Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Michael Smerconish sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist James B. Steele to revisit "America: What Went Wrong?", the landmark 1991 bestseller he co-authored with the late Donald Barlett. More than three decades later, Steele explains why their warnings about the hollowing out of the middle class, Wall Street excess, tax policy, lost manufacturing jobs, pensions, and growing inequality remain strikingly relevant — especially as the national debt surpasses $40 trillion. Original air date 20 August 2026. The book was published in 1991. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with CNN’s Jake Tapper about The Hellfire Club, Tapper’s bestselling debut novel set in the political intrigue of 1950s Washington. Tapper discusses the real history woven into the thriller, its echoes of modern politics, the secret society that inspired the story, and why writing fiction proved more challenging than nonfiction. Original air date 23 May 2018. The book was published on 24 April 2018. 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 Boston University religion professor Stephen Prothero to discuss his book "Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (Even When They Lose Elections)". In this 2016 conversation, Prothero traces America’s long history of cultural conflict and explains why battles over religion, abortion, same-sex marriage, immigration, and the Supreme Court can energize conservatives politically—even as the broader culture often moves in a more liberal direction. Original air date 17 February 2016. The book was published in 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.

From the archives, in 2014 Michael spoke with Congressman Paul Ryan to discuss "The Way Forward: Renewing The American Idea." Hear Ryan’s reflections on conservatism, poverty, entitlement reform, and the future of the Republican Party. Ryan also looks back on the 2012 presidential campaign, the influence of Jack Kemp, and, Michael asked him back then about his plans for the 2016 election, before Donald Trump was on anyone's radar. Original air date 20 August 2014. 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 Frederick J. Ryan Jr., former chief of staff to Ronald Reagan and chair of the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, to ask whether America can find common ground again. From Reagan and Tip O’Neill to social media outrage, sports, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart, Ryan shares lessons from the new Civility Handbook on rebuilding connection in a deeply divided country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen joins Michael to discuss her chilling new book, "Biological War: A Scenario." Drawing on interviews with top military, intelligence, and public health experts, Jacobsen explores how a single lab leak could trigger global catastrophe, the ethics of gain-of-function research, and why the threat of biological warfare may be far more real than most people realize. 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 talks with New York Times White House correspondents Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan about their book "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump." Drawing on more than 1,000 interviews, they examine how Trump returned to the White House better prepared, more powerful and more willing to test the limits of presidential authority—and what makes his second term so different from his first. Original air date 27 July 2027. The book was published on 23 June 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 Smerconish speaks with Princeton historian Dr. Julian Zelizer about "Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party." Zelizer explores how Gingrich used confrontation, cable television, and talk radio to transform Republican politics—and help set the stage for the Trump era. They also discuss Gingrich’s rapid rise in Washington, his political and personal controversies, and the lasting impact of his no-holds-barred approach to partisan combat. Original air date 24 July 2020. 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 media scholar Dr. Joseph Turow to discuss his new book, "The Problem with Personalization: How Advertisers Learned to Make and Break Us from Ancient Times to the AI Age." Their conversation explores how AI, advertisers, and tech platforms are reshaping not only our privacy, but our perception of the world. Turow explains how hyper-personalized media and marketing could erode the shared experiences that hold society together, creating increasingly isolated digital realities. It's a thought-provoking discussion about the hidden costs of convenience, surveillance, and the future of public discourse. Original air date 20 July 2026. The book was published on 11 June 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 speaks with neuroscientist and educator Dr. Jared Horvath about his provocative book, "The Digital Delusion:How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning–and How to Help Them Thrive Again." Drawing on cognitive science and classroom data, Horvath argues that the widespread use of laptops, tablets, and other digital devices in schools is harming students' ability to learn, remember, and think critically. They explore why reading on paper still matters, the decline in cognitive performance among younger generations, and whether it's time to put the screens away and bring pencils back to the classroom. Original air date 16 July 2026. Book Publish Date 18 August 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tad Devine, chief strategist for Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his book, "How the Democrats Screwed Bernie." Devine argues that the Democratic establishment tilted the primary process against Sanders, examines the role of superdelegates and party leadership, and explains why he believes Bernie could have defeated Donald Trump. It's a candid conversation about the Democratic Party's past, present, and the lessons it must learn before the next presidential race. Original air date 13 July 2026. The book was published on 7 July 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 Smerconish sits down with veteran pollster Douglas Schoen and political strategist Carly Cooperman to discuss their book, "America: Unite or Die: How to Save Our Democracy." They examine the growing political polarization threatening America's democratic institutions, debate the responsibilities of both the left and the right, and outline practical reforms—including ranked-choice voting, redistricting changes, and empowering political moderates—that they believe can help restore trust, compromise, and national unity. Original air date 25 October 2021. The book was published on 2 November 2021. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this 2018 conversation, Michael sits down with journalist Salena Zito to discuss "The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics", her bestselling book exploring the voters who propelled Donald Trump to the White House. Zito explains the seven voter archetypes she identified across key Rust Belt states, why so many political analysts misunderstood Trump's coalition, and what the 2016 election revealed about populism, localism, and the growing disconnect between America's political class and its voters. Recorded during Trump's first term, this conversation offers a fascinating snapshot of the political landscape at that pivotal moment. Original air date 9 May 2018. The book was published on 8 May 2018. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marine Corps veteran and social entrepreneur Rye Barcott joins Michael to talk about his new book "Courage Can Save Us: Ten Extraordinary Americans and the Fight for Our Future." Hear them discuss why courage, service, and principled leadership are more important than ever. Drawing on the stories of ten veterans who have put country before party, Barcott explains how military service fosters bipartisan cooperation, why veterans are often more effective lawmakers, and what America can learn from leaders willing to put the common good first. A thoughtful conversation about courage, polarization, and the future of American democracy. Original air date 30 June 2026. The book was published on 9 June 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 former White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard to discuss "Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life", co-written with fellow former Social Secretary Lee Berman. Bernard shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Obama White House, including state dinners, holiday receptions, the night Osama bin Laden’s death was announced, and lessons learned from some of the world’s most influential people. Along the way, he explains why civility, kindness, and attention to detail can be powerful tools for success in both work and life. Original air date 13 February 20 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this archived conversation, Michael Smerconish sits down with renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and bestselling author Dr. Ben Carson to discuss his 2014 book "One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America's Future". Carson reflects on his upbringing in Detroit, the influence of his mother, the power of education and reading, and his views on the American Dream. The discussion also explores government, fiscal policy, political polarization, higher education, and the major headlines of the day—including the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner exchange. A candid look at the ideas that helped make One Nation a national bestseller. Original air date 4 June 2014. The book was published on 20 May 2014. 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 former Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein to discuss his new memoir, "Streetwise: Getting To and Through Goldman Sachs." Blankfein reflects on his journey from Brooklyn public housing to Harvard and the top of Wall Street, sharing lessons on leadership, ambition, resilience, and navigating the 2008 financial crisis. In a candid and often humorous conversation, he offers an insider’s look at Goldman Sachs, the realities of high-stakes decision-making, and the street-smart instincts that shaped his remarkable career. Original air date 4 June 2026. The book was published on 3 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.

Listen to Michael's conversation with Richard Louv about "Last Child In The Woods" here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with bestselling author and educator Sharon McMahon about her new book "We Are Mighty: 12 Ordinary Americans Who Did the Next Needed Thing", an illustrated companion to her hit book "The Small and the Mighty." McMahon shares the inspiring stories of overlooked Americans whose courage and determination helped shape the nation, from civil rights pioneer Septima Clark to Constitution framer Gouverneur Morris. The conversation also explores the importance of civic education, free speech, and McMahon’s recent controversy surrounding her canceled university commencement address. Original air date 18 May 2026. The book was published on 19 May 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 Smerconish sits down with George Washington University law professor Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, author of "Your Data Will Be Used Against You: Policing in the Age of Self-Surveillance," for a timely conversation about privacy, policing, and the rise of AI-powered surveillance. From license plate readers and facial recognition to Tesla “hurry up mode” and automated school bus tickets, they explore how technology is reshaping law enforcement — and what Americans may be sacrificing in the name of safety. Where should society draw the line between public security and personal privacy? Original Air Date 05/18/26, The book was published on 17 May 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.