Book Club with Michael Smerconish

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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Bestselling author Michael Lewis joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his new book, "Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State", an inside look at the people and forces reshaping the federal government during Trump’s second term. Lewis examines DOGE, Elon Musk’s role, the sidelining of career civil servants, and whether the highly publicized hunt for “waste, fraud and abuse” was ultimately a distraction from a much larger transfer of executive power. Original air date 6 October 2026. The book was published on 6 October 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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