Épisodes

  • Gallup Drops a Bombshell: Independents Now Dominate American Politics

    Gallup Drops a Bombshell: Independents Now Dominate American Politics
    Jan 13 2026
    A new Gallup survey reveals a political reality the media has long ignored: independents are now the largest group in American politics. Michael Smerconish breaks down the data showing a record 45% of Americans reject both major parties. He explains why past Gallup headlines missed the real story, why this shift matters for elections and governance, and whether younger voters will stay independent or eventually choose sides. Plus, listener calls from across the country on what it really means to be politically independent in today’s polarized climate. Original air date 13 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.
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    30 min
  • America at 250: Should Our Coins Honor 1776—or More Than That?

    America at 250: Should Our Coins Honor 1776—or More Than That?
    Jan 13 2026
    As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, a new redesign of American coins has sparked a familiar national debate. Should commemorative coins focus solely on the founding year of 1776—or reflect a broader, more inclusive version of American history? In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael unpacks today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll, explores the controversy surrounding the Semiquincentennial coin designs, and explains how decisions about history, symbolism, and memory end up in our spare change. Thoughtful, timely, and guaranteed to get you thinking—and voting at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    14 min
  • The Ultimate Mingle: The Grateful Dead

    The Ultimate Mingle: The Grateful Dead
    Jan 12 2026
    In the wake of Bob Weir’s passing, Michael Smerconish reflects on discovering the Grateful Dead later in life—and what that journey revealed about music, ritual, and our deep human need to belong. From missed concerts and chance encounters to live shows as modern-day ceremonies, this episode explores how shared experiences create community, meaning, and common purpose in an increasingly fragmented world. Original air date 12 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.
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    31 min
  • Should Transgender Athletes Compete in Women’s Sports?

    Should Transgender Athletes Compete in Women’s Sports?
    Jan 12 2026
    As the Supreme Court prepares to hear a landmark case on transgender athletes in public school sports, Michael Smerconish explains today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: "Should transgender women and girls be allowed to compete on women’s sports teams at public schools?" Drawing on recent legal history, personal experience, and past Supreme Court rulings, Michael explores the tension between inclusion and competitive fairness—why he strongly supports transgender rights in the workplace, yet reaches a different conclusion when it comes to sports. A thoughtful, nuanced discussion of one of the most contentious cultural and constitutional debates facing the country today. 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.
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    12 min
  • Mingling Matters: What the Decline of Happy Hour Says About Modern Life

    Mingling Matters: What the Decline of Happy Hour Says About Modern Life
    Jan 9 2026
    Happy hour used to be where careers were shaped, friendships were formed, and mentors emerged. Now, it’s disappearing. In this episode, Michael explores a Wall Street Journal report on the decline of workplace happy hours—and what that loss means for young professionals, workplace culture, mental health, and social connection. From listener stories to generational insights, Smerconish makes the case that mingling isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Are we trading human connection for convenience, and at what cost? Original air date 7 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.
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    20 min
  • You Decide: Did the ICE Agent Reasonably Believe He Was in Danger?

    You Decide: Did the ICE Agent Reasonably Believe He Was in Danger?
    Jan 9 2026
    Michael takes a deep dive into the Minneapolis ICE shooting that has ignited fierce debate across media and politics. Instead of partisan talking points, he examines the case through the actual federal standards governing use of deadly force — including ICE, CBP, and DHS policy memos spanning more than a decade. Today's Smerconish.com poll question asks: "Did the ICE agent reasonably believe the woman in the SUV posed to him a significant threat of death or serious physical harm?" Michael walks through the video evidence, explains what “reasonable belief” legally means, and breaks down when — and when not — law enforcement is authorized to shoot at a moving vehicle. If you want less outrage and more clarity, this episode is essential listening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    19 min
  • When Can ICE Use Deadly Force? The Policies That Decide the Minneapolis Case

    When Can ICE Use Deadly Force? The Policies That Decide the Minneapolis Case
    Jan 8 2026
    A fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate over immigration enforcement and police use of force. Michael Smerconish examines the video, the law, and the rarely discussed federal policies governing when ICE agents may fire their weapons. Joined by former Boston police lieutenant and DHS advisor Dr. Thomas Nolan, Smerconish breaks down why this case may fail the legal standard—and how a local sheriff’s race in Pennsylvania foreshadowed this exact moment. Original air date 8 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.
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    32 min
  • Not Chaos...but Strategy? A Provocative Question About Trump’s Presidency

    Not Chaos...but Strategy? A Provocative Question About Trump’s Presidency
    Jan 8 2026
    Michael Smerconish unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there less chaos and more purpose in the decision making process of President Trump than is commonly portrayed in the media?" Drawing on insights from political analyst Mark Halperin, Michael explores whether what looks like disorder may actually be “controlled chaos" - weigh in at Smerconish.com after listening, 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.
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    14 min
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