'Trojan Horse' Border Agents
A Penske truck. Disguised border agents. Day laborers at an L.A. Home Depot. In this episode, Michael unpacks the controversial “Operation Trojan Horse” immigration sting in Los Angeles—and asks if it was an ingenious enforcement tactic or a violation of civil rights. Plus, poll results on Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Peggy Noonan’s emotional plea, and the deeper debate over immigration, labor, and legality in America. Listen here, then head over to Smerconish.com and let us know your thoughts.
8 Aug 15min
Social Life on Life Support: Why Americans Are Staying Home More Than Ever
Learn more about Michael's Mingle Project here.Diana Lind is author of the New Urban Order Substack and a recent visiting fellow at the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University.
7 Aug 30min
Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
Listen to Michael's conversation with Garrett Graff, author of The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb on The Book Club with Michael Smerconish Podcast.
7 Aug 17min
Epstein, Redistricting & 2028 Politics: Mark Halperin Behind The Scenes
Political analyst Mark Halperin joins Michael for his weekly visit to break down the biggest behind-the-scenes stories in politics. From Trump’s possible replacement for Jerome Powell, to the shaping of the 2028 presidential field—including a potential JD Vance–Marco Rubio ticket—this episode dives deep. Plus: What’s really going on with redistricting, Josh Shapiro’s future, and the Epstein-Maxwell media black hole? Don’t miss this inside look at the power dynamics reshaping American politics.
6 Aug 30min
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
