The Smerconish Podcast

Michael and political analyst Mark Halperin unpack Trump’s marathon Pennsylvania speech and the instantly infamous late-night Truth Social post that followed. They dive into Trump’s ongoing message-discipline problem, the GOP’s economic and healthcare vulnerabilities, the latest reporting on a possible Ukraine deal, and Halperin’s early power rankings for the 2028 Democratic nomination—including surprising movement for Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. A fast, wide-ranging conversation about the political stakes heading into 2026 and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Australia just logged out more than a million under-16 social media accounts — an unprecedented national ban aimed at protecting kids from the harms of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. Today, Michael Smerconish breaks down the sweeping new law, the public reaction, and why figures like Rahm Emanuel say the U.S. should follow Australia’s lead. Michael revisits the data, insights from Dr. Jean Twenge's research on youth mental health, and today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Should America adopt the same ban? Tune in, vote, and join the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis—former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO—to break down the intensifying debate over the U.S. boat strike: the moral questions, the legal stakes, the intelligence lost, and why the tape’s release matters. Stavridis also reacts to the New York Times’ startling “Overmatch” report, which warns that America could be vulnerable in a future conflict with China. From Ukraine’s battlefield innovations to the future of aircraft carriers, drones, and U.S. military readiness, this is a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss. Original air date 9 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: Would legalizing heroin and cocaine actually reduce fentanyl deaths and improve global stability? Inspired by a listener’s message and supported by Kofi Annan’s striking 2016 essay, Michael examines the arguments for and against a radical shift in drug policy. He also updates listeners on the ongoing mystery around the unreleased video of the second Venezuela boat strike and how the administration’s messaging continues to shift. Listen here, then vote! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Minnesota Star Tribune investigative reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt joins Michael Smerconish to break down the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota — from the Feeding Our Future nonprofit to autism-service billing schemes and housing fraud. While President Trump claims “billions” were stolen, the evidence so far paints a very different picture. They explore how loosened guardrails during COVID opened the door to widespread abuse, the political fallout targeting the Somali community, and why federal investigators say more indictments are coming. Smerconish revisits his early warnings about pandemic-era fraud and hears from listeners on the front lines. A deep dive into one of America’s most troubling — and misunderstood — corruption stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Why hasn’t video of the second boat strike been released? He explores the competing theories—from protecting sources and methods, to avoiding evidentiary exposure, to the mysterious surge in voters selecting “something else.” Michael also revisits recent poll results - A fast, insightful look at the biggest question listeners are debating today. Be sure to 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.

Robert A. PapeProfessor, Political Science DepartmentDirector, Chicago Project on Security and ThreatsUniversity of Chicago Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael digs into the controversy surrounding the unreleased video of the second boat strike — the tape lawmakers saw but the public hasn’t. He breaks down conflicting accounts from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, revealing key details about the 41-minute deliberation, what the survivors were actually doing, and whether the strike may violate the Law of War. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, and be sure to 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.

CNBC and MSNBC commentator Ron Insana joins Michael to break down what’s really driving the stock market — and why most investors aren’t feeling the gains. From the soaring dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants to fears of an AI-fueled bubble, Insana explains the risks, the misconceptions, and how everyday Americans should think about investing in a highly concentrated market. They also tackle AI job displacement, universal basic income, Nvidia’s explosive rise, and the surprising decline in what it means to be “wealthy” today. Original air date 4 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is a $1 million net worth still considered wealthy in 2025? New research reveals that most American millionaires don’t think so — and they’re more financially anxious than ever. Michael breaks down the surprising data, what “wealth” now means to Americans, and why geography and comparison play such big roles. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, and be sure to 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.