Michael Smerconish sits down with Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, one of the organizers behind the nationwide “No Kings” rallies that drew millions around the globe. They discuss how humor and ridicule have become tools of resistance, the logistics of coordinating thousands of peaceful protests, and whether demonstrations can truly lead to political change.

Then, Michael gets reaction from the audience, sparking a lively debate over protest effectiveness. Listen to this conversation that blends politics, strategy, and satire — and asks: Can laughter really challenge power? Original air date 21 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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A brutal poll question at Smerconish.com today: Should the Russia–Ukraine conflict be settled by accepting the current front lines as permanent?

Michael breaks down why this option—awful for Ukraine—might still be the only “practical” endgame if the alternatives are endless attrition or dangerous escalation. Listen in for the case for a territorial “freeze” vs. the risks of arming Ukraine with long-range missiles and more. Please rate and review this podcast, thanks for listening! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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In this episode, Michael Smerconish dives into the explosive debate over the nationwide “No Kings” rallies, which drew millions across America this past weekend. Two excellent voices join the conversation with very different takes: Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite, questions whether these protests accomplish anything beyond social media posts and self-satisfaction. Will Bunch, national opinion columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, argues that the movement’s true power lies in restoring community, courage, and hope in a divided democracy. From the power of collective action to the pitfalls of performative protest, this conversation asks: Can massive marches really make meaningful change—or are we mistaking hashtags for history? Original air date 20 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Over 7 million protesters participated in "No Kings" protests across 2,600+ locations nationwide. Michael talks about this here and is asking you in today's Smerconish.com poll question: "Will the “No Kings” rallies lead to meaningful change? Listen to Michael offer dueling views from Colby Hall (Mediaite) and Will Bunch (Philly Inquirer), and then cast your ballot at Smerconish.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) joins Michael Smerconish to discuss their recent joint appearance on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher', the government shutdown, President Trump, and foreign policy — until a fiery exchange over transgender service members derails the conversation. After Mace abruptly ends the call, Jo Ellis, the decorated National Guard veteran and black hawk pilot at the center of the debate, joins Michael to respond — offering a deeply personal perspective on service, identity, and respect. A powerful episode exploring free speech, empathy, and where civil discourse breaks down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Michael dives into today’s smerconish.com poll question: "Which indictment is strongest — John Bolton, James Comey, or Letitia James?" In this episode, Michael breaks down each case, weighs the legal and political stakes, and explains why he thinks one indictment clearly stands out. Plus, what “Show me the man, I’ll find the crime” really says about our justice system. Listen, vote, and rate and review this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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This interview is part of Michael's ongoing "Mingle Project." Learn more here.

Helen Woolley is a Professor of Landscape Architecture, Children's Environments and Society at the University of Sheffield.

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Michael speaks with Professor Michael Polelle a Florida voter, and constitutional law scholar, who’s been fighting — solo — to overturn Florida’s closed primary system. His lawsuit argues that forcing voters to join a political party to participate in publicly funded primaries violates free speech and equal protection rights. The Supreme Court declined to hear his case, but the fight for open primaries — and for millions of independent voters shut out of elections — is far from over. Michael himself is part of a lawsuit pursuing the same goal in Pennsylvania, also a closed primary state. Original air date 16 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Will President Trump give Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine? That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com....and deliberately, Michael is asking "WILL" and not "SHOULD." With President Zelensky visiting the White House and global tensions rising, Michael unpacks what this decision could mean for U.S. foreign policy, NATO, and Trump’s stance toward Putin. Plus, Michael revisits the global debate over AI risk, and he explores a provocative essay arguing that sex robots might not be so bad after all! Don't miss it...listen here, and please rate and review this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Mark Halperin is Editor-in-Chief of 2WAY and host of the Next Up podcast.

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