20 Hostages for 250 Prisoners: A Justified Deal or Dangerous Precedent?
A historic hostage deal sees 20 Israelis released in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners. Michael Smerconish asks the tough question: Is this kind of negotiation justified to facilitate peace? He breaks down the facts, shares powerful insights, and reveals what listeners like you had to say in today’s poll at smerconish.com. Plus, thoughts on Trump’s role in the deal, the ethics of negotiating with terrorists, and how this could shape the future of Middle East diplomacy.
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Faith, Politics, and Power: What Americans Really Think About Atheists in Office
Dr. Ryan Burge is Professor of Practice at Washington University in St. Louis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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If Middle East Peace Holds, Trump Should Win The Nobel Prize Next Year
Michael offers a bold take on today's Smerconish.com poll question which asks: "If peace holds in the Middle East, should President Trump receive the Nobel Peace Prize next year?" From 2025 Nobel winner Maria Corina Machado to Thomas Friedman’s surprising take, Michael explores whether Trump’s diplomacy deserves global recognition — and what the Nobel Committee’s decision really says about politics and peace. Listen here, then vote there! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Dating an A.I. Girlfriend, And We Need 150 Friends
Michael Smerconish dives into two “Mingle Project”-themed stories that reveal how technology and loneliness are reshaping human connection. From a report that 1 in 5 teens have had a romantic AI relationship, to new research showing our brains can only handle 150 real friendships, Michael connects the dots on what’s happening to our ability to truly mingle. Is society drifting from real relationships to artificial ones? Original air date 9 October 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Will Trump’s National Guard Deployment Spark the Chaos He Needs?
Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: "Will President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops spur the sort of violence that would justify continued military presence?" He unpacks the legal and political stakes — from the Posse Comitatus Act to the Insurrection Act — and asks whether the current strategy could be by design. Listen here, then vote! 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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