The Gerrymandering Problem No One Wants to Fix
Today, Michael dives deep into the complex and controversial issue of gerrymandering — what it is, where it’s happening, and how you can find out if you live in a distorted district. Prompted by today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com (“Do you live in a gerrymandered legislative district?”), this episode offers a clear, engaging primer on political redistricting, the history behind it, and the real-life consequences playing out in places like Texas. Plus, hear Michael’s thoughts on how fair maps could actually work — and why that’s such a rare outcome. Listen here, and please share, rate, and review this podcast!
6 Aug 14min
America Is Fractured. Here’s What Michael Told Thousands of State Lawmakers About Fixing It
Michael reflects on an extraordinary day in Boston, where he addressed thousands of state lawmakers attending the National Conference of State Legislators annual legislative summit. From powerful speeches about bipartisanship and political violence — including emotional remarks from a Minnesota state senator who survived an attack — to a candid fireside chat with Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Michael shares what he saw, heard, and believes we must do next to repair America’s broken public discourse. And it all involves getting out and mingling. Original air date 5 August 2025.
5 Aug 34min
Closing the Door on Democracy: Political Canvassing in the Age of Ring Doorbells
Fresh off speaking at the largest gathering of state legislators in Boston yesterday, Michael talks about the surprising role of Ring video doorbells and how they are shutting the door on political canvassers. With stories of incivility, political violence, and societal disconnect, Michael explores what it means to engage (or not engage) with politics today, starting at your own front door! Listen here, then vote on today's Smerconish.com poll question, which asks: Do you open your door to a political canvasser?
5 Aug 16min
How a College Student Solved a 57-Year-Old Cold Case Murder
In this gripping episode, Michael dives deep into the decades-old unsolved murder of 9-year-old Marise Chiverella from Hazelton, Pennsylvania. After 57 years, this cold case was cracked thanks to the groundbreaking work of Eric Schubert, an 18-year-old college student and genetic genealogist. Learn how Eric's unique skills and determination helped the Pennsylvania State Police identify the killer through DNA and family tree research — all while balancing college life. Then, hear about some amazing DNA discoveries from the audience. This episode uncovers the power of modern science and the relentless pursuit of justice for a community waiting decades for answers. Original air date 31 July 2025.
4 Aug 41min
Should Ghislaine Maxwell Get a Deal to Expose More Sex Offenders?
Michael broadcasts from Boston ahead of his speech to the National Conference of State Legislators, reflecting on political violence, viral poll results, and a provocative question at Smerconish.com today: "Would you support a reduced sentence for Ghislaine Maxwell if her testimony resulted in the conviction of other sex offenders?" Plus, why her recent transfer to a low-security facility could signal something bigger — and what it means in the Trump-era political landscape.
4 Aug 13min
When Violence Meets Virality: The Manhattan Murder That Shocked & Delighted The Internet
A woman is brutally murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The incident is caught on video. What happens next? An outpouring of online celebration, racialized commentary, and digital glee over a real-life tragedy. Michael Smerconish speaks with Maya Sulkin, reporter for The Free Press, about her viral piece: “She Was Murdered in Midtown Manhattan. The Internet Celebrated It.” Sulkin shares what she believes this grotesque digital response says about the state of our culture, how social media distorts empathy, and what happens when real lives become content. Could this just be trolling, or is something far more broken in our collective conscience? Original Air Date 1 August, 2025.
1 Aug 41min
Trump Wants It Back—But Should We? Revisiting the Presidential Fitness Test
Today’s poll question dives into a surprisingly nostalgic and controversial topic: Should we reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. schools? Michael takes a trip down memory lane—from pizza days and posture checks at Doyle Elementary to the shower policies of junior high PE classes—and unpacks how the fitness test became a cultural milestone. With Trump advocating for its return ahead of America’s semi quincentennial, and critics arguing it promotes outdated standards, Michael explores both sides of the debate. Cast your vote today at Smerconish.com
1 Aug 15min
The Borderline Outrage: Why Canadians Are Feeling Disillusioned With America
For decades, Canadians viewed the United States with a mix of admiration, envy, and affection — but Donald Trump may have shattered that dynamic. In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish speaks with New York Magazine writer Simon van Zuylen-Wood about his eye-opening article that explores the deep and growing frustration many Canadians feel toward America, particularly over Trump’s rise, rhetoric, and resilience in U.S. politics. Original air date 31 July, 2025.
31 Juli 40min
