The Smerconish Podcast

Listen to Michael's first Book Club Podcast Interview with Barry Levine about "The Spider." (Podcast July 2025, the book was published in 2020). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael breaks down a new data point from the National Association of Realtors: the median age of U.S. home buyers has climbed to 59. He explores what’s driving the shift—from affordability crises to shifting priorities—and examines new proposals like 50-year mortgages and portable home loans. Plus, how America’s housing shortage ties into mental health, generational trends, and global comparisons. It's all the basis for today's Smerconish.com Poll Question, which asks "Why has the median age for U.S. homebuyers risen to 59 - Affordability, or Shifting Priorities?" Listen here, and 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.

In this episode, Michael unpacks the stunning release of thousands of Jeffrey Epstein emails that have Washington on edge. What began as a selective Democratic leak of three explosive emails suggesting Donald Trump knew more about Epstein’s abuse than he admitted soon became a political firestorm — with Republicans countering by releasing over 20,000 documents. Michael walks listeners through what the emails actually say — and what’s pure speculation. Epstein’s cryptic phrase “the dog that didn’t bark,” his mention of Trump spending hours with Virginia Giuffre, and references to Trump “knowing about the girls” are now public. But the real question, Michael argues, is why the White House is scrambling — with reports of Lauren Boebert being summoned to the Situation Room and Trump playing phone tag with Nancy Mace. Is there more we haven’t seen? Or is this another example of political theater in overdrive? Original air date 13 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.

Michael digs into today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Did the ends of the Democrat-supported government shutdown justify the means?" After weeks of stalemate, Democrats ended the fight without key concessions—but may have reframed the national debate on health care. Was the pain worth the politics? Plus, insights on yesterday's poll results - listen here, and 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.

Michael Smerconish is joined by political analyst Mark Halperin to unpack breaking revelations from Jeffrey Epstein’s newly surfaced emails — including what they suggest Donald Trump may have known about Epstein’s conduct. Then, shifting gears to dissect the GOP’s healthcare dilemma, rising insurance premiums, and what both parties risk in the next budget showdown. Finally, they look ahead to 2028, where Halperin just changed his mind about Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions. Original air date 12 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.

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s Smerconish.com poll, asking: Should the Supreme Court allow states to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving afterward? He breaks down the upcoming Supreme Court case, explores how 30 states already handle this issue, and weighs both sides of the debate — from election integrity to voter access. Plus, reflections on yesterday’s conversation about whether betting markets can out-predict polls. Listen here, then vote, and 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.

Doug Sosnik is a policy and political expert who has closely advised President Bill Clinton and multiple U.S. Senators, governors, Fortune 100 corporations, foundations and universities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Admiral James Stavridis is a retired four-star U.S. naval officer. He is currently Partner and Vice Chair of Carlyle, a global investment firm. He is also 12th Chair of Rockefeller Foundation board.  Previously he served for five years as the 12th Dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He led the NATO Alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as 16th Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy, and cyber security. He also served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006-2009. He earned more than 50 medals, including 28 from foreign nations in his 37-year military career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Veterans Day, Michael asks: Which is a more reliable predictor of elections — traditional polls or betting markets? With new data from Vanderbilt showing gamblers outperformed pollsters in 2024, he wonders if polling as we know it is on the way out. Listen in and see if you agree, and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, comment, 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.

Billionaire trader and philanthropist Jeff Yass joins Michael to discuss his $100 million donation to the University of Austin, a new institution co-founded by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss that promises “the fearless pursuit of truth.” Yass explains why he believes higher education is broken, how government involvement has inflated costs, and why this new school refuses federal funding altogether. He outlines a radical model — no tuition, no federal money, and full accountability to students’ success — arguing that universities should be judged not by prestige, but by the impact of their graduates. An eye-opening conversation about money, ideology, and the future of learning. Original air date 10 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.