On Robert F. Kennedy’s 100th birthday, Chris Matthews joins Michael for an in-depth conversation on why RFK’s legacy still matters today. With rare moments and firsthand historical insight, they revisit RFK’s most powerful speeches, his moral courage after MLK’s assassination, his 1966 “Ripple of Hope” moment in South Africa, and the tragic 1968 campaign that changed American politics forever. Matthews also weighs in on the politics of the present and the alternate history of what might have happened had RFK lived.

Michael sits down with Codie Sanchez—entrepreneur, investor, and author of "Main Street Millionaire"—to unpack the surprising wealth hidden in “boring” businesses like laundromats, car washes, HVAC companies, and vending routes. Sanchez explains why these recession-resistant, AI-proof businesses are often more profitable than glamorous careers, why boomers are desperate to sell, and how anyone can start buying small businesses using simple, practical frameworks. A must-listen for parents, young adults, and anyone rethinking the traditional path to success.

Michael sits down with NYT's Journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss his riveting new book, "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation," a narrative dive into the personalities, excess, and miscalculations that fueled the most infamous market crash in history. From Jesse Livermore’s billion-dollar bet to the birth of American credit culture—and even Winston Churchill’s front-row seat—Sorkin reveals surprising parallels to today’s AI-driven boom. A conversation packed with history, cautionary lessons, and unforgettable stories. Original air date 17 November 2025. The book was published on 14 October 2025.

In this special Book Club episode, Michael reflects on the life and legacy of his late friend and favorite novelist, Nelson DeMille, the master of the modern thriller. Michael revisits a memorable 2004 conversation with DeMille about the real-life tragedy that inspired Night Fall, then welcomes Alex DeMille, Nelson’s son and co-author of "The Tin Men: A Novel" —the final novel from the iconic writer. Together, they discuss Nelson’s extraordinary career, his meticulous research, and how Alex helped complete The Tin Men, a gripping and timely story exploring AI-driven warfare, loyalty, and the human cost of technology. Filled with humor, warmth, and reverence, this episode celebrates a literary giant and the family legacy that carries his voice forward. Original air date 7 November 2025. The book was published on 28 October 2025.

Michael sits down with Scott Galloway—NYU professor, bestselling author, and cohost of 'Pivot'—to discuss his new book "Notes on Being a Man." They dig into the data on boys and young men, why real-world connection beats screen time, the value of mentors and friendships, learning to dance (fearlessly), alcohol’s role in bonding, and how porn rewires expectations. A candid, practical conversation about helping young men thrive—and why women benefit when men get back on track. Original air date 6 November 2025. The book was published on 4 November 2025.

On this special edition of Book Club, Michael sits down with author and journalist Stephen Dubner, co-author of 'Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything', to mark the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking bestseller that changed the way we see the world. Together, they revisit the book’s origins, its unlikely rise to more than five million copies sold, and the enduring lessons behind its most talked-about stories. Dubner reflects on his partnership with economist Steven Levitt, the early days of the “Freakonomics” phenomenon, and how a quirky data-driven approach became a lens for understanding human behavior. It’s a fascinating look back at a book that proved economics could be anything but dull — and the friendship and curiosity that continue to fuel its legacy. Original air date 3 November 2025. The book was published in 2005.

Former Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) joins Michael to discuss his memoir, "Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense." Together, they explore the deep divides in American politics, what it means to 'lead from the middle,' and why Manchin believes the center is the only path forward for the country. From his candid reflections on the Democratic Party’s evolution to his efforts to build bipartisan cooperation through his “Americans Together” initiative, Manchin opens up about lessons learned in Washington and what he got wrong—like aspects of the Affordable Care Act. The conversation ranges from party polarization to possible paths for independent candidates and the future of term limits—all grounded in Manchin’s belief that “if you can’t change your mind, you can’t change anything.” Original air date 21 October 2025. The book was published on 16 September 2025.

In this fascinating conversation, Michael Smerconish sits down with legendary media mogul John Malone — Chair of Liberty Media, Liberty Broadband, and Liberty Global, and former CEO of Telecommunications, Inc. — to discuss his new memoir, "Born to Be Wired: Lessons from a Lifetime Transforming Television, Wiring America for the Internet, and Growing Formula One, Discovery, Sirius XM, and the Atlanta Braves." Malone reflects on the origins of the cable television industry, the rise of “cable cowboys,” and the bold decisions that transformed American media. From small-town entrepreneurs stringing wire on telephone poles to the birth of modern communications giants, Malone shares behind-the-scenes stories of risk, innovation, and resilience. Original air date 17 October 2025. The book was published on 2 September 2025.

Michael talks with Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies: Why Superhuman AI Would Kill Us All", about the alarming risks of advanced artificial intelligence. Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, explains why AIs are not designed but grown, how that leads to unpredictable behavior, and why even their creators can’t control them. They discuss chilling examples—from rogue chatbots to lab “escape” attempts—and why simply “unplugging” an AI may not be possible. Soares argues that humanity must act now, treating AI risk as seriously as pandemics or nuclear war. Original air date 15 October 2025. The book was published on 16 September 2025.

Michael Smerconish talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein about his new book "Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection." They explore why human interaction is vital for brain health, what science reveals about loneliness and aging, and how isolation impacts everything from memory to mortality. Dr. Rein explains how social bonds literally shape our brains — and why friendship might be as important to longevity as diet, exercise, or sleep. Original air date 9 October 2025. Book publish date 17 October 2025.

Michael speaks with journalist and author Betty Medsger about her book "The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover’s Secret FBI." Medsger recounts the 1971 break-in at a small FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, where activists uncovered secret files exposing Hoover’s widespread surveillance and targeting of dissenters and Black Americans. She shares how the documents reached The Washington Post, the fierce debate over whether to publish them, and the lasting impact on government accountability and press freedom. The book was published on 7 January 2014. Original air date 8 March 2021, which was the 50-year anniversary of the 1971 break-in.

In this episode of The Book Club with Michael Smerconish, Michael sits down with journalist and author David Paul Kuhn to discuss his book The Hardhat Riot: Nixon, New York City, and the Dawn of the White Working-Class Revolution. Together, they revisit the dramatic events of May 1970, when construction workers and anti-war protesters clashed in lower Manhattan following the Kent State shootings and President Nixon’s expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia. Kuhn explains how the so-called Hard Hat Riot symbolized a deeper class divide in America—between blue-collar workers and college students—that reshaped the political landscape for decades to come. They explore how this moment foreshadowed today’s polarization, the “diploma divide,” and the shifting loyalties of the American working class from Democrats to Republicans. Kuhn is also producer of the documentary "Hard Hat Riot", now streaming on PBS. Original air date 1 October 2025. The book was published on 1 July 2020. The documentary was released on 30 September 2025.

Michael Smerconish invites environmentalist and author Bill McKibben to the program to discuss McKibben's new book "Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization." Michael asks McKibben about climate change, solar power, natural disasters, and other environmental topics. Original air date 25 September 2025. The book was published on 19 August 2025.

The college admissions game is rigged—and it’s time to stop playing by the wrong rules. Michael Smerconish welcomes back bestselling author and higher education expert Jeffrey Selingo to discuss his new book, "Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You." In this conversation, Selingo challenges the obsession with prestige rankings like U.S. News & World Report and reveals why lesser-known institutions—the “new dream schools”—often deliver better outcomes, more engaged professors, and real value. Original air date 23 September 2025. The book was published on 9 September 2025.

Michael speaks with David Shimer, author of "Rigged: America, Russia, and One Hundred Years of Covert Electoral Interference." Shimer traces a century of CIA and KGB election meddling, drawing parallels to Russia’s role in 2016 and beyond. Together, they explore the history, methods, and moral questions behind covert electoral operations—and what it means for the future of democracy. Original air date 30 June 2020. The book was published on 30 June 2020.

Michael welcomes back CNN senior legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig to discuss his brand-new book "When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ’s Pursuit of the President from Nixon to Trump." Blending history, analysis, and candid insights from more than 30 on-the-record sources, Honig explores how the Department of Justice has navigated the politically charged task of investigating sitting presidents—and why no prosecutor ever leaves the job unscathed. Along the way, Michael challenges listeners with a spirited round of political trivia, giving callers the chance to test their knowledge of DOJ special counsels and presidential investigations—with signed copies of Honig’s book on the line. Original air date 16 September 2025. The book was published on 16 September 2025.

Michael Smerconish revisits a conversation 18 years in the making with Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder" (Check out Episode #340 for their first conversation in 2007). Louv’s thesis—our growing disconnection from the natural world and the resulting “nature-deficit disorder”—lands even harder in the smartphone era. Together, they explore how screens, fear, urban design, and shuttered green spaces have reshaped childhood; why free-range, play-based experiences matter for kids’ health and happiness; and how time outdoors can strengthen social ties, reduce loneliness, and even support the habits of democracy. Louv shares practical fixes—from Family Nature Clubs to teaching kids (and adults) how to truly notice the living world around them—and Michael connects these ideas to today’s broader social unrest and the mission of his Mingle Project. A hopeful, actionable guide to rebuilding connection: to neighbors, to communities, and to nature. Original air date 11 September 2025. The book was published in 2005.

From the Spring of 2005, Michael's conversation with Kevin Flynn, co-author of "102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers." This is the dramatic and moving account of the struggle for life inside the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, when every minute counted At 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, 14,000 people were inside the twin towers-reading e-mails, making trades, eating croissants at Windows on the World. Over the next 102 minutes, each would become part of a drama for the ages, one witnessed only by the people who lived it-until now. Of the millions of words written about this wrenching day, most were told from the outside looking in. New York Times reporters Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn have taken the opposite-and far more revealing-approach. Reported from the perspectives of those inside the towers, 102 Minutes captures the little-known stories of ordinary people who took extraordinary steps to save themselves and others. Beyond this stirring panorama stands investigative reporting of the first rank. Original air date March 2005. The book was published in January 2005.

When the pandemic hit, Stephen Grant — a married father of two recently diagnosed with cancer — lost his corporate job and urgently needed health insurance. So he became a rural mail carrier in Appalachia. In this episode, Michael Smerconish talks with Stephen about his book "Mailman: My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home." They explore the surprising intimacy between mail carriers and their communities, the physical demands of postal work, and what delivering America’s packages revealed about the state of the country. Funny, honest, and deeply human — this conversation delivers! Original air date 4 September 2025. The book was published on 8 July 2025.

Michael Smerconish speaks with Dr. Jean Twenge, author of "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World: How Parents Can Stop Smartphones, Social Media, and Gaming from Taking Over Their Children's Lives," about how smartphones, social media, and gaming are reshaping childhood—and what parents can do to push back. Drawing on years of psychological research and real-world parenting experience, Twenge lays out practical, science-backed strategies to reclaim kids’ mental health, independence, and family life. A must-listen for any parent navigating the digital age. Original air date 3 September 2025. The book was published on 2 September 2025.