Book Club with Michael Smerconish

From one of the world's foremost experts on the subject, a powerful argument that the greatest damage from drugs flows from their being illegal, and a hopeful reckoning with the possibility of their use as part of a responsible and happy life. Michael talks with Dr. Carl Hart, Professor at Columbia University, about his book "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our kids are being raised disconnected from natural outdoor environments, for a variety of reasons like technology addictions, fears and dangers of being alone outside and many more. Michael welcomes Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder." As children’s connections to nature diminish and the social, psychological, and spiritual implications become apparent, Mr. Louv highlights that new research shows that nature can offer powerful therapy for such maladies as depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder. Original air date June 2007. The book was originally published on 15 April 2005. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kate Andersen Brower, New York Times bestselling author, gives us an an intimate, news-making look at the true modern power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: the First Ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. Listen to Michael's conversation with her on "First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies." Original air date 21 April 2016. The book was published on 12 April 2016. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the archives, Michael's conversation with journalist Bob Woodward on his #1 New York Times Bestselling book "State of Denial: Bush At War", which examines how the George W. Bush administration avoided telling the truth about Iraq to the public, to Congress, and often to themselves. This conversation is from 2006, around when the book was published. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael attended a talk at the Union League of Philadelphia called "James Bond Beyond The Cold War" and so enjoyed what he heard that he welcomed Dr. Ronald Granieri in for a conversation on the book he has co-authored, "The Bondian Cold War (Routledge Studies in Espionage and Culture)." Original air date 26 January 2024. The book was published on 1 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A fascinating, first-of-its-kind journey through the making of America's most complex, intriguing, and popular game. Michael's conversation with ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, who explores just how crucial football is to understanding the American psyche. Original air date 16 September 2008. The book was published on 1 September 2008. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Longtime journalist and satirist P.J. O'Rourke with Michael on his book "The Baby Boom: How It Got That Way...And It Wasn't My Fault...And I'll Never Do It Again..." Mr. O'Rourke passed away in February 2022. Original air date 28 January 2014. The book was published on 07 January 2014. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Height? Skill? Wealth? What is the most useful trait when looking to become an NBA player. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz joins Michael to discuss this question in his new book: "Who Makes the NBA?: Data-Driven Answers to Basketball's Biggest Questions." Original air date 19 January 2024. The book was published December 8 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was just before he decided to run for President in the 2012 cycle: Listen to Michael's conversation with former Governor & Senator Mitt Romney, on his book "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness." Original air date 6 April 2010. The book was published on 2 March 2010. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Veteran Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War 2 joins Michael to discuss his book "Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima." Original air date 21 May 2007. The book was published 1 May 2006. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins Michael to discuss his new book "I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg" which is part of his award-winning 'Ordinary People Change The World' series. Original air date 8 January 2024. The book was published on 9 January 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Decision strategist, professional poker champion and author Annie Duke joins Michael to discuss her life, career, and book "Thinking In Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts." Original air date: 09 February 2018. The book was published on 6 February 2018. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Journalist and bestselling author Ted Gup writes on a broad range of American institutions, exposing how and why they keep secrets from the very people they are supposed to serve. Drawing on original reporting and startling analysis, Gup argues that a preoccupation with secrets has undermined the very values—security, patriotism, privacy, the national interest—in whose name secrecy is so often invoked. Listen to his conversation with Michael on his book "Nation of Secrets: The Threat to Democracy and the American Way of Life." Original air date 29 May 2007. The book was published on 29 May 2007. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Winding back the clock, today's book club podcast Michael is joined by Maya Angelou an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She discusses her book "Letter To My Daughter." Original Air Date: September 2008. The book was published on 23 September 2008. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed—a short, inspirational book about the qualities of true, everyday heroes. Listen to Michael talk to Admiral William McRaven about "The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived." Original air date 15 April 2021. The book was published on 13 April 2021. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen to Michael's conversation with Jane Leavy, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Boy and Sandy Koufax, author of "The Big Fella: Babe Ruth and the World He Created" - the definitive biography of Babe Ruth—the man Roger Angell dubbed "the model for modern celebrity." Original air date 14 December 2018. The book was published on 16 October 2018. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Grateful Dead is one of Michael's favorite bands - listen to his conversation with legendary bass player Phil Lesh, on his book "Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead." Original air date April 2006. The book was published on 25 April 2006. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Cheney served as a member of Congress from 2017 to 2023, rising to chair the House Republican Conference until her stand against the January 6th insurrection caused her party to strip away that role, and led to her defeat in the 2022 primary election. An attorney and national security specialist, Cheney previously worked in Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East while serving in the State Department during the George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush administrations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael is joined by American anthropologist and author Chip Colwell to discuss his new book "Stuff: Humanity's Epic Journey from Naked Ape to Nonstop Shopper." Original air date 11 December 2023. The book was published on 16 November 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Comedian Joan Rivers passed away in 2014. In 2018, her daughter published this great book "Joan Rivers Confidential: The Unseen Scrapbooks, Joke Cards, Personal Files, and Photos of a Very Funny Woman Who Kept Everything." Listen to Michael's conversation with Melissa Rivers, right as the MeToo movement was underway, and what would her mom have said about it? Original air date 11 January 2018. The book was published on 24 September 2017. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An incredible homage to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the book business in the 20th century. Book publisher Buz Teacher, co-founder of Running Press, joins Michael to discuss his new book "Among Friends: An Illustrated Oral History of American Book Publishing and Bookselling in the 20th Century." Original Air Date 06 December 2023. The book was published on 23 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How the American financial system lost its way, and how it can right its course...from deep in Michael's archives, a conversation with the founder and former CEO of Vanguard Jack C. Bogle, on his book "The Battle for the Soul of Capitalism." Mr. Bogle passed away in 2019. Original air date 8 November 2005. The book was published on 1 November 2005. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Legendary Philadelphia sports talk radio host Angelo Cataldi, now retired, is out with a great new book and joins Michael to talk about "Angelo Cataldi: LOUD: How a Shy Nerd Came to Philadelphia and Turned up the Volume in the Most Passionate Sports City in America." Original air date 30 November 2023. The book was published on 28 November 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From his days on local radio in Philadelphia, Michael spoke with former California Governor and Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger about the news of the day (2012 election, remember Mitt Romney's campaign?), and his book "Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story." Also in the conversation are TC, and Michael's former producer at WPHT Greg Stocker. Original air date 8 October 2012. The book was published on 1 October 2012. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael has to physically touch the New York Times every day. The newsprint in his hands - its the only paper he has a copy of. It's a newspaper that has seen massive changes over the past four decades. Listen to Adam Nagourney, National Political Reporter for the Times, talk about his book "The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism." Original air date 21 November 2023. The book was published on 26 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael's conversation with former President Jimmy Carter on his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." The conversation is followed up by reaction from Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz, who has differing opinions than President Carter - an interesting listen nearly 20 years later. Original air date 30 November 2006. The book was published on 16 November 2006. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Quite the conversation here from the archives: In October 2013 just before the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Assassination, Michael hosted former MN Governor Jesse Ventura in front of a live studio audience in New York, on his new book "They Killed Our President: 63 Reasons to Believe There Was a Conspiracy to Assassinate JFK." Original air date 1 October 2013. The book was published on 1 January 2013. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael is joined by journalist and author, Brian Stelter to discuss his new book "Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy." It tells the story of how Fox News paid almost a billion dollars in legal settlements to bury the contents of this explosive account of the network’s attempts to manipulate the truth. Original air date: 16 November 2023. The book was published on 14 November 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Government's Search for Alien Life Here―and Out There." Listen to this interview about the first comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of our government’s decades-long quest to solve one of humanity’s greatest mysteries: Are we alone in the universe? Original air date 15 November 2023. The book was published on 14 November 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Deeply and Being Deeply Seen," which pulls from his own observations and research and dives into the topic of human connection and its importance in today's society. Original Air Date 14 November 2023. The book was published on 24 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 2023) that he is running for Mayor of Jersey City, NJ. In 2006, Michael spoke with him about his candid memoir, "The Confession." The book was published on 19 September 2006. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Agents Brodie and Taylor who are on the hunt for the cold-blooded murderer of one of their fellow agents. Original air date 10 November 2023. The book was published on 10 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with Robert Rubin, former secretary of the Treasury and co-chairman of Goldman Sachs, on his book "The Yellow Pad: Making Better Decisions in an Uncertain World." Original air date 7 November 2023. The book was published on 16 May 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks to former presidential candidate Ralph Nader about his book "Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State," wherein he argues of the dangers that a politically divided America can bring. Original air date 23 March 2014. The book was published on 29 April 2014. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Smerconish talks with Jeffery Rosen, President& CEO of the National Constitution Center. His book about the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is "Conversations with RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law." This conversation happened almost a hear before Justice Ginsburg passed away, she died in September 2020. Original air date 6 November 2019. The book was published on 5 November 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A remarkably illuminating biography of one of America’s most fascinating political figures—including news-making revelations from Mitt Romney himself about dissension within today’s Republican Party—written with his full cooperation by an award-winning writer at The Atlantic. Michael welcomes McKay Coppins for a conversation on "Romney: A Reckoning." Original air date 27 October 2023. The book was published on 24 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Why I Blew the Whistle on Facebook." Original air date 26 October 2023. The book was published on 13 June 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 author explores today's fractious American culture, where divisions of class, race, politics, religion, gender, age, and other fault lines make polite conversation dicey, if not downright dangerous. Listen to Michael's conversation with him on his book "God, Guns, Grits, and Gravy." Original air date 27 January 2015. The book was published on 20 January 2015. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One of our great behavioral scientists, the bestselling author of "Behave", plumbs the depths of the science and philosophy of decision-making to mount a devastating case against free will, an argument with profound consequences. Listen to Michael's conversation with Stanford University Professor of biology and neurolgy Dr. Robert M. Sapolsky, author of "Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will." Original air date 19 October 2023. The book was published on 17 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 household name as an aide to then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo when he was thrust onto the national stage during COVID. She joins Michael with her memoir "What's Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis." Original air date 20 October 2023. The book was published on 24 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice." Original air date 27 October 2017. The book was published on 24 October 2017. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As companies are refusing to hire prospective employees who are voicing their opinions against Israel defending itself against the terrorist attacks from Hamas, its a perfect time for a conversation with Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) President & CEO Greg Lukianoff, co-author of "The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All―But There Is a Solution." Original air date 12 October 2023. The book was published on 17 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 democratic for decades...flipped. Michael talks to Ben Bradlee, Jr on his book "The Forgotten: How the People of One Pennsylvania County Elected Donald Trump and Changed America." Original air date 30 October 2018. The book was published on 2 October 2018. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 "Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights." Original air date 4 March 2019. The book was published on 5 March 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Partisan politics, gridlock, incivility, division. All negative words - but there is hope. Listen to Michael's conversation with Stanford University's Dr. Morris Fiorina, author of "Unstable Majorities: Polarization, Party Sorting, and Political Stalemate." Original air date 9 April 2020. The book was published on 1 November 2017. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael talks with Indiana University Political Science Professor Aurelian Craiutu, author of "Why Not Moderation?: Letters to Young Radicals." Original air date 6 October 2023. The book was published on 12 October 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael's conversation with Scott Stankavage, author of "The QB Mentor: Words of Wisdom From an NFL Veteran For An Injured Quarterback That Can Improve Your Life and Career." Original air date 15 March 2016. The book was published on 1 January 2016. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Television: From I Love Lucy to The Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific." Original air date 21 November 2016. The book was published on 15 November 2016. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 book was published on 19 September 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hollywood producer and bestselling author Brian Grazer on his book "Face to Face: The Art of Human Connection." Original air date 20 September 2019. The book was published on 17 September 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.