Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Episodes
Dr. Nassir Ghaemi: "A First-Rate Madness"
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does having a mental illness make a more effective leader? Michael talks with Tufts University's Dr. Nassir Ghaemi, author of "A First-Rate Madness: U...
Douglas Schoen: "Power"
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the definitive insider's guide - hear Michael speak with political strategist Doug Schoen, on his book "Power: The 50 Truths." Stories of work...
James Patterson: "Walk The Blue Line"
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
He's the co-author of the #1 bestseller "Walk in My Combat Boots" - James Patterson joins Michael today with his new book, co-authored with Matt Evers...
Brigid Schulte: "Overwhelmed"
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A great conversation from the archives when one thinks about topics on "love" and Valentine's Day, listen to Brigid Schulte, author of "Overwhelmed: W...
David Litt: "Thanks, Obama"
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with former presidential speechwriter David Litt, on his book "Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, Changey White House Years." Original ai...
Keith Payne: "The Broken Ladder"
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with UNC Chapel Hill Professor of Psychology Keith Payne, author of "The Broken Ladder: How Inequality Affects the Way We Think...
Elie Honig: "Untouchable"
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
National bestselling author Elie Honig (author of 'Hatchet Man', listen to Episode 7 for that conversation) is back with "Untouchable: How Powerful Pe...
Dr. Robert Waldinger: "The Good Life"
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Time to create a more meaningful and satisfying life: Michael talks with Harvard University's Dr. Robert Waldinger, co-author (with Dr. Marc Schulz) o...
Charlie Brandt: "I Heard You Paint Houses"
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When "The Irishman" hit theatres, Michael caught up with the author of the book that the movie is based on, Charlie Brandt, "I Heard You Paint Houses:...
Jack Goldsmith: "In Hoffa's Shadow"
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jimmy Hoffa's associate Chuckie O'Brien's stepson, Jack Goldsmith, tells the moving story of reuniting with his stepfather, and many others, in "In Ho...
Chris Whipple: "The Fight Of His Life"
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amid Chief of Staff Ron Klain leaving the White House and President Biden deciding on a 2024 reelection run, Michael welcomes Chris Whipple, author of...
Matt Katz: "American Governor"
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Remember "Bridgegate" and Former NJ Governor Chris Christie's 2016 presidential campaign? Matt Katz was the reporter who had the inside story - hear h...
George Mitchell: "The Negotiator"
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with former Senator George Mitchell of Maine, author of "The Negotiator: A Memoir." Original air date 14 May 2015. The book was...
Keith Ellison: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with then-Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) on his book "My Country, 'Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future." Since 2019,...
Adrian Maher: "Uninvited"
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Adrian Maher, author of "Uninvited: Confessions of a Hollywood Party Crasher." Original air date 7 February 2020. The book was publ...
Mo Rocca: "Mobituaries"
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael has always loved reading obituaries, particularly those of people who passed who he never knew. They offer some incredible stories - ones that...
Elizabeth Schneider: "Wine For Normal People"
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cheers! Hear Michael chat with Elizabeth Schneider - a listener of the program, sommelier, wine specialist and author of "Wine for Normal People: A Gu...
Charles Duhigg: "The Power of Habit"
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michael welcomes New York Times Reporter Charles Duhigg on the paperback release of "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business." O...
Dr. David Agus: "The Lucky Years"
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Doctors have never before been able to help you take control of your health - but now they can. Michael's conversation with bestselling author Dr. Dav...
Peter Bergen: "Trump and His Generals"
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with national security analyst Peter Bergen about his book "Trump And His Generals: The Cost of Chaos." Original air date 10 December 20...
Karl Rove: "The Triumph of William McKinley"
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with former adviser to President George W. Bush, Karl Rove, on his book "The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1...
Kate Andersen Brower: "Elizabeth Taylor"
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author (The Residence, First Women) Kate Andersen Brower, with her new book "Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit & Glamour of an Ico...
Tom Dreesen: "Still Standing"
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with long-time friend of and opening act for Frank Sinatra, Tom Dreesen, on his book "Still Standing...: My Journey from Streets and Sal...
Jeff Nussbaum: "Undelivered"
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Presidential speechwriter Jeff Nussbaum, author of "Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches That Would Have Rewritten History." Original air date 7 Dece...
Doris Kears Goodwin: "The Bully Pulpit"
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian and bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin, on "The Bully Pulpit: Theodore ...
Kate Andersen Brower: "Exploring The White House"
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower at the end of President Trump's time in the White House, her book "Exploring the W...
Douglas Brinkley: "Silent Spring Revolution"
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael welcomes presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, author of "Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard...
Darrell West: "Billionaires"
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Darrell West of Brookings, author of "Billionaires: Reflections on the Upper Crust." Original air date 14 November 2014. T...
Annie Duke: "How To Decide"
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with world poker champion and bestselling author Annie Duke about her book "How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices." Orig...
William Frey: "Diversity Explosion"
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Brookings Institute Senior Fellow William H. Frey, author of "Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics are Remaking America...
Sarah Palin: "Sweet Freedom"
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael chats with former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin on her spirituality-focused book "Sweet Freedom: A Devotion." The book was published on 16 No...
Philip Rucker: "A Very Stable Genius"
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Washington Post reporter Phil Rucker upon the paperback release of "A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of Ame...
Dr. Anna Lembke: "Dopamine Nation"
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Dr. Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and the Stanford University School of Medicine, on her book "Dopamine Nation: Fin...
Scott Adams: "Win Bigly"
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams on his book "Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter." Original air date 9...
Natasha Lance Rogoff: "Muppets in Moscow"
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning television producer Natasha Lance Rogoff on her book "Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russ...
Matthew Ball: "The Metaverse"
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Matthew Ball, author of "The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything." Original air date 1 November 2022. The book was ...
Eric Motley: "Madison Park"
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation on achieving the American Dream, thanks to having hope and learning life lessons in the town from where he came - hear Eric Motley join...
Brian Greene: "Until t he End of Time"
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How did we get here? Where might we be going? Michael welcomes Dr. Brian Greene, world-renowned physicist, to answer these questions and many more - h...
Richard Reeves: "Of Boys and Men"
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael welcomes Richard Reeves, senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institute, where is the director of the Men and Boys Project. His ...
Neil deGrasse Tyson: "Starry Messenger"
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with astrophysicist and bestselling author Neil deGrasse Tyson, author of the new book "Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civiliz...
James Carville & Mary Matalin: "Love & War"
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Michael's first year at SiriusXM, he hosted a Book Club event at the SiriusXM NYC Studios in front of a live audience, with James Carville and Mary...
Jon Meacham: " And There Was Light"
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael welcomes author and historian Jon Meacham with his new book, "And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle." Original air da...
Angela Duckworth: "Grit"
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist Angela Duckworth on her New York Times bestseller, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance." Original air date 13 June 2016. The boo...
Annie Duke: "Quit"
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
She mastered the skill of quitting to achieve greater success. Bestselling author Annie Duke joins Michael with her book "Quit: The Power of Knowing W...
Bradley Tusk: "The Fixer"
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This book is a look at the intersection of politics, tech, and business, written by someone who stood there and worked hard. Michael talks with Bradle...
Tanya Hernandez: "Racial Innocence"
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of Latino members of the Los Angeles City Council getting caught on video making racist remarks about the black community, Michael talks w...
Nelson DeMille: "The Maze"
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille is back with a brand new novel, "The Maze." It is the 8th book in his popular John Corey series, whic...
Ed Stack: "It's How We Play The Game"
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ed Stack, the son of the founder of Dick's Sporting Goods, joins Michael with his powerful memoir, "It's How We Play the Game: Build a Business. Take ...
Brian Muraresku: "The Immortality Key"
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A quest for the holy grail - from the Ancient Greeks through today - a fascinating read on religion. Hear Michael's conversation with Brian Muraresku,...
Mike Rinder: "A Billion Years"
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Mike Rinder, on his book "A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology." Rinder was Scientology’s i...
Scott Galloway: "Adrift"
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with NYU Business Professor Scott Galloway, author of "Adrift: America in 100 Charts." Original air date 30 September 2022. The book was...
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman: "Here, Right Matters"
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with US Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (Ret.), who also served on the National Security Council, on his book "Here, Right Matt...
Nina Totenberg: "Dinners with Ruth"
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael invites NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg to the program to discuses her book, "Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Frien...
Nicholas Eberstadt: "Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition"
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks to Nicholas Eberstadt, who first wrote "Men Without Work" in 2016. He talks about the updated edition, "Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic ...
Buzz Bissinger: "The Mosquito Bowl"
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is one of the greatest stories you've never heard. Michael welcomes bestselling author Buzz Bissinger, author of "The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Li...
Gabriel Debenedetti: "The Long Alliance"
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with New York Magazine's Gabriel DeBenedetti, author of "The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama." Original...
Rabia Chaudry: "Adnan's Story"
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the case of Adnan Syed comes back into the news with Baltimore, MD prosecutors signaling they will vacate his conviction for a new trial, we offer ...
Andrew Morton: "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess"
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Andrew Morton, on his book "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess." Morton is also the author of the bestselling book "Diana: Her True Story...
Gary Schroen: "First In"
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gary Schroen, the former Central Intelligence Agency field officer in charge of the US' initial CIA incursion into Afghanistan in 2001, passed away on...
Mónica Guzmán: "I Never Thought Of It That Way"
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mónica Guzmán, Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, on her book "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conve...
Tim Donaghy: "Personal Foul"
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new Netflix documentary. "Untold: Operation Flagrant Foul" looks at an NBA betting scandal from 15 years ago, involving then-referee Tim Donaghy. He...
David Epstein: "Range"
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with David Epstein, author of "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World." Original air date 29 August 2019. The bo...
Senator Patrick Leahy: "The Road Taken"
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), currently Senate President Pro Tempore, and the upper chamber's longest-serving member. His new book...
Charlie Crist: "The Party's Over"
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation, then in front of a studio audience, with former FL Governor Charlie Crist, author of "The Party's Over: How the Extreme Right ...
Shaylyn Romney Garrett: "The Upswing"
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shaylyn Romney Garrett, co-author (with Robert Putnam) of "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again." Original ...
Danny Zelisko: "All Excess"
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with longtime concert promoter Danny Zelisko, author of "All Exce$$: Occupation Concert Promoter." Original air date 7 May 2021...
Michael D'Antonio: "The Shadow President"
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Michael D'Antonio, co-author (with Peter Eisner) of "The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence." Original air date ...
Erin Brockovich: "Superman's Not Coming"
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with activist Erin Brockovich on her book "Superman's Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About...
John Bowe: "I Have Something to Say"
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning journalist John Bowe on his book, "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection." Original a...
Kyle Petty: "Swerve Or Die"
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Racing superstar Kyle Petty with his memoir "Swerve or Die: Life at My Speed in the First Family of NASCAR Racing." Original air date 10 August 2022. ...
Morton Kondracke: "Jack Kemp"
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Morton Kondracke, co-author of "Jack Kemp: The Bleeding-Heart Conservative Who Changed America." Original air date 30 Sept...
Beck Dorey-Stein: "From The Corner Of The Oval"
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Beck Dorey-Stein, former stenographer to President Obama. Her book is "From the Corner of the Oval: A Memoir." Original ai...
Karl Alexander: "The Long Shadow"
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation on research presented by Dr. Karl Alexander in his new book "The Long Shadow: Family Background, Disadvantaged Urban Youth, and...
Sari Horwitz: "American Cartel"
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Four-Time Pulitzer Price winning investigator for the Washington Post Sari Horwitz speaks on her book, co-authored with Scott Higham, titled "American...
David Jolly & Patrick Murphy: "A Divided Union"
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former Congressmen David Jolly & Patrick Murphy, on their book "A Divided Union-Structural Challenges to Bipartisanship in America." Original air date...
Margot Machol Bisnow: "Raising An Entrepreneur"
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with Margot Machol Bisnow, author of "Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Familie...
Jeff Flake: "Conscience of a Conservative"
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with then-Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), on his book "Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Retur...
Mitch Prinstein: "Popular: The Power of Likeability in a Status-Obsessed World"
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael has a conversation with Mitch Prinstein, the American Psychological Association's Chief Science Officer, on his book "Popular: The Power of Li...
Ted Olson & David Boies: "Redeeming The Dream"
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with attorneys David Boies and Theodore Olson, who argued the California Prop 8 case in court together (and were on opposite si...
Wes Moore: "The Other Wes Moore"
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wes Moore is running for Governor in Maryland in the 2022 race. This is Michael's conversation with him from 7 May 2010 on his then-new book "The Othe...
Julian Zelizer: "Fault Lines"
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Princeton University Professor Julian Zelizer, author of "Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974." Hosted ...
Warren Littlefield: "Top Of The Rock"
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former NBC News President of Entertainment Warren Littlefield, author of "Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV." Original air date...
Ran Abramitzky: "Streets of Gold"
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Professor of Economics and the Senior Associate Dean of the Social Sciences at Stanford University, Dr. Ran Abramitzky, is a co-author with Leah P. Bo...
Pat Buchanan: "The Greatest Comeback"
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former presidential adviser, presidential candidate, commentator and author, Pat Buchanan, on his book "The Greatest Comeback: How Richard Nixon Rose ...
Bob Graham: "America: The Owner's Manual"
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with former Senator Bob Graham, on his book (co-authored with Chris Hand), "America: The Owner's Manual - You Can Fight City Ha...
Andy Cowan: "Banging My Head Against the Wall"
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with comedy writer Andy Cowan, who wrote the Seinfeld "The Opposite" episode, on his book "Banging My Head Against the Wall: A ...
Benjamin Lorr: "The Secret Life of Groceries"
02 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Benjamin Lorr, author of "The Secret Life of Groceries: The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket." Original air date 2...
Carol Leonnig: "Zero Fail"
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with Washington Post reporter Carol Leonnig, about her book "Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service." Original air date 25 M...
Billy Baker: "We Need To Hang Out"
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with Billy Baker, author of "We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends." Original air date 17 February 2021. The book was publish...
James Barrat: "Our Final Invention"
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the heels of Google placing an employee on leave after raising red flags about an Artificial Intelligence robot the company created, Michael talks ...
James Patterson: "The Stories Of My Life"
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with bestselling author James Patterson on his new autobiography, "James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life." Original...
Kate Andersen Brower: "The Residence"
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower on her book "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House." Or...
Sharyl Attkisson: "Stonewalled"
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with five-time Emmy Award winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson about her book "Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obst...
Martha McSally: "Dare To Fly"
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael talks with (Then-) Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) about her book "Dare to Fly: Simple Lessons in Never Giving Up." Original air date 27 May 202...
Katherine Schweit: "Stop The Killing"
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with retired FBI agent Katherine Schweit about her book "Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis." Original air date 9 Ju...
Kellyanne Conway: "Here's The Deal"
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with former advisor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, on her book "Here's The Deal: A Memoir." Original air date 8 June 2022. The b...
Tina Brown: "The Palace Papers"
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael welcomes Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair & The New Yorker and founder of The Daily Beast, with her book "The Palace Papers: ...
James Stavridis: "To Risk It All"
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael's conversation with Retired Navy Admiral James Stavridis, on "To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision." Original air date ...
Jeff Kosseff: "The Twenty-Six Words That Created the Internet"
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael speaks with US Naval Academy Professor Jeff Kosseff, about his nonfiction narrative history of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, ...
Anthony Mazzarelli: "Wonder Drug"
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Michael chats with Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli about his book "Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yours...