Episodios

  • Alex DeMille: "The Tin Men"

    Alex DeMille: "The Tin Men"
    Nov 10 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    23 m
  • Scott Galloway: "Notes on Being a Man"

    Scott Galloway: "Notes on Being a Man"
    Nov 7 2025

    What you'll hear in this episode:

    -Why young men are struggling: friendship decline, school/labor trends, and mental health

    -The case for “leaving the house”: proximity, promotions, and purpose

    -Boy Scouts, shared rituals, and learning respect, discipline, and outdoor skills

    -Mingling > scrolling: phones, algorithms, and the engagement economy

    -Dancing as a confidence signal (and why “fearless” beats “perfect”)

    -Alcohol: risks acknowledged, but also its historic role in rites of passage and bonding

    -Porn: moderation, motivation, and channeling energy into real relationships

    -Practical habits: fitness, manners, eye contact, humor, and kindness


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    19 m
  • Stephen Dubner: "Freakonomics" (20th Anniversary Special)

    Stephen Dubner: "Freakonomics" (20th Anniversary Special)
    Nov 3 2025

    Listen to Michael's original 5-part-series interview with co-author Steven Levitt from 2005 here!


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    26 m
  • Joe Manchin: "Dead Center"

    Joe Manchin: "Dead Center"
    Oct 22 2025
    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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    20 m
  • John Malone: "Born To Be Wired"

    John Malone: "Born To Be Wired"
    Oct 17 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    44 m
  • Nate Soares: "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies"

    Nate Soares: "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies"
    Oct 15 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    23 m
  • Dr. Ben Rein: "Why Brains Need Friends"

    Dr. Ben Rein: "Why Brains Need Friends"
    Oct 10 2025

    Ben Rein, PhD, is an award-winning neuroscientist, chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, clinical assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo, and renowned science educator.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    20 m
  • Betty Medsger: "The Burglary"

    Betty Medsger: "The Burglary"
    Oct 3 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    14 m