Parade or Power Play? The Army Turns 250
This weekend’s massive Army parade in Washington, D.C.—set for June 14th and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday—has sparked controversy and curiosity. Michael first gets the military perspective from Admiral James Stavridis, followed by candid reactions from listeners (including those who’ve marched in such parades themselves). Then Axios’ Alex Isenstadt joins to unpack the behind-the-scenes planning, costs, optics, and political symbolism. Is this a patriotic celebration or a campaign-styled spectacle? You decide. Original air date 10 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 Juni 35min
Life, Death, and Suffering: Who Gets to Choose? Bioethicist Dr. Art Caplan On The Right To Die Without A Terminal Illness
Should patients without a terminal illness have the right to die? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the ethical, legal, and emotional complexities of assisted death, with reference to Canada’s expanding MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) program. He also shares moving stories of people and their reasons for wanting to end their lives, plus, hear a powerful and smart conversation with NYU Grossman School of Medicine bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan, who is the absolute expert on this subject. A deeply thought-provoking episode on autonomy, suffering, and the boundaries of compassion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 Juni 37min
Democrats Are Trying To Speak To Young Men To Win Them Back
Michael welcomes Ilyse Hogue, co-founder of the Speaking with American Men (SAM) Project, which aims to help the Democratic Party win back young male voters who are no longer aligning themselves with the party, many even becoming more conservative. These are younger men who feel ignored, ridiculed, left behind in education, the labor force, the dating pool, and other areas. Listen to find out what this project entails, and what she is finding out. Original air date 9 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 Juni 29min
Should You Check Papers Before Hiring Help?
Should there be legal consequences for those who hire day laborers outside Home Depot without verifying their immigration status? That's today's poll question at Smerconish.com. Michael dives into the immigration debate sparked by weekend clashes in Los Angeles, the legality and ethics of on-the-spot hiring, and a personal story about TaskRabbit, a missing sofa, and a revealing look at how many Americans navigate the labor market. This is about more than immigration—it’s about who we hire, why we hire, and what it says about us. Listen, then cast your own vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 Juni 17min
From D-Day Reflections to Renaming A Ship During Pride Month: Admiral Stavridis Breaks It Down
On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Michael Smerconish is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower (Who was the first NATO Supreme Allied Commander), Ukraine's bold strike deep into Russia, rising tensions with Iran, the Trump-Musk feud and its global stakes, and the controversy over renaming Navy ships during Pride Month. A gripping conversation on leadership, accountability, and the state of the world in 2025. Original air date 6 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6 Juni 16min
Musk vs. Trump: Who Can Destroy the Other First?
Who wins in a showdown between two of the world's most powerful and controversial men—Elon Musk or Donald Trump? Michael breaks down this new explosive feud, their mutual vulnerabilities, and why a truce might be on the horizon. Listen in for Michael’s insider commentary on today's sizzling poll question, and the political and business stakes of this heavyweight clash. Then head to Smerconish.com and vote on the question: "Who could inflict the most damage to the other: Musk or Trump?" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6 Juni 17min
Pouring Harvey Milk Out To Sea
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is considering renaming several US Navy ships that are named after civil rights icons. One in particular is the U.S.S. Harvey Milk, a ship that carries oil at sea in support of other Navy vessels. It is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Michael is joined by New York Times Reporter John Ismay, who is covering this story. He reports on the Pentagon and defense, and is a veteran. Original air date 5 June 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5 Juni 26min
Before You Vote 'No' To Reducing Foreign Enrollment in American Colleges - Hear This
Michael Smerconish urges listeners to hit pause before casting a reflexive "no" vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com, which asks: "Should U.S. colleges reduce foreign enrollment to better preserve American social mobility and promote national unity?" Drawing on a provocative New York Times essay by Princeton professor David Bell, he explores the complex trade-offs behind foreign student enrollment—from economic benefits and global prestige to issues of fairness, access, and national cohesion. Is it time to rebalance the system in favor of American students? Or is limiting foreign enrollment a mistake? Don’t just vote—listen first. Then, head to Smerconish.com to cast your ballot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
5 Juni 19min
