Episodes

  • Thank You, Elon Musk

    Thank You, Elon Musk
    May 30 2025
    Michael asks for help with a commentary he's considering delivering to his CNN audience this weekend, where he says thank you to Elon Musk for his work at DOGE. The first draft of what he's written (and delivers here) may or may not have been fueled by a drink and a cigar. Musk is leaving his role at DOGE and the federal government to return full time at Tesla and SpaceX. Original air date 30 May 2025.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • TACO: Is Trump Hoping the Courts Kill His Tariffs?

    TACO: Is Trump Hoping the Courts Kill His Tariffs?
    May 30 2025
    Michael dives into today's Smerconish.com Daily Poll: Do you think President Trump secretly hopes his tariffs are struck down by the courts, sparing further negotiation and the perception of "TACO"? With breaking legal developments on Trump’s trade policies, Michael explores the recent rulings, their market impact, and whether Trump’s real strategy is to win by losing. Plus, reflections on the high-stakes battles Trump is waging with big law, the media, and academia. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com! Listen for sharp analysis, legal insight, and—yes—a few taco jokes. Vote now at Smerconish.com.
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • Trump’s Tariff Defeat Might Be a Political Win...For All

    Trump’s Tariff Defeat Might Be a Political Win...For All
    May 29 2025
    A federal court strikes down most of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Michael Smerconish breaks down the legal reasoning behind the ruling and asks: Is this really a political loss for Trump, or a strategic win? GOP strategist David Urban joins to discuss how this could actually help Trump moving forward. Plus: What this means for markets, businesses, and the future of U.S. trade policy.
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • High-Stakes Institutional Battles: Trump vs. Big Law, The Media, and Academia

    High-Stakes Institutional Battles: Trump vs. Big Law, The Media, and Academia
    May 29 2025
    Today’s poll at Smerconish.com asks: Trump’s battle with which institution has the highest stakes for the nation? Big Law, the Media, or Academia? Michael breaks down the cases against each—from legal threats and media lawsuits to academic defunding. Which of these institutions is most vital to democracy—and most at risk? Tune in as he analyzes the implications of each fight and shares his own take. Plus, reflections on First Amendment tensions in schools, following yesterday's poll question on the Supreme Court case over a middle school student wearing a provocative shirt.
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • Mark Halperin Names Trump’s Surprising Achievements – And Major Incompletes

    Mark Halperin Names Trump’s Surprising Achievements – And Major Incompletes
    May 28 2025

    Mark Halperin is editor in chief of 2WAY and host of the "Next Up with Mark Halperin" podcast.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The Free Speech Line in Schools

    From Boobies Bracelets to Two-Gender T-Shirts: The Free Speech Line in Schools
    May 28 2025
    A Massachusetts student’s t-shirt reading “There Are Only Two Genders” ignited a national free speech debate—and the Supreme Court just passed on the case. In this episode, Michael dives into what Justice Alito's fiery dissent reveals, whether schools are suppressing student viewpoints, and why ignoring the controversy might have been the better option. Are public schools upholding the First Amendment—or playing favorites? Be sure to vote on today's daily poll question at Smerconish.com: Does the First Amendment protect a public middle school student’s right to wear a t-shirt saying: “There Are Only Two Genders”?
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Come On In For A Hug, Bro

    Come On In For A Hug, Bro
    May 27 2025
    What happened to deep male friendships? Michael speaks with author Sam Graham-Felsen about his deeply personal and widely resonant New York Times essay on the quiet epidemic of male loneliness. From childhood sleepovers to adult solitude, Graham-Felsen explores how once-intense male friendships fade with age—and what that says about masculinity, society, and emotional intimacy today. Together, they unpack historical shifts, social norms, and powerful data showing that American men are increasingly disconnected from one another. With reflections on politics, social media, and what we can learn from Abraham Lincoln and Herman Melville’s letters to their male friends, this is a conversation about what it means to be a man—and a friend—in today’s world. A must-listen for anyone navigating modern relationships—male or female. Original air date 27 May 2025.
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Russia-Ukraine: Is This the Beginning of the End of the War — or the End of Peace?

    Russia-Ukraine: Is This the Beginning of the End of the War — or the End of Peace?
    May 27 2025
    Michael breaks down today’s poll question: "Are we seeing the beginning of the end of the Russia-Ukraine war — or the end of any hope for peace?" He dives into Trump’s wild Memorial Day posts, Putin’s brutal escalation, and why he fears Ukraine may be on the losing end. A sobering, can't-miss episode for anyone tracking global conflict and U.S. foreign policy.
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup