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PODCAST

The Smerconish Podcast

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

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All Episodes

00:33:41

Doug Sosnik: America’s Real Political Divide Isn’t...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/05

Veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to dissect the deepening educational divide in American politics. Why are Republicans dominating among non-college voters? Can Democrats win back the working class? And is Trump a cause—or a symptom—of something much bigger? From voting patterns to shifting political power in the South and West, this episode offers a critical look at the structural forces shaping the future of U.S. elections. Original air date 5 September 2025.

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00:15:18

Killing Drug Traffickers at Sea: Legal Strike or...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/05

In today’s episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. military conduct lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters without a formal declaration of war? Plus, new developments in the Epstein investigation stir strange political alliances: hear how yesterday's poll turned out as well.

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00:25:00

Admiral Stavridis on Trump’s "Drug Boat" Strike: Show...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/04

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to unpack China’s military parade, Russia’s escalating aggression, and Trump’s explosive claim of a deadly drug boat strike in the Caribbean. Was it justified—or just political theater? Get expert insight on global power plays in this dynamic conversation with a former four-star Navy Admiral. Original air date 4 September 2025.

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00:10:05

Trump Says 'Hoax,' But GOP Rebels Want Epstein Docs...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/04

Strange bedfellows in Congress are teamed up in asking for the full release of the Epstein files, with four Republicans joining all Democratic representatives in that push. Michael dives in to today's poll question at Smerconsih.com: Will two more Republicans join Reps. Massie, Mace, Boebert, and Greene in supporting the Democrats to release the DOJ's Epstein-Maxwell investigation files? With these unusual alliances forming and the White House calling it a "hostile act," Michael breaks down what’s

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00:26:05

From Rioters to Victims? The Shocking Push for...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Michael Smerconish reacts to a jaw-dropping development: January 6 rioters, already pardoned by President Trump, are now seeking financial compensation from the U.S. government — drawing comparisons to 9/11 victim funds. Is this a rewriting of history or political theater at its peak? Then, political analyst Mark Halperin joins for a wide-ranging conversation on Trump’s crime messaging, the role of the National Guard in major cities, and what both parties are getting wrong heading into the 2026

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00:13:34

Nearly 60 Shot in Chicago — Is the National Guard the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/03

A violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago leaves nearly 60 shot and 8 dead — should the National Guard be sent in? Michael Smerconish explores Trump’s controversial proposal and its shaky legal footing. That's the basis for today's Smerconish.com poll question. Plus, on yesterday's poll question, a heated debate over tax-free tips for certain workers, and the shocking possibility of January 6 rioters receiving government compensation.

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00:30:27

Thoughts and Prayers with Jonah Goldberg

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/02

After a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate, Michael sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, to unpack the fierce backlash against offering “thoughts and prayers.” Is it a hollow gesture or a necessary human response? They explore how political polarization and social media have turned even grief into a culture war — and what needs to happen after the prayers. Plus, hear Michael's "standard response" that he has written and reads every time

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00:12:48

From Maine to Mayhem: Michael’s Vacation Sparks a Tip...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/09/02

Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to DJs, he unpacks the 68 jobs newly exempt under Trump’s proposed “no tax on tips” plan. Michael shares his own tipping experiences and explains why he thinks this policy might do more harm than good. A must-listen debate on fairness, wages, and the future of tipping in America. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at

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00:23:38

Oklahoma’s ‘Anti-Woke’ Teacher Test: Civics Questions...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/29

Michael gives listeners a surprise civics pop quiz—straight from Oklahoma’s new teacher screening exam. With controversy swirling around the state’s “anti-woke” education agenda, are these questions just basic knowledge—or politically loaded? Hear real callers take the test, debate the motives behind it, and weigh in on whether teachers should be required to pass such an exam. Can YOU answer all five questions? Original air date 20 August 2025.

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00:41:13

Serving on a School Board Might Be the Riskiest Job...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/28

Michael Smerconish speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and harassment against local officials—from school board members to township supervisors. Why are these public servants under siege, and what can be done to stop the violence? A sobering look at the state of American democracy, backed by data and personal accounts. Original air date 22 August 2025.

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00:33:05

Is Mail-In Voting Under Threat? Trump’s Bold Promise...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/27

President Trump says he’ll end mail-in voting by executive order—but can he? Michael Smerconish dives into the facts with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor of Political Science Dr. Charles Stewart III, an expert in election integrity. They unpack the myths, explore the data, and discuss the real differences between absentee voting and all-mail elections. Original air date 19 August 2025.

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00:39:21

The Summer America Tried to Replace Migrant Workers...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/26

What happened when the U.S. government tried to replace Mexican farm workers with high school athletes in the 1960s? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gustavo Arellano joins Michael to unpack a forgotten federal program called the “A-Team.” Then, listeners from around the country call in with their own hilarious, humbling, and often painful stories of trying to do farm work—and explain why those jobs go unfilled by Americans today. One listener puts it best: “I lasted two days. Not even for the

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00:29:18

We're Losing Touch with Nature — And It's Worse Than...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/25

Are we forgetting nature? Michael speaks with Professor Miles Richardson, a leading expert on "nature connectedness" at the University of Derby. Richardson’s research shows a 60% drop in our connection to nature since 1800—reflected in everything from language to lifestyle. Together, they explore why children are growing up without a bond to the natural world, how urbanization plays a role, and what we can still do to reverse this hidden crisis. If you’ve ever loved a walk in the woods, this episode

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00:13:41

Live From The New Joint

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/22

Today’s episode marks a milestone over 30 years in the making. Michael Smerconish unveils his brand new studio—affectionately dubbed The New Joint—a space he’s envisioned for decades and finally brought to life. This isn’t just a backdrop for broadcasting; it’s the physical realization of a lifelong dream, built with purpose, precision, and a whole lot of personality.In this special episode, Michael takes you behind the scenes of The New Joint, guiding you through every detail of his

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00:11:58

California’s Political Earthquake: Is Redistricting...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/22

Gerrymandering is bad. But self-sorting? It might be the silent force doing even more damage to American democracy. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into California’s surprising move to potentially dismantle its independent redistricting commission—a system once hailed as the national model for fairness and transparency. Why now? What’s driving this shift? Should California abandon its independent redistricting commission? Vote Now at Smerconish.com

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00:29:33

A Bad Day For World Peace

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/21

Michael reflects on what he calls a truly bad day for world peace. From Israel’s explosive expansion of West Bank settlements to Russia’s massive new strike on Ukraine, he connects the dots and explains why these developments may mark the death of the two-state solution and a dangerous new phase in global instability. Sobering, passionate, and essential listening...all starting with something he found as he began to unpack in his brand new studio. Original air date 21 August 2025.

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00:10:45

Too Left? Too Elitist?... Why Dems Are Hemorrhaging...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/21

The numbers are in—and they’re brutal. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks what the data reveals—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Democrats have lost ground to Republicans in every single state that tracks party registration—an eye-popping 4.5 million voter swing since 2020. Why are so many Americans abandoning the Democratic Party? Michael lays out six possible explanations. His choice is surprising; what's yours? Go cast your ballot at Smerconish.com.

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00:31:22

'Shambolic But Strategic’: Mark Halperin on Trump’s...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/20

Listen to Mark's Next Up Podcast.

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00:15:59

Yes, Voting By Mail Is Secure

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/20

Is voting by mail secure? With President Trump vowing to ban it and bringing election integrity back in the spotlight, Michael explores the real data behind mail-in voting. From Civil War history to MIT studies to recent political firestorms, this episode breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s at stake for 2026 and 2028. Spoiler: The fraud rate is lower than your chances of getting struck by lightning.

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00:28:18

Could Trump Really Win the Nobel Peace Prize?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/08/19

Could Donald Trump ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Michael speaks with with University of Agder Professor Dr. Øyvind Tønnesson, a former advisor to the Nobel Institute, for a provocative conversation about peace, politics, and character. With historical insight and sharp commentary, they debate whether Trump — even if he brokered peace in Ukraine — would ever be a viable candidate. An unmissable episode about power, perception, and the most prestigious prize on earth. Original air date 19

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