
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

Feb 22, 2023 • 21min
Dr. Nassir Ghaemi: "A First-Rate Madness"
Does having a mental illness make a more effective leader? Michael talks with Tufts University's Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, author of "A First-Rate Madness: Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness." Original air date 25 August 2016. The book was published on 4 August 2011.

Feb 17, 2023 • 19min
Douglas Schoen: "Power"
This is the definitive insider's guide - hear Michael speak with political strategist Doug Schoen, on his book "Power: The 50 Truths." Stories of working for Presidents from Clinton to Trump, to Israeli prime ministers, and everything in between, including connections to the mafia. The book was published on 14 February 2023. Original air date 16 February 2023.

Feb 15, 2023 • 18min
James Patterson: "Walk The Blue Line"
He's the co-author of the #1 bestseller "Walk in My Combat Boots" - James Patterson joins Michael today with his new book, co-authored with Matt Eversmann, "Walk the Blue Line: No right, no left―just cops telling their true stories to James Patterson." Original air date 14 February 2023. The book was published on 6 February 2023.

Feb 14, 2023 • 21min
Brigid Schulte: "Overwhelmed"
A great conversation from the archives when one thinks about topics on "love" and Valentine's Day, listen to Brigid Schulte, author of "Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time." Original aid date 19 March 2014. The book was published on 11 March 2014.

Feb 10, 2023 • 24min
David Litt: "Thanks, Obama"
Michael's conversation with former presidential speechwriter David Litt, on his book "Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, Changey White House Years." Original air date 19 September 2017. The book was published on 19 September 2017.

Feb 8, 2023 • 13min
Keith Payne: "The Broken Ladder"
Michael's conversation with UNC Chapel Hill Professor of Psychology Keith Payne, author of "The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die." Original air date 13 May 2019. The book was published on 2 May 2017.

Feb 6, 2023 • 19min
Elie Honig: "Untouchable"
National bestselling author Elie Honig (author of 'Hatchet Man', listen to Episode 7 for that conversation) is back with "Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It." Original air date 2 February 2023. The book was published on 31 January 2023.

Feb 3, 2023 • 17min
Dr. Robert Waldinger: "The Good Life"
Time to create a more meaningful and satisfying life: Michael talks with Harvard University's Dr. Robert Waldinger, co-author (with Dr. Marc Schulz) of "The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness." Original air date 2 February 2023. The book was published on 10 January 2023.

Feb 1, 2023 • 21min
Charlie Brandt: "I Heard You Paint Houses"
When "The Irishman" hit theatres, Michael caught up with the author of the book that the movie is based on, Charlie Brandt, "I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa." Original air date 22 November 2019. The book was published in 2004.

Jan 30, 2023 • 19min
Jack Goldsmith: "In Hoffa's Shadow"
Jimmy Hoffa's associate Chuckie O'Brien's stepson, Jack Goldsmith, tells the moving story of reuniting with his stepfather, and many others, in "In Hoffa's Shadow: A Stepfather, a Disappearance in Detroit, and My Search for the Truth," Original air date 16 October 2019. The book was published on 24 September 2019.