Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Michael's conversation with longtime sportswriter and bestselling author Michael Bamberger, author of "The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale." In his relatively young career, M. Night Shyamalan achieved phenomenal commercial and critical success. His films 'The Sixth Sense,' 'Unbreakable,' 'Signs,' and 'The Village' grossed over $1.5 billion (at the time of this 2006 interview) and reinvented the thriller genre. Because Shyamalan has worked outside of the Hollywood system, however, his filmmaking habits and personality have remained largely unknown. But reporter Michael Bamberger obtained unprecedented access to Shyamalan during the tumultuous production of his film Lady in the Water, and in The Man Who Heard Voices exposes the struggles and triumphs of this modern-day Hitchcock at work. Listen to Bamberger talk the book here. Original air date 3 August 2006. The book was published in July 2006.

Upon hearing of Gerry Spence's passing away at 96 years old this week, we remembered this conversation from deep in the archives, with the trial attorney and bestselling author on his book "Bloodthirsty Bitches and Pious Pimps of Power: The Rise and Risks of the New Conservative Hate Culture." Gerry Spence takes dead aim at the media demagogues who wield their power with virulent effect: The likes of Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, Bill O'Reilly and others - who occupy the bully pulpit of the "new American hate culture" - TV and radio programs shaping opinions of millions of Americans. Original air date 12 October 2006. The book was published on 3 October 2006.

Michael spoke with longtime Philadelphia sports journalist Ray Didinger in a Free Library of Philadelphia event about Didinger's memoir, “Finished Business: My Fifty Years of Headlines, Heroes, and Heartaches,” in May 2021. In his book, the legendary sportswriter shares a heartfelt story that begins with the Eagles' epic Super Bowl LII win. From growing up a diehard fan to becoming a Hall of Fame journalist, Didinger reflects on five decades covering Philadelphia sports — from locker rooms and press boxes to TV studios and even Hollywood. With warmth, humor, and deep Philly pride, he offers unforgettable stories and insights from a life in sports. The book was published on 26 May 2021.

Michael's conversation from five years ago this month with Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s, about his instant bestseller "Beyond Charlottesville: Taking a Stand Against White Nationalism." It is McAuliffe's behind-the-scenes account of the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally. He examines the events that led to the violence, and reflects on Virginia’s troubled racial history and how President Trump reacted to what happened. McAuliffe also explores what must be done to prevent future acts of hate and extremism. Original air date 2 August 2019. The book was published on 30 July 2019.

Michael Smerconish is joined by journalist and bestselling author Garrett Graff to discuss his powerful new oral history, "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb." On the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, they explore the bomb’s development, the people behind it, the decision to use it, and its enduring legacy. With over 500 voices included, Graff’s work captures the triumph and tragedy of one of the most pivotal moments in human history. Original air date 6 August 2025. The book was published on 5 August 2025.

Michael Smerconish talks with journalist Julia Hotz about her debut book, The Connection Cure, which explores the emerging field of social prescribing—using community, creativity, and connection as powerful tools to boost health and well-being. Hotz shares compelling science and personal stories behind five key wellness drivers: movement, nature, art, service, and belonging. A fresh look at how non-medical care can make a real difference. Original air date 30 July 2025. The book was published on 11 June 2024.

Author M.W. Craven joins Michael Smerconish in a discussion about Craven's captivating novel titled "Nobody's Hero." The duo chat about a variety of topics including the thrilling yet mysterious tone of the book, the Ben Koenig series in which "Nobody's Hero" belongs to, and the familiar names found within Craven's stories. Original air date 29 July 2025. The book was published on 03 December 2024.

Michael Smerconish sits down with Barry Levine, author of "The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell." They discuss the disturbing details of Epstein’s abuse network, Ghislaine Maxwell’s role, and the lingering questions surrounding powerful individuals, including Donald Trump. A compelling conversation rooted in years of investigative reporting, conducted in the contexts of this week's news around the push for the release of the Epstein Files, amidst the continued pushback and deflections from the White House. Original air date 25 July 2025. The book was published on 20 October 2020.

Michael's conversation from deep in the archives with with Steve Lopez, author of "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music." An intimate portrait of gifted violinist Nathaniel Ayers traces his promising education at Juilliard, his struggles with schizophrenia, and the factors that led to his homelessness in Los Angeles, circumstances that prompted their friendship and the author's efforts to improve the musician's life in spite of numerous setbacks. Original air date 16 August 2009. The book was published in 2008.

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Michael Moss joins Michael to unpack his explosive book "Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions," which explores how processed food companies have engineered their products—and our eating habits. In this candid and eye-opening conversation, Moss reveals how food giants manipulate our biology, emotions, and even memories to keep us coming back for more, using tactics eerily similar to Big Tobacco. Moss breaks down how our free will has been quietly undermined by decades of food innovation aimed at maximizing profit—not health. Hear why Oreos might be more addictive than cigarettes, what’s really in your fridge, and how companies design packaging to encourage mindless eating. Original air date 14 April 2021. The book was published on 2 March 2021.