Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why adding a fifth face—like Donald Trump’s—is more complicated than it sounds. From the original sculptor’s vision to political dreams and structural realities, this episode dives deep into one of America's most iconic monuments—and the controversy swirling around it.

Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were voting before listening to this episode...it's important, eye-opening, and isolating: Drawing from new Gallup data, cultural commentary, and The “Mingle Project,” he argues that a growing lack of social connection is to blame. Plus, reflections on the Ukraine war, the Trump-Putin summit. A must-listen on loneliness, polarization, and what we’ve lost in a screen-bound society.

In this episode, Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to dissect the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage. With Zelensky absent from the table, can any deal truly hold? Admiral Stavridis offers sharp analysis on the potential for a ceasefire, the personalities involved, historical parallels, and why he thinks a resolution could be just six months away. A must-listen on diplomacy, strategy, and the global consequences of this pivotal meeting. Original air date 14 August 2025.

Will the war between Russia and Ukraine end within the next six months? Michael shares his surprising take on today's Smerconsih.com Poll Question—and why he’s leading with his heart, not his head. Plus, analysis of the Trump-Putin summit, body language predictions, and what a peace deal might really require. Listen here, rate and review this podcast, and vote at smerconish.com!

New Gallup data shows U.S. alcohol consumption has hit a record low—and Republicans are leading the trend. Michael digs into the numbers, which reveal a surprising 20-point drop in drinking among GOP'ers. He explores the cultural and political factors at play, and takes calls from listeners on whether it’s weed, wellness, or something deeper driving Americans to drink less. Original air date 13 August 2025.

Is America actually under-policed and over-incarcerated? Michael breaks down today's Smerconish.com poll question—and the surprising research behind it. From Trump’s National Guard plan in DC to a groundbreaking academic paper, this episode dives deep into whether our justice system is prioritizing the wrong solutions. With insights from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and scholarly work you’ve probably never heard of, this is one you don’t want to miss. Listen here, then rate and review the podcast, and vote at smerconish.com!

Crime is down — so why is President Trump sending the National Guard to DC? Michael digs into the President's surprising decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to our nation's capital — despite data showing crime is at a 30-year low. Listen to his sharp commentary, and what our audience has to say about it. Original air date 12 August 2025.

Michael unpacks today's poll question: Should Trump reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug? He explains his "yes" vote, the surprising politics behind the shift, and how cannabis is becoming an 80/20 issue. Plus, reflections on Trump-Putin peace talks and the strategic optics behind Zelensky’s possible absence. Don’t miss this blend of politics, polling, and pot.

Psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar joins Michael to discuss the rise of FAFO (“F*** Around and Find Out”) parenting — a viral, consequence-driven style gaining popularity as a backlash to gentle parenting. Komisar explains why she believes both extremes miss the mark, and why the real solution lies in combining empathy with firm limits. What went wrong in raising Gen Z? Are we too sensitive — or not sensitive enough? This episode dives deep into the parenting pendulum, resilience, and what kids really need to thrive. Original air date 11 August 2025.

Michael Smerconish dives into today's poll question that he asks at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine reject any peace deal that does not require Russia to return all the territory it has seized since the 2022 invasion? With peace talks possibly on the horizon, he explores the harsh realities behind public sentiment, Gallup polling, and what Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. may have to compromise. Plus, thoughts on Trump, Zelensky, and whether a “win” is even possible.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his surprising 2026 run for Michigan governor—as an independent. Duggan talks about Detroit's remarkable comeback, why he’s breaking from the Democratic Party, and how he plans to disrupt the political status quo. Can he really win without a party? This conversation might change your mind. Original air date 5 August 2025.

Why are kids really glued to their phones? Michael Smerconish welcomes Lenore Skenazy — author of "Free Range Kids" and president of Let Grow — to discuss her new Atlantic piece "What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones". Together they unpack the real reasons kids are obsessed with tech, how fear and overparenting have reshaped childhood, and what we can do to bring back trust, independence, and old-school fun. It all comes back to getting out and mingling. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone wondering why childhood feels so different today. Original air date 8 August 2025.

A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan’s emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legality in America. Listen here, then head over to Smerconish.com and let us know your thoughts.

Why are Americans spending over an hour and a half more at home than they did 20 years ago—and what are we losing in the process? Michael Smerconish speaks with New Urban Order Substack author Diana Lind about her eye-opening essay in The Washington Post, "America is becoming a nation of homebodies." They explore the vanishing "third places"—libraries, parks, churches, diners—and how our increasingly homebound lives are threatening community, connection, and even democracy. If you're wondering why no one just “hangs out” anymore, this episode is for you - and it's time for you to get out and mingle! Original air date 7 August 2025.

80 years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Michael Smerconish asks: Were they justified? Drawing on recent powerful guest interviews, firsthand accounts, and striking poll data — past and present — he explores how American attitudes have shifted since 1945. Michael leans into a provocative question: Whose judgment do we trust more — those who lived through it, or those of us reflecting decades later? Listen here, and please share, rate, and review this podcast!

Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible replacement for Jerome Powell, to the shaping of the 2028 presidential field—including a potential JD Vance–Marco Rubio ticket—this episode dives deep. Plus: What’s really going on with redistricting, Josh Shapiro’s future, and the Epstein-Maxwell media black hole? Don’t miss this inside look at the power dynamics reshaping American politics.

Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it’s happening, and how you can find out if you live in a distorted district. Prompted by today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com (“Do you live in a gerrymandered legislative district?”), this episode offers a clear, engaging primer on political redistricting, the history behind it, and the real-life consequences playing out in places like Texas. Plus, hear Michael’s thoughts on how fair maps could actually work — and why that’s such a rare outcome. Listen here, and please share, rate, and review this podcast!

Michael reflects on an extraordinary day in Boston, where he addressed thousands of state lawmakers attending the National Conference of State Legislators annual legislative summit. From powerful speeches about bipartisanship and political violence — including emotional remarks from a Minnesota state senator who survived an attack — to a candid fireside chat with Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Michael shares what he saw, heard, and believes we must do next to repair America’s broken public discourse. And it all involves getting out and mingling. Original air date 5 August 2025.

Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how they are shutting the door on political canvassers. With stories of incivility, political violence, and societal disconnect, Michael explores what it means to engage (or not engage) with politics today, starting at your own front door! Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks: Do you open your door to a political canvasser?

In this gripping episode, Michael dives deep into the decades-old unsolved murder of 9-year-old Marise Chiverella from Hazelton, Pennsylvania. After 57 years, this cold case was cracked thanks to the groundbreaking work of Eric Schubert, an 18-year-old college student and genetic genealogist. Learn how Eric's unique skills and determination helped the Pennsylvania State Police identify the killer through DNA and family tree research — all while balancing college life. Then, hear about some amazing DNA discoveries from the audience. This episode uncovers the power of modern science and the relentless pursuit of justice for a community waiting decades for answers. Original air date 31 July 2025.