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PODCAST

Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Reading for Independent Minds. Unlike many author interviews, if Michael didn"t actually read the book, you won"t hear about it. If he read it, you"ll hear it and you"ll love it. Insights into a wide range of topics, including many titles you"ve probably never heard of. The perfect book is just one listen away.

arts books

All Episodes

00:21:14

Melissa S. Kearney: "The Two-Parent Privilege"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/15

As U.S. birth rates hit record lows, Michael talks with economist Dr. Melissa Kearney, author of "The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind" about the consequences. From marriage trends to economic inequality, they break down what’s driving the decline—and why it matters for the future of families, the workforce, and the social safety net. Original air date 13 April 2026. The book was published on 18 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz

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00:17:59

Richard Louv: "Vitamin N"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/13

Ten years ago this week, Michael sat down with "Last Child In The Woods" author Richard Louv to explore the growing disconnect between children and the natural world—and why it matters more than ever. Louv's book discussed here is "Vitamin N: The Essential Guide To A Nature-Rich Life." He shares research on the physical, mental, and academic benefits of time spent outdoors, while offering practical, affordable ways families can reconnect with nature. From backyard adventures to rethinking schools

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00:22:55

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld: "Trump's Ten Commandments"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/10

Michael sits down with Yale University's Jeffrey Sonnenfeld to discuss his bestselling book "Trump's Ten Commandments: Strategic Lessons from the Trump Leadership Toolbox." Drawing on decades of firsthand observation, Sonnenfeld breaks down the management principles and communication strategies that define Donald Trump’s leadership style. The conversation explores whether Trump’s approach is instinctive or deliberate—and what it reveals about power, persuasion, and modern leadership. Original air

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00:36:50

Mark Halperin & John Heilemann: "Double Down"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/08

From the archives from November of 2013, we revisit two revealing conversations with John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, co-authors of "Double Down: Game Change 2012," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 presidential campaign. From Mitt Romney’s uneasy path to the nomination to Barack Obama’s debate recovery—and the unforgettable convention moments featuring Clint Eastwood and Bill Clinton—the authors unpack the strategy, personalities, and pivotal decisions that shaped the race. It’s a

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00:14:49

Seth Davis: "Wooden"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/06

Michael Smerconish sits down with Sports Illustrated senior writer Seth Davis to discuss his acclaimed biography "Wooden: A Coach’s Life." Davis offers a nuanced portrait of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden—exploring not just his unparalleled success on the court, but the complexities, pressures, and contradictions that shaped his life and legacy. From coaching philosophy to personal struggles, this conversation reveals the man behind the myth. Original air date 5 February 2014. The book was

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00:25:12

David Pogue: "Apple"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/04/02

Learn more here 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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00:42:21

Christopher Kennedy Lawford: "What Addicts Know"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/03/16

Christopher Lawford passed away in 2018. 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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00:15:52

Bob Crawford: "America's Founding Son"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/03/10

The conversation delves into Adams’ fierce opposition to slavery, his role in shaping the Monroe Doctrine, and the striking political parallels between his era and today—from media polarization to debates over tariffs and national identity. Blending rigorous research with vivid storytelling, Crawford reintroduces one of America’s most complex leaders and makes the case for why John Quincy Adams’ legacy still matters now.Find America's Founding Son here! Bob Crawford is bassist for the Avett

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00:25:43

Dr. Debra Soh: "Sextinction"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/03/03

Dr. Debra Soh is a neuroscientist who specializes in human sexuality and biological explanations for behavior. Find "Sextinction" here! 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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00:17:30

Michael Shermer: "Truth"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/18

Is America living in a “post-truth” era? In this episode of Book Club, Dr. Michael Shermer — founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of "Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters" — joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation about belief, evidence, and critical thinking in a complicated age. Shermer addresses the recent surge of UFO and UAP claims, explaining why decades of investigation have left him unconvinced of extraterrestrial visits. From conspiracy theories and

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00:37:52

Jean Becker & Tom Collamore: "Don't Tell The President"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/13

What really goes into a presidential visit? In this episode of Book Club, Michael sits down with Jean Becker and Tom Collamore to discuss their new book, "Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance." From George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, Becker and Collamore pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of “advance” work — the behind-the-scenes operatives who plan every detail of a president’s public appearances. The

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00:24:09

Josh Shapiro: "Where We Keep the Light"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/11

Michael sits down with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his new memoir, "Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service." Shapiro reflects on the values that shaped him—faith, family, and public service—and opens up about the defining moments of his life and career. From a traumatic arson attack on the Governor’s Residence to leading the investigation that exposed widespread abuse within the Catholic Church, Shapiro shares deeply personal stories about resilience, leadership,

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00:19:10

Vanessa Diaz: "P FKN R"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/09

Vanessa Díaz is Associate Professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Loyola Marymount University. 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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00:22:28

Elliot Williams: "Five Bullets"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/06

CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams joins Michael to discuss his gripping new book, "Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation", an in-depth examination of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting that shocked New York City. Together, they revisit a crime-ridden, volatile era of the city, unpack the facts and myths surrounding the case, and explore how issues of race, fear, vigilantism, media, and justice collided in what

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00:11:20

Chris Miller: "The Real Animal House"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/02/02

Michael sits down with Animal House co-creator Chris Miller to discuss his memoir "The Real Animal House: The Awesomely Depraved Saga of the Fraternity That Inspired the Movie." Miller reveals the outrageous real-life fraternity stories at Dartmouth that inspired the iconic film, from legendary pranks to unforgettable characters. Funny, candid, and occasionally jaw-dropping, this episode pulls back the curtain on how campus chaos became comedy history. This archive conversation originally aired in

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00:15:33

Mark Bowden: "The Three Battles of Wanat"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/01/30

Michael speaks with acclaimed journalist and author Mark Bowden (Black Hawk Down) about his book "The Three Battles of Wanat: And Other True Stories." Bowden unpacks the tragic 2008 battle in Afghanistan that claimed nine American lives, and the deeper fights that followed—over truth, accountability, and reputation. The wide-ranging discussion also touches on long-form journalism, war reporting, politics, crime, gambling, and Bowden’s unforgettable portraits of figures from Joe Biden to Pablo

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00:18:56

Dimitris Xygalatas: "Ritual"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/01/14

, Michael speaks with cognitive scientist and anthropologist Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, author of Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living. From firewalking and pilgrimages to sports fandom and workplace traditions, they explore why rituals are a fundamental part of human nature—and why shared, in-person experiences create meaning, connection, and belonging. Drawing on research, personal stories, and Michael’s own “Mingle Project,” this conversation makes the academic and emotional

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00:27:10

Brad Meltzer: "The Viper"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/01/12

Bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins Michael Smerconish for a wide-ranging conversation about his first thriller in four years, "The Viper: A Fast Paced Thriller of Family Bonds and Deadly Conspiracies." Meltzer discusses the viral University of Michigan commencement speech that sparked a national conversation about empathy and kindness, the deeply personal experiences that shaped it, and how those themes inform his writing. The discussion also dives into the gripping opening of The Viper, the

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00:19:13

Dr. Zeke Emanuel: "Eat Your Ice Cream"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2026/01/07

Michael Smerconish sits down with renowned physician and bioethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel to discuss his new book, "Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life." Their wide-ranging conversation explores why social connection is a powerful predictor of health and happiness, how everyday interactions can improve both mental and physical well-being, and what science says about living longer—and better. From the importance of “mingling” to managing technology, embracing community,

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00:19:13

Andy Webb: "DIANARAMA"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/12/19

British journalist Andy Webb joins Michael to discuss his explosive new book, "Dianarama: Deception, Entrapment, Cover-Up: The Betrayal of Princess Diana." Webb reveals how BBC journalist Martin Bashir used deception, forged documents, and fear to secure Princess Diana’s infamous Panorama interview—and the lasting consequences that followed. Drawing on firsthand accounts and newly uncovered evidence, this conversation revisits one of the most consequential media scandals in modern history and

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