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.

Michael Smerconish speaks with Stanford political scientist Dr. James Fishkin about his groundbreaking book "Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?" They explore how bringing diverse Americans together for civil, informed discussion—through experiments like America in One Room—can reduce polarization and lead to surprising consensus. A hopeful look at democratic reform in a divided age. Original air date 15 July 2025. The book was published on 3 July 2025.

Michael welcomes New York Times White House Correspondent Tyler Pager, co-author (with Josh Dawsey and Isaac Arnsdorf) of "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America." Hear the behind-the-scenes drama, exclusive scoops, and pivotal moments that defined the 2024 election — from Kamala Harris’s rocky campaign to Trump’s post-assassination rise and Biden’s fateful debate decision. Original air date 15 July 2025. The book was published on 8 July 2025.

Carter Sherman, reproductive health reporter at The Guardian joins Michael with her book "The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future." They explore how politics, technology, and social norms are reshaping the way young Americans think about and experience sex. From "hookup culture" to the "sex recession," and from Roe v. Wade to TikTok, this conversation dives deep into the evolving sexual landscape—and the clash between sexual conservatism and progressivism defining it. Original air date 11 July 2025. The book was published on 24 June 2025.

In 2012, legendary Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott wrote "Imperfect: An Improbable Life" and joined Michael in front of 1,000 people at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for a special "Book Club" conversation, which you can watch on Michael's YouTube channel (link in episode notes). Ahead of that event, Michael had Abbott on his morning radio program to discuss the book - this is that interview, originally aired on WPHT. Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott dreamed of someday being a great athlete. By twenty-one, he’d won the gold medal game at the 1988 Olympics and—without spending a day in the minor leagues—cracked the starting rotation of the California Angels. In 1991, he would finish third in the voting for the Cy Young Award. Two years later, he would don Yankee pinstripes and pitch one of the most dramatic no-hitters in major-league history. An incredible story. Original air date 11 June 2012. The book was published in April 2012.

In this episode, Michael Smerconish talks with journalist and author Salena Zito about her new book "Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland." Salena shares her firsthand account of being just feet away during the shooting of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, explores the significance of this pivotal moment, and reveals the profound impact on Trump, the crowd, and the broader political landscape. A powerful look at trauma, resilience, and the heart of America's working-class communities. Original air date 8 July 2025. The book was published on 8 July 2025.

Kevin Hines attempted suicide in 2000 in San Francisco and fortunately lived to tell about it, and wrote a powerful memoir in 2013. In 2016, there was a string of suicides on the University of Pennsylvania campus. In that context, Michael had this conversation with Kevin about "Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt." Kevin shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and living with bipolar disorder. His journey highlights resilience, mental health advocacy, and the ongoing struggle—and hope—in living well with mental illness. Original air date 18 April 2016. The book was published on 13 June 2013.

Surfing, politics, and...finding common ground! Michael is joined by former Obama speechwriter and author David Litt to discuss his new book "It's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Pursuit of Common Ground." They explore Litt’s unexpected friendship with his apolitical, Joe Rogan–loving brother-in-law, the lessons of surfing, and what it all says about bridging America’s political divide. Original air date 27 June 2025. The book was published on 24 June 2025.

Michael Smerconish is joined by Atlantic staff writer Sophie Gilbert to discuss her new book, "Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves." Together, they explore the powerful influence of media, the evolution of pornography, and how pop culture has shaped modern views on sex, identity, and connection—for both women and men. A candid, thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss. Original air date 27 June 2025. The book was published on 29 April 2025.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning, best-selling author and preeminent investigative journalist of our time—a heartfelt, hugely revealing memoir of a decades-long career breaking some of the most impactful stories of the last half-century, from Washington to Vietnam to the Middle East. Seymour Hersh's fearless reporting has earned him fame, front-page bylines in virtually every major newspaper in the free world, honors galore, and no small amount of controversy. Now in this memoir he describes what drove him and how he worked as an independent outsider, even at the nation's most prestigious publications. Listen to his conversation with Michael about "Reporter: A Memoir." Original air date 12 June 2018. The book was published on 5 June 2018.

There is one reason why planes crash. Michael asks the question to David Soucie in this conversation about his book "Why Planes Crash: An Accident Investigator's Fight for Safe Skies." This interview happened just a few months after the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which through today remains one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries. Soucie is a longtime aviation accident investigator and industry expert, and penned this book three years prior. Original air date 17 July 2014. The book was published in 2011.