Thoughts and Prayers with Jonah Goldberg
After a tragic school shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate, Michael sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch, to unpack the fierce backlash against offering “thoughts and prayers.” Is it a hollow gesture or a necessary human response? They explore how political polarization and social media have turned even grief into a culture war — and what needs to happen after the prayers. Plus, hear Michael's "standard response" that he has written and reads every time there is a mass shooting. It is the same thing...every time.A powerful, timely conversation about compassion, cynicism, and constructive action. Original air date 2 September 2025.
2 Sep 30min
From Maine to Mayhem: Michael’s Vacation Sparks a Tip Tax Debate
Michael returns from vacation in Maine and dives into today's Smerconish.com poll question on this hot topic: should tips be tax-free? From golf caddies to DJs, he unpacks the 68 jobs newly exempt under Trump’s proposed “no tax on tips” plan. Michael shares his own tipping experiences and explains why he thinks this policy might do more harm than good. A must-listen debate on fairness, wages, and the future of tipping in America. Listen here, then vote on today's poll question at Smerconish.com!
2 Sep 12min
Oklahoma’s ‘Anti-Woke’ Teacher Test: Civics Questions Teachers Should Know
Michael gives listeners a surprise civics pop quiz—straight from Oklahoma’s new teacher screening exam. With controversy swirling around the state’s “anti-woke” education agenda, are these questions just basic knowledge—or politically loaded? Hear real callers take the test, debate the motives behind it, and weigh in on whether teachers should be required to pass such an exam. Can YOU answer all five questions? Original air date 20 August 2025.
29 Aug 23min
Serving on a School Board Might Be the Riskiest Job in America
Michael Smerconish speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and harassment against local officials—from school board members to township supervisors. Why are these public servants under siege, and what can be done to stop the violence? A sobering look at the state of American democracy, backed by data and personal accounts. Original air date 22 August 2025.
28 Aug 41min
Is Mail-In Voting Under Threat? Trump’s Bold Promise vs. The Facts
President Trump says he’ll end mail-in voting by executive order—but can he? Michael Smerconish dives into the facts with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor of Political Science Dr. Charles Stewart III, an expert in election integrity. They unpack the myths, explore the data, and discuss the real differences between absentee voting and all-mail elections. Original air date 19 August 2025.
27 Aug 33min
The Summer America Tried to Replace Migrant Workers with Teens—It Was a Disaster
What happened when the U.S. government tried to replace Mexican farm workers with high school athletes in the 1960s? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gustavo Arellano joins Michael to unpack a forgotten federal program called the “A-Team.” Then, listeners from around the country call in with their own hilarious, humbling, and often painful stories of trying to do farm work—and explain why those jobs go unfilled by Americans today. One listener puts it best: “I lasted two days. Not even for the hash.” Original air date 18 August 2025.
26 Aug 39min
We're Losing Touch with Nature — And It's Worse Than You Think
Are we forgetting nature? Michael speaks with Professor Miles Richardson, a leading expert on "nature connectedness" at the University of Derby. Richardson’s research shows a 60% drop in our connection to nature since 1800—reflected in everything from language to lifestyle. Together, they explore why children are growing up without a bond to the natural world, how urbanization plays a role, and what we can still do to reverse this hidden crisis. If you’ve ever loved a walk in the woods, this episode will make you think twice about how—and whether—that experience is being passed on. Original air date 13 August 2025.
25 Aug 29min
Live From The New Joint
Today’s episode marks a milestone over 30 years in the making. Michael Smerconish unveils his brand new studio—affectionately dubbed The New Joint—a space he’s envisioned for decades and finally brought to life. This isn’t just a backdrop for broadcasting; it’s the physical realization of a lifelong dream, built with purpose, precision, and a whole lot of personality. In this special episode, Michael takes you behind the scenes of The New Joint, guiding you through every detail of his long-envisioned studio—from lighting and layout to the personal touches that make it uniquely his. He shares the journey from dream to reality, reflecting on how the new space will enhance everything from daily poll segments to deep-dive conversations, while offering heartfelt thanks to the designers, contractors, artists, engineers, and friends who helped bring it to life. this episode offers a rare peek behind the mic—and a powerful reminder that dreams, even those 30 years in the making, can come true with patience, grit, and the right people by your side. Original air date 22 August 2025.
22 Aug 13min
