Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Michael welcomes USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss her bestselling book "The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History." From Ronald Reagan’s close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II to Donald Trump’s fascination with royal protocol, Page shares revealing stories about the monarch’s relationships with every American president she encountered. The conversation explores unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments involving the Obamas, Jimmy Carter, JFK, and more — offering a fascinating look at how Queen Elizabeth quietly shaped the “special relationship” between the United States and Great Britain for more than seventy years. Original air date 7 May 2026. The book was published on 14 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Visit The Mingle Project, and watch this in Episode #27 of The Mingle Project on YouTube.

The Mingle Project is Michael's mission to restore civility and compromise to our public discourse. For three decades, he’s had a front-row seat to the increase in polarization that has gripped the nation. He sees the current climate as part of a much larger disconnect in society fueled by technology and self-sorting, having a serious impact on the mental health of our youth. The Mingle Project is both his diagnosis and prescription for the problem, presented through anecdotes, social science… and a few laughs!

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

Michael welcomes Princeton University professor and historian Julian Zelizer with "The Presidency of Joseph R. Biden: A First Historical Assessment", a new collection of essays examining Biden’s legacy. They explore the administration’s major accomplishments—from economic recovery to climate and foreign policy—alongside the political challenges that defined his presidency, including inflation, immigration, and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Zelizer explains why early historical evaluations matter and how Biden’s decisions, especially his bid for a second term, may shape how history ultimately judges his time in office. Original air date 29 April 2026. The book was published on 7 April 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 sits down with legal analyst and Advisory Opinions host Sarah Isgur to discuss her best-selling book "Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court" and unpack how the Supreme Court really works. Using engaging examples—from “snails on a train” to modern constitutional debates—they explore competing theories of interpretation, the myth of a purely partisan court, and why most decisions defy simple ideological lines. Isgur also offers an insider’s look at the justices, the Court’s internal dynamics, and controversial questions like transparency, media influence, and the role of judgment in the law. Original air date 23 April 2026. The book was published on 14 April 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 speaks with University of Pennsylvania historian Jonathan Zimmerman about "Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn," co-authored with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Signe Wilkinson. They explore how free speech—once a cornerstone of liberal activism—has become politically polarized, with conservatives now claiming its mantle. Zimmerman argues that cultural shifts, campus controversies, and the rise of “cancel culture” have reshaped public discourse, often discouraging open debate. The conversation examines the tension between free speech and social justice, the impact of self-censorship, and why reclaiming robust dialogue is essential to addressing inequality. Original air date 8 April 2021. The book was published on 1 April 2021. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.