The Smerconish Podcast

Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to our nation's capital — despite data showing crime is at a 30-year low. Listen to his sharp commentary, and what our audience has to say about it. Original air date 12 August 2025.

Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind the shift, and how cannabis is becoming an 80/20 issue. Plus, reflections on Trump-Putin peace talks and the strategic optics behind Zelensky’s possible absence. Don’t miss this blend of politics, polling, and pot.

Psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar joins Michael to discuss the rise of FAFO (“F*** Around and Find Out”) parenting — a viral, consequence-driven style gaining popularity as a backlash to gentle parenting. Komisar explains why she believes both extremes miss the mark, and why the real solution lies in combining empathy with firm limits. What went wrong in raising Gen Z? Are we too sensitive — or not sensitive enough? This episode dives deep into the parenting pendulum, resilience, and what kids really need to thrive. Original air date 11 August 2025.

Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return all the territory it has seized since the 2022 invasion? With peace talks possibly on the horizon, he explores the harsh realities behind public sentiment, Gallup polling, and what Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. may have to compromise. Plus, thoughts on Trump, Zelensky, and whether a “win” is even possible.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, known for revitalizing Detroit, shares insights on his unexpected independent run for Michigan governor. He discusses the city's remarkable comeback and his reasons for stepping away from the Democratic Party. Duggan challenges the political status quo and explores the potential of displacing traditional party dynamics. The conversation dives into the importance of bipartisan collaboration and how independent voters are transforming Michigan's political landscape, prompting listeners to reconsider the future of governance.

Learn more about The Mingle Project.

A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan’s emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legality in America. Listen here, then head over to Smerconish.com and let us know your thoughts.

Learn more about Michael's Mingle Project here.Diana Lind is author of the New Urban Order Substack and a recent visiting fellow at the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University.

Listen to Michael's conversation with Garrett Graff, author of The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast.

Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible replacement for Jerome Powell, to the shaping of the 2028 presidential field—including a potential JD Vance–Marco Rubio ticket—this episode dives deep. Plus: What’s really going on with redistricting, Josh Shapiro’s future, and the Epstein-Maxwell media black hole? Don’t miss this inside look at the power dynamics reshaping American politics.