

Smerconish on CNN
CNN Podcasts
Michael Smerconish tackles the American political and news stories of the week, offering a unique non-ideological take: his own.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 7, 2025 • 43min
Democrats Set Out to Study Male Voters With "Sam Project”
Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of Speaking with American Men Project, argues that men support progressive policies but feel abandoned by the Democratic Party.
And, CNN Michael Smerconish breaks down the battle royale between two of the most powerful men on the planet. Plus, Jeffrey Sonnefeld, founder of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, predicts the recent clash between Trump and Musk will hurt Musk more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31, 2025 • 43min
Smerconish Commentary: I'm Not Thrilled That Elon Musk is Out
Michael Smerconish delves into why he's willing to give Musk and President Trump some credit for sparking a conversation about waste, fraud and abuse.
Plus, Michael Smerconish speaks with entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary about Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. industry and politics, the future of Tesla, and DOGE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 2025 • 43min
Smerconish: The Secret Path to Wealth No One Talks About
It's commencement season. This year's speakers include military leaders, politicians, sports stars, celebrities, even a famous frog. They'll all be addressing many young graduates saddled with college debt and aspirations of making money. Smerconish talks with Owen Zidar, professor of economics at Princeton regarding the secret path to wealth that no one talks about.
And, President Biden's debate performance was a turning point, but what came after? The silence, the deflections all may matter more. Which 2028 likely candidates saw the decline and said nothing, or still propped him up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 17, 2025 • 43min
Politico Reporter on Backlash Writing About Biden's Decline
Holly Otterbein shares insights on the implications of President Biden's cognitive fitness and its impact on the Democratic Party's future. The discussion delves into the media's portrayal of political figures like Biden and Fetterman, raising questions about ideological bias. Meanwhile, Elie Honig analyzes the complexities of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' legal troubles, focusing on the racketeering charge and the challenges of the prosecution’s case. Cassie Ventura's emotional testimony adds a gripping layer to the ongoing trial, revealing deeper issues of accountability.

May 10, 2025 • 47min
Global Push for Peace: 30-day Ceasefire Urged in Ukraine
India and Pakistan agree to an immediate ceasefire, as European leaders join Ukraine in calling for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Michael Smerconish speaks with Ret. Admiral James Stavridis, author of “The Admiral's Bookshelf,” on the growing international pressure for Putin to stand down.
Plus, as artificial intelligence reshapes how students learn and perform, Smerconish explores whether traditional college degrees still hold value, or if trade schools are the smarter move in today’s economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 3, 2025 • 42min
Belichick's 'Creative Muse' Makes Waves at UNC
Commentary about Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson and how she has been injecting herself in his UNC coaching job. Is our obsession with this story a matter of public concern? Sports journalists Charlotte Wilder and Madeline Hill weigh in.
Plus, The Supreme Court on religious charter schools with Kristen Waggoner of Alliance Defending Freedom and conversation with small business owner, Alexandra Fine about tariff surcharges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 26, 2025 • 42min
Smerconish: Are Hitler Comparisons to Modern Politicians Ever Appropriate?
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on the public dispute between comedian Bill Maher and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David. Then, would society start crumbling once our global population reaches a sharp decline? Darrell Bricker, CEO of IPSOS Public Affairs and co-author of "Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline," warns about the ramifications of an aging and shrinking population. After that, Admiral William McRaven details his process in managing a crisis through his new book "Conquering Crisis: Ten Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them." Finally, the passing of Pope Francis means that cardinals will elect a new leader for the Catholic Church. Robert Harris, the author of "Conclave" which inspired the Oscar-award winning film, sheds light on how that process will unfold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 19, 2025 • 43min
Smerconish: Trump is Picking Fights He Relishes
CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig dives into pressing controversies surrounding Trump, including the Supreme Court's pause on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. He discusses the political motivations behind actions targeting Harvard and shares insights on the potential impact of massive IRS workforce cuts. The podcast also confronts the complexities of due process in immigration and evaluates the debate over government interference in academic environments. Honig's expertise brings clarity to these contentious topics while shedding light on the broader implications for U.S. policy.

Apr 13, 2025 • 43min
Smerconish: If You Build It, Will They Come?
CNN Michael Smerconish argues the biggest problem in the labor market is not a shortage of manufacturing jobs, but the unwillingness for young men to fill them. NYU Professor Scott Galloway & Anthony Scaramucci, a former White House Communications Director, discuss their new podcast called "Lost Boys." The limited series dives into the mental health struggles and social disconnect young men are facing. Salena Zito, a national political reporter for the Washington Examiner, reports on the impact tariffs on U.S. Steel mills near Pittsburgh and what union workers expect from Trump's administration. Scientists have successfully engineered dire wolves, the world's first de-extincted animal, through gene-editing and cloning. Dr. Robert Klitzman, a psychiatry professor and director of the bioethics master's program at Columbia University, warns about the alarming consequences this could have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 6, 2025 • 43min
Smerconish: Lawyers Are the Backbone of a Stable Society
CNN Michael Smerconish shares his take on how the Trump administration is going over law firms that filed lawsuits against him. Then, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of UC Berkeley School of Law, weighs in on why law firms and universities targeted by the Trump administration aren't speaking up. After that Peter Navarro, Trump's senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, vows for a market boom from Trump's tariff war. Finally, lawmakers on Capitol hill are expected to introduce two bills aimed at restoring congressional power over Trump's tariffs. But are Republicans willing to back it? Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, the co-authors of "Fight: Inside the wildest battle for the White House" weigh in on the political repercussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


