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
Apr 12, 2023 • 19min
Phil Mudd: "The HEAD Game"
Phil Mudd, former senior executive at the FBI, CIA, and National Security Council, with his book "The HEAD Game: High-Efficiency Analytic Decision Making and the Art of Solving Complex Problems Quickly." Original air date 21 April 2015. The Book was published on 6 April 2015.
Apr 10, 2023 • 17min
Geoffrey Stone: "National Security, Leaks and Freedom of the Press"
First Amendment scholar and University Chicago Law School Professor Geoffrey R. Stone, co-writer/editor of "National Security, Leaks and Freedom of the Press: The Pentagon Papers Fifty Years On." Original air date 16 April 2021. The book was published on 1 April 2021.
Apr 7, 2023 • 18min
William McRaven: "The Wisdom Of The Bullfrog"
Michael speaks with bestselling author, retired Admiral William McRaven, out with his new book "The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)." Original air date 7 April 2023. The book was published on 4 April 2023.
Apr 5, 2023 • 20min
Michael Bamberger: "Ball In The Air"
Just in time for The Masters, a great read from bestselling author Michael Bamberger, "The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure." Original air date 31 March 2023. The book was published on 28 March 2023.
Apr 3, 2023 • 23min
Barney Frank: "Frank"
Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) joins Michael with his memoir, "Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage." Original air date 9 April 2015. The book was published on 17 March 2015.
Mar 31, 2023 • 22min
James Steele: "America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens"
James Steele, co-author (with Donald Barlett) of ""America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens." This is the followup to their groundbreaking "America: What Went Wrong?" book that came out in 1992. Original air date 19 June 2020. The book was published on 2 June 2020.
Mar 29, 2023 • 21min
Frank Bruni: "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be"
A conversation with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, on his book "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania." Original air date 18 March 2015. The book was published on 17 March 2015.
Mar 28, 2023 • 15min
Arthur Brooks: "Love Your Enemies"
Being angry all the time, when others are too and the world is not getting along, is not a good recipe for success. Listen to social scientist Arthur Brooks talk about his book "Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt." Original air date 19 March 2019. The book was released on 19 March 2019.
Mar 24, 2023 • 22min
Dave Daley: "Ratf**ked"
The title of Dave Daley's book is not censored in this conversation - hear him with Michael talking about "Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy." Original air date 22 March 2017. The book was published on 14 June 2016.
Mar 23, 2023 • 13min
John Leland: "Happiness Is A Choice You Make"
They are the "oldest old" - New York Times reporter John Leland spend time with six people age 85 and up to gain wisdom on what it means to grow old and create a heartening guide to well being. Listen to his conversation with Michael on "Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old." Original air date 4 January 2018. The book was published on 23 January 2018.
