Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Follow along a Navy SEAL's firsthand account of American heroism during a secret military operation in Afghanistan in this true story of survival and difficult choices.On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less then twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. 

In 2007, Michael welcomed bestselling author Walter Isaacson to talk about "Einstein: His Life and Universe." Listen to the author of the acclaimed bestseller "Benjamin Franklin" discuss the first full biography of Albert Einstein since all of his papers have become available. How did his mind work? What made him a genius? Isaacson's biography shows how the imagination that distinguished his science sprang from the rebellious nature of his personality. His fascinating story, a testament to the connection between creativity and freedom, reflects the triumphs and tumults of the modern era. Original air date 31 May 2007. The book was published on 10 April 2007.

An inspiring conversation between Michael and Dawn Staley about her book "Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three." A three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and the first person to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award as both a player and coach, Staley has shattered expectations at every level of the game. While her name resonates with both longtime WNBA fans and newcomers, she has kept her personal life private. Uncommon Favor reveals the journey that led to Staley’s success, including the challenges she faced. From dealing with sexism on the court to feeling isolated in new environments, Staley honed her skills and learned valuable life lessons about mental fortitude and maturity that have grounded her throughout her career. Beginning with her humble origins on the North Philadelphia basketball court and her rise to national fame at the University of Virginia—where she led her team to three Final Fours—Staley recounts the key moments that shaped her winning mindset. Original air date 6 June 2025. The book was published on 20 May 2025.

The Lamoureux twins—Olympic gold medalists on the historic 2018 US women’s ice hockey team—tell their story of grit and determination, from youth hockey dominated by boys to the big business of elite international sports, fighting for gender equity in hockey, sports, and beyond. Michael welcomes Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, authors of "Dare to Make History: Chasing a Dream and Fighting for Equity." Original air date 23 February 2021. The book was published on 23 February 2021.

Join former President Bill Clinton, a political powerhouse, and bestselling author James Patterson as they dive into their thrilling co-authored novel, 'The First Gentleman.' They discuss the provocative scenario of a female president with her husband on trial for murder. The conversation touches on youth obesity, fiscal responsibility, and a proposed global corporate tax rate. Plus, they share insights into their creative collaboration, blending serious themes with entertaining narratives, all while advocating for children's literacy.

Richard A. Clarke is one of the world's leading experts on security, cyberspace, and terrorism. He served in the U.S. government for thirty years, including as White House counterterrorism coordinator under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and became the first White House official placed in charge of U.S. cybersecurity policy. He is the author of eight books (four works of nonfiction and four novels), including the number-one national bestseller Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror.Robert K. Knake is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a senior research scientist at Northeastern University, and an adviser to startups, investment firms, and Fortune 500 companies. Knake served from 2011-15 in the Obama White House as director for cybersecurity policy at the National Security Council. He is the co-author (with Clarke) of the New York Times bestseller Cyber War.

Michael sits down with CNN anchor and author Jake Tapper to discuss "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" co-authored with Alex Thompson. Tapper opens up about what hasn't been fully covered in the media, including behind-the-scenes moments during the 2024 debate, concerns from top Democratic senators, and internal White House dynamics. The conversation delves into aging, leadership, political accountability, and how media and political insiders handled growing concerns over President Biden’s capacity. A candid and thought-provoking discussion you won’t want to miss. Original air date 22 May 2025. The book was published on 20 May 2025.

With the news of Pete Rose, Major League Baseball's career hits leader, being posthumously removed from the league's permanent ineligibility list, Michael speaks with Keith O'Brien, author of "Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball." Charlie Hustle tells the full story of one of America’s most epic tragedies—the rise and fall of Pete Rose. Drawing on firsthand interviews with Rose himself and with his associates, as well as on investigators' reports, FBI and court records, archives, a mountain of press coverage, Keith O’Brien chronicles how Rose fell so far from being America’s “great white hope.” It is Pete Rose as we've never seen him before. Original air date 16 May 2025. The book was published on 26 March 2024.

Michael sits down with Suzy Welch—NYU Stern professor, journalist, and best-selling author—to discuss her transformative new book :Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career." The conversation blends personal reflection with practical insight as Suzy introduces her evidence-based methodology for helping people align their values, aptitudes, and interests in pursuit of a meaningful life. From a hilarious memory of an awkward naked-photo-in-a-magazine encounter to deep discussions on loss, resilience, and self-discovery, this episode offers both laughs and life lessons. Michael even takes Suzy’s “Values Bridge” test and shares his results, making for a lively and introspective exchange that challenges listeners to reflect on their own paths. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or just seeking clarity, this episode is for anyone asking: What should I really be doing with my life? And, six words to describe your life story. What are they? Original air date 12 May 2025. The book was published on 6 May 2025.

This conversation was recorded the morning of the start of the Conclave to replace Pope Francis.