The Smerconish Podcast

What happens when you buy a home—and uncover a shocking symbol hidden beneath the floor? Michael and TC unpack a viral legal case out of western Pennsylvania where new homeowners discovered a swastika and German eagle concealed in their basement. The sellers didn’t disclose it—and the court ruled they didn’t have to. Michael reflects on his own experience encountering historic swastika tiles, explores the ethics of real estate disclosure, and asks a bigger question: what else could be hidden in a home that buyers think they should’ve been told? A fascinating intersection of history, law, real estate, and cultural meaning—this is one discovery you won’t forget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Television has shaped American culture for more than 70 years—but which shows truly defined each decade? Michael is joined by legendary TV critic Alan Sepinwall (The Wall Street Journal; "The Sopranos Sessions" author) to break down the most influential TV series from the 1950s to today, from I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone to Seinfeld, The Sopranos, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Stranger Things. Then, TC joins Michael to preview this week’s episode of The TC After Dark Podcast—covering Dry (or Damp) January, the Costco rotisserie chicken controversy, viral headlines, and whether “Josh” is the new “Karen.” Smart, funny, and culture-packed—this is TV history, media insight, and modern life all in one episode. Original air date 6 Febuary 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should Jeff Bezos be held to a higher standard of financial commitment to the Washington Post because of his personal wealth?" After the Washington Post announced newsroom cuts affecting more than a third of its journalists, Michael Smerconish examines whether criticism of Jeff Bezos is fair—or misplaced. Drawing on commentary from Hanna Rosin and Glenn Kessler, Michael explores the economics of modern journalism, the consequences of editorial decisions, and whether a billionaire owner has a special obligation to sustain a legacy newsroom. Is this about mismanagement, market realities, or expectations that only apply to the ultra-wealthy? Listen here, then vote, 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.

Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and NYU Professor Scott Galloway joins Michael for a wide-ranging and provocative conversation about power, politics, and protest. Galloway explains why he believes traditional demonstrations fall short — and why targeting Big Tech’s subscription-based business models may be the fastest way to get Washington’s attention. From ICE policy and corporate influence to markets, consumer behavior, and historical warnings about silence and power, this episode sparks a fierce debate about whether canceling subscriptions can truly move the needle — and what it costs to do nothing. Listen in, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 4 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Are major tech companies an appropriate target for those protesting ICE policies?" Michael examines a growing protest strategy urged by NYU Professor Scott Galloway: a coordinated, month-long boycott of dominant tech companies to pressure the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. The episode explores the logic behind targeting market leaders like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft—even when they have no direct ties to ICE—versus companies that actively contract with the agency. Smerconish weighs the effectiveness, fairness, and consequences of using economic leverage as political protest, while revisiting the dangers of overheated rhetoric in the immigration debate and asking whether market disruption is a meaningful path to change. Listen here, then cast your ballot! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2WAY's Mark Halperin is here for a wide-ranging conversation on power, accountability, and the future of American politics. He and Michael examine why Republicans are putting the Clintons front and center in the Epstein story, why younger Democrats feel no obligation to defend them, and whether selective scrutiny undermines public trust. Halperin also breaks down alarming signs for Republicans ahead of the midterms, the central role of the economy, and what the early jockeying for 2028 reveals about figures like Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and J.D. Vance. A candid discussion about generational change, media responsibility, and where the political ground is truly shifting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Who's right: Philly DA Larry Krasner who called ICE 'wannabe Nazis,' or Gov. Josh Shapiro who said that comment was 'abhorrent'?" Michael looks at the explosive rhetoric surrounding Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s remarks comparing ICE agents to Nazis — and the swift backlash from Democratic leaders including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman. Is invoking Nazism ever appropriate in modern political debate, or does it dangerously dilute historical reality? Drawing on history, media reactions, and cultural comparisons, Michael explains why this controversy strikes a deeper nerve — and why today’s poll question matters. Listen here, then vote, 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.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare—often in ways patients don’t even realize. Listen as Michael sits down with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, physician, lawyer, and co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, for a wide-ranging conversation about how AI is being used in medicine today and where it’s headed next. They explore everything from AI “ambient scribing” and clinical decision support to medical liability, patient consent, privacy, bias, and whether AI will ultimately strengthen—or weaken—the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Mazzarelli explains why he believes AI can reduce burnout, improve care, and even restore compassion in medicine—if it’s used responsibly and with humans firmly in the loop. A thoughtful, practical discussion about one of the most consequential shifts in modern healthcare. Original air date 24 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should states ban the use of food assistance benefits for purchasing candy and soda? A growing number of states are reconsidering what SNAP benefits should — and shouldn’t — cover, with Oklahoma now banning the purchase of candy and sugary drinks using food assistance. Michael breaks down the arguments on both sides: public health advocates who say taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize chronic disease, and critics who warn of stigma, slippery slopes, and government overreach into personal choices. With data, real-world examples, and a sharp look at unintended consequences, this episode asks whether limiting SNAP purchases promotes nutrition — or simply polices poverty. 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.

Are ICE arrests really targeting dangerous criminals — or is the reality far more complicated? Michael is joined by Dr. Austin Kocher, professor at Syracuse University and one of the leading analysts of U.S. immigration enforcement data, to break down what the numbers actually show. According to ICE’s own statistics, 92% of recent detention growth involves people with no criminal convictions — a finding that sharply contrasts with the administration’s public rhetoric. They examine how ICE enforcement has changed across administrations, why deportations under Obama were quieter but larger, how Trump successfully slowed border crossings, and why detention operations are now sweeping up long-term, law-abiding immigrants — including workers, parents, and spouses of U.S. citizens. Original air date 2 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.