Should Pastors Pick Presidents? The IRS Just Changed the Rules
Michael dives into a hot-button issue with today's poll question at Smerconish.com: Should religious leaders be permitted to endorse political candidates in churches and other religious centers without losing their tax-exempt status? The IRS just made a quiet but potentially seismic shift — is this a free speech win or a threat to the separation of church and state? Plus, a look back at yesterday’s poll question results on the alarming study on the decline of children's health in America.
9 Juli 14min
Inside the Texas Flood Crisis: National Weather Service Failures & Heartbreaking Stories
Michael speaks with New York Times reporter Christopher Flavelle about the tragic Texas floods that have claimed over 100 lives so far. They discuss critical staffing shortages at the National Weather Service that may have impacted warnings and emergency response. Then, Michael connects with Texans on the ground to hear their reactions and personal stories from the disaster. Join us as we explore whether this tragedy was preventable and what it reveals about extreme weather, government preparedness, and climate change. Original air date 7 July 2025.
8 Juli 31min
U.S. Kids Are Twice as Likely to Die—The Devastating Data No One’s Talking About
A new study conducted by a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a deeply troubling reality: children in the United States are facing worse health outcomes than their peers in other high-income nations—across nearly every indicator. Michael Smerconish breaks down the findings with insight, urgency, and a bit of personal reflection. From chronic conditions and gun violence to mental health, poverty, and policy failures, this episode dives deep into why America is falling short. This is the premise for today's Daily Poll Question at Smerconish.com, which asks: Why do U.S. children have comparatively worse health outcomes? Listen here, then vote there!
8 Juli 14min
Proud To Be An American: Michael Smerconish In 1985 vs. Today
Michael returns from vacation with a powerful reflection on patriotism in America—then and now. Sparked by a Gallup poll showing record-low pride in the U.S., he compares national data with his own take and responses from the audience. He also revisits a 1985 essay he wrote at age 23 about the American Dream—and unpacks how his perspective has changed over four decades. What does it mean to be “extremely proud” to be American today? And can the U.S. endure another 250 years? A must-listen conversation on national identity, generational divides, and the future of the American experiment. Original air date 7 July 2025.
7 Juli 29min
Preventable Disaster? Michael Smerconish on the Deadly Texas Storm
Michael Smerconish returns from vacation with a heavy heart, reflecting on the tragic Texas flood that left dozens dead—many of them children. Was it an unavoidable act of nature or a preventable catastrophe worsened by government staffing shortages and climate denial? Michael dives into today’s smerconish.com poll question, shares personal reflections on flash floods, and previews an important conversation with New York Times journalist Christopher Flavelle on the failures in weather forecasting. A sobering, thoughtful look at disaster response in a time of extreme weather.
7 Juli 17min
Is The American Dream Still Alive? Let's Take A Quiz
Michael and audience members take a quiz together on the American Dream, looking to see if it is still possible. The quiz was published in the Washington Post - listen in to find out! Original air date 20 June 2025.
3 Juli 22min
President Trump's Effective Use Of The F-Bomb
When President Trump dropped the F-Bomb last week while discussing the cease fire between Iran and Israel, Michael noted its effectiveness, and then moved into a conversation on other effective, public uses of the swear word that is the favorite of many. Enjoy the conversation! Original air date 24 June 2025.
2 Juli 23min
Streaming Sports Is Killing Community
How much does it cost to be a sports fan today? Try $4,785. Michael Smerconish sits down with journalist Joon Lee to unpack how streaming has splintered sports viewing, inflated fan costs, and eroded one of America’s great cultural touchpoints: watching the game together. From sports bars going silent to six streaming subscriptions just to follow your team, this episode explores the steep financial—and social—price we’re now paying for fandom. Original air date 18 June 2025.
1 Juli 27min
