisan perspective are welcomed and showcased. Welcome to the all-new Smerconish.com! And, meet "Erik X" - the mysterious man behind the project. Original air date 5 October 2022.

Michael chats about exciting new content on his Book Club podcast and looks forward to tomorrow's launch of the all-new Smerconish.com website, plus, he is intrigued by a story in the Washington Post citing data that shows places that support Donald Trump tend to have the most fast food franchises. Why? How? Listen to find out. Original air date 4 October 2022.

Michael talks with Dr. Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., founding CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, about renewed debates on the NFL (and other sports) concussion protocols, after Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was cleared to play after a hit, where Nowinski says it was an obvious concussion and he should not have been allowed to play. Original air date 3 October 2022.

Michael opens today first with the story of his special evening with former Homeland Security Secretary andGovernor Tom Ridge (R-PA) last night, and then turns to Hurricane Ian, in conversation with Villanova University Professor Dr. Stephen Strader, on how the hurricane problem in Florida could have been avoided. Original air date 30 September 2022

Michael talks to Lindsay Marsh of Utah. She divorced from her husband and the judge ordered her to hand over edited Boudoir photo books to her ex-husband, who wanted to keep them. Original air date 29 September 2022.

As election campaign finance reports come out revealing what donors are supporting candidates, Michael ponders, would you patronize a business knowing that you disagree with the political views of its owner? Original air date 28 September 2022.

WIth Midterms just over a month away, Michael lays out the key issues candidates and voters are focused on during this current election cycle including crime, inflation, and gun laws. Callers are also given a chance to weigh in on the topic. Original air date 26 September 2022.

Michael speaks on recent interest in Lindsey Graham's sexuality, a topic stemmed from discussions and jokes on programs like The View and MSNBC. Michael raises the question of whether speculation on Graham's sexuality is inappropriate, and callers provide their own viewpoints on the matter. Original air date 26 September 2022.

Michael chats with sports enterprise reporter Michael Lee of the Washington Post about the large disparity between black coaches and white coaches within the NFL. Original air date 23 September 2022.

Michael is joined in conversation by NBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos as the two attempt to decipher the complex case of Adnan Syed. Original air date 21 September 2022.

Michael looks at a variety of issues that could influence voters in the 2022 midterms, now just 7 weeks away. Plus, with the news of Vladimir Putin calling for more Russians to step up and join the troop offensive against Ukraine....is he bluffing? Original air date 21 September 2022.

Michael has a conversation with CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist with many solved cases under her belt, about DNA technology, tracking murders, and more. Later, Michael gives callers the chance to weigh in. Original air date 15 September 2022.

New York Times Correspondent Matt Flegenheimer on his piece "Is Ron DeSantis the Future of the Republican Party?" Original air date 19 September 2022.

All parts of the first amendment? What are the three branches of government? Fewer of us know the answers to these questions than in years past. Michael talks to Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Director of the Annenberg Pubic Policy Center at U Penn, about a new study on civic knowledge. Original air date 16 September 2022.

As news broke this week that prosecutors in Baltimore, MD are moving to vacate the conviction of Adnan Syed for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, Michael revisits his January 2015 interview with Kevin Urick, he was the lead prosecutor in the original case. At the time, "Serial" became a hit podcast about the case. Refreshed for context on 15 September 2022, Michael offers thoughts leading in to this conversation from 2015.

Michael speaks with New York Magazine Contributing Editor Andrew Rice, on his piece "The Sordid Saga of Hunter Biden's Laptop: The most invasive data breach imaginable is a political scandal Democrats can't just wish away." Original air date 15 September 2022.

Michael talks with Jennifer Gwynne, who lives and works in Columbia, SC. Back in 1994-1995 as a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, she dated then-fellow resident advisor Elon Musk for nearly a year. He went on to become the billionaire Tesla and SpaceX founder, and she still has mementos from their relationship. Original air date 13 September 2022.

Michael talks with Noah Bookbinder, President of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, about Couy Griffin, Otero County Commissioner and founder of "Cowboys for Trump," being barred from public office due to his involvement in the events of January 6th. Michael also gives callers a chance to provide their own perspectives on the matter. Original air date 12 September 2022.

PART 1: THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE DAY Segment 1 - Intro; Jose Melendez Perez, former Inspection Officer at Orlando International Airport who didn't let the so-called 20th hijacker proceedSegment 2 - Michael Touhey, US Air ticket agent who checked in two hijackers in Portland, ME; Clip of Nat'l Security Adviser Condi Rice testimony before the 9/11 commissionSegment 3 - Alice Hoagland, her son was on Flight 93; Lawrence Wright, author "The Looming Tower"Segment 4 - Kevin Flynn, author "102 Minutes: The untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers" - and Richard Picciotto author of Last Man Down: The Fireman's Story: The Heroic Account of How Pitch Picciotto Survived the Collapse of the Twin Towers and Led his Men to Safety PART 2: THE DAY OF Segment 1 - Audio of Michael's first minutes on the air on 9/11 in PhiladelphiaSegment 2 - Ben Sliney, was FAA's National Ops Manager that day, overseeing air traffic control in Herndon, VA. Played himself in the movie "United 93"Segment 3 - Aaron Brown, recalls anchoring on his first day on air on 9/11 on CNNSegment 4 - James Meigs, Popular Mechanics, debunking 9/11 conspiracy theories and CIA Commander Gary Bernsten author of JawbreakerPART 3: THE AFTERMATH Segment 1 – Then-Senator Barack Obama, March 2008 on the hunt for Osama being outsourced to Pakistan; TIME WH Correspondent Michael Scherer on the Situation Room the night Osama was killed; Peter Baker, NY Times on reporting on the hunt; Peter Bergen, author “Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden, from 9/11 to Abbotabad”Segment 2 – Mark Owen (Matt Bissonette) author “No Easy Day: The Autobiography of a Navy Seal – The First-hand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden”Segment 3 – Rob O’Neill, the SEAL who shot Bin Laden and author of THE OPERATORSegment 4 – The Atlantic’sJennifer Senior, What Bobby McIlvaine Left Behind https://bit.ly/3BuwHvE 

Many more candidates than in years past are either dodging questions about, or already saying they will not, participate in debates with their opponents in this midterm election cycle. Michael speaks with Frank Fahrenkopf, Co-Chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates. Original air date 9 September 2022.

A conversation with Pat Croce, former President and part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, on his exclusive Smerconish.com piece "Die Before You Die." Original air date 7 September 2022.

Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin offers a deep dive in to Ron DeSantis. The Florida Governor has a strong shot at the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Original air date 7 September 2022.

The midterm elections are in 9 weeks - Michael offers a commentary on two speeches given over Labor Day Weekend, one by President Biden, and one by former President Trump. Original air date 6 September 2022.

Michael talks with Army Col. Jim Seward, Director of the Veterans Justice Commission, launched by The Council on Criminal Justice on 23 August 2022. Original air date 26 August 2022.

Michael has a conversation with WIRED's Steven Levy on location tracking technology like Apple Air Tags and smart phone apps. Michael then opens the floor to callers who share their own location tracking experiences. Original air date 23 August 2022.

Michael talks with Stephanie Grisham, who served as Press Secretary to President Trump from Summer 2019-Spring 2020. She offers her thoughts on the seizing of boxes of documents from Mar-A-Lago, particularly on how her opinions changed after photos of them were released. Original air date 1 September 2022.

Michaek speaks with Washington Post Media Critic Erik Wemple about his piece, "Project Veritas, Ashley Biden and the First Amendment." Original air date 30 August 2022.

Michael talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Dave Phillips, about his front-page story, "Death in Navy SEAL Training Exposes a Culture of Brutality, Cheating and Drugs." Original air date 30 August 2022.

Michael offers a commentary after Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) says there will be "riots in the streets" if AG Merrick Garland opts to prosecute former President Trump. Original air date 29 August 2022.

A conversation with Patrick Jephson, he was Diana, Princess of Wales, private secretary. She died 25 years ago next week, 31 August 1997. Original air date 26 August 2022.

Michael offers analysis after President Biden signs an executive order to implement his Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Original air date 25 August 2022.

Wide World of News Political Analyst Mark Halperin speaks with Michael the morning after primary elections in New York and Florida. Original air date 24 August 2022.

Michael chats with New York Times Reporter, and former White House Correspondent, Glenn Thrush on Donald Trump's final days in the White House and the aftermath of his presidency. Original air date 22 August 2022.

Michael lays out thoughts on what he is working on for his fall 2022 speech out on the speaking circuit, following a study that came just came out showing nearly half of college students wouldn't room with someone who votes differently. His encouragement: Befriend The Other Side. Original air date 22 August 2022.

Dana Bash, Chief Political Correspondent at CNN, joins Michael in a discussion about antisemitism in America; a primary topic in Bash's upcoming CNN Special Report: "Rising Hate." Later, Michael shares a personal story concerning his family heritage.

Michael offers his take on a variety of political headlines lined up today at Smerconish.com. Original air date 18 August 2022.

The morning after Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-WY) lost her primary reelection bid, Michael speaks with Mark Leibovich, Staff Writer at The Atlantic, on his piece "Liz Cheney, The Republican From The State of Reality." Plus, conversations with the audience on whether Cheney's influence is ascendant or in decline. Original air date 17 August 2022.

Michael has a discussion about the impact our lawns may have on climate change with California-based reporter for the New York Times, Jill Cowan. Callers also provide their own insights on the lawn care topic. Original air date 16 August 2022.

A day ahead of the Wyoming Republican Primary, Michael talks with Will Walkey with Mountain West News Bureau and Wyoming Public Media. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) is the last of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump, to face her primary election, where she is trailing in the polls. Original Air date 15 August 2022.

Michael dissects the recent FBI raid on Trump's Mar-a-Lago home and attempts to decipher just what exactly law enforcement was after. Michael also reflects on how this news could impact Trump's future in addition to the upcoming election. Original air date 12 August 2022.

How will the IRS spend $80B that Democrats want to push into it? Nina Olson, Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights joins Michael to discuss. Original air date 11 August 2022.

Michael talks about new research showing that, for poor children living in an area where people have more friendships that cut across class lines, that significantly increases how much they earn in adulthood. He speaks with the author of the study, Harvard University Professor Robert Putnam. Original air date 4 August 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the news of the FBI executing a search warrant at the south Florida property of former President Trump at Mar-A-Lago. Original air date 9 August 2022.

Michael saw Roger Waters in concert over the weekend after interviewing him at the end of last week. His interview with the Pink Floyd rock star, who has been very outspoken about politics, took on a life of its own over the weekend. Original air date 8 August 2022.

Michael sits down with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, on his new music and tour, and talks politics. Original air date 5 August 2022.

MSNBC and NBC News Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael Smerconish in a conversation about Alex Jones and the defamation trial he finds himself in due to previously made comments about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The pair discuss legal aspects surrounding the case, and callers voice their own opinions on Alex Jones and the trial. Original air date 04 August 2022.

Aside from being an active member of Donald Trump's presidential campaigns, Bruce Marks was also a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 2nd district in the mid-1990s. Michael invites Marks to the show to discuss the aforementioned topics and to share his own experiences of being a victim of voter election fraud. Original air date 02 August 2022.

After a brief announcement from President Biden, Michael discusses the killing of al-Qaeda's al-Zawahiri, both on his own and with CNN's National Security Analyst and Vice President for Global Studies and Fellows at New America, Peter Bergen. Then, Michael gives callers a chance to weigh in on the conversation. Original air date 02 August 2022.

After a painful scooter accident, Michael provides time for Dan Henning to share the news of us upcoming surgery. The topic then turns to colonoscopies as Michael pokes at TC to share details of an upcoming procedure of her own. Original air date 01 August 2022.

Michael spotlights the story of Jason Morehead, an Allentown teacher who was let go after attending Donald Trump's "Stop the Steal" Rally on January 6th. Morehead, accompanied by his lawyer Francis Malofiy, shares a first-hand perspective of the rally and comments on his status as a teacher. Callers are also given a chance to weigh in on whether Morehead deserved to get fired for attending the event. Original air date 29 July 2022.

Michael speaks on recent news of the economy slowing down and the potential for a recession in the United States. Later, callers from across the country provide insight on the circulation of money within their own, various job sectors. Original air date 28 July 2022.

Michael analyzes Donald Trump's and Mike Pence's respective speeches in Washington DC. This leads into a discussion about the arising tension between Trump and Pence ahead of the 2024 election. Michael then provides insight on the investigations against the former president. Original air date 27 July 2022.

Michael has a conversation with Michael Mann, the Distinguished Professor Director for the Earth System Science Center at The Pennsylvania State University, on the history of climate change and its impact on the earth today. Callers also weigh in and provide insight into their own climate change beliefs. Original air date 26 July 2022.

Michael invites Columnist and Author Gordon Chang to the program to discuss Nancy Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan and China's backlash concerning the trip. Afterwards, Michael invites callers to share their opinions on the growing tensions involving the United States and the two aforementioned nations. Original air date 25 July 2022.

Michael is joined by Matthew Seligman, a Fellow at Stanford Law School's Constitutional Law Center, as the two discuss the newly introduced Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 and its implications on America moving forward. Later, Michael answers questions and receives comments from callers on the matter. Original air date 22 July 2022.

Michael invites Dr. Erica Anderson to the show to discuss the rise of trans students in American classrooms and how to go about sharing the gender identities of students to their parents. Michael also gives callers the chance to provide their own experiences as both teachers and parents. Original air date 21 July 2022.

Michael comments on news of the day pertaining to the Uvalde school shooting, Wes Moore's run for Maryland Governor, the January 6th hearings, and more. Original air date 20 July 2022.

They're calling it "The Great Realignment." A big change is happening to the demographic makeup of both the democratic and republican parties in America. Michael talks with author and historian Thomas Frank, author of "What's The Matter With Kansas."

Michael talks with Graeme Wood, on his piece "Absolute Power" in The Atlantic. This conversation happened just days after President Biden met with Mohammed Bin Salman (MBC), though the piece was written in April. Original air date 18 July 2022.

Michael has a conversation with Valerie Bauerlein, a national reporter for the Wall Street Journal, on Alex Murdaugh, the murder of his wife and son, and the details surrounding his indictment. Original air date 15 July 2022.

Michael has a conversation with New York Times International Reporter and Columnist Max Fisher on the current state of the world and quality of life. Callers also share their own thoughts on whether the world is heading in a positive or negative direction. Original air date 14 July 2022.

Michael provides a commentary on the Uvalde Texas school shooting footage and attempts to decipher what prevented police officers from taking action. Michael then opens the floor for callers to share their own theories. Original air date 13 July 2022.

Michael discusses what factors could lead to a potential 2024 presidential ballot featuring Joe Biden and Donald Trump. He then opens the floor for callers to weigh in on the conversation and pitch their election predictions. Original air date 12 July 2022.

Michael invites Michael Mazarr, a Senior Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation, to the program to discuss American citizens' general perceptions of the nation's future. Original air date 11 July 2022.

Michael's conversation with former Senator Bob Graham, on his book (co-authored with Chris Hand), "America: The Owner's Manual - You Can Fight City Hall And Win." Original air date 26 July 2016. The book was published on 16 August 2016.

Michael chats with New York Times Finance Reporter Lananh Nguyen about the pandemic's impact on remote work and companies' increased efforts to bring employees back to offices. Original air date 06 June 2022.

Michael talks with Norm Ornstein, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a contributing editor for the Atlantic, about the overabundance of people with mental illnesses found within America's prison systems and the resources needed to house the aforementioned inmates. Original air date 02 June 2022.

Michael invites Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz of Arizona State University to the program to talk about the increase of far-right Americans converting to Orthodox Christianity. Original air date 12 May 2022.

Michael has a conversation with Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution, author, and journalist Markos Kounalakis on the circulation of $100 bills in Russia, the currency's uses within the nation, and how it impacts America. Original air date 24 May 2022.

Roger Stahl, Communications Studies Professor at the University of Georgia and documentary filmmaker, joins Michael in a conversation about the Pentagon's ambiguous connection to Hollywood and their funding of blockbuster movies. Original air date 01 June 2022.

Michael invites Senior Editor of the Cook Political Report David Wasserman to the show in order to provide updates and discuss the 2022 midterm elections. Original air date 10 June 2022.

Michael invites former analyst at the Department of State and Defense Marik von Rennenkampff to the program to discuss new findings concerning UFOs, UAPs, and Extra-Terrestrials. Original air date 18 May 2022.

Michael's conversation with The Atlantic's Jennifer Senior. She won a Pulitzer Prize in May 2022 for her September 2021 piece, ""What Bobby McIlvaine Left Behind: Grief, conspiracy theories, and one family’s search for meaning in the two decades since 9/11." It was written to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Original air date 10 September 2021.

Michael tells the story of a fathers day gift he received, across three separate days, edited into this one episode. Original air dates 21, 22, 24 June 2022.

Do you know someone who you can confidently say, they had a life well lived? Michael and many others can say that about Richard Wylie of Doylestown, PA. Listen to find out why. Original air date 24 June 2022.

University of Alabama Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice Dr. Adam Lankford talks with Michael about the "good guy with a gun" theory when it comes to gun control and gun rights. He has the data - listen and learn. Original air date 23 June 2022.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is a rising star in the Republican party. Who is he, how did he get here, and what's next? Michael talks to Politico Florida Playbook's Gary Fineout. Original air date 22 June 2022.

Michael offers a commentary days after he had Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to President Trump, on his weekend CNN program to discuss her book "Here's The Deal." Reaction to his interview with her was swift and loud, he responds here. Original air date 21 June 2022.

Michael analyzes computer sentience and has a conversation with a chat bot to further understand the complexities of artificial intelligence. Original air date 14 June 2022.

New York Times reporter Christopher Flavelle joins Michael to discuss the grim environmental implications of a disappearing Great Salt Lake.

Michael discuses whether or not law enforcement should enforce the potential outcome of SCOTUS's Roe v. Wade decision. Original air date 16 June 2022.

Michael gets insight from NBC News Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos on the possibility of Donald Trump getting charged for his part in the January 6 insurrection. Original air date 15 June 2022.

Michael and Dr. Jody Herman of UCLA's Williams Institute analyze the increase of people identifying as transgender in America. Original air date: 14 June 2022.

A Google engineer claims the company's LaMDA artificial intelligence program has become sentient. Do his assertions stand up? Michael and TC ponder this philosophical conundrum!

Michael offers thoughts on the first public hearing showcasing findings in the January 6th investigation in Congress, which happened in prime time. Original air date 10 June 2022.

Michael brings back an old benchmark from years ago, "The Muzzle Meter." Between Jack Del Rio, John Demsey, and Dave Weigel all making missteps in recent days...which is worst? Original air date 9 June 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the news of pro golfer Phil Mickelson leaving the PGA Tour, heading to the new Saudi LIV Golf Tour. Original air date 8 June 2022.

Michael tells the story of a voicemail he received. Original air date 7 June 2022.

To mark the anniversary of D-Day, a very special interview from Michael's archives. From October 2007, his conversation with "Wild Bill" Guarnere and "Babe" Effron, who served in WWII together, and were part of the inspiration for the 2001 HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers", and they co-authored the book "Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends." They have both since passed away. Original air date October 2007.

Michael talks with Terry Strada, National Chair of 9/11 Families United, about the news of President Biden potentially meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman this month. Original air date 03 June 2022.

Michael has a conversation with Danny Cevallos, co-founder of the law firm Cevallos & Wong LLP and legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC, on the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial verdict. Original air date 2 June 2022.

Michael presents six legal/court related headlines of interest. Original air date 1 June 2022.

Michael speaks with Dr. Jillian Peterson from Hamline University, on her research on mass shootings. Original air date 31 May 2022.

As the conversation around guns, gun control, school shootings, the 2nd amendment and other angles remains at the forefront, we dipped into Michael's archives to bring you a week-long special he aired in March of 2018, called "Aiming For Facts: A Week-Long Deep Dive Into America's Gun Culture." This is part 5 of 5, focusing on possible solutions to keeping the 2nd amendment in tact while also solving for the crisis of deaths due to guns. You'll hear: -A commentary by Michael on data integration failure following the Parkland, FL school shooting in 2018. -Bruce Castor, Former Solicitor General/Attorney General in Montgomery County PA, on potential charges for the FL shooter -Dr. Amy Barnhorst, UC Davis, on whether the mental health system can stop mass shootings -Andrew Leigh, Australian Parliament member, on Australian gun control Original air date 23 March 2018.

As the conversation around guns, gun control, school shootings, the 2nd amendment and other angles remains at the forefront, we dipped into Michael's archives to bring you a week-long special he aired in March of 2018, called "Aiming For Facts: A Week-Long Deep Dive Into America's Gun Culture." This is part 4 of 5, focusing on the legal aspects of the gun debate - you'll hear: -Pat Dunphy, Wisconsin Trial attorney who successfully litigated and held accountable the seller of a gun used to shoot two police officers -Joshua Koskoff, Connecticut Trial Attorney representing Sandy Hook families seeking to hold AR-15 manufacturers accountable for carnage -David Hemenway, Harvard, on injury prevention and guns, and the CDC's lack of research on gun violence Original air date 22 March 2018

As the conversation around guns, gun control, school shootings, the 2nd amendment and other angles remains at the forefront, we dipped into Michael's archives to bring you a week-long special he aired in March of 2018, called "Aiming For Facts: A Week-Long Deep Dive Into America's Gun Culture." This is part 3 of 5, "The Brothers Nugent." You'll hear: -Jeffrey Nugent, Former CEO of Revlon, on background checks -Ted Nugent, Motor City Mad Man, on background checks Original air date 21 March 2018

As the conversation around guns, gun control, school shootings, the 2nd amendment and other angles remains at the forefront, we dipped into Michael's archives to bring you a week-long special he aired in March of 2018, called "Aiming For Facts: A Week-Long Deep Dive Into America's Gun Culture." This is part 2 of 5, "The Second Amendment." You'll hear: -John Lott, author “The War on Guns” and “More Guns, Less Crime” -Laurence Tribe, Harvard, is repealing the second amendment a realistic response to school shootings? -Amy Howe, SCOTUSBlog co-founder, on District of Columbia v Heller Original air date 20 March 2018.

As the conversation around guns, gun control, school shootings, the 2nd amendment and other angles remains at the forefront , we dipped into Michael's archives to bring you a week-long special he aired in March of 2018, called "Aiming For Facts: A Week-Long Deep Dive Into America's Gun Culture." This is part 1 of 5 - an intro to the special, including conversations with: -German Lopez, VOX, "Gun Violence Explained in 17 Maps and Charts" -Adam Lankford, University of Alabama, Criminology Professor, on how a country's rate of gun ownership correlates with the odds of a mass shooting -John Donohue, Stanford University, Law Professor, on the impact of a "Good guy with a gun" - what happens when states all ow right to carry. 37 years worth of data in 50 states. Original air date 19 March 2018.

Michael invites journalist Mark Halperin to the program to discuss the Uvalde Texas school shooting and the politics of gun violence. Original air date 25 May 2022.

Michael talks with the expert on Georgia elections - Greg Bluestein at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, on the morning of the primary election in the peach state. Original air date 24 May 2022.

Eric Tucker, Associated Press Reporter, on the latest aspect of the Russia investigation. He discusses his piece with Michael titled "Explainer: Why stakes are high in trial tied to Russia probe." Original air date 23 May 2022.

Michael provides commentary on Joe Biden's current presidential status, and the likeliness of him running for a second term. Original air date 20 May 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the state of affairs for Democrats and President Biden. Original air date 19 May 2022.

The morning after the Pennsylvania Primary, a conversation with political analyst Mark Halperin. Original air date 18 May 2022.

Michael welcomes NBC/MSNBC Legal Analyst Danny Cevallos in studio to break down the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. He is co-founder of the law firm Cevallos & Wong. Original air date 17 May 2022.

Michael talks with CBS News Correspondent Robert Costa, who was denied entry to cover an campaign rally featuring PA Senate candidate Kathy Barnette, and PA Gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano. Original air date 16 May 2022.

Michael offers a refreshed take on Tuesday's primary election in his home state of Pennsylvania, highlighting the consequences of the commonwealth's closed primary system. Original air date 13 May 2022.

Michael talks with Washington Examiner National Political Reporter Salena Zito about her coverage of the PA Senate race - the primary election is this coming Tuesday. All of Salena's reporting can be found at salenazito.com. Original air date 12 May 2022.

Michael offers a commentary after Steve Schmidt, former aide to the late Senator and Presidential Candidate John McCain, wrote a piece distancing himself from McCain, saying he was lied to about an affair, and that therefore he lied while working for him. Original air date 11 May 2022.

Michael offers a commentary as another candidate in the high-stakes Pennsylvania Senate race is making headlines as the national conversation on abortion rights continues. Original air date 10 May 2022.

Michael speaks with New York Times reporter Matt Flegenheimer, who co-wrote (with Rosa Goldensohn) the weekend New York Times story about the life of the late former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, and the secret he kept about his sexual orientation. Original air date 9 May 2022.

Now the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at Berkeley Law, John Yoo is a former clerk to Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. Michael talks to him about the unprecedented leak of a draft opinion showing the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the details of the process of how the justices draft an opinion and get their work done. Original air date 6 May 2022.

NBC / MSNBC Legal Analyst and Co-Founder of Cevallos and Wong, Danny Cevallos, joins Michael to talk about the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial in court this week. Original air date 5 May 2022

Michael offers a commentary on the leaked Supreme Court draft ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade. Original air date 4 May 2022.

Politico Senior Legal Affairs Reporter Josh Gerstein, who with Alexander Ward, broke the story of the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

Michael with New York Times correspondent Nick Confessore who just published a 3 part series on Tucker Carlson and American Nationalism. Original air date 02 May 2022.

Michael welcomes Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University's Stern School of Business. He wrote the ideas piece for The Atlantic, "Why the past 10 years of American life have been uniquely stupid." Original air date 27 April 2022.

Michael tells the story of his evening out on the town in two very different parts of Philadelphia, from Studio Incamminati to the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny. Original air date 28 April 2022.

Michael speaks with attorney Andrew Celli, Jr, who is representing voters in GA 14th Congressional District, who are trying to make the case that under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, Marjorie Taylor Green should not be allowed to run for reelection. Original air date 26 April 2022.

Michael welcomes Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Matt Richtel from the New York Times, for a conversation on mental health and his piece "“‘It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among US Teens” which is part of a series he's publishing at the NYT. Original air date 26 April 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, being argued in the US Supreme Court today. Original air date 25 April 2022.

Michael welcomes Father John Jillions, former professor at St. Vladimir Seminary, and a former parish priest in Bridgeport, CT, to discuss a New York Times piece that caught Michael's eye, just before Orthodox Easter this weekend: "Ukraine War Divides Orthodox Faithful." Original air date 22 April 2022.

Michael talks with Yale University student Simon Bazelon, on his piece posted at Slow Boring, titled "Democrats are sleepwalking into a Senate disaster." He is also a consultant at Blue Rose Research. Original air date 20 April 2022.

Michael talks with political analyst and founder of Wide World of News, Mark Halperin, on his special edition of his latest news letter offering advice to the President's chief of staff, "What You Should Do Is... (WYSDI)." Original air date 20 April 2022.

Will you still wear a mask on an airplane now that restrictions have been lifted? Michael offers a commentary. Original air date 19 April 2022.

Jeff Bewkes oversaw CNN, HBO, Time, Warner Brothers and AOL as the former CEO of Time Warner, from 2008-2018. Michael spoke with him about a commentary Michael offered on Tesla founder Elon Musk trying to buy Twitter, and how that relates to free speech. Original air date 18 April 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on Elon Musk's attempt to buy Twitter. Also, Michael marks 9 years on air today at SiriusXM. Original air date 15 April 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on how to reach young men before they fall off the grid and become dangerous to society. He highlights portions of a recent conversation he had with NYU Professor Scott Galloway, and gets reactions from listeners you will not want to miss. The conversation was inspired by the New York City Subway shooting, while the suspect in custody is not a young male, the concepts around what happened are similar. Original air date 14 April 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the use of cameras, ID cards, databases and artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Could a system like that have helped prevent the NYC Subway attack, or, caught the suspect much sooner? And, a conversation on subway safety with Hannah Meyers, director of policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute. Original air date 13 April 2022.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, offers thoughts on the latest happening in Ukraine, and Michael opens with a commentary on whether Americans are still "tuned in" and focused on what is happening there, or, are the losing interest and focusing back state side on inflation and the economy. Original air date 12 April 2022.

Michael talks with journalist and author Salena Zito, she has been extensively covering the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate Race across all of the Commonwealth's 67 counties. Original air date 11 April 2022.

Michael takes a call during a conversation about a study on media bias. Original air date 8 April 2022.

John Lynch, founder of Corporate Aid for Ukraine, and Treasurer & Board Member at the American Chamber of Commerce in Poland, speaks with Michael about his piece he wrote for Smerconish.com, "The Ten Million Volunteers Helping to Save Ukraine." Original air date 8 April 2022.

Michael speaks with Princeton University Professor Julian Zelizer, of the forthcoming book "The Presidency of Donald J. Trump: A First Historical Assessment." He previewed the the book with his piece in The Atlantic, "What I Learned When Trump Tried to Correct the Record."

Michael offers a commentary the morning after former President Obama returned to the White House for the first time since his presidency, to talk about the Affordable Care Act with President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Layla A. Jones joins Michael to talk about her writing on how the Philly-born "Action News" television format portrayed and harmed black people. Original air date 5 April 2022.

Variety's Chief TV Critic Daniel D'Addario joins Michael to talk about 'Servant of the People', the former Ukranian TV show that stars now-President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which has become a favorite on Netflix. Original air date 1 April 2022.

Michael talks with Paul Webster Hare, former British Ambassador to Cuba, now enior Lecturer in international relations at the Frederick S Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, about his exclusive piece written for Smerconish.com on Vladimir Putin and China. Original air date 1 April 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on what has been found on and discussed about the laptop of Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, after the Washington Post posted a story on it - and he welcomes Senior National Investigations Editor Peter Wallsten to talk about it. Original air date 31 March 2022.

Michael offers a commentary after we learn of 7+ hours of missing White House phone records from January 6th, 2021. Original air date 30 March 2022.

Michael offers commentary on headlines that highlight evidence suggesting the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap at this week's Oscar Awards was staged. Original air date 29 March 2022.

Michael talks with CBS News Chief Election & Campaign Correspondent Robert Costa about Virginia Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, texting the White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows tor pursue overturning the 2020 election. Original air date 28 March 2022.

Michael talks with Ellen Barry at the New York Times about how the field of Psychiatry has officially decided that "prolonged grief" is now a disorder, and therefore can be treated and billed for. Also, hear some incredible feedback from listeners on the subject of grieving the loss of loved ones. Original air date 25 March 2022.

Michael runs through the top headlines on display at smerconish.com today. Make sure you subscribe to the daily newsletter...Balance Delivered Daily to your inbox every morning. Original air date 24 March 2024.

Michael offers his analysis of the senate confirmation hearings this week of Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, and then speaks with South Texas College of Law, Houston, Professor Josh Blackman, author of "An Introduction to Constitutional Law: 100 Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know." Original air date 23 March 2022.

Eurasian International Analytics LLC President Lawrence Scott Sheets, a former diplomat and Journalist, discusses his Politico Magazine opinion piece "Putin’s Strange New Messaging on Russian TV" with Michael. Original air date 22 March 2022.

Washington Post Chief Correspondent Dan Balz joins Michael to talk about the domestic/political angles of what's happening in Ukraine, which party will see gains in the midterms, and public opinion on President Biden's handling of the crisis stateside. Plus reactions from listeners to SiriusXM's Michael Smerconish Program. Original air date 21 March 2022.

Michael's take on the latest possible deal to end Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Original air date 18 March 2022.

Yale School of Management Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld notes that over 400 companies have ceased their business operations in Russia due it that country's invading Ukraine. But, some remain. He discusses with Michael. Original air date 17 March 2022.

Just after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addresses Congress, Michael gets the latest political angle of the Russian invasion in Ukraine from Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin, and, from a battle perspective, what would a conventional (non-nuclear) war look like between NATO and Russia, if it were to come to that? Michael asks Dr. Rowan Allport, at the Human Security Centre in London. Original air date 16 March 2022.

Michael offers 60 pieces of advice on his 60th birthday. Original air date 15 March 2022.

Michael asks Professor of Law Joel Samuels to break down the concept of oligarchs. Later, Michael analyzes The Budapest Memorandum and connections between Putin's invasion & The Cold War. New York Times White House Correspondent Peter Baker joins Michael to provide his expertise. Original air date 14 March 2022

Michael learns what Russia's nuclear weapons are capable of with Hans Kristensen. Later Michael has a conversation with Ukraine Parliament member Solomiia Bobrovska.

Today is the paperback release date of Erik Larson's book "The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz." Michael spoke with him when the book was brand new in July 2020. This interview being shared here today, is also a part of Michael's other podcast "Book Club with Michael Smerconish." Also today, a conversation on oil and gas prices as oil imports from Russia to the US have been banned, with Royal Bank of Canada's Dr. Helima Croft, she is Managing Director & Global Head of Commodity Strategy. Original air date 10 March 2022.

Michael speaks with Michael Cohen, former attorney to President Trump, about the Manhattan D.A. investigation into his former boss. And, a run through of the latest headlines from Ukraine in today's Smerconish.com Newsletter. Original air date 8 March 2022 (Cohen) and 9 March 2022 (Headlines).

Michael asks, is Wall-to-Wall Coverage of the war in Ukraine due more to the race of combatants or the risk of nuclear war? Hear a variety of opinions from Michael's audience. Plus, Human Rights Foundation Chair Garry Kasparaov joins the conversation.

Michael talks about the latest happening with the Russian invasion into Ukraine, from three different angles. Retired Admiral McRaven's Take; Should we publish graphic war-torn images; And, boycott Russian sports and arts stars? Original air date 7 March 2022.

Michael discusses the latest on Russia's invasion into Ukraine, including Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) saying Putin should be taken out, and whether the US should ban Russian oil imports; plus, Michael speaks with Artem Barabash, a Ukraine-based attorney and acquaintance. Original air date 4 March 2022.

Lawrence Mestel, CEO of Primary Wave Music, who owns or has owned catalogs of major musicians, offers expertise to Michael on the increasing numbers of artists who have sold their work for big money lately. Original air date 3 March 2022.

Michael's take on President Biden's first State of the Union address. Original air date 2 March 2022.

Michael tells the story of an internet purchase he made this week. Original air date 1 March 2022

Michael provides commentary about Utah Senator Mitt Romney's opinion of Vladimir Putin. Journalist McKay Coppins joins the conversation to give further insight on Romney and the Russian leader. Original air date 28 February 2022.

Michael offers commentary on Putin's continued invasion of Ukraine and the Kyiv capital. Political Professor Joshua Tucker joins the conversation to provide insight on the Russian attack. Original air date 25 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary the morning after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to begin invading Ukraine overnight. He brings up a McDonald's "Big Mac" idea, first offered by columnist Tom Friedman in 1996, to explain his thoughts. Original air date 24 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the continuing conflict at the Ukraine Border. Original air date 23 February 2022

Michael discusses the friction between Russia & Ukraine and considers whether the crisis should be classified as an invasion. Admiral Jim Stavridis and Michael Kofman join the conversation to provide insight on the situation. Original air date 22 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the rise of the metaverse, of which he is a part when he enjoys playing "Occulus" with his family. Original air date 18 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary after new information about the judge and jury in Sarah Palin's now-dismissed suit against the New York Times is revealed. Original air date 17 February 2022.

Michael's take on today's top headlines, from Sarah Palin's lawsuit dismissal to Remington Guns settling with Sandy Hook families, to more on Jeff Zucker's departure from CNN and everything in between. Original air date 16 February 2022.

The Washington Post's Philip Bump joins Michael to expertly explain a complex topic: Special Counsel John Durham's probe into the FBI's probe of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. Original air date 15 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the political ads that appeared during the Superbowl. Original airdate 14 February 2022.

Michael talks to Emory University's Alan Abramowitz about his piece on voter suppression he authored for Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball at UVA. Original air date 11 February 2022

Michael talks with Politico's Josh Gerstein, who is covering, in the courtroom, Former Governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's lawsuit against the New York Times. Original air date 10 February 2022.

Michael talks with University of Central Florida student Jack Sweeney, who set up a twitter bot that tracks Tesla CEO Elon Musk's private jet...and he's now tracking the jets of other high profile people, too. Original air date 8 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on Spotify podcast host Joe Rogan's controversy over past comments and his promoting of misinformation regarding COVID-19, while musician Neil Young, and others, have pulled their catalogues from that platform, and Young is encouraging Spotify employees to work elsewhere. Original air date 8 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the report that Mohammed Al-Qahtani, held by the US Government at Guantanamo Bay as the presumed 9/11 "20th Hijacker", will be transferred back to Saudi Arabia, due to mental health issues. Al-Qahtani has been held in prison for nearly two decades. Original air date 7 February 2022.

With the news this week that the Biden Administration tapped former Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) to accompany the President's to-be-announced Supreme Court Nominee to the Senate for introductions, Michael is offering a special edition of the podcast today, a selection from his other podcast, "Book Club with Michael Smerconish." This is his 2019 interview with the Senator on his then-new book "Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights."

Michael speaks with Yale University Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld. Original Air Date 3 February 2022.

Michael analyzes Whoopi Goldberg's controversial suspension from The View. He also ties the news story into his experience moderating the Sedley Holocaust & Medicine Symposium.

Michael offers a commentary on comparisons to the holocaust, after Whoopie Goldberg made a controversial remark on the View, on the same day he is set to moderate a panel on this very topic. Original air date 1 February 2022.

Michael talks to National Motorists Association Communications Director Shelia Dunn about Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg's proposal to promote greater use of speed cameras. Original air date 31 January 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on new data regarding Americans' level of confidence in Dr. Anthony Fauci and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Original air date 28 January 2022.

Axios Media Reporter Sara Fischer joins Michael on her piece "America Can't Quit Polarizing Politicians." Original air date 27 January 2022.

Michael gets insight from NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, on the news of Brigham and Women's Hospital declining a heart transplant for a patient who refuses to get a COVID vaccination. Original air date 26 February 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the Supreme Court taking two affirmative action cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. President & Fellows of Harvard. and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. Original air date 25 January 2022.

Michael offers a commentary ahead of former Governor Sarah Palin suing the New York Times editorial page for defamation in court. Original air date 24 January 2022.

80 years since the Wannsee Conference and the Nazi's planning the "Final Solution," Michael tells the story of a trip he took to Auschwitz. Original air date 21 January 2022.

Michael speaks with New York Times White House Correspondent David Sanger, after he asked a question of President Biden on the Russia-Ukraine conflict at the President's news conference. Original air date 20 January 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the calls to fire - and the calls to keep - University of Pennsylvania Law Professor Amy Wax after she made controversial racist comments. Are they protected as free speech for a tenured professor, or, should she be shown the door? Original air date 19 January 2022.

Michael offers a commentary on the political leanings of the media and individuals. Original air date 18 January 2022.

Michael talks with Frank Fahrenkopf, Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, after the Republican National Committee signaled it will not participate in future presidential debates.

Michael speaks with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger the morning after President Biden delivered a speech on voting rights in Georgia. Original air date 13 January 2022.

Michael talks with Wide World of News political analyst Mark Halperin, on the buzz of a Hillary Clinton-Donald Trump rematch in 2024. Original air date 12 January 2022.