Happy hour used to be where careers were shaped, friendships were formed, and mentors emerged. Now, it’s disappearing.

In this episode, Michael explores a Wall Street Journal report on the decline of workplace happy hours—and what that loss means for young professionals, workplace culture, mental health, and social connection. From listener stories to generational insights, Smerconish makes the case that mingling isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Are we trading human connection for convenience, and at what cost? Original air date 7 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael takes a deep dive into the Minneapolis ICE shooting that has ignited fierce debate across media and politics. Instead of partisan talking points, he examines the case through the actual federal standards governing use of deadly force — including ICE, CBP, and DHS policy memos spanning more than a decade.

Today's Smerconish.com poll question asks: "Did the ICE agent reasonably believe the woman in the SUV posed to him a significant threat of death or serious physical harm?" Michael walks through the video evidence, explains what “reasonable belief” legally means, and breaks down when — and when not — law enforcement is authorized to shoot at a moving vehicle. If you want less outrage and more clarity, this episode is essential listening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

A fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis reignites the national debate over immigration enforcement and police use of force. Michael Smerconish examines the video, the law, and the rarely discussed federal policies governing when ICE agents may fire their weapons. Joined by former Boston police lieutenant and DHS advisor Dr. Thomas Nolan, Smerconish breaks down why this case may fail the legal standard—and how a local sheriff’s race in Pennsylvania foreshadowed this exact moment. Original air date 8 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael Smerconish unpacks today’s Smerconish.com poll question: "Is there less chaos and more purpose in the decision making process of President Trump than is commonly portrayed in the media?" Drawing on insights from political analyst Mark Halperin, Michael explores whether what looks like disorder may actually be “controlled chaos" - weigh in at Smerconish.com after listening, 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.

Is Donald Trump finally “doomed,” or is that a familiar storyline playing on repeat?

Michael Smerconish sits down with political analyst Mark Halperin to examine why predictions of Trump’s political collapse keep falling short. From foreign policy flashpoints like Greenland, Ukraine, and Venezuela to tariffs, media bias, and what Halperin calls “controlled chaos,” the conversation explores whether Trump’s leadership style is reckless—or deliberately disruptive.

A sharp, candid discussion about power, perception, and why Trump continues to dominate American politics, for better or worse. Original air date 7 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Five years after January 6, Michael Smerconish tackles a deeply uncomfortable question: should Americans feel any empathy for the defendants who say they believed they were defending the country? Drawing on a new New York Times report, expert analysis on political violence, and firsthand conversations with Trump attorneys, Michael explains today’s Smerconish.com poll and examines whether intent, belief, and misinformation complicate moral judgment—without excusing violence. Listen here, then vote, 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.

Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. He is a leading expert on political violence, terrorism, and democratic stability, and has conducted extensive research on the January 6 defendants.

Michael van der Veen is a Philadelphia-based trial attorney who served as lead defense counsel for President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial. He has also represented multiple defendants charged in connection with January 6.

William J. Brennan is a veteran criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling complex federal cases. He has represented several January 6 defendants and frequently speaks on issues of criminal justice and prosecutorial overreach.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As protests spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and economic collapse, President Trump warns that the U.S. could respond “very hard” if Iranian authorities use deadly force against demonstrators. In this episode of The Smerconish Podcast, Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: If Iran uses force against protesters, should the United States respond militarily?

Michael examines the moral case for intervention, the real-world risks of escalation, and whether non-military options—like sanctions, communications support, and exposure of regime abuses—offer a better path forward. With global tensions rising and America already stretched abroad, where should the line be drawn?

👉 Listen and vote now at Smerconish.com, and 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.

The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic, highly coordinated military operation—but what happens next?

in this episode, Michael examines the stunning takedown of Maduro, now facing sweeping narco-terrorism charges in a New York courtroom, and asks the question few seem prepared to answer: Was there a real plan for the day after?

Michael breaks down the indictment, the potential life sentence Maduro faces, and the extraordinary military precision behind the operation—while weighing sharply divided reactions from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Thomas Friedman. He also explores concerns about U.S. overreach, regime change, and whether America is now responsible for Venezuela’s future. With calls from listeners across the U.S. and beyond, this episode captures the uncertainty, debate, and historical echoes surrounding one of the boldest foreign policy moves in decades. A tactical success—perhaps. A strategic gamble? Almost certainly. Original air date 5 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Michael Smerconish breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Is the Minnesota fraud the exception or the norm?

From a viral video alleging widespread daycare fraud to the trillions of dollars rushed out during the COVID pandemic, Michael adds context, skepticism, and historical perspective. He explains why Minnesota may not be a one-off, how speed overtook security in federal relief programs, and why enforcement efforts later fell short. A timely conversation about government oversight, viral outrage, and the real cost of pandemic spending. Listen here, then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com, and please 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.