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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 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 Sep 16min
Doug Sosnik: America’s Real Political Divide Isn’t Red vs. Blue—It’s College vs. No College
Veteran political strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to dissect the deepening educational divide in American politics. Why are Republicans dominating among non-college voters? Can Democrats win back the working class? And is Trump a cause—or a symptom—of something much bigger? From voting patterns to shifting political power in the South and West, this episode offers a critical look at the structural forces shaping the future of U.S. elections. Original air date 5 September 2025.
5 Sep 33min
Killing Drug Traffickers at Sea: Legal Strike or Dangerous Precedent?
In today’s episode, Michael tackles the explosive story of a U.S. military strike on suspected drug traffickers in international waters. It is the subject of today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should the U.S. military conduct lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters without a formal declaration of war? Plus, new developments in the Epstein investigation stir strange political alliances: hear how yesterday's poll turned out as well.
5 Sep 15min
