Michael Smerconish sits down with renowned physician and bioethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel to discuss his new book, "Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life." Their wide-ranging conversation explores why social connection is a powerful predictor of health and happiness, how everyday interactions can improve both mental and physical well-being, and what science says about living longer—and better. From the importance of “mingling” to managing technology, embracing community, and prioritizing quality of life, this episode is a thoughtful and practical guide to living well in a disconnected age. Original air date 7 January 2026.

British journalist Andy Webb joins Michael to discuss his explosive new book, "Dianarama: Deception, Entrapment, Cover-Up: The Betrayal of Princess Diana." Webb reveals how BBC journalist Martin Bashir used deception, forged documents, and fear to secure Princess Diana’s infamous Panorama interview—and the lasting consequences that followed. Drawing on firsthand accounts and newly uncovered evidence, this conversation revisits one of the most consequential media scandals in modern history and reframes the final years of Princess Diana’s life. Original air date 19 December 2025. The book was published on 25 November 2025.

Political Strategist, Roger Stone, joins Michael to discuss his provocative book, "The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ." Stone outlines why he believes Lyndon Johnson played a central role in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, drawing on decades of political experience and his own interpretation of historical records. In this conversation, Stone explains the motives, alleged cover-ups, and longstanding political rivalries that shape his controversial theory.

Michael welcomes investigative journalist Gerald Posner for a deep dive into surprising new revelations surrounding the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Posner—author of Case Closed and Killing the Dream—breaks down newly surfaced claims, long-hidden documents, and why both cases are back in the news. From Oswald’s mysterious trip to Mexico City to fresh allegations about a bounty on Dr. King, this conversation explores how unresolved questions continue to shape America’s understanding of two historic tragedies. Original air date 5 December 2025.

Michael welcomes legendary concert promoter and Live Aid producer Larry Magid for a wide-ranging, story-packed conversation. Magid—who has shaped the soundtrack of Philadelphia and beyond—joins Michael to discuss his new project as editor of "The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City", a beautifully crafted collection celebrating more than 280 influential artists with roots in the region. From Springsteen, Bowie, Genesis, and the Beach Boys to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, and more, Magid recalls the unforgettable shows he promoted over decades—including intimate memories from the Electric Factory era, stadium-sized memories from JFK, and insider stories from producing Live Aid in Philadelphia 40 years ago. Original air date 26 November 2025. The book was published 12 September 2025.

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.