The Smerconish Podcast

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, was convicted of fraud after prosecutors argued that billions of dollars in customer deposits were improperly funneled to his trading firm, Alameda Research. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and hit with an $11 billion forfeiture judgment. Now, Michael speaks with SBF’s Supreme Court attorney Jeffrey Fisher about why he believes the jury never heard the full story, whether Bankman-Fried received a fair trial, and the case for giving him another one. Original air date 10 September 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: Will Trump's $5000 dividend promise help Republicans in the midterms or will it backfire? President Trump is promising every adult U.S. citizen a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the House and Senate—a proposal that could cost roughly $1.2 trillion. Michael examines the political calculation behind the pledge, the questions surrounding how it would work, and the striking contrast with a national debt approaching $40 trillion. Does putting money directly into voters’ pockets give Republicans a powerful midterm advantage, or does the promise look like fiscal recklessness—or even desperation—at exactly the wrong moment? Listen 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.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) joins Michael to discuss President Trump’s push to change mail-in voting, the battle for control of the House in the 2026 midterms, and what he sees as the administration’s priorities. Plus, Coons explains his bipartisan effort with Sen. Ted Cruz and other Senators to bring order to college sports, NIL payments, and the transfer portal, in the "Protect College Sports Act." Original air date 9 September 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: Who wins the House in November - Democrats or Republicans? With the 2026 midterms approaching, Michael Smerconish examines whether Democrats are headed for a comfortable House victory—or whether Republicans can hold on. History strongly favors the opposition party in midterm elections, Trump’s approval rating stands at 36%, and Democrats lead the generic ballot. But newly redrawn congressional maps could give Republicans a crucial cushion, while uncertainty surrounding mail-in voting adds another variable. Michael breaks down the numbers, the historical precedents, and the possible paths to 218 seats before asking you to make the call 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.

Why did the Lindsay Clancy case end in a mistrial—and what happens next? Michael speaks with Yale Law professor Jed Rubenfeld about the unusual Massachusetts insanity law that shaped the trial, why the jury never had voluntary manslaughter as an option, and why he believes the case may ultimately end in a plea deal. Michael then hears from listeners about the difficult legal and human questions surrounding the case. Original air date 8 September 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: "Would America be better off as two countries?" Could America’s political divisions eventually become national borders? Michael examines the provocative idea of an American “disunion” through two very different lenses: Kurt Andersen’s new novel 'The Break-Up', which imagines a divided United States after civil conflict, and Syracuse professor Ryan Griffiths’ research into real-world secession movements and why they so rarely succeed. From red and blue states to national security, polarization, democracy, and the practical nightmare of drawing new borders, Michael explores whether breaking America apart could ever solve its problems—or whether the better answer is finding a way to live together. Listen here, then vote - 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.

Can your college major predict your politics—or even how religious you are? Michael talks with Ryan Burge, a professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis’ John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, about fascinating new data showing sharp differences among finance, nursing, English, theater and other majors when it comes to ideology and religiosity. Then listeners call in to see whether they fit the stereotype—or completely break the mold. Original air date 17 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A six-pack of beer could help redefine the Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. Michael breaks down the extraordinary Supreme Court case of an Alaska bush pilot whose $95,000 airplane was seized after alcohol was found aboard a flight to a dry village—and explains why the story is far more complicated than the headline suggests. Then, listeners weigh in on how much punishment is simply too much. Original air date 21 July 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian O’Neill, a Pennsylvania real-estate developer transforming industrial sites, discusses his proposed $18 billion data center projects. The conversation explores Governor Josh Shapiro’s opposition, power, water, noise, taxes, jobs and community approval. They also examine AI competition with China, economic renewal, workforce housing, waste heat and whether modern facilities can revive forgotten communities.

In a fractured America, Costco emerges as an unlikely town square. Explore its $1.50 hot dogs, $5 rotisserie chickens, date nights, marriage proposals, loyal employees, and cross-section of shoppers. The conversation examines the decline of shared culture, the pull of bargain-driven outings, and why warehouse aisles may offer a rare place to mingle without politics.