Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Who is the real Melania Trump? In this 2019 interview, Michael sits down with CNN journalist Kate Bennett, author of "Free, Melania: The Unauthorized Biography," to explore the mystery surrounding one of America's most enigmatic first ladies. Bennett reveals why Melania may have been the most independent person in Donald Trump's orbit at the time, the story behind her plagiarized 2016 Republican National Convention speech, the hidden messages in her fashion choices, and how she first met the future president. From the viral #FreeMelania movement to the private dynamics of the Trump marriage, Bennett offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a woman who has consistently kept the public guessing. Original air date 5 December 2019. The book was published on 3 December 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is America divided by more than just politics? In this 2019 conversation, Michael talks with humorist and author Joel Stein about his provocative book, "In Defense of Elitism: Why I'm Better Than You and You Are Better Than Someone Who Didn't Buy This Book." Stein argues that Donald Trump's rise was fueled by anti-elitism and a growing distrust of experts, education, and intellectual authority. From populism to the battle between expertise and gut instinct, Michael and Joel explore what it really means to be an elitist—and whether America still values the people who know what they're talking about. Plus, a hilarious debate over whether Michael himself qualifies as a member of the elite. Original air date 1 November 2019. The book was published on 22 October 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Is all this convenience actually making our lives better—or are we losing something valuable along the way? Michael talks with author Gabe Bullard about his new book, "Against Convenience: Embracing Friction in an Age of Endless Ease." From streaming music and online shopping to rideshare apps and artificial intelligence, Bullard explores how technology designed to make life easier may also be making us more isolated, less connected, and increasingly dependent on algorithms. Have we sacrificed meaningful human interaction in the name of convenience? And is it time to embrace a little friction? Original air date 22 October 2026. The book was published on 15 September 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Are smartphones and social media really to blame for the youth mental health crisis? Michael talks with Dr. Peter Gray, Boston College research professor and author of "Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety," who challenges conventional wisdom about what's making kids anxious and depressed. Gray argues that the real culprits may be academic pressure, overprotective parenting, and the disappearance of unstructured play. It's a thought-provoking conversation that even makes Michael rethink some of his long-held beliefs about technology and childhood. Original air date 19 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Was Havana Syndrome the result of a secret weapon, mass hysteria, or a government cover-up? Michael talks with 60 Minutes investigative producers Michael Rey and Oriana Zill about their new book, "The Havana Syndrome: Secret Weapons, a Government Cover-Up, and the Greatest Spy Mystery of Our Time." After nine years of investigating mysterious illnesses affecting American diplomats, intelligence officers, and their families around the world, the authors reveal disturbing evidence, unanswered questions, and why they believe the U.S. government has failed to confront one of the most baffling national security mysteries of our time. Original air date 12 October 2026. The book publish date is 13 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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