From Harvard to Heartland: How Education Defines Today’s Politics
Michael speaks with Dr. Alan Wiseman of Vanderbilt University about groundbreaking new research into the education divide in American politics. Once, both parties in Congress shared a common bond: many lawmakers, regardless of ideology, came from elite universities. Today, that landscape has dramatically shifted. While Democrats have largely maintained their ties to Ivy League and other selective institutions, Republicans have moved sharply away from them. Dr. Wiseman explains how this 50-year transformation has reshaped Congress, what it reveals about polarization, and why the educational background of lawmakers may be just as important as their party affiliation. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of education, politics, and democracy itself. Original air date 11 September 2025.
11 Syys 32min
The Death of Charlie Kirk and the State of Our Nation
On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America’s toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very angry social media reaction to him), and the deeper issues he believes are fueling a “sick” and polarized nation. From the dangers of jumping to conclusions to the role of isolation, technology, and fractured communities, Michael ties the moment to the themes he’s been raising for years: the urgent need for engagement, empathy, and connection. Balancing remembrance of September 11, 2001 with analysis of September 11, 2025 — listen to this conversation conversation about grief, anger, division, and whether there’s still a path back to unity.
11 Syys 17min
Admiral Stavridis on Israel’s Strike in Qatar: A Costly Misstep?
In this episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, about Israel’s controversial strike in Qatar and the fallout for U.S. alliances, hostage negotiations, and the wider Middle East. Stavridis also weighs in on rising tensions in Europe after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace. Afterward, Michael takes listener calls that reveal the deep divisions among Americans over Israel, Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy. Original air date 10 September 2025.
10 Syys 23min
Phillies Karen: Smerconish Says... Leave Her Alone?
A viral moment at a Phillies game has the internet fired up — but should we just leave “Phillies Karen” alone? In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into the debate surrounding a now-infamous ballpark incident involving a woman dubbed “Phillies Karen.” From listener calls and powerful personal stories to reflections on empathy and cancel culture, this discussion goes far beyond a viral clip. Plus, Michael shares a moving passage from Patti Davis about Ronald Reagan and the timeless lesson of kindness — and ties it all together with a must-watch Chick-fil-A training video that might just change how you see the world. 🎯 Daily Poll Question: “Agree/Disagree: Leave Phillies Karen alone?” Tap to listen, vote on the poll at Smerconish.com, and subscribe for more thoughtful takes on the stories that matter.
10 Syys 18min
Philly Karen: Villain or Victim?
A Phillies home run sparked a viral moment, an internet witch hunt, and a national debate over civility. Michael Smerconish dives into the controversy surrounding "Philly Karen," the unidentified woman who walked off with a ball meant for a kid. Should she be outed? Has the internet gone too far? Listeners weigh in—with surprising takes. Original air date 9 September 2025.
9 Syys 28min
Trump’s Epstein Controversy: What’s Worse — The Birthday Greeting or the Denial?
In this episode, Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question: Which is more politically damaging to Donald Trump — his denial of involvement in the Epstein birthday video, or the greeting itself? With approval ratings, looming elections, and other elements to worry about, every headline counts. Michael breaks down the implications, public reactions, and what this strange controversy reveals about modern political optics. Listen here, then vote at Smerconish.com! And please rate and review this podcast.
9 Syys 17min
Inside the Navy SEAL Mission That Nearly Sparked War with North Korea
Michael speaks with New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Philipps about a shocking top-secret SEAL Team 6 mission in North Korea that went fatally off-course. What started as a high-stakes intelligence op to spy on Kim Jong Un quickly escalated into deadly chaos — and could have derailed nuclear negotiations. Hear the behind-the-scenes details and the journalistic debate over whether the public should ever know. Original air date 8 September 2025.
8 Syys 26min
Should the NYT Have Revealed a Secret Navy SEALs Operation?
Michael explores today's provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should the New York Times have revealed a secret 2019 Navy SEALs operation in North Korea?" He doesn't share his final answer here yet — because he still has more questions, for when on today's radio program on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 124 he speaks with Dave Philipps at the New York Times about this story, and he'll get those answers. Join the conversation as he weighs the public’s right to know against national security concerns.
8 Syys 16min
