The Smerconish Podcast

Has trick-or-treating lost its magic? Michael Smerconish talks with Halloween historian Lesley Bannatyne about how America’s favorite spooky tradition has changed—from door-to-door adventures to church parking lots and “trunk-or-treats.” They explore what this says about our communities, our fears, and how Halloween mirrors who we’ve become. A nostalgic and insightful look at the holiday that once brought every neighborhood together. Original air date 31 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Day 31 of the shutdown — and no end in sight. Trump’s calling to end the filibuster, Manchin’s standing firm, and millions are starting to feel the pain. Michael asks today’s poll question: What will finally break the stalemate? Food stamps running out? Open enrollment? The coming elections? Federal worker frustration? Or will nothing move the needle? Tune in here, then cast your vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review 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.

As open enrollment begins, Affordable Care Act premiums are set to rise by an average of 26%. Michael Smerconish speaks with Alex Wayne, Executive Editor at KFF Health News, about what’s driving the surge, which states will be hit hardest, and how the ongoing government shutdown may finally shift the political pressure in Washington. A smart, fast-paced conversation on health policy, politics, and what it means for millions of Americans. Please rate, review, and share this podcast! Original air date 30 October 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 opens this episode paying tribute to beloved Philadelphia WMMR radio legend Pierre Robert, reflecting on a bygone era of authentic, local broadcasting that may never return. Then, a Smerconish.com poll question that everyone’s afraid to answer: Is AI coming for your job? From Amazon’s robot revolution to a professor predicting 90%+ unemployment, this episode dives into the future of work — and whether humans will have any role left. Listen here, then rate and review 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.

Watch Mark on 2WAY's Morning Meeting.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Watch The Mingle Project - Episode 6: Assess your bubble - take the Mingle quiz! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even baseball isn’t safe from polarization. Michael dives into the politics of the World Series today after an epic Dodgers–Blue Jays 18-inning marathon. Are your sports loyalties shaped by politics? To some, its not just L.A. versus Toronto...it's the U.S. versus Canada. Callers from across the U.S. and Canada weigh in on everything from Trump’s tariffs to team paychecks and national pride. It’s America’s pastime, through today’s political lens. Original air date 28 April 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the skyrocketing costs of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to the moral and economic debate over obesity as a disease, Michael explores both sides of this billion-dollar question: "Should Congress mandate Medicaid to cover weight-loss medications like GLP-1s?" Listen to his take, then vote on today's poll at smerconish.com. He also revisits yesterday's poll question on the political buzz around Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and the 2028 race — plus some media mayhem from New York’s mayoral contest. 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.

Check out the Medill Local News Initiative here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll: Who has a better chance of being elected president — Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom? With both Democrats making headlines and Trump already teasing a 2028 run, Michael explores what it means to be a “moderate” in today’s polarized politics. He draws on a major New York Times analysis and his own recent commentary to ask: which tone, message, and approach can actually win in America right now? Listen here, then vote on the poll question. Please rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcast app! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.