Best Stavridis Podcasts (2026)

1
Trump Wants New Battleships — Admiral Stavridis Explains Why That Could Be a Mistake 17:11

Play Pause

10d ago17:11

17:11

President Trump announces plans for a new class of massive U.S. Navy warships—but are battleships the future or a relic of the past? Michael Smerconish speaks with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, about America’s shrinking fleet, China’s rapid naval expansion, and why concentrating power in giant ship…

1
The Case for Volunteering as a Cure for Loneliness 28:47

3d ago28:47

28:47

Why are fewer Americans volunteering—and why does it matter?Michael digs into new data showing a long-term decline in volunteerism, echoing warnings first raised by Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone. Joined by Wall Street Journal opinion editor Mary Julia Koch, Michael explores how civic engagement has shifted toward episodic, virtual, and performativ…

1
Guadalcanal's Longest Fight with guest Dave Holland - Episode 535 1:11:25

3d ago1:11:25

1:11:25

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall talk with their good buddy, Guadalcanal historian, Dave Holland. The guys get Dave to dig into his new book, Guadalcanal's Longest Fight: The Pivotal Battles on the Matinikau Front. Dave goes into just what made the Matinikau river the single most fought over section of territory on Guadalcanal and why Tenaru…

1
If You Trust Your Phone With Your Money, Why Not Your Vote? 27:08

4d ago27:08

27:08

Can you really trust your smartphone to cast a secure vote?Michael Smerconish talks with venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk about a groundbreaking experiment in mobile voting, launching in Anchorage, Alaska. As smartphones already manage our money, medical records, and identities, Tusk argues it’s time they handle our ballots …

1
Big, Beautiful Tariffs 49:56

13m ago49:56

49:56

This special explores Trump’s historic increase in US import duties, which have pushed America to its highest aggregate tariff rate since the Great Depression. What kind of results can we expect? Fareed looks for lessons in history, tracing US tariffs from the 1800s onward and noting some of the pitfalls. Tariffs can foster crony capitalism, Fareed…

1
Faith, Politics, and Fracture: America at a Crossroads 24:52

10d ago24:52

24:52

Is the United States a Christian nation — and should it be? Michael breaks down Vice President JD Vance’s explosive comments at Turning Point USA, sparking a national debate over faith, identity, and the Constitution. He also examines the very public conservative infighting between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and Steve Bannon, raising questions ab…

1
The Fall of Singapore – Episode 534 1:34:03

10d ago1:34:03

1:34:03

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall take a look at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. After having swept the battlefields from Singora to Muar of British, Australian, Indian, and Malaysian troops in his masterful campaign down the 500-mile-long Malayan island, Japanese General Yamashita stands poised just across the Strait of Johore from S…

1
Hunting Bears, Not Each Other: A Rare Look at Life Beyond Politics 24:30

11d ago24:30

24:30

What can bear hunting in rural Pennsylvania teach us about American politics? Michael speaks with Washington Post columnist and bestselling author Salena Zito about her immersive reporting from a Pennsylvania bear camp — a place where Democrats, Republicans, and independents come together without arguing politics. Zito explains why most Americans a…

1
Is Turning Point USA an Asset or Liability for the Republican Party? 22:20

11d ago22:20

22:20

In this episode, Michael dives deep into the chaos at Turning Point USA’s America Fest. With more than 30,000 attendees, the event revealed a growing rift within the GOP. From Ben Shapiro’s scathing critique of fellow conservatives to the controversial presence of rapper Nicki Minaj, the conference exposed the future direction of the Republican Par…

1
Former Sec. of State Blinken on the Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy 42:52

12d ago42:52

42:52

Biden administration Secretary of State Antony Blinken sits down with Fareed for a wide-ranging conversation about his assessment of the Trump administration’s attempts to end the Ukraine war, the president’s decision to strike Iran in June, and Blinken’s reflections on the war in Gaza. GUESTS: Antony Blinken (@ABlinken); Jessica Stern (@JessicaESt…

1
War and Peace in 2025, with Clarissa Ward and Comfort Ero 50:48

13d ago50:48

50:48

This week, instead of zooming in on a single conflict, the GZERO World Podcast looks back on 2025 and takes stock of a world increasingly defined by conflict. Ian Bremmer sits down with CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward and Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group to look at some of the biggest crises of 20…

1
Is Birthright Citizenship an American Exception — or a Constitutional Mistake? 29:18

14d ago29:18

29:18

Birthright citizenship is headed to the Supreme Court — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Michael Smerconish sits down with Washington Post columnist and National Review editor Ramesh Ponnuru to unpack one of the most consequential constitutional debates of our time. As the Court prepares to hear a challenge to birthright citizenship, they explore…

1
Epstein Files Drop Today. Nothing Will Change. 22:35

14d ago22:35

22:35

Michael breaks down today’s poll question at Smerconish.com: Will the Friday release of Epstein materials be of any great consequence? With the DOJ racing to meet a congressional deadline, Smerconish explains why massive redactions, prior disclosures, and political realities may leave the public disappointed — and why this story is far from over. L…

1
A NYT Epstein Bombshell Drops — And Trump’s Agitated Speech Makes New Sense 22:50

15d ago22:50

22:50

In today’s episode, Michael Smerconish unpacks President Trump’s unusually rapid and partisan White House address — and explores whether a major New York Times investigation into Trump’s long-obscured friendship with Jeffrey Epstein helps explain the tone. Michael walks through the Times reporting, the president’s polling struggles, and why major n…

1
UK Arrests Protesters Over “Globalize the Intifada”: Could This Ever Happen Here? 14:26

15d ago14:26

14:26

Michael breaks down a fast-moving news cycle—from President Trump’s national address and a bombshell New York Times report on Trump and Epstein, to a provocative new poll question: Should British police arrest protesters who chant “Globalize the Intifada”? As the UK begins making arrests and Australia weighs new speech laws after a deadly anti-Semi…

1
Susie Wiles, Vanity Fair & Trump: Mark Halperin On What You Weren’t Told 29:52

8d ago29:52

29:52

Mark Halperin is editor-in-chief of 2WAY and host of the Next Up podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By Mark Halperin, Michael Smerconish

1
The Post That Shocked Even Trump Allies: Was It a New Low? 18:17

16d ago18:17

18:17

Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com Daily Poll Question: Are President Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner a new low? After Trump issued a controversial Truth Social post in the wake of the Reiner family tragedy, even some usual allies spoke out against him. Michael reviews the reactions, compares this moment to past Trump controversies—from M…

1
American Power in a Multipolar World 39:38

8d ago39:38

39:38

American foreign policy is in crisis. The bipartisan consensus that emerged after the Cold War has collapsed after a string of American failures, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, with the rise of China and the new ascendance of middle powers, the United States must rethink its engagement with the world. But where to start? In this episod…

1
Indefensible: David Urban on Breaking Rank From Trump 30:18

17d ago30:18

30:18

Michael is joined by longtime Trump adviser David Urban for a candid conversation about the president’s controversial Truth Social post following the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner. Urban, who ran Trump’s 2016 Pennsylvania campaign, publicly called the post “indefensible”—and here he explains why. Together, he and Michael explore the poli…

1
Is antisemitism becoming normalized in our society today? 20:48

17d ago20:48

20:48

Antisemitic incidents are rising across the U.S. and around the world. Michael's answer to today's Smerconish.com poll question, "Is antisemitism becoming normalized in our society today?" is, sadly, "Yes." Listen here to hear his take, then vote, and please rate, review, and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https:/…

1
Q&A on the Pacific War Round 2 with special guest Bill Toti - Episode 533 1:34:40

17d ago1:34:40

1:34:40

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall welcome back their buddy Captain Bill Toti to the show for another round of Pacific War Q&A with emcee Shawn Bergstrom. The guys get into the weeds on a variety of topics sent in by you guys. Hope we did well. Thank you, as always, for sending in the questions this go-round. You guys really know your stuff. M…

1
Reclassifying Marijuana: An Unexpected Trump Move 31:59

18d ago31:59

31:59

In this episode, Michael speaks with attorney Shane Pennington, a leading expert on cannabis rescheduling, about reports that President Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Pennington explains what a reclassification would mean for consumers, the legal cannabis industry, medical research, cr…

1
Mass Shootings Are A Facet Of American Life That Will Never Change 10:27

18d ago10:27

10:27

In this episode, Michael Smerconish confronts a deeply troubling question: Are mass shootings a permanent part of American life? Following a devastating weekend—from the Brown University shooting to tragedies abroad—Michael unpacks today’s poll question at Smerconish.com and shares why he’s grown pessimistic about meaningful change. In a prepared s…

1
Push for Peace in Ukraine; The Battle to Buy Warner Bros. Discovery 34:34

19d ago34:34

34:34

CNN’s Bianna Golodryga anchors the top of the show. Bianna is joined by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt for a wide-ranging conversation about recent pushes to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy, and the future of the transatlantic alliance. Then, Bianna speaks with Joe Flint, a media reporter …

1
Why we still trust Wikipedia, with cofounder Jimmy Wales 37:15

20d ago37:15

37:15

At a moment when Americans can’t agree on much of anything, one unlikely institution still commands broad trust: Wikipedia. Ian Bremmer sits down with Wikipedia cofounder Jimmy Wales to ask why the crowdsourced encyclopedia remains one of the most visited and relied-upon sites in the world, even as trust in media, government, and tech companies con…

1
Will the Great Wealth Transfer Spark a Millennial Civil War? 33:44

21d ago33:44

33:44

Michael explores the political impact of the massive intergenerational wealth transfer underway. With over $124 trillion set to pass from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen X, could this spark a political divide or even a civil war? Joined by Eric Levitz, Senior Correspondent at Vox, the discussion dives deep into how inherited wealth might shape …

1
Feds vs. States: The Fight for AI Control Just Got Real 19:35

21d ago19:35

19:35

Michael digs into today’s poll question: Who should regulate AI — the federal government, the states, or no one at all? With Trump’s new executive order, escalating job losses, a shocking wrongful arrest tied to facial recognition, and global AI competition heating up, Michael breaks down why the stakes have never been higher. Plus, reactions to Ti…

1
“Dead Men Tell No Tales”: Listeners Clash Over Trump’s Border Strike 10:58

22d ago10:58

10:58

Raw, emotional, and fiercely divided—today’s Smerconish Program features some of the most intense calls yet. Listeners share heartbreaking stories of fentanyl loss, defend or condemn Trump’s deadly anti-drug boat strike, question military orders, and debate the legality and morality of the operation. From “sink the boat” to “dead men tell no tales,…

1
TIME’s Shocking 2025 Person of the Year Reveal: Did They Get It Right? 19:57

22d ago19:57

19:57

TIME Magazine has officially named the “Architects of AI” as the 2025 Person of the Year — and Michael says it was the only possible choice. In today’s episode, he breaks down why AI’s impact, for better or worse, outweighs any single human, and revisits the history of TIME’s most controversial picks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See h…

1
“He’ll Never Be Disciplined”: Mark Halperin on Trump’s Speech, Post & Party Panic 31:06

23d ago31:06

31:06

Michael and political analyst Mark Halperin unpack Trump’s marathon Pennsylvania speech and the instantly infamous late-night Truth Social post that followed. They dive into Trump’s ongoing message-discipline problem, the GOP’s economic and healthcare vulnerabilities, the latest reporting on a possible Ukraine deal, and Halperin’s early power ranki…

1
Australia Protects Its Teens. Should America Also Enact An Under-16 Social Media Ban? 17:16

23d ago17:16

17:16

Australia just logged out more than a million under-16 social media accounts — an unprecedented national ban aimed at protecting kids from the harms of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. Today, Michael Smerconish breaks down the sweeping new law, the public reaction, and why figures like Rahm Emanuel say the U.S. should follow Australia’s lead.…

1
America’s Military at Risk? Admiral Stavridis on the NYT’s Shocking ‘Overmatch’ Report 29:04

24d ago29:04

29:04

Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis—former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO—to break down the intensifying debate over the U.S. boat strike: the moral questions, the legal stakes, the intelligence lost, and why the tape’s release matters. Stavridis also reacts to the New York Times’ startling “Overmatch” report, which warns th…

1
Is Legalizing Cocaine and Heroin the Only Way to Stop Fentanyl-Related Deaths? 15:21

24d ago15:21

15:21

Michael Smerconish dives into today’s provocative poll question: Would legalizing heroin and cocaine actually reduce fentanyl deaths and improve global stability? Inspired by a listener’s message and supported by Kofi Annan’s striking 2016 essay, Michael examines the arguments for and against a radical shift in drug policy. He also updates listener…

1
Pacific War Q&A Round 1 with special guest Bill Toti - Episode 532 1:27:57

24d ago1:27:57

1:27:57

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall welcome back the OG, Captain Bill Toti to the show for our first of several Q&A episodes. As always, our emcee, retired US Army Major Shawn Bergstrom is with us as well. The guys tackle some of the more than 500 questions sent in (!) and cover all klinds of topics from the Philippines, to torpedoes, dinner gu…

1
The COVID-Cash Fraud Nobody Saw Coming — Except Michael Smerconish 30:58

25d ago30:58

30:58

Minnesota Star Tribune investigative reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt joins Michael Smerconish to break down the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota — from the Feeding Our Future nonprofit to autism-service billing schemes and housing fraud. While President Trump claims “billions” were stolen, the evidence so far paints a very different picture. They …

1
The Video They Don’t Want You to See? Smerconish Explores the Boat-Strike Mystery 11:33

25d ago11:33

11:33

Michael breaks down today’s Smerconish.com poll question: Why hasn’t video of the second boat strike been released? He explores the competing theories—from protecting sources and methods, to avoiding evidentiary exposure, to the mysterious surge in voters selecting “something else.” Michael also revisits recent poll results - A fast, insightful loo…

1
Trump’s Standoff with Venezuela; Potential for Peace in Ukraine 42:41

26d ago42:41

42:41

Today on the show, tensions between the US and Venezuela are reaching a boiling point, as President Donald Trump warned that US strikes on land targets in Venezuela could come "very soon." Fareed speaks with two former top officials on Venezuela: former US ambassador to Venezuela James Story, and former special representative for Venezuela, Elliott…

1
The human cost of AI, with Geoffrey Hinton 25:53

27d ago25:53

25:53

Computer scientist and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton joins Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World podcast to talk about artificial intelligence, the technology transforming our society faster than anything humans have ever built. The question is: how fast is too fast? Hinton is known as the “Godfather of AI.” He helped build the neural networks that made …

1
Inside the J6 Pipe Bomb Arrest: Motive, Misconceptions, and a Stunning Legal Question 28:18

28d ago28:18

28:18

Robert A. Pape Professor, Political Science Department Director, Chicago Project on Security and Threats University of Chicago Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By Michael Smerconish, Danny Cevallos, Robert Pape

1
Drugs, War Crimes, and Politics: When Will We See The Boat Strike Video? 22:49

28d ago22:49

22:49

Michael digs into the controversy surrounding the unreleased video of the second boat strike — the tape lawmakers saw but the public hasn’t. He breaks down conflicting accounts from the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, revealing key details about the 41-minute deliberation, what the survivors were actually doing, and w…

1
AI Boom or Bust? Ron Insana on the Real Risk Behind Today’s Stock Market Surge 25:36

29d ago25:36

25:36

CNBC and MSNBC commentator Ron Insana joins Michael to break down what’s really driving the stock market — and why most investors aren’t feeling the gains. From the soaring dominance of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants to fears of an AI-fueled bubble, Insana explains the risks, the misconceptions, and how everyday Americans should think about in…

1
Not Feeling Rich: $1 Million Isn’t What It Used to Be 14:29

29d ago14:29

14:29

Is a $1 million net worth still considered wealthy in 2025? New research reveals that most American millionaires don’t think so — and they’re more financially anxious than ever. Michael breaks down the surprising data, what “wealth” now means to Americans, and why geography and comparison play such big roles. Listen here, then vote on today's poll …

1
Admiral Stavridis on the Pentagon Firestorm: Congressional Inquiry Required 25:49

1M ago25:49

25:49

Michael Smerconish sits down with Admiral James Stavridis to unpack the explosive controversy surrounding a September military strike now under congressional investigation. Drawing on his experience as former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, Stavridis breaks down the chain of command, the laws of war, the role of the Secretary of Defense, and why …

1
Second Strike Scandal: Is Admiral Bradley Responsible? 17:27

1M ago17:27

17:27

Should Admiral “Mitch” Bradley face disciplinary action for authorizing a second strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat? Michael is asking this poll question at Smerconish.com today. Using reporting from The Washington Post, legal insights from military experts, and new comments from Secretary Hegseth, Michael unpacks the law-of-war implicatio…

1
Teens Don't Trust The News–And Think Spider-Man Is A Journalist 29:40

1M ago29:40

29:40

Michael sits down with Peter Adams at the News Literacy Project to unpack a startling new study on how 13–18-year-olds view journalism—revealing deep distrust, confusion about media ethics, and a surprising cultural touchstone: Spider-Man. Michael also dives into how movies and TV shape our understanding of the press, from “Spotlight” and “Absence …

1
Should Ole Miss Have Let Lane Kiffin Finish the Season? Michael Battles His Emotions vs. Logic 18:22

1M ago18:22

18:22

Today’s Smerconish.com poll asks: “Should Ole Miss have allowed Lane Kiffin to finish the season even after he accepted the LSU job?” Michael breaks down the full drama—from the Rebels’ championship run, to LSU’s massive contract offer, to the competing arguments from top analysts in the sports world. He explains why the decision raises bigger ques…

1
The Invasion of Malaya - Episode 531 1:41:41

23d ago1:41:41

1:41:41

This week Seth Paridon and Jon Parshall dig into the morass that is the British “problem” in Malaya following the Japanese invasion. Just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese launched the Invasion of Malaya, landing on several beaches and quickly moving inland. British colonial troop’s reaction to the Japanese advance was both slow and i…

1
Did the U.S. Commit a War Crime? Andrew McCarthy on the Drug Boat Strikes 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Is $50K… or $150K Enough? America’s True Cost of Living For A Family Of Four 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

Michael dives into today’s "Cyber Monday" Smerconish.com poll: "How much does a family of four truly need to live independently in America?" He breaks down new research suggesting the real poverty line may be closer to $140,000—far above federal estimates—and explores the ‘Valley of Death’ where families lose benefits faster than wages rise. Plus, …

1
America’s New Export: The Unchecked Executive 43:10

1M ago43:10

43:10

Fareed Zakaria and his take on if America’s founders would be stunned by the power of the modern presidency and if the Supreme Court has enabled such powers. Plus, Walter Isaacson, author of “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written”, joins to discuss the Declaration of Independence and ask what is the American dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…