Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Michael Smerconish speaks with University of Pennsylvania historian Jonathan Zimmerman about "Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn," co-authored with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Signe Wilkinson. They explore how free speech—once a cornerstone of liberal activism—has become politically polarized, with conservatives now claiming its mantle. Zimmerman argues that cultural shifts, campus controversies, and the rise of “cancel culture” have reshaped public discourse, often discouraging open debate. The conversation examines the tension between free speech and social justice, the impact of self-censorship, and why reclaiming robust dialogue is essential to addressing inequality. Original air date 8 April 2021. The book was published on 1 April 2021. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish sits down with longtime political insider Lanny Davis to discuss his book "Finding the Third Way: Lessons in the Politics of Civility from My Journey through History." Through candid, often humorous stories—from Yale days alongside future presidents to moments inside the Clinton White House—Davis reflects on a lifetime in politics and the lessons he’s learned about civility, empathy, and bridging divides. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that blends history, personal anecdotes, and a call for a more respectful, “third way” approach to today’s polarized climate. Original air date 15 April 2026. The book was published on 14 April 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As U.S. birth rates hit record lows, Michael talks with economist Dr. Melissa Kearney, author of "The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind" about the consequences. From marriage trends to economic inequality, they break down what’s driving the decline—and why it matters for the future of families, the workforce, and the social safety net. Original air date 13 April 2026. The book was published on 18 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ten years ago this week, Michael sat down with "Last Child In The Woods" author Richard Louv to explore the growing disconnect between children and the natural world—and why it matters more than ever. Louv's book discussed here is "Vitamin N: The Essential Guide To A Nature-Rich Life." He shares research on the physical, mental, and academic benefits of time spent outdoors, while offering practical, affordable ways families can reconnect with nature. From backyard adventures to rethinking schools and cities, this conversation is a compelling call to get outside and rediscover the power of the natural world. Original air date 12 April 2016. The book was published on 12 April 2016. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Yale University's Jeffrey Sonnenfeld to discuss his bestselling book "Trump's Ten Commandments: Strategic Lessons from the Trump Leadership Toolbox." Drawing on decades of firsthand observation, Sonnenfeld breaks down the management principles and communication strategies that define Donald Trump’s leadership style. The conversation explores whether Trump’s approach is instinctive or deliberate—and what it reveals about power, persuasion, and modern leadership. Original air date 9 April 2026. The book was released on 31 March 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the archives from November of 2013, we revisit two revealing conversations with John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, co-authors of "Double Down: Game Change 2012," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 presidential campaign. From Mitt Romney’s uneasy path to the nomination to Barack Obama’s debate recovery—and the unforgettable convention moments featuring Clint Eastwood and Bill Clinton—the authors unpack the strategy, personalities, and pivotal decisions that shaped the race. It’s a candid exploration of modern campaigns, media coverage, and the human drama behind the headlines - and to listen to and relive it again over a decade later is quite something! Original air dates mid-November 2013. The book was published on 5 November 2013. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish sits down with Sports Illustrated senior writer Seth Davis to discuss his acclaimed biography "Wooden: A Coach’s Life." Davis offers a nuanced portrait of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden—exploring not just his unparalleled success on the court, but the complexities, pressures, and contradictions that shaped his life and legacy. From coaching philosophy to personal struggles, this conversation reveals the man behind the myth. Original air date 5 February 2014. The book was published on 14 January 2014. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Christopher Lawford passed away in 2018. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The conversation delves into Adams’ fierce opposition to slavery, his role in shaping the Monroe Doctrine, and the striking political parallels between his era and today—from media polarization to debates over tariffs and national identity. Blending rigorous research with vivid storytelling, Crawford reintroduces one of America’s most complex leaders and makes the case for why John Quincy Adams’ legacy still matters now. Find America's Founding Son here! Bob Crawford is bassist for the Avett Brothers and co-host of The Road To Now podcast. He is also a guest host of The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Debra Soh is a neuroscientist who specializes in human sexuality and biological explanations for behavior. Find "Sextinction" here! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is America living in a “post-truth” era? In this episode of Book Club, Dr. Michael Shermer — founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of "Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters" — joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation about belief, evidence, and critical thinking in a complicated age. Shermer addresses the recent surge of UFO and UAP claims, explaining why decades of investigation have left him unconvinced of extraterrestrial visits. From conspiracy theories and alternative facts to AI-generated deepfakes and declining trust in institutions, the discussion explores how we determine what’s real — and why skepticism remains essential. Are we more gullible than ever? Can truth survive politics, social media, and artificial intelligence? And what does healthy skepticism actually look like? A thoughtful, timely conversation about how to separate fact from fiction — and why it still matters. Original air date 12 February 2026. The book was published on 27 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What really goes into a presidential visit? In this episode of Book Club, Michael sits down with Jean Becker and Tom Collamore to discuss their new book, "Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance." From George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, Becker and Collamore pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of “advance” work — the behind-the-scenes operatives who plan every detail of a president’s public appearances. The conversation features unforgettable stories, including the controversy over a papal backdrop, the infamous Dukakis tank photo, assassination attempts on President Ford, a royal riser mishap with Queen Elizabeth II, and even Smerconish’s own unexpected detour into a Brussels brothel while advancing Vice President Bush. It’s a candid, entertaining, and revealing look at the moments that shaped presidential history — and the unsung professionals who made (and sometimes nearly broke) them. Original air date 11 February 2026. The book was published on 3 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his new memoir, "Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service." Shapiro reflects on the values that shaped him—faith, family, and public service—and opens up about the defining moments of his life and career. From a traumatic arson attack on the Governor’s Residence to leading the investigation that exposed widespread abuse within the Catholic Church, Shapiro shares deeply personal stories about resilience, leadership, and moral responsibility. The conversation also explores mental health, political courage, campus protests, bipartisan governance, and the role his wife, Lori, plays in grounding his decisions. It’s a candid and wide-ranging discussion about service, conviction, and finding light in the darkest moments. Original air date 10 February 2026. The book was published on 27 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vanessa Díaz is Associate Professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Loyola Marymount University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams joins Michael to discuss his gripping new book, "Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation", an in-depth examination of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting that shocked New York City. Together, they revisit a crime-ridden, volatile era of the city, unpack the facts and myths surrounding the case, and explore how issues of race, fear, vigilantism, media, and justice collided in what became one of the most polarizing trials of the 1980s. A timely conversation about crime, context, and how one moment can reshape a city—and a country. Original air date 6 February 2026. The book was published on 20 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Animal House co-creator Chris Miller to discuss his memoir "The Real Animal House: The Awesomely Depraved Saga of the Fraternity That Inspired the Movie." Miller reveals the outrageous real-life fraternity stories at Dartmouth that inspired the iconic film, from legendary pranks to unforgettable characters. Funny, candid, and occasionally jaw-dropping, this episode pulls back the curtain on how campus chaos became comedy history. This archive conversation originally aired in 2006. The book was published on 1 November 2006. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael speaks with acclaimed journalist and author Mark Bowden (Black Hawk Down) about his book "The Three Battles of Wanat: And Other True Stories." Bowden unpacks the tragic 2008 battle in Afghanistan that claimed nine American lives, and the deeper fights that followed—over truth, accountability, and reputation. The wide-ranging discussion also touches on long-form journalism, war reporting, politics, crime, gambling, and Bowden’s unforgettable portraits of figures from Joe Biden to Pablo Escobar. A thoughtful look at warfare, storytelling, and the human cost behind the headlines. Original air date 7 January 2016. The book was published on 5 January 2016. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

, Michael speaks with cognitive scientist and anthropologist Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, author of Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living. From firewalking and pilgrimages to sports fandom and workplace traditions, they explore why rituals are a fundamental part of human nature—and why shared, in-person experiences create meaning, connection, and belonging. Drawing on research, personal stories, and Michael’s own “Mingle Project,” this conversation makes the academic and emotional case for why ritual and human connection matter more than ever in a divided, digital age. Original air date 14 January 2026. The book was published on 13 September 2022. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins Michael Smerconish for a wide-ranging conversation about his first thriller in four years, "The Viper: A Fast Paced Thriller of Family Bonds and Deadly Conspiracies." Meltzer discusses the viral University of Michigan commencement speech that sparked a national conversation about empathy and kindness, the deeply personal experiences that shaped it, and how those themes inform his writing. The discussion also dives into the gripping opening of The Viper, the secrets hidden in its plot, and Meltzer’s research into Dover Air Force Base and the unseen costs of war. Thoughtful, moving, and suspenseful, this episode blends storytelling, humanity, and a powerful look at what connects us all. Original air date 12 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.