The Smerconish Podcast

Can sharing a meal bring people together in an increasingly divided America? Michael sits down with Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of Philadelphia's Welcoming Center, to discuss "Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers," an innovative initiative that uses food and conversation to build community across cultural, political, and social divides. After the interview, Michael and TC explore the lessons behind the project before listeners weigh in on what makes a good neighbor, a strong community, and meaningful citizenship. From shared meals to simple greetings, this episode examines whether small acts of connection can help bridge our growing social disconnect. Original air date 8 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley have been fired for humiliating his boss in front of coworkers?
Michael examines the controversy surrounding veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley and his dismissal following a tense staff meeting with new leadership. After reviewing reporting, audio accounts, and Pelley's own interview with The New York Times, Michael argues that one key question has been overlooked: exactly what was said in the room that led to the firing? He breaks down the confrontation, the broader battle over CBS News' future, and whether Pelley's conduct amounted to protected dissent or clear-cut insubordination. Cast your vote and decide for yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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President Trump has named housing executive Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, a move that's drawing scrutiny from both national security experts and lawmakers. Michael examines the nomination, the qualifications traditionally required for the DNI role, and whether Republican resistance to some of Trump's recent actions signals a broader shift within the party. Former White House counterterrorism advisor Richard Clarke joins the program to explain what the DNI actually does, why the position was created after 9/11, and why Pulte's appointment has raised concerns inside the intelligence community. Original air date 3 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Should Representative Tom Kean Jr.’s three-month unexplained absence disqualify him from re-election? Michael examines the growing controversy surrounding New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who has not cast a vote in Congress since March 5 and has largely disappeared from public view. In this episode, Michael explores the tension between respecting a potential health crisis and demanding accountability from an elected official. If Kean is facing a serious medical or mental health challenge, how much privacy should he be afforded? And at what point do voters have a right to insist on active representation? A thoughtful conversation about transparency, compassion, public service, and democratic responsibility. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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President Trump recently suggested that a proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government "weaponization" may not be dead after all. Listen here as Michael is joined by attorneys Michael Van Der Veen and William Brennan, who represented Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial and later defended numerous January 6 defendants. They argue that many January 6 participants were overcharged, politically targeted, and suffered devastating personal and financial consequences. Smerconish challenges their claims, presses them on comparisons to the George Floyd protests, and asks whether compensation for January 6 defendants is justified—or politically motivated itself. Original air date 4 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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