The Smerconish Podcast

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie ever be solved? Five months after the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished from her Arizona home, investigators still have no suspect, no arrest, and no clear explanation. Michael examines the baffling case, from blood discovered at the scene and the mysterious “porch guy” captured on camera to ransom messages, conflicting law-enforcement accounts, and Savannah Guthrie’s emotional public appeal for answers. In an age of smartphones, surveillance cameras, DNA databases, and digital footprints, how can a case like this remain unsolved? Michael explores the evidence, the unanswered questions, and whether justice is still possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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America's birth rate has fallen dramatically over the past two decades—but why? Michael speaks with Middlebury College economist Caitlin Myers about her provocative research linking the rise of smartphones to declining fertility. Using the iPhone's early AT&T-exclusive rollout as a natural experiment, Myers argues that smartphones may have fundamentally changed how people socialize, date, and form relationships. The conversation explores loneliness, social media, pornography, and whether technology has reshaped modern life in ways nobody anticipated. Is the smartphone merely correlated with falling birth rates—or could it be a cause? Original air date 23 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Algae at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: Act of God, construction, or vandalism? Michael examines the growing controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after a costly renovation was followed by algae blooms, peeling blue coating, vandalism accusations, and political finger-pointing. With America’s 250th birthday celebration approaching, the debate has become a high-profile test of accountability. Is this the result of a rushed construction project, intentional damage by visitors, or simply the predictable effects of heat, sunlight, and stagnant water? Listen here, then cast your ballot! And be sure to rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Doug Sosnik, former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, joins Michael Smerconish to deliver what he calls the "real Democratic autopsy." Sosnik argues that Democrats lost the 2024 election long before Joe Biden's debate performance or Kamala Harris's 107-day campaign. He identifies three key factors—the decision for Biden to seek a second term, early immigration policy choices, and the party's misreading of the 2022 midterms—and explains what Democrats must learn before 2028. Original air date 17 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Will democratic socialism be the future of the Democratic Party? New polling data reveals a dramatic shift inside the Democratic Party: favorable views of socialism have surged while support for capitalism has declined. Michael Smerconish examines the numbers highlighted by CNN’s Harry Enten, the growing influence of Democratic Socialists of America candidates, and the political rise of figures including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Zohran Mamdani. Is this a temporary moment driven by activist energy and primary voters, or evidence of a lasting ideological realignment? Michael explores what the trend means for Democrats heading into future elections and asks listeners to make a prediction—not a value judgment—about where the party is headed next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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