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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

00:12:02

Will GLP-1's ACTUALLY Make America Healthier?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/15

As GLP-1 weight loss drugs surge in popularity, Michael asks a big question: will they make society healthier — or undermine exercise and long-term wellness? A thoughtful look at health, behavior, and the future of weight loss. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at smerconish.com, and please rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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00:33:05

Trump, Greenland, Iran, and the Edge of War — Mark...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/14

Mark Halperin is Editor in Chief at 2WAY, and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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00:11:41

America Bought Alaska — Should Greenland Be Next?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/14

Should the United States buy Greenland?Michael explains today's Smerconish.com poll question sparked by Senator John Fetterman’s provocative comment suggesting the U.S. could purchase Greenland — just as it once bought Alaska and Louisiana. With global tensions rising and renewed focus on the Arctic, Michael explores the strategic, political, and historical arguments behind the idea, including insights from former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. Why does Greenland matter now

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00:30:05

Gallup Drops a Bombshell: Independents Now Dominate...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/13

A new Gallup survey reveals a political reality the media has long ignored: independents are now the largest group in American politics.Michael Smerconish breaks down the data showing a record 45% of Americans reject both major parties. He explains why past Gallup headlines missed the real story, why this shift matters for elections and governance, and whether younger voters will stay independent or eventually choose sides. Plus, listener calls from across the country on what it really means to be

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00:14:09

America at 250: Should Our Coins Honor 1776—or More...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/13

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, a new redesign of American coins has sparked a familiar national debate. Should commemorative coins focus solely on the founding year of 1776—or reflect a broader, more inclusive version of American history? In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll, explores the controversy surrounding the Semiquincentennial coin designs, and explains how decisions about history, symbolism, and memory end up in our

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00:30:41

The Ultimate Mingle: The Grateful Dead

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/12

In the wake of Bob Weir’s passing, Michael Smerconish reflects on discovering the Grateful Dead later in life—and what that journey revealed about music, ritual, and our deep human need to belong. From missed concerts and chance encounters to live shows as modern-day ceremonies, this episode explores how shared experiences create community, meaning, and common purpose in an increasingly fragmented world. Original air date 12 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See

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00:12:19

Should Transgender Athletes Compete in Women’s Sports?

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/12

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear a landmark case on transgender athletes in public school sports, Michael Smerconish explains today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Should transgender women and girls be allowed to compete on women’s sports teams at public schools?" Drawing on recent legal history, personal experience, and past Supreme Court rulings, Michael explores the tension between inclusion and competitive fairness—why he strongly supports transgender rights in the workplace, yet

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00:19:55

Mingling Matters: What the Decline of Happy Hour Says...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/09

Happy hour used to be where careers were shaped, friendships were formed, and mentors emerged. Now, it’s disappearing.In this episode, Michael explores a Wall Street Journal report on the decline of workplace happy hours—and what that loss means for young professionals, workplace culture, mental health, and social connection. From listener stories to generational insights, Smerconish makes the case that mingling isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Are we trading human connection for convenience, and at

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00:19:15

You Decide: Did the ICE Agent Reasonably Believe He...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/09

Michael takes a deep dive into the Minneapolis ICE shooting that has ignited fierce debate across media and politics. Instead of partisan talking points, he examines the case through the actual federal standards governing use of deadly force — including ICE, CBP, and DHS policy memos spanning more than a decade. Today's Smerconish.com poll question asks: "Did the ICE agent reasonably believe the woman in the SUV posed to him a significant threat of death or serious physical harm?" Michael walks

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00:31:39

When Can ICE Use Deadly Force? The Policies That...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/08

A fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate over immigration enforcement and police use of force. Michael Smerconish examines the video, the law, and the rarely discussed federal policies governing when ICE agents may fire their weapons. Joined by former Boston police lieutenant and DHS advisor Dr. Thomas Nolan, Smerconish breaks down why this case may fail the legal standard—and how a local sheriff’s race in Pennsylvania foreshadowed this exact moment. Original air date 8

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00:13:46

Not Chaos...but Strategy? A Provocative Question...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/08

Michael Smerconish unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there less chaos and more purpose in the decision making process of President Trump than is commonly portrayed in the media?" Drawing on insights from political analyst Mark Halperin, Michael explores whether what looks like disorder may actually be “controlled chaos" - weigh in at Smerconish.com after listening, and please rate, review and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See

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00:29:20

The ‘Trump Is Finished’ Narrative Returns—Why Mark...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Is Donald Trump finally “doomed,” or is that a familiar storyline playing on repeat? Michael Smerconish sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to examine why predictions of Trump’s political collapse keep falling short. From foreign policy flashpoints like Greenland, Ukraine, and Venezuela to tariffs, media bias, and what Halperin calls “controlled chaos,” the conversation explores whether Trump’s leadership style is reckless—or deliberately disruptive. A sharp, candid discussion about

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00:14:17

Do January 6 Defendants Deserve Empathy? Smerconish...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Five years after January 6, Michael Smerconish tackles a deeply uncomfortable question: should Americans feel any empathy for the defendants who say they believed they were defending the country? Drawing on a new New York Times report, expert analysis on political violence, and firsthand conversations with Trump attorneys, Michael explains today’s Smerconish.com poll and examines whether intent, belief, and misinformation complicate moral judgment—without excusing violence. Listen here, then vote,

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00:31:06

Five Years Later, The J6 Rioters Still Believe They...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He is a leading expert on political violence, terrorism, and democratic stability, and has conducted extensive research on the January 6 defendants.Michael van der Veen is a Philadelphia-based trial attorney who served as lead defense counsel for President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. He has also represented multiple defendants charged in

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00:12:58

Iran Protests Escalate: Should the U.S. Respond With...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/06

As protests spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and economic collapse, President Trump warns that the U.S. could respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities use deadly force against demonstrators. In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: If Iran uses force against protesters, should the United States respond militarily? Michael examines the moral case for intervention, the real-world risks of escalation, and whether non-military

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00:27:11

Maduro Captured: A Military Masterstroke—or the Start...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/05

The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic, highly coordinated military operation—but what happens next? in this episode, Michael examines the stunning takedown of Maduro, now facing sweeping narco-terrorism charges in a New York courtroom, and asks the question few seem prepared to answer: Was there a real plan for the day after? Michael breaks down the indictment, the potential life sentence Maduro faces, and the extraordinary military precision behind the

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00:17:25

Minnesota Fraud: Shocking Exception—or Proof the...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2026/01/05

Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Is the Minnesota fraud the exception or the norm? From a viral video alleging widespread daycare fraud to the trillions of dollars rushed out during the COVID pandemic, Michael adds context, skepticism, and historical perspective. He explains why Minnesota may not be a one-off, how speed overtook security in federal relief programs, and why enforcement efforts later fell short. A timely conversation about government oversight,

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00:28:47

The Case for Volunteering as a Cure for Loneliness

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/12/30

Why are fewer Americans volunteering—and why does it matter?Michael digs into new data showing a long-term decline in volunteerism, echoing warnings first raised by Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone. Joined by Wall Street Journal opinion editor Mary Julia Koch, Michael explores how civic engagement has shifted toward episodic, virtual, and performative activism—and what we’ve lost as a result. They discuss generational trends, loneliness, the rise of online substitutes for real connection, and why

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00:27:08

If You Trust Your Phone With Your Money, Why Not Your...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/12/29

Can you really trust your smartphone to cast a secure vote? Michael Smerconish talks with venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk about a groundbreaking experiment in mobile voting, launching in Anchorage, Alaska. As smartphones already manage our money, medical records, and identities, Tusk argues it’s time they handle our ballots too. They dive into how phone-based voting works, the security safeguards behind it, the criticism from election experts, and whether increased

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00:17:11

Trump Wants New Battleships — Admiral Stavridis...

The Smerconish Podcast ·

2025/12/23

President Trump announces plans for a new class of massive U.S. Navy warships—but are battleships the future or a relic of the past? Michael Smerconish speaks with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, about America’s shrinking fleet, China’s rapid naval expansion, and why concentrating power in giant ships may create dangerous vulnerabilities in the age of drones, missiles, cyber warfare, and submarines. Original air date 23 December 2025. Hosted by

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943 results

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