Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Garrett Graff: "UFO"

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael welcomes New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett M. Graff with his new book, "UFO: The Inside Story of the US Go...

David Brooks: "How To Know A Person"

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author and New York Times Columnist David Brooks joins the podcast to discuss his new book "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others...

Jim McGreevey: "The Confession"

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey, who in 2004 came out as gay and resigned from office, is back in the news, now announcing (in November ...

Nelson DeMille: "Blood Lines"

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille on his new novel "Blood Lines." The story features the return of Army CID Special ...

Robert Rubin: "The Yellow Pad"

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Robert Rubin, former secretary of the Treasury and co-chairman of Goldman Sachs, on his book "The Yellow Pad: Making Better Decisio...

Ralph Nader: " Unstoppable"

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks to former presidential candidate Ralph Nader about his book "Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate St...

Jeffrey Rosen: "Conversations with RBG"

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Smerconish talks with Jeffery Rosen, President& CEO of the National Constitution Center. His book about the life and career of Supreme Court ...

McKay Coppins: "Romney"

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A remarkably illuminating biography of one of America’s most fascinating political figures—including news-making revelations from Mitt Romney hims...

Frances Haugen: "The Power Of One"

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with the Facebook Whistleblower, Frances Haugen, on her book "The Power of One: How I Found the Strength to Tell the Truth and ...

Mike Huckabee: "God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy"

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) asks, "Have I been taken to a different planet than the one on which I grew up?" The New York Times bestselling a...

Robert Sapolsky: "Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will"

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of our great behavioral scientists, the bestselling author of "Behave", plumbs the depths of the science and philosophy of decision-making to moun...

Melissa DeRosa: "What's Left Unsaid"

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most powerful women in New York State government history shares her gripping and candid story for the first time - Melissa DeRosa became a ...

Khizr Khan: "An American Family"

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

He was a captivating speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention - and he wrote a captivating book. Hear Michael speak with Khizr Khan, on "An ...

Greg Lukianoff: "The Canceling of the American Mind"

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As companies are refusing to hire prospective employees who are voicing their opinions against Israel defending itself against the terrorist attacks f...

Ben Bradlee, Jr: "The Forgotten"

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hear how voters in Luzerne County, PA, a pivotal county in a crucial swing state, came to feel like strangers in their own land, and after voting demo...

Senator Doug Jones: "Bending Toward Justice"

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) prosecuted the last of the living bombers of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. He talks about it with Michael in his book ...

Dr. Morris Fiorina: "Unstable Majorities"

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Partisan politics, gridlock, incivility, division. All negative words - but there is hope. Listen to Michael's conversation with Stanford University's...

Aurelian Craiutu: "Why Not Moderation?"

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Indiana University Political Science Professor Aurelian Craiutu, author of "Why Not Moderation?: Letters to Young Radicals." Origin...

Scott Stankavage: "The QB Mentor"

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Scott Stankavage, author of "The QB Mentor: Words of Wisdom From an NFL Veteran For An Injured Quarterback That Can Improv...

David Bianculli: The Platinum Age of Television

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the 2023 Hollywood writers strike in the rear view mirror, its the perfect time to listen to David Bianculli on his book "The Platinum Age of Tel...

Diane Dimond: "We're Here To Help"

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks to author Diane Dimond about her new book "We're Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong." Original air date 29 September 2023. The b...

Brian Grazer: "Face To Face"

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hollywood producer and bestselling author Brian Grazer on his book "Face to Face: The Art of Human Connection." Original air date 20 September 2019. T...

John Kasich: "It's Up To Us"

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with former Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, author of "It's Up to Us: Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change." Original a...

Matt Taibbi: "Insane Clown President"

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi, author of "Insane Clown President: Dispatches from the 2016 Circus." Original air date 18 Jan...

Sheila Johnson: "Walk Through Fire"

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

She is the co-founder of BET and America's first African American female billionaire - listen to Michael's conversation with Sheila Johnson, on her bo...

David Fajgenbaum: "Chasing My Cure"

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The powerful memoir of a young doctor and former college athlete diagnosed with a rare disease who spearheaded the search for a cure—and became a ch...

Aaron David Miller: "The End Of Greatness"

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Aaron David Miller, author of "The End of Greatness: Why America Can't Have (and Doesn't Want) Another Great President." The End of...

Ashton Applewhite: "This Chair Rocks"

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You're never too old to listen to a great conversation - Michael talks with author and activist Ashton Applewhite, about "This Chair Rocks: A Manifest...

Gerald Posner: "Case Closed"

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 2013, Michael spoke with Gerald Posner on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy - he's author of t...

Franklin Foer: "The Last Politician"

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Franklin Foer, writer at The Atlantic, about his new book "The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for...

Caveat Magister: "The Scene That Became Cities" (Burning Man)

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks to Benjamin Wachs, who under the pen name Caveat Magister is the author of "The Scene That Became Cities: What Burning Man Philosophy Ca...

Nelson Schwartz: "The Velvet Rope Economy"

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A gripping investigation into how a virtual velvet rope divides Americans in every arena of life. Michael talks to New York Times business reporter Ne...

Dr. Avi Loeb: "Interstellar"

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Harvard University astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb breaks news that metallic spheres found on the floor of the Pacific Ocean are interstellar in origin, o...

Carter Malkasian: "The American War in Afghanistan"

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Carter Malkasian, the Special Assistant for Strategy to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, eneral Joseph Dunford, ...

Saul Austerlitz: "Kind of a Big Deal"

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most iconic comedies to hit the big screen in the last 20 years, "Anchorman" - is worthy of the full treatment of a great book. Michael wel...

Billy Walters: Gambler

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The wild and highly anticipated autobiography of Billy Walters—“the greatest and most controversial sports gambler ever” (ESPN)—who shares his...

Ron Lieber: The Price You Pay For College

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are your kids heading to college? Or planning to in the future? This is a must-listen - Michael's conversation with NY Times columnist Ron Lieber, aut...

Margaret Sullivan: "Ghosting The News"

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Washington Post Media Columnist Margaret Sullivan, on her book "Ghosting the News: Local Journalism and the Crisis of Amer...

Amanda Ripley: "The Smartest Kids In The World"

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As kids go back to school, this is the perfect time to listen to Michael's conversation with NY Times best-selling author Amanda Ripley, on her book "...

David Sanger: "The Perfect Weapon"

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Sanger's "The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age" tells the story of the rise of cyberweapons: a transformational twist fo...

Jonathan Allen: "Shattered"

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Allen, co-author of "Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign" on the unseen architects of Hillary Clinton's memorable defeat back...

Daniel Markovits: The Meritocrat Who Wants To Unwind the Meritocracy

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Author and professor Daniel Markovits relates the thesis of his book, "The Meritocracy Trap: How America's Foundational Myth Feeds Inequality, Dismant...

Michael Mann: "The Madhouse Effect"

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael speaks with Dr. Michael Mann, co-author (with Tom Toles) of "The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroy...

Peter Feaver: "Thanks For Your Service"

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A definitive study on the decades-long run of high public confidence in the military and why it may rest on some shaky foundations. Listen to Michael'...

Avi Loeb: "Extraterrestrial"

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In late 2017, scientists at a Hawaiian observatory glimpsed an object soaring through our inner solar system, moving so quickly that it could only hav...

Henry & Thomas Bloch: "Many Happy Returns"

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Thomas M. Bloch, the co-founder of the H&R Block tax preparation company, he is the subject of the book written by his son...

Ken Smukler: "The JailBird Diet"

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shaped by the unique stories of his time in federal custody, Ken Smukler's "The JailBird Diet: Losing 100 Pounds and Finding Myself Behind Bars" takes...

D.L. Hughley: "Surrender, White People!"

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with actor, comedian and activist D.L. Hughley on his book "Surrender, White People!: Our Unconditional Terms for Peace." Origi...

Femi Ayanbadejo: "The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional"

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"Before I was 10 years old, I was sexually assaulted, twice." So begins Former NFL Star Femi Ayanbadejo's chapter that he wrote for Camille L. Miller'...

Jake Tapper: "All The Demons Are Here"

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare to be transported to the 1970s underground world of cults, celebrities, tabloid journalism, serial killers, disco, and UFOs. Bestselling autho...

Jim Davis: The Great Dechurching

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When is the last time you attended a worship service? For 40 million of us, the answer is, not in quite some time. Listen to Pastor Jim Davis, co-auth...

Richard Dreyfuss: "One Thought Scares Me"

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Academy Award winning actor and activist Richard Dreyfuss is now very interested in civics, and is worried that civics is not taught in America much a...

Kay Redfield Jamison: "Fires In The Dark"

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The acclaimed author of An Unquiet Mind considers the age-old quest for relief from psychological pain and the role of the exceptional healer in the j...

Brian Muraresku: The Immortality Key

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"A groundbreaking dive into the role psychedelics have played in the origins of Western civilization, and a real-life quest for the Holy Grail." Micha...

Bill Browder: "Red Notice"

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Browder is the man responsible for the Magnitsky Act. With Russia in turmoil in 2023, Michael sits down with Browder on the news of the day of up...

Christine Porath: "Mastering Civility"

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During a particularly heated week in the news where the dialogue became increasingly harsh, Michael spoke with Georgetown University Professor Christi...

Del Quentin Wilber: "A Good Month For Murder"

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Longtime journalist and bestselling author Del Quentin Wilber tells the inside story of how a homicide squad - a dedicated, colorful team of detective...

Kate Andersen Brower: "First In Line"

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower on "First in Line: Presidents, Vice Presidents, and the Pursuit of Power." Origina...

John Gotti, Jr: "Shadow of My Father"

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael goes in-depth with John A. Gotti Jr, the former head of the Gambino Crime Family in the 1990s, a position he took over when his father, mobste...

Alexis Coe: "You Never Forget Your First"

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Alexis Coe, author of "You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington." Original air date 11 May 2020. The ...

Brett Forrest: "Lost Son"

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This story is the result of incredible reporting, and it is written like a thriller: "A young American lost in Russia. An FBI-cover up. A mystery lead...

Thomas Patterson: "Is the Republican Party Destroying Itself?"

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Harvard Kennedy School Professor Thomas E. Patterson, author of "Is the Republican Party Destroying Itself? And why it nee...

Jeffrey Archer: "Tell Tale"

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New York Times Bestselling Author Lord Jeffrey Archer talks with Michael about his collection of short stories, "Tell Tale: Stories." Listen for a gre...

Matt Bai: "All the Truth Is Out"

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amidst a current conversation on how Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pronounces his name, and how some celebrities change their names, brings back the m...

Vincent Bugliosi: "Divinity of Doubt"

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with the attorney who prosecuted Charles Manson among many others, Vincent Bugliosi, author of "Divinity of Doubt: The God Question." Mr...

Howard Fishman: "To Anyone Who Ever Asks"

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A mysterious, true story about a New York City singer-songwriter. Connie Converse is someone you've likely never heard of, but you need to hear her st...

Steven Brill: "America's Bitter Pill"

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Court TV founder, journalist and author Steven Brill about "America's Bitter Pill: Money, Politics, Backroom Deals, and the Fight t...

David Grann: "Killers of the Flower Moon"

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the news that Martin Scorcese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" made a huge splash at the Cannes Film Festival, it's a good time to hear Michael's ...

George Papadopoulos: Deep State Target

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hillary Clinton's emails, Spygate, Mueller Investigation....he was a target of it all. Former Trump Advisor George Papadopoulos tells his story in "De...

Richard Clarke: "Pinnacle Event"

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"Pinnacle Event" is the Pentagon code for a nuclear threat - who better to write a fiction bestseller with that same title than Richard Clarke, the lo...

Jeffrey Toobin: "Homegrown"

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Timothy McVeigh's legacy begins at the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, and goes all the way through the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. Listen...

David Grann: "The Wager"

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author David Grann is back with a new book - an incredible, thrilling story of a shipwreck in the 18th century. Listen t...

David Grann: "The Lost City of Z"

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with David Grann, author of "The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon." Original air date 4 March 2009. The...

Dr. Jean Twenge: "Generations"

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A groundbreaking, revelatory portrait of the six generations that currently live in the United States and how they connect, conflict, and compete with...

Peter Schweizer: "Clinton Cash"

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Peter Schweizer, on his book "Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and...

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz: "Everybody Lies"

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Data scientist and best-selling author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz on "Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We...

Brian Stelter: "Hoax"

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with former CNN Reliable Sources Host (at the time of this interview and the book's publishing) Brian Stelter on his book "Hoax...

Neil King, Jr: "American Ramble"

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael welcomes former Wall Street Journal reporter and editor Neil King, Jr., author of "American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal." A story of ...

Pat Cunnane: "West Winging It"

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Cunnane pulls back the curtain on the most famous and exclusive building and house in the United States, plus, on his close access to the nation's...

Sally Kohn: "The Opposite of Hate"

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is time to practice emotional, not political, correctness. And, it is time to bridge divides, and here is how to do it. So says writer Sally Kohn i...

Phil Mudd: "The HEAD Game"

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Mudd, former senior executive at the FBI, CIA, and National Security Council, with his book "The HEAD Game: High-Efficiency Analytic Decision Mak...

Geoffrey Stone: "National Security, Leaks and Freedom of the Press"

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

First Amendment scholar and University Chicago Law School Professor Geoffrey R. Stone, co-writer/editor of "National Security, Leaks and Freedom of th...

William McRaven: "The Wisdom Of The Bullfrog"

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael speaks with bestselling author, retired Admiral William McRaven, out with his new book "The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (Bu...

Michael Bamberger: "Ball In The Air"

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for The Masters, a great read from bestselling author Michael Bamberger, "The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure." Original air date 31...

Barney Frank: "Frank"

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) joins Michael with his memoir, "Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage." Origina...

James Steele: "America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens"

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

James Steele, co-author (with Donald Barlett) of ""America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens." This is the followup to their groundbreaking "Americ...

Frank Bruni: "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be"

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, on his book "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania....

Arthur Brooks: "Love Your Enemies"

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Being angry all the time, when others are too and the world is not getting along, is not a good recipe for success. Listen to social scientist Arthur ...

Dave Daley: "Ratf**ked"

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The title of Dave Daley's book is not censored in this conversation - hear him with Michael talking about "Ratf**ked: The True Story Behind the Secret...

John Leland: "Happiness Is A Choice You Make"

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

They are the "oldest old" - New York Times reporter John Leland spend time with six people age 85 and up to gain wisdom on what it means to grow old a...

Jonathan Allen & Amie Parnes: "HRC"

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes upon the release of their bestseller "HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton...

Gerald Posner: "Pharma"

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's conversation with Gerald Posner, when his book was released right at the start of the pandemic, "Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of A...

Scott Kupor: "Secrets of Sand Hill Road"

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael speaks with venture capitalist Scott Kupor, author of "Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It." Original air date 17 Jun...

Jim Cramer: "Get Rich Carefully"

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"Get Rich Carefully." Good advice from CNBC host Jim Cramer who joined Michael for a special in-studio appearance in New York City with his book. Orig...

D.L. Hughley: "How Not To Get Shot"

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael welcomes comedian, actor, activist and New York Times-bestselling author D.L. Hughley with his book "How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice Fro...

Ginni Rometty: "Good Power"

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael welcomes former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty with her new book "Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World." Original air date...

Michael Moss: "Salt Sugar Fat"

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael speaks with Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Moss upon the release of the paperback version of "Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us." O...

Joby Warrick: "Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS"

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael talks with Joby Warrick, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his book "Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS." Original air date 7 October 2015. The book was...

Amy Chua & Jed Rubenfeld: "The Triple Package"

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"The Triple Package: How Three Unlikely Traits Explain the Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups in America" by Yale Professors Amy Chua "The Tiger Mom" an...

Gerald Posner: "God's Bankers"

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An expose of the Vatican using what the New York Times called "exhaustive research techniques," - "God's Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the ...