Podcast · Arts & Books

Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Reading for Independent Minds. Unlike many author interviews, if Michael didn't actually read the book, you won't hear about it. If he read it, you'll hear it and you'll love it. Insights into a wide range of topics, including many titles you've probably never heard of. The perfect book is just o

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 25 minNew

Michael Rey & Oriana Zill: "The Havana Syndrome"

Was Havana Syndrome the result of a secret weapon, mass hysteria, or a government cover-up? Michael talks with 60 Minutes investigative producers Michael Rey and Oriana Zill about their new book, "The Havana Syndrome: Secret Weapons, a Government Cover-Up, and the Greatest Spy Mystery of Our Time." After nine years of investigating mysterious illnesses affecting American diplomats, intelligence officers, and their families around the world, the authors reveal disturbing evidence, unanswered questions, and why they believe the U.S. government has failed to confront one of the most baffling…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E570 · 7 Oct 2026 · 26 min
Michael Lewis: "Blockers"
Bestselling author Michael Lewis joins Michael Smerconish to discuss his new book, "Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State", an inside look at the people and forces reshaping the federal government during Trump’s second term. Lewis examines DOGE, Elon Musk’s role, the sidelining of career civil servants, and whether the highly publicized hunt for “waste, fraud and abuse” was ultimately a distraction from a much larger transfer of executive power. Original air date 6 October 2026. The book was published on 6 October 2026.
E569 · 5 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Malcolm Gladwell: "The American Way of Killing"
Michael sits down with bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell to discuss his new book," The American Way of Killing: The Invention of an Epidemic." Gladwell challenges conventional thinking about America’s relationship with guns, the meaning of the Second Amendment, and why lethal violence is so much more common in the United States than in other countries. They explore the difference between crime and violence, America’s approach to policing and prisons, the role of trauma care in homicide statistics, and Gladwell’s provocative argument that the U.S. may actually be under-policed, rather than…
E568 · 30 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Gabriel Zucman: "We Need To Tax Billionaires"
Should billionaires be taxed on their wealth, not just their income? Michael Smerconish sits down with economist Gabriel Zucman, author of We Need to Tax Billionaires, to examine how the ultra-wealthy minimize income taxes, why traditional taxation can fall short at the very top, and Zucman’s proposal for a minimum tax tied to wealth. They also discuss California’s proposed billionaire tax, whether the wealthy would simply move to avoid it, and what a wealth tax could mean for the future of the U.S. tax system. Original air date 29 September 2026. The book was published on 25 August 2026.
E567 · 25 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 46 min
Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY): "Go And Do Likewise"
Is Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear preparing for a presidential run? Michael sits down with Beshear to discuss his memoir, Go and Do Likewise, and the faith and values that shape his approach to politics. From winning as a Democrat in deep-red Kentucky to abortion, LGBTQ+ issues, guns, Trump, democratic socialism and political civility, Beshear explains his governing philosophy—and opens up about the major decision that could lie ahead.
E566 · 23 Sep 2026 · 28 min
Josh Tyrangiel: "AI For Good"
Most of what we hear about artificial intelligence is a warning. Josh Tyrangiel went looking for the other side of the story. Michael talks with the author of "AI for Good: How Real People Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fix Things That Matter" about how AI is already helping teachers, doctors, hospitals, cities, and government agencies solve real-world problems. The key, Tyrangiel argues, is using AI to strengthen human judgment—not replace it. Original air date 23 September 2026. The book was published on 12 May 2026.
E565 · 22 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Dana Bash: "The Elections That Changed the World"
CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash joins Michael to discuss her new book, "The Elections That Changed the World: Fifteen Pivotal Moments That Shaped How We Live" co-written with David Fisher. Listen and learn about pivotal elections whose consequences reached far beyond the ballot box—from Winston Churchill’s stunning 1945 defeat and the little-known vote that helped elevate Martin Luther King Jr., to Ronald Reagan’s 1966 victory in California. It’s a fascinating look at the campaigns, personalities, turning points, and unexpected outcomes that helped shape political history—and a…
E564 · 18 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Tim Harford: "Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy"
In this 2017 conversation, Michael Smerconish talks with economist and author Tim Harford about his book "Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy." From the plow and paper to the index fund, Harford explains how seemingly simple innovations transformed society—and what technology, automation, and artificial intelligence could mean for the jobs and economy of the future. Original air date 8 September 2017. The book was published on 29 August 2017.
E563 · 14 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Eric Zwick: "The Everywhere Millionaire"
Michael talks with University of Chicago economist Eric Zwick, co-author of "The Everywhere Millionaire: Who Is Really Rich in America and How They Got There", about the surprising people who hold much of America’s wealth. Zwick explains how Main Street entrepreneurs—from car dealers and contractors to restaurant and franchise owners—are quietly building fortunes across the country, and what their success reveals about entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and the enduring American Dream. Original air date 14 September 2026. The book publish date is 15 September 2026.
E562 · 11 Sep 2026 · 25 min
Tara Bane: "Evolution Of A Heart"
Michael Smerconish speaks with Tara Bayne about her memoir, "Evolution of a Heart: From the Darkness of 9/11 to Rebuilding a Life and Finding Joy." Bayne lost her husband, Michael, in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. She shares the painful story of that day, the grief and unanswered questions that followed, and how yoga, ritual, art, and the Garden of Reflection helped her rebuild a life while keeping Michael’s memory alive. Original air date 10 September 2026. The book was published on 31 July 2026.
E561 · 9 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Jim VandeHei: "Simplify"
Michael Smerconish talks with Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei about "Simplify: Do 50% More With 50% Less", his new book co-authored with Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz. They explore how to cut unnecessary meetings, decisions and distractions, reclaim valuable time, and focus on what really matters—in work and in life. Original air date 8 September 2026. The book publish date is 15 September 2026.
E560 · 4 Sep 2026 · 1 hr
James B. Steele Revisits "America: What Went Wrong" 35 Years Later
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.
E559 · 31 Aug 2026 · 15 min
Jake Tapper: "The Hellfire Club"
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.
E558 · 26 Aug 2026 · 12 min
Stephen Prothero: "Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (Even When They Lose Elections)"
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.
E557 · 19 Aug 2026 · 13 min
Paul Ryan: "The Way Forward"
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.
E556 · 11 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Frederick J. Ryan Jr.: "The Civility Handbook"
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.
E555 · 4 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Annie Jacobsen: "Biological War"
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.
E554 · 27 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan: "Regime Change"
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.
E553 · 24 Jul 2026 · 13 min
Julian Zelizer: "Burning Down The House"
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.
E552 · 20 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Dr. Joseph Turow: "The Problem With Personalization"
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…
E551 · 17 Jul 2026 · 21 min
Dr. Jared Horvath: "The Digital Delusion"
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…
E550 · 13 Jul 2026 · 28 min
Tad Devine: "How The Democrats Screwed Bernie"
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.
E549 · 8 Jul 2026 · 13 min
Doug Schoen & Carly Cooperman: "America: Unite Or Die"
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…
E548 · 6 Jul 2026 · 18 min
Salena Zito: "The Great Revolt"
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…
E547 · 30 Jun 2026 · 17 min
Rye Barcott: "Courage Can Save US"
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,…
E546 · 22 Jun 2026 · 15 min
Jeremy Bernard: "Treating People Well"
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…
E545 · 17 Jun 2026 · 14 min
Dr. Ben Carson: "One Nation"
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…
E544 · 5 Jun 2026 · 34 min
Lloyd Blankfein: "Streetwise"
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…
E543 · 3 Jun 2026 · 23 min
Richard Louv: "Noticing"
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…
E542 · 20 May 2026 · 24 min
Sharon McMahon: "We Are Mighty"
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.…

About Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Book Club with Michael Smerconish is a English arts & books podcast from SiriusXM. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: SiriusXM
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1573812448

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