
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Reading for Independent Minds. Unlike many author interviews, if Michael didn't actually read the book, you won't hear about it. If he read it, you'll hear it and you'll love it. Insights into a wide range of topics, including many titles you've probably never heard of. The perfect book is just one listen away.
Latest episodes

Oct 20, 2023 • 16min
Melissa DeRosa: "What's Left Unsaid"
One of the most powerful women in New York State government history shares her gripping and candid story for the first time - Melissa DeRosa became a household name as an aide to then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo when he was thrust onto the national stage during COVID. She joins Michael with her memoir "What's Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis." Original air date 20 October 2023. The book was published on 24 October 2023.

Oct 18, 2023 • 22min
Khizr Khan: "An American Family"
He was a captivating speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention - and he wrote a captivating book. Hear Michael speak with Khizr Khan, on "An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice." Original air date 27 October 2017. The book was published on 24 October 2017.

Oct 16, 2023 • 19min
Greg Lukianoff: "The Canceling of the American Mind"
As companies are refusing to hire prospective employees who are voicing their opinions against Israel defending itself against the terrorist attacks from Hamas, its a perfect time for a conversation with Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) President & CEO Greg Lukianoff, co-author of "The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All―But There Is a Solution." Original air date 12 October 2023. The book was published on 17 October 2023.

Oct 13, 2023 • 14min
Ben Bradlee, Jr: "The Forgotten"
Hear how voters in Luzerne County, PA, a pivotal county in a crucial swing state, came to feel like strangers in their own land, and after voting democratic for decades...flipped. Michael talks to Ben Bradlee, Jr on his book "The Forgotten: How the People of One Pennsylvania County Elected Donald Trump and Changed America." Original air date 30 October 2018. The book was published on 2 October 2018.

Oct 11, 2023 • 15min
Senator Doug Jones: "Bending Toward Justice"
Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) prosecuted the last of the living bombers of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. He talks about it with Michael in his book "Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights." Original air date 4 March 2019. The book was published on 5 March 2019.

Oct 10, 2023 • 17min
Dr. Morris Fiorina: "Unstable Majorities"
Partisan politics, gridlock, incivility, division. All negative words - but there is hope. Listen to Michael's conversation with Stanford University's Dr. Morris Fiorina, author of "Unstable Majorities: Polarization, Party Sorting, and Political Stalemate." Original air date 9 April 2020. The book was published on 1 November 2017.

Oct 6, 2023 • 14min
Aurelian Craiutu: "Why Not Moderation?"
Michael talks with Indiana University Political Science Professor Aurelian Craiutu, author of "Why Not Moderation?: Letters to Young Radicals." Original air date 6 October 2023. The book was published on 12 October 2023.

Oct 5, 2023 • 20min
Scott Stankavage: "The QB Mentor"
Michael's conversation with Scott Stankavage, author of "The QB Mentor: Words of Wisdom From an NFL Veteran For An Injured Quarterback That Can Improve Your Life and Career." Original air date 15 March 2016. The book was published on 1 January 2016.

Oct 2, 2023 • 18min
David Bianculli: The Platinum Age of Television
With the 2023 Hollywood writers strike in the rear view mirror, its the perfect time to listen to David Bianculli on his book "The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to The Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific." Original air date 21 November 2016. The book was published on 15 November 2016.

Sep 29, 2023 • 19min
Diane Dimond: "We're Here To Help"
Michael talks to author Diane Dimond about her new book "We're Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong." Original air date 29 September 2023. The book was published on 19 September 2023.