Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Епизоди

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  Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan: "Regime Change" 27.07.2026 23мин

  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.
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  Julian Zelizer: "Burning Down The House" 24.07.2026 12мин

  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.
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  Dr. Joseph Turow: "The Problem With Personalization" 20.07.2026 46мин

  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.
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  Dr. Jared Horvath: "The Digital Delusion" 17.07.2026 20мин

  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.
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  Tad Devine: "How The Democrats Screwed Bernie" 13.07.2026 27мин

  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.
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  Doug Schoen & Carly Cooperman: "America: Unite Or Die" 08.07.2026 13мин

  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.
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  Salena Zito: "The Great Revolt" 06.07.2026 18мин

  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.
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  Rye Barcott: "Courage Can Save US" 30.06.2026 16мин

  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.
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  Jeremy Bernard: "Treating People Well" 22.06.2026 15мин

  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
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  Dr. Ben Carson: "One Nation" 17.06.2026 13мин

  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.
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  Lloyd Blankfein: "Streetwise" 05.06.2026 34мин

  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.
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  Richard Louv: "Noticing" 03.06.2026 23мин

  Michael welcomes bestselling author Richard Louv, whose groundbreaking book "Last Child in the Woods" introduced the concept of “nature-deficit disorder.” In this conversation, Louv discusses his new book, "Noticing: Intimate Encounters with the Natural World," and explores how reconnecting with nature can improve mental health, spark creativity, ease loneliness, and restore a sense of authenticity in an increasingly digital world. From childhood “first places” to the simple act of paying closer attention to the natural world around us, Louv offers a compelling case for why noticing nature may be more important than ever. Original air date 3 June 2026. The book was published on June 23, 2026.
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  Sharon McMahon: "We Are Mighty" 20.05.2026 24мин

  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.
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  Andrew Guthrie Ferguson: "Your Data Will Be Used Against You" 18.05.2026 27мин

  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.
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  Admiral James Stavridis: "2084" 15.05.2026 19мин

  Michael welcomes retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis to discuss "2084: A Novel of Future War", the gripping finale to his bestselling trilogy co-written with Elliot Ackerman. From great power conflict and artificial intelligence to climate catastrophe and the future of democracy, Stavridis explores the real-world forces shaping his vision of the late 21st century. The conversation ranges from China and NATO to sea-level rise, civil unrest, and the dangers of unintended war — while also revealing the hopeful message at the heart of the novel. A fascinating deep dive into geopolitics, storytelling, and the future of humanity. Original air date 15 May 2026.
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  Russell Muirhead: "A Lot of People Are Saying" 13.05.2026 15мин

  As conspiracies about whether any of the three assassination attempts on President Donald Trump were staged or not, Michael speaks with Dartmouth professor Russell Muirhead, co-author of "A Lot of People Are Saying: The New Conspiracism and the Assault on Democracy", about the rise of modern conspiracism and its impact on democracy. From JFK theories to 2020 election claims and online misinformation, Muirhead explains how social media and “a lot of people are saying” culture have replaced evidence with repetition — and why rebuilding trust, skepticism, and real-world connection is more important than ever. Original air date 13 May 2026. The book was published on 16 April 2019.
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  Dr. Nassir Ghaemi on The Psychology of Great Leaders: The Creative Power of Mental Illness 11.05.2026 24мин

  In this episode of Book Club with Michael Smerconish, Michael speaks with psychiatrist and author Dr. Nassir Ghaemi about the surprising connection between mental illness and exceptional leadership. Drawing from Dr. Ghaemi’s books "A First-Rate Madness" and the newly published "Soul on Fire", the conversation explores how figures like Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ted Turner may have drawn strength from struggles with depression or bipolar disorder during times of crisis. It’s a thought-provoking discussion about stigma, creativity, resilience, and the misunderstood realities of mental health.
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  Susan Page: "The Queen and Her Presidents" 08.05.2026 16мин

  Michael welcomes USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss her bestselling book "The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History." From Ronald Reagan’s close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II to Donald Trump’s fascination with royal protocol, Page shares revealing stories about the monarch’s relationships with every American president she encountered. The conversation explores unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments involving the Obamas, Jimmy Carter, JFK, and more — offering a fascinating look at how Queen Elizabeth quietly shaped the “special relationship” between the United States and Great Britain for more than seventy years. Original air date 7 May 2026. The book was published on 14 April 2026.
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  Robert Putnam Revisits "Bowling Alone" with The Mingle Project 07.05.2026 28мин

  Michael sits down with Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam, author of "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" (2000), for a timely conversation about America’s growing social isolation and political polarization. In this special episode talking about The Mingle Project, Putnam explains how the decline of civic life, community ties, and shared experiences helped create the conditions for today’s populism — and why rebuilding “social capital” is essential to restoring democracy. From school buses and bowling leagues to social media algorithms and Silicon Valley, Smerconish and Putnam explore what tore Americans apart, what history teaches about recovery, and how communities can reconnect before it’s too late. Original air date 7 May 2026.
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  Julian Zelizer: "The Presidency of Joseph R. Biden" 29.04.2026 21мин

  Michael welcomes Princeton University professor and historian Julian Zelizer with "The Presidency of Joseph R. Biden: A First Historical Assessment", a new collection of essays examining Biden’s legacy. They explore the administration’s major accomplishments—from economic recovery to climate and foreign policy—alongside the political challenges that defined his presidency, including inflation, immigration, and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Zelizer explains why early historical evaluations matter and how Biden’s decisions, especially his bid for a second term, may shape how history ultimately judges his time in office. Original air date 29 April 2026. The book was published on 7 April 2026.