The Smerconish Podcast

Michael sits down with 2WAY/Next Up host Mark Halperin to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—including new document releases, testimony fallout, and fresh scrutiny surrounding President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Did Trump alert authorities about Epstein years ago? Why won’t the story fade—and who could still be exposed?
Plus, Halperin breaks down the early 2026 midterm outlook, why Democrats may be favored to retake the House, and whether Jon Ossoff’s viral “Epstein class” speech offers a roadmap for the party. They also examine whether today’s media is missing bigger global stories in favor of political spectacle. Original air date 11 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Listen and vote at Smerconish.com, and please rate, review and share this podcast!

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

What’s it really like to be part of the Super Bowl halftime show? Michael talks with Chloe' Scretchings, formerly a producer on his CNN program, about how her love of Bad Bunny — and a late-night casting call — landed her on the field at Super Bowl LX as part of the halftime spectacle. From grueling rehearsals and NDAs to performing inches away from music’s biggest stars, Chloe shares a joyful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most watched performances in the world — dressed as a sugar cane, no less. Original air date 9 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Associated Press investigative reporter Michael Sisak joins Michael to unpack newly released FBI and Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. After years of investigation, the FBI concluded there was no evidence that Epstein ran a coordinated sex trafficking ring for powerful men—despite extensive proof of his abuse of underage girls. Sisak explains what investigators found, what they couldn’t corroborate, why so many files remain heavily redacted, and how these conclusions span multiple administrations—Trump, Biden, and Trump again. A deep dive into evidence, nuance, and the unanswered questions still haunting one of the most disturbing cases in modern history. Original air date 10 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Do you believe that Jeffrey Epstein was running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men?
Michael Smerconish urges listeners not to rush to judgment before voting on this question, unpacking a recent Associated Press investigation based on internal Justice Department and FBI records. While the evidence of Epstein’s repeated sexual abuse of underage girls is overwhelming and disturbing, the AP reports that investigators found scant proof he operated a trafficking ring on behalf of powerful men. Michael walks through the findings, the graphic nature of the memo, and the frustration surrounding heavily redacted sections dealing with possible co-conspirators. It’s a careful, unsettling discussion about evidence, assumptions, and what the public still doesn’t know. Listen to this episode, then cast your vote at Smerconish. And please RATE, REVIEW and SHARE this podcast! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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