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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

00:37:42

Life, Death, and Suffering: Who Gets to Choose?...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/10

Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com.Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolute

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00:29:27

Democrats Are Trying To Speak To Young Men To Win...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/09

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

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00:17:44

Should You Check Papers Before Hiring Help?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/09

Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it’s about who we hire, why we

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00:16:39

From D-Day Reflections to Renaming A Ship During...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/06

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

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00:17:22

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

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/06

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

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00:26:22

Pouring Harvey Milk Out To Sea

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/05

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

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00:19:54

Before You Vote 'No' To Reducing Foreign Enrollment...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/05

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

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00:42:59

Human Connection in a Disconnected World: The Guy...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Find more about Rob Lawless here.Find more about The Mingle Project here.

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00:26:55

Mark Halperin on Musk vs. Trump, Stephen Miller’s...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Michael Smerconish welcomes political analyst Mark Halperin for a high-octane breakdown of the week’s biggest—and most overlooked—stories in U.S. politics.Elon Musk's surprise criticism of Trump's economic bill has reportedly infuriated the President, but is it a distraction from deeper GOP infighting and dysfunction? Halperin peels back the curtain on the real stories happening beneath the headlines—including the surprising influence of Stephen Miller, the chaos inside Trump's HHS and Defense

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00:12:37

Disgusting Abomination! Did Elon Musk Just Kill...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Elon Musk fires off a blistering critique of Trump’s major legislative priority - his major bill focusing on tax changes, border security, medicaid changes and more. Musk calls it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ Has the billionaire, who just left his 'DOGE' position at the White House, just derailed Trump's agenda? Michael Smerconish breaks it all down, from fiscal policy to political fallout. Listen in, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Did Elon Musk just kill Trump’s “big, beautiful

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00:30:23

An Increasing Number of Ordinary Americans are...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/03

Following what the FBI called a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colorado were 8 people were injured by a man attacking them with a flame thrower and Molotov cocktails. The victims who were burned were marching in a parade in support of Israel. Michael turns to Dr. Robert A. Pape, who has researched and taught on this is type of violence, for expertise. He is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs. Original air date 2 June

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00:16:39

The Transgender Rights Backlash: Are Sports to Blame?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/03

Do you think public perception of trans participation in sports is negatively influencing the overall perception of transgender rights? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into this provocative issue, drawing on fresh polling data, recent high school sports controversies, and the political weaponization of the issue in campaign ads. It’s a nuanced conversation at the intersection of athletics, civil rights, and public sentiment—don’t miss it. Listen, then vote at

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00:31:08

Trump, Habeas Corpus, and War Powers: John Yoo Sounds...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/02

Legal heavyweight John Yoo joins Michael in studio to unpack everything from Trump’s war rhetoric and potential suspension of habeas corpus to immigration law, presidential overreach, and Harvard’s political battles. From rejecting a White House job offer to defending the Constitution—this episode goes deep on law, politics, and power. A legal scholar and former government official in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, Yoo is the Emanuel S. Heller Professor of Law at the University of

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00:17:49

Is Biden Being Unfairly Blamed for Trump’s Return?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/06/02

On today’s episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the latest poll question at Smerconish.com: “Do you agree with Bill Clinton that the book Original Sin is being used to unfairly blame Joe Biden for Donald Trump's election?” After recently interviewing former President Bill Clinton and best-selling author James Patterson about their new political thriller, Michael shares insights on the book’s surprising substance—particularly Clinton’s vision for tackling the national debt, tucked into a beach

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00:27:35

Thank You, Elon Musk

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/30

Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at DOGE. The first draft of what he's written (and delivers here) may or may not have been fueled by a drink and a cigar. Musk is leaving his role at DOGE and the federal government to return full time at Tesla and SpaceX. Original air date 30 May 2025.

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00:13:04

TACO: Is Trump Hoping the Courts Kill His Tariffs?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/30

Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump’s trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump’s real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at

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00:23:11

Trump’s Tariff Defeat Might Be a Political Win...For All

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/29

A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this really a political loss for Trump, or a strategic win? GOP strategist David Urban joins to discuss how this could actually help Trump moving forward. Plus: What this means for markets, businesses, and the future of U.S. trade policy.

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00:14:22

High-Stakes Institutional Battles: Trump vs. Big Law,...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/29

Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on the

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00:33:25

Mark Halperin Names Trump’s Surprising Achievements –...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/28

Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast.

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00:16:33

From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/05/28

A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does the

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