'Shambolic But Strategic’: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Ukraine Move
Listen to Mark's Next Up Podcast.
20 Aug 31min
Yes, Voting By Mail Is Secure
Is voting by mail secure? With President Trump vowing to ban it and bringing election integrity back in the spotlight, Michael explores the real data behind mail-in voting. From Civil War history to MIT studies to recent political firestorms, this episode breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s at stake for 2026 and 2028. Spoiler: The fraud rate is lower than your chances of getting struck by lightning.
20 Aug 15min
Could Trump Really Win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Could Donald Trump ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Michael speaks with with University of Agder Professor Dr. Øyvind Tønnesson, a former advisor to the Nobel Institute, for a provocative conversation about peace, politics, and character. With historical insight and sharp commentary, they debate whether Trump — even if he brokered peace in Ukraine — would ever be a viable candidate. An unmissable episode about power, perception, and the most prestigious prize on earth. Original air date 19 August 2025.
19 Aug 28min
Should the U.S. Go to War with Russia?
Michael dives into one of the most provocative poll questions he's ever posed: Should Ukraine join NATO — and should the United States invoke Article 5 and go to war with Russia? What prompted such a bold ask? A pattern of consistently hawkish responses from his audience on past Ukraine-related poll questions. With 79% recently supporting U.S. troop deployment to enforce peace in Ukraine, Michael wonders: Are we ready to go all the way? He breaks down historical poll results, examines the implications of invoking Article 5, and challenges his audience to consider the real-life consequences of their answers. Are we serious about war — or just keyboard warriors? Listen here, and leave a rating and review of this podcast.
19 Aug 13min
Reading Trump & Putin Like a Book – A Body Language Deep Dive
In this eye-opening episode, Michael Smerconish sits down with body language expert Chris Ulrich, founder of CU in the Moment, to analyze the high-stakes optics of the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Anchorage. What did the red carpet, the handshake, the subtle smirks, and even the way the leaders stood and sat reveal about power, control, and unspoken dynamics?Ulrich, a seasoned consultant in nonverbal communication and behavioral dynamics, breaks down the symbolism and stagecraft that played out between the two leaders. He explains why Trump’s shoulder pat, Putin’s quickened pace, and Trump’s open-palm gesture weren't just random choices—they were calculated or habitual moves loaded with meaning.From the arrival choreography to the final moments of the press conference, Ulrich reads into every gesture, clap, steeple, and foot position, revealing how physical behavior can either project dominance or deference—and how both Trump and Putin used those tools to their advantage.Michael and Chris also explore whether these behaviors are intentional or instinctive, what Trump might have done differently had he sought expert coaching beforehand, and how viewers at home can sharpen their own observation skills to spot influence, tension, and strategy through body language alone.Whether you're politically engaged, fascinated by leadership dynamics, or curious about the unspoken psychology behind international relations, this episode offers a rare decoding of political theater at the highest level.
18 Aug 30min
Should Trump Send U.S. Troops to Ukraine After the War To Provide Security?
Michael dives deep into today’s provocative poll question at Smerconish.com: "Should President Trump commit to deploying U.S. troops alongside those of European nations to provide security to Ukraine once hostilities have ended?" With major diplomatic moves unfolding and Europe pushing for security guarantees, Michael breaks down what’s at stake, why this moment matters, and what the public really thinks. All this just after the "Alaska Summit" on Friday between Trump and Putin, and before Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington, DC today. Listen here, then vote, and rate and review this podcast!
18 Aug 15min
Trump Wants On Mount Rushmore
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist John Branch joins Michael to discuss the fascinating history and fragile geology of Mount Rushmore, and why adding a fifth face—like Donald Trump’s—is more complicated than it sounds. From the original sculptor’s vision to political dreams and structural realities, this episode dives deep into one of America's most iconic monuments—and the controversy swirling around it.
15 Aug 35min
We're Not Mingling. So We're Not Drinking.
Michael unpacks a startling trend: fewer Americans are drinking alcohol—and it’s not just about health or cost. And people voting on today's Smerconish.com poll question first thing this morning were voting before listening to this episode...it's important, eye-opening, and isolating: Drawing from new Gallup data, cultural commentary, and The “Mingle Project,” he argues that a growing lack of social connection is to blame. Plus, reflections on the Ukraine war, the Trump-Putin summit. A must-listen on loneliness, polarization, and what we’ve lost in a screen-bound society.
15 Aug 21min
