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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

00:17:30

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

en

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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00:15:44

Roger Stone, "The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case...

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/12/12

Political Strategist, Roger Stone, joins Michael to discuss his provocative book, "The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ." Stone outlines why he believes Lyndon Johnson played a central role in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, drawing on decades of political experience and his own interpretation of historical records. In this conversation, Stone explains the motives, alleged cover-ups, and longstanding political rivalries that shape his controversial theory. Hosted by

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00:18:13

NEW REVELATIONS: Gerald Posner Revisits 'Case Closed'...

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/12/05

"Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK" was first published in 1993."Killing the Dream : James Earl Ray and the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr." was first published in 1998.You can hear Michael's other book interviews with Gerald Posner in Episodes #214 (God's Bankers), #222 (Pharma), #285 (Case Closed). 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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00:39:13

Larry Magid: "The Philadelphia Music Book" and Live...

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/26

In this wide ranging conversation, Larry Magid shares candid reflections about artists at their peak, surprising backstage moments, the rise and fall of careers, and the behind-the-scenes chaos that helped define some of rock’s most iconic performances.Whether you’re a music historian, a Live Aid nostalgist, or a fan of the Philly music scene, this episode is a treasure trove of anecdotes—and a tribute to the man who spent his life bringing live music to millions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz

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00:41:37

Chris Matthews: "Lessons From Bobby"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/21

On Robert F. Kennedy’s 100th birthday, Chris Matthews joins Michael for an in-depth conversation on why RFK’s legacy still matters today. With rare moments and firsthand historical insight, they revisit RFK’s most powerful speeches, his moral courage after MLK’s assassination, his 1966 “Ripple of Hope” moment in South Africa, and the tragic 1968 campaign that changed American politics forever. Matthews also weighs in on the politics of the present and the alternate history of what might have

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00:20:27

Codie Sanchez: "Main Street Millionaire"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/19

Michael sits down with Codie Sanchez—entrepreneur, investor, and author of "Main Street Millionaire"—to unpack the surprising wealth hidden in “boring” businesses like laundromats, car washes, HVAC companies, and vending routes. Sanchez explains why these recession-resistant, AI-proof businesses are often more profitable than glamorous careers, why boomers are desperate to sell, and how anyone can start buying small businesses using simple, practical frameworks. A must-listen for parents, young

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00:21:43

Andrew Ross Sorkin: "1929"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/17

Michael sits down with NYT's Journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss his riveting new book, "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation," a narrative dive into the personalities, excess, and miscalculations that fueled the most infamous market crash in history. From Jesse Livermore’s billion-dollar bet to the birth of American credit culture—and even Winston Churchill’s front-row seat—Sorkin reveals surprising parallels to today’s AI-driven boom. A

en

00:22:50

Alex DeMille: "The Tin Men"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/10

In this special Book Club episode, Michael reflects on the life and legacy of his late friend and favorite novelist, Nelson DeMille, the master of the modern thriller. Michael revisits a memorable 2004 conversation with DeMille about the real-life tragedy that inspired Night Fall, then welcomes Alex DeMille, Nelson’s son and co-author of "The Tin Men: A Novel" —the final novel from the iconic writer.Together, they discuss Nelson’s extraordinary career, his meticulous research, and how Alex helped

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00:19:13

Scott Galloway: "Notes on Being a Man"

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/07

What you'll hear in this episode:-Why young men are struggling: friendship decline, school/labor trends, and mental health-The case for “leaving the house”: proximity, promotions, and purpose-Boy Scouts, shared rituals, and learning respect, discipline, and outdoor skills-Mingling > scrolling: phones, algorithms, and the engagement economy-Dancing as a confidence signal (and why “fearless” beats “perfect”)-Alcohol: risks acknowledged, but also its historic role in rites of passage and bonding-Porn:

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00:26:08

Stephen Dubner: "Freakonomics" (20th Anniversary...

Book Club with Michael Smerconish ·

2025/11/03

Listen to Michael's original 5-part-series interview with co-author Steven Levitt from 2005 here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

en

173 results

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