The Smerconish Podcast

Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis to unpack the explosive controversy surrounding a September military strike now under congressional investigation. Drawing on his experience as former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, Stavridis breaks down the chain of command, the laws of war, the role of the Secretary of Defense, and why missing video footage raises serious questions. Together, they examine whether orders were lawful, what accountability should look like, and why oversight is essential as new details emerge. A deep, clear, and urgent conversation about military ethics, civilian control, and the fog of war. Original air date 3 December 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should Admiral “Mitch” Bradley face disciplinary action for authorizing a second strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat? Michael is asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today. Using reporting from The Washington Post, legal insights from military experts, and new comments from Secretary Hegseth, Michael unpacks the law-of-war implications, the political fallout, and why this case could affect far more than one admiral’s career. Plus, he revisits yesterday’s razor-thin poll results and breaks down new details in the Lane Kiffin controversy. Listen, vote, rate, review, share! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Peter Adams at the News Literacy Project to unpack a startling new study on how 13–18-year-olds view journalism—revealing deep distrust, confusion about media ethics, and a surprising cultural touchstone: Spider-Man. Michael also dives into how movies and TV shape our understanding of the press, from “Spotlight” and “Absence of Malice” to “Anchorman” and “The Morning Show.” A wide-ranging conversation about the future of news, the state of media literacy, and why local journalism still matters. Original air date 2 December 2025. 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 Smerconish.com poll asks: “Should Ole Miss have allowed Lane Kiffin to finish the season even after he accepted the LSU job?” Michael breaks down the full drama—from the Rebels’ championship run, to LSU’s massive contract offer, to the competing arguments from top analysts in the sports world. He explains why the decision raises bigger questions about loyalty, business, and the state of college football today. Cast your vote at Smerconish.com, 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.

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency. 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 "Cyber Monday" Smerconish.com poll: "How much does a family of four truly need to live independently in America?" He breaks down new research suggesting the real poverty line may be closer to $140,000—far above federal estimates—and explores the ‘Valley of Death’ where families lose benefits faster than wages rise. Plus, he reviews recent poll results and explains why this topic sparks so much frustration across the electorate. Listen here, then cast your vote at the website, 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.

Michael Smerconish talks with Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, about the alarming crisis facing young men — rising loneliness, declining engagement, and surging mental-health challenges. Fryday explains the newly launched California Men’s Service Challenge, a statewide push to recruit 10,000 male mentors, coaches, and role models. Together, they discuss the power of service, the need to rebuild social capital, and how volunteerism could help reconnect a divided America. Original air date 26 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 dives into the Smerconish.com poll question inspired by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s controversial claim that airline passengers should “dress with respect” to promote civility. From shocking in-flight behavior stats to a viral DOT video, Michael explores whether our clothing really influences how we act in the air. Listen to this lively, timely conversation heading into Thanksgiving travel, vote at Smerconish.com, and 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.

Breaking news meets expert analysis. As reports emerge that Ukraine may have agreed to a peace proposal with Russia, Michael brings in one of the world’s most trusted strategic minds — Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this urgent conversation, the Admiral reacts in real time to developing headlines, explains how the peace plan has shifted, and breaks down the difficult trade-offs Ukraine may face, including territorial concessions, NATO’s role, and long-term security guarantees. A must-listen episode on what could be the most consequential diplomatic moment of the war. Original air date 25 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 dives into today’s hot-button poll question that he's asking at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine agree to a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia if its future security is guaranteed? From Tom Friedman’s “dirty vs. filthy” deal framework to the evolving U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, Michael breaks down the politics, principles, and tough trade-offs of ending the war. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun from the new Smerconish studio and updates from the nationwide Mingle Meetups. Listen here and vote on the poll question, 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.