The Smerconish Podcast

In this episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the explosive debate over the nationwide “No Kings” rallies, which drew millions across America this past weekend. Two excellent voices join the conversation with very different takes: Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite, questions whether these protests accomplish anything beyond social media posts and self-satisfaction. Will Bunch, national opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, argues that the movement’s true power lies in restoring community, courage, and hope in a divided democracy. From the power of collective action to the pitfalls of performative protest, this conversation asks: Can massive marches really make meaningful change—or are we mistaking hashtags for history? Original air date 20 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.

Over 7 million protesters participated in "No Kings" protests across 2,600+ locations nationwide. Michael talks about this here and is asking you in today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Will the “No Kings” rallies lead to meaningful change? Listen to Michael offer dueling views from Colby Hall (Mediaite) and Will Bunch (Philly Inquirer), and then cast your ballot 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.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) joins Michael Smerconish to discuss their recent joint appearance on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher', the government shutdown, President Trump, and foreign policy — until a fiery exchange over transgender service members derails the conversation. After Mace abruptly ends the call, Jo Ellis, the decorated National Guard veteran and black hawk pilot at the center of the debate, joins Michael to respond — offering a deeply personal perspective on service, identity, and respect. A powerful episode exploring free speech, empathy, and where civil discourse breaks down. 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 smerconish.com poll question: "Which indictment is strongest — John Bolton, James Comey, or Letitia James?" In this episode, Michael breaks down each case, weighs the legal and political stakes, and explains why he thinks one indictment clearly stands out. Plus, what “Show me the man, I’ll find the crime” really says about our justice system. Listen, vote, and 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.

This interview is part of Michael's ongoing "Mingle Project." Learn more here.Helen Woolley is a Professor of Landscape Architecture, Children's Environments and Society at the University of Sheffield. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael speaks with Professor Michael Polelle a Florida voter, and constitutional law scholar, who’s been fighting — solo — to overturn Florida’s closed primary system. His lawsuit argues that forcing voters to join a political party to participate in publicly funded primaries violates free speech and equal protection rights. The Supreme Court declined to hear his case, but the fight for open primaries — and for millions of independent voters shut out of elections — is far from over. Michael himself is part of a lawsuit pursuing the same goal in Pennsylvania, also a closed primary state. Original air date 16 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.

Will President Trump give Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com....and deliberately, Michael is asking "WILL" and not "SHOULD." With President Zelensky visiting the White House and global tensions rising, Michael unpacks what this decision could mean for U.S. foreign policy, NATO, and Trump’s stance toward Putin. Plus, Michael revisits the global debate over AI risk, and he explores a provocative essay arguing that sex robots might not be so bad after all! Don't miss it...listen here, 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.

Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief of 2WAY and host of the Next Up podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Michael asks you chilling question: “Agree or Disagree — Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority akin to the threat of pandemics and nuclear war.” Michael dives into the warnings from AI experts who argue that artificial superintelligence could mean the end of humanity. From OpenAI’s new video generator Sora to the blurring line between fact and fiction, Michael explores whether technology has already gone too far. 🎧 Listen now, then cast your vote on today’s poll 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.

Michael runs through several major global headlines with retired Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. From Trump’s proposed Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine to the fragile peace in Gaza, Poland’s growing military power, and sending 'fat troops' home, the Admiral offers sharp, candid insights on America’s attention span, global stability, and the future of warfare. Original air date 14 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.