From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The Free Speech Line in Schools
A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does the First Amendment protect a public middle school student’s right to wear a t-shirt saying: “There Are Only Two Genders”? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
28 Maj 16min
Come On In For A Hug, Bro
What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the quiet epidemic of male loneliness. From childhood sleepovers to adult solitude, Graham-Felsen explores how once-intense male friendships fade with age—and what that says about masculinity, society, and emotional intimacy today. Together, they unpack historical shifts, social norms, and powerful data showing that American men are increasingly disconnected from one another. With reflections on politics, social media, and what we can learn from Abraham Lincoln and Herman Melville’s letters to their male friends, this is a conversation about what it means to be a man—and a friend—in today’s world. A must-listen for anyone navigating modern relationships—male or female. Original air date 27 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
27 Maj 35min
Russia-Ukraine: Is This the Beginning of the End of the War — or the End of Peace?
Michael breaks down today’s poll question: "Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the Russia-Ukraine war — or the end of any hope for peace?" He dives into Trump’s wild Memorial Day posts, Putin’s brutal escalation, and why he fears Ukraine may be on the losing end. A sobering, can't-miss episode for anyone tracking global conflict and U.S. foreign policy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
27 Maj 15min
This Is The Facial Recognition Technology Nightmare Scenario That We Have Been Worried About
For two years, police in New Orleans secretly relied on facial recognition technology to scan city streets in search of suspects. It is a surveillance method without any known precedent - Michael talks about it with Nathan Freed Wessler, Deputy Director of the ACLU's Speech, Privacy and Technology Project. Original air date 20 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23 Maj 21min
Should Cops Be Believed On The Witness Stand? Smerconish Breaks Down Today’s Poll Question
In today’s episode, Michael dives deep into a thought-provoking question inspired by his own jury summons: Would you be more or less likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of his or her job? As part of today's poll at Smerconish.com, Michael explores the nuances behind public trust in law enforcement and shares how his own views have evolved over the years. But that’s not all—this episode takes a personal turn as Michael recounts fascinating stories from his trial lawyer days, including courtroom battles involving boxing promoter Don King and the Fraternal Order of Police. Packed with legal insight, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflection on the justice system, this episode is both timely and timeless. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23 Maj 24min
Admiral Stavridis Drops Godfather Wisdom on Graduates—And It’s Brilliant
What do Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” and Colin Powell’s life rules have in common? According to Admiral James Stavridis—quite a bit. Listen in as Michael sits down with the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander to unpack his bold and unconventional commencement address recently delivered at Adelphi University. Drawing surprising leadership lessons from The Godfather, Stavridis inspires graduates with wisdom from Don Corleone to Colin Powell. The conversation then widens to geopolitics including NATO strategy and the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel and Iran, and the controversy over the gifted Qatari jet. Timely, thoughtful, and unexpectedly entertaining—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Original air date 22 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 Maj 28min
Qatari Jetgate: Will Trump Take Off in His $400M Presidential Plane?
Is Donald Trump about to board a luxury $400 million jet gifted by Qatar—and use it as Air Force One? Michael breaks down the jaw-dropping New York Times report detailing the backdoor deal, the secret talks, and the national security concerns over retrofitting the jet for presidential use. Will Trump cut corners to get in the air fast? Plus: the ethical firestorm over Trump's private dinner with crypto investors, meme coins, and the biggest questions yet about presidential pay-to-play politics. Listen to Michael's take before you head over to Smerconish.com to answer today's daily poll question: Will Donald Trump ever fly on the gifted Qatari jet as AF1 while he's still President? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 Maj 23min
A Nation of Strangers: Do you know and trust your neighbor?
Michael sits down with Laura Silver, Associate Director at the Pew Research Center, to unpack the state of trust and neighborly connections in America. Drawing on the latest 2025 Pew survey data, they explore whether Americans still trust most people, know their neighbors, or engage in simple acts of kindness like watering plants or making small talk in a grocery store. From the decline of local media to the rise of digital isolation, this episode covers why Americans report more willingness to help others than they expect in return, and what this says about the social fabric of the country. Is it a crisis of connection? Or a misperception of division? Tune in to find out—and maybe be inspired to knock on a neighbor’s door. Original air date 19 May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
21 Maj 24min
