Michael Smerconish talks with Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, about the alarming crisis facing young men — rising loneliness, declining engagement, and surging mental-health challenges. Fryday explains the newly launched California Men’s Service Challenge, a statewide push to recruit 10,000 male mentors, coaches, and role models. Together, they discuss the power of service, the need to rebuild social capital, and how volunteerism could help reconnect a divided America. Original air date 26 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael dives into the Smerconish.com poll question inspired by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s controversial claim that airline passengers should “dress with respect” to promote civility. From shocking in-flight behavior stats to a viral DOT video, Michael explores whether our clothing really influences how we act in the air. Listen to this lively, timely conversation heading into Thanksgiving travel, vote at Smerconish.com, and then rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Breaking news meets expert analysis. As reports emerge that Ukraine may have agreed to a peace proposal with Russia, Michael brings in one of the world’s most trusted strategic minds — Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this urgent conversation, the Admiral reacts in real time to developing headlines, explains how the peace plan has shifted, and breaks down the difficult trade-offs Ukraine may face, including territorial concessions, NATO’s role, and long-term security guarantees. A must-listen episode on what could be the most consequential diplomatic moment of the war. Original air date 25 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael dives into today’s hot-button poll question that he's asking at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine agree to a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia if its future security is guaranteed? From Tom Friedman’s “dirty vs. filthy” deal framework to the evolving U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, Michael breaks down the politics, principles, and tough trade-offs of ending the war. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun from the new Smerconish studio and updates from the nationwide Mingle Meetups. Listen here and vote on the poll question, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

When six Democratic members of Congress released a video urging troops to “refuse illegal orders,” President Trump called it seditious behavior. But was the video itself appropriate—or reckless? Michael speaks with Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham (ret.), a former Air Force JAG and law professor, who says the lawmakers “did more harm than good.” Together, they unpack what the law actually says about disobeying orders, how politics risks turning the military into a pawn, and where the real danger to democracy lies. Original air date 24 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Was it appropriate for members of Congress to release a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders? That's today's Smerconish.com poll question...While President Trump’s fiery response suggesting the Democrats in the video be tried for treason grabbed headlines, Michael explores the deeper issue — was the video itself a political provocation or a necessary act of principle? Hear Michael’s take, and insights from a piece written by Retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, now a professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, who argues the lawmakers may have “done more harm than good.” (Programming Note: Michael interview Lt. Col. VanLandingham in a podcast episode being released later today!)

Listen now as Smerconish challenges both sides to think critically about duty, politics, and the Constitution...and cast your vote at smerconish.com, and thank you for sharing, rating and reviewing this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

A three-judge federal panel just struck down Texas’s mid-decade redistricting map — and the fallout could reshape the 2026 House majority. Michael invites Yale constitutional law professor Jed Rubenfeld to break down why the court called it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, how a “volcanic” dissent all but guarantees Supreme Court review, and what this means for California’s controversial Prop 50 map. A deep dive into the legal, political, and democratic stakes of America’s newest redistricting showdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael breaks down today’s poll question: If courts halt Texas’s redistricting, should California pause theirs too? He explores the legal, political, and constitutional stakes behind state-by-state redistricting battles—and what “fairness” really means in the process. Vote in today’s poll and watch the full show on Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael digs into a groundbreaking New York Times report revealing Amazon’s push to automate up to 600,000 jobs — and what it means for the future of American work. NYT tech correspondent Karen Weise joins to explain what she saw inside Amazon’s most advanced robotic facility, how automation is reshaping warehouse labor, and why this shift is already underway. Michael also revisits a professor’s bold prediction of 99% unemployment, audience skepticism, and the broader debate over AI’s impact on jobs. A must-listen for anyone wondering where the workforce is headed next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael tackles today’s big question: Should Americans be able to vote from their phones? In this episode, he explores the security risks, potential benefits for voter turnout, global experiments with digital voting, and how mobile ballots could reshape U.S. politics. Plus, he reviews audience reactions to the Daily Poll and the ongoing debate over trust in American elections. A timely, thought-provoking look at the future of democracy. Join the conversation and vote now on Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.