The Smerconish Podcast

James Stavridis, retired four-star admiral and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, now a Carlyle partner and ex-dean of the Fletcher School. He discusses NATO’s resilience amid political strains. He explains why Greenland and the Arctic are rising strategic flashpoints as ice melts. He maps China and Russia’s Arctic interests and recounts a memorable Buckingham Palace moment involving President Obama.

The discussion centers on the clash between gun rights and property rights, sparked by a pivotal Supreme Court case. Michael Smerconish delves into whether concealed-carry permit holders can bring firearms onto private property that’s publicly accessible. He shares insights into the justices' leanings, revealing a potential conflict with the Second Amendment. Key arguments highlight the balance between personal freedoms and property control. Listeners are encouraged to weigh in on the debate, determining which rights take precedence.

David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at the Cook Political Report, shares his insights on the shifting political landscape one year into Trump's second term. He discusses the shrinking number of battleground districts and the significance of independent voters. Inflation and immigration emerge as critical issues that could sway the 2026 midterm elections. Wasserman also explains how modest Democratic gains now could have a substantial impact and the potential risks posed by extreme activists on both sides.

Heather Conley, a foreign policy and Arctic security expert at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the changing geopolitical landscape as global temperatures rise. She highlights the strategic importance of Greenland, focusing on the increasing missile defense needs and the intensified activities of Russia and China in the region. The conversation also touches on how climate change is transforming Greenland's accessibility and resources, and questions President Trump's stance on linking these shifts to environmental issues.

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin for a wide-ranging conversation sparked by President Trump’s remarks at Davos. They unpack Trump’s controversial comments on Greenland, NATO, and military force — separating rhetoric from strategy — and examine why the Arctic is becoming a flashpoint amid climate change, Russian and Chinese aggression, and missile defense concerns. The discussion also covers Trump 2.0 at the one-year mark, polling realities, midterm implications, and the evolving political landscape at home and abroad. Original air date 21 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will NATO survive Trump? That’s today’s Smerconish.com poll — and it’s no longer hypothetical. As President Trump ramps up pressure on allies, flirts with territorial expansion, and reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Michael Smerconish explores whether the NATO alliance can endure Trump 2.0. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do Americans still have in common? Michael sits down with Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter Ben Fritz to explore the rise and fall of the American monoculture. From 'I Love Lucy' and 'Seinfeld' to streaming algorithms and TikTok feeds, they unpack how infinite choice fractured shared experience, weakened social glue, and may even be deepening political and cultural divides. Is sports the last thing left that unites us—or is the monoculture gone for good? Original air date 20 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Kamala Harris politically toxic—or still a force Democrats can’t ignore? Is Josh Shapiro the party’s future—or a candidate defined by his past? Michael Smerconish unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question and the growing divide between Democratic insiders and voters as the 2028 race begins to take shape. Listen here and then cast your ballot: Who is more likely to be the 2028 Democratic nominee? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Broadcasting live from the nation’s largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Temple University, Michael Smerconish explores what’s really driving America’s political divide — and how we might begin to heal it. In a wide-ranging conversation on polarization, media, technology, loneliness, and the loss of common experience, Michael argues that the real problem isn’t red vs. blue, but our failure to mingle. Joined by MLK Day of Service founder Todd Bernstein, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the discussion focuses on civic engagement, volunteerism, political violence, and restoring shared purpose in American life. A powerful reminder that service, connection, and showing up for one another may be the most effective antidotes to division. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is mandatory national service the key to rebuilding civic unity—or an unacceptable infringement on personal freedom? In this episode, Michael explains the thinking behind the Smerconish.com poll question and makes the case for national service as a remedy for polarization, loneliness, and civic disengagement. Broadcasting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Michael connects volunteerism, shared experience, and the “Mingle Project” to a larger argument about what America has lost—and how service might help restore it. Listen, vote, and rate/review/share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.