Can Mentorship Fix America? Inside California’s Bold New Plan for Young Men
Michael Smerconish talks with Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, about the alarming crisis facing young men — rising loneliness, declining engagement, and surging mental-health challenges. Fryday explains the newly launched California Men’s Service Challenge, a statewide push to recruit 10,000 male mentors, coaches, and role models. Together, they discuss the power of service, the need to rebuild social capital, and how volunteerism could help reconnect a divided America. Original air date 26 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Hell Yes, Airline Passengers Should Dress Up!
Michael dives into the Smerconish.com poll question inspired by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s controversial claim that airline passengers should “dress with respect” to promote civility. From shocking in-flight behavior stats to a viral DOT video, Michael explores whether our clothing really influences how we act in the air. Listen to this lively, timely conversation heading into Thanksgiving travel, vote at Smerconish.com, and then rate and review this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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A Dirty Deal or the Only Deal? Admiral Stavridis on Ukraine’s Impossible Choice
Breaking news meets expert analysis. As reports emerge that Ukraine may have agreed to a peace proposal with Russia, Michael brings in one of the world’s most trusted strategic minds — Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. In this urgent conversation, the Admiral reacts in real time to developing headlines, explains how the peace plan has shifted, and breaks down the difficult trade-offs Ukraine may face, including territorial concessions, NATO’s role, and long-term security guarantees. A must-listen episode on what could be the most consequential diplomatic moment of the war. Original air date 25 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Should Ukraine Trade Land for Peace?
Michael dives into today’s hot-button poll question that he's asking at Smerconish.com: Should Ukraine agree to a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia if its future security is guaranteed? From Tom Friedman’s “dirty vs. filthy” deal framework to the evolving U.S.-Ukraine peace plan, Michael breaks down the politics, principles, and tough trade-offs of ending the war. Plus, behind-the-scenes fun from the new Smerconish studio and updates from the nationwide Mingle Meetups. Listen here and vote on the poll question, and please rate, review, and share this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Disobeying Orders: Congress, the Military, and the Line Between Duty and Defiance
When six Democratic members of Congress released a video urging troops to “refuse illegal orders,” President Trump called it seditious behavior. But was the video itself appropriate—or reckless? Michael speaks with Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham (ret.), a former Air Force JAG and law professor, who says the lawmakers “did more harm than good.” Together, they unpack what the law actually says about disobeying orders, how politics risks turning the military into a pawn, and where the real danger to democracy lies. Original air date 24 November 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Spirited discussions of government, politics, and current events without predictable left/right bias. The Smerconish Podcast is for Independent Minds.
The Michael Smerconish Program airs live on SiriusXM's POTUS Channel 9AM-12PM ET and replays 9PM-12AM East, Monday-Friday.
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