Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Is America living in a “post-truth” era? In this episode of Book Club, Dr. Michael Shermer — founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of "Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters" — joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation about belief, evidence, and critical thinking in a complicated age. Shermer addresses the recent surge of UFO and UAP claims, explaining why decades of investigation have left him unconvinced of extraterrestrial visits. From conspiracy theories and alternative facts to AI-generated deepfakes and declining trust in institutions, the discussion explores how we determine what's real — and why skepticism remains essential. Are we more gullible than ever? Can truth survive politics, social media, and artificial intelligence? And what does healthy skepticism actually look like? A thoughtful, timely conversation about how to separate fact from fiction — and why it still matters. Original air date 12 February 2026. The book was published on 27 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What really goes into a presidential visit? In this episode of Book Club, Michael sits down with Jean Becker and Tom Collamore to discuss their new book, "Don't Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance." From George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, Becker and Collamore pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of “advance” work — the behind-the-scenes operatives who plan every detail of a president's public appearances. The conversation features unforgettable stories, including the controversy over a papal backdrop, the infamous Dukakis tank photo, assassination attempts on President Ford, a royal riser mishap with Queen Elizabeth II, and even Smerconish's own unexpected detour into a Brussels brothel while advancing Vice President Bush. It's a candid, entertaining, and revealing look at the moments that shaped presidential history — and the unsung professionals who made (and sometimes nearly broke) them. Original air date 11 February 2026. The book was published on 3 February 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his new memoir, "Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service." Shapiro reflects on the values that shaped him—faith, family, and public service—and opens up about the defining moments of his life and career. From a traumatic arson attack on the Governor's Residence to leading the investigation that exposed widespread abuse within the Catholic Church, Shapiro shares deeply personal stories about resilience, leadership, and moral responsibility. The conversation also explores mental health, political courage, campus protests, bipartisan governance, and the role his wife, Lori, plays in grounding his decisions. It's a candid and wide-ranging discussion about service, conviction, and finding light in the darkest moments. Original air date 10 February 2026. The book was published on 27 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vanessa Díaz is Associate Professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Loyola Marymount University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams joins Michael to discuss his gripping new book, "Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation", an in-depth examination of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting that shocked New York City. Together, they revisit a crime-ridden, volatile era of the city, unpack the facts and myths surrounding the case, and explore how issues of race, fear, vigilantism, media, and justice collided in what became one of the most polarizing trials of the 1980s. A timely conversation about crime, context, and how one moment can reshape a city—and a country. Original air date 6 February 2026. The book was published on 20 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael sits down with Animal House co-creator Chris Miller to discuss his memoir "The Real Animal House: The Awesomely Depraved Saga of the Fraternity That Inspired the Movie." Miller reveals the outrageous real-life fraternity stories at Dartmouth that inspired the iconic film, from legendary pranks to unforgettable characters. Funny, candid, and occasionally jaw-dropping, this episode pulls back the curtain on how campus chaos became comedy history. This archive conversation originally aired in 2006. The book was published on 1 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.

Michael speaks with acclaimed journalist and author Mark Bowden (Black Hawk Down) about his book "The Three Battles of Wanat: And Other True Stories." Bowden unpacks the tragic 2008 battle in Afghanistan that claimed nine American lives, and the deeper fights that followed—over truth, accountability, and reputation. The wide-ranging discussion also touches on long-form journalism, war reporting, politics, crime, gambling, and Bowden's unforgettable portraits of figures from Joe Biden to Pablo Escobar. A thoughtful look at warfare, storytelling, and the human cost behind the headlines. Original air date 7 January 2016. The book was published on 5 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.

, Michael speaks with cognitive scientist and anthropologist Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, author of Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living. From firewalking and pilgrimages to sports fandom and workplace traditions, they explore why rituals are a fundamental part of human nature—and why shared, in-person experiences create meaning, connection, and belonging. Drawing on research, personal stories, and Michael's own “Mingle Project,” this conversation makes the academic and emotional case for why ritual and human connection matter more than ever in a divided, digital age. Original air date 14 January 2026. The book was published on 13 September 2022. 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 Smerconish for a wide-ranging conversation about his first thriller in four years, "The Viper: A Fast Paced Thriller of Family Bonds and Deadly Conspiracies." Meltzer discusses the viral University of Michigan commencement speech that sparked a national conversation about empathy and kindness, the deeply personal experiences that shaped it, and how those themes inform his writing. The discussion also dives into the gripping opening of The Viper, the secrets hidden in its plot, and Meltzer's research into Dover Air Force Base and the unseen costs of war. Thoughtful, moving, and suspenseful, this episode blends storytelling, humanity, and a powerful look at what connects us all. Original air date 12 January 2026. 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 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK" was first published in 1993."Killing the Dream : James Earl Ray and the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr." was first published in 1998.You can hear Michael's other book interviews with Gerald Posner in Episodes #214 (God's Bankers), #222 (Pharma), #285 (Case Closed). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this wide ranging conversation, Larry Magid shares candid reflections about artists at their peak, surprising backstage moments, the rise and fall of careers, and the behind-the-scenes chaos that helped define some of rock's most iconic performances.Whether you're a music historian, a Live Aid nostalgist, or a fan of the Philly music scene, this episode is a treasure trove of anecdotes—and a tribute to the man who spent his life bringing live music to millions.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Together, Michael and Jeffrey unpack the myths of scarcity, the pitfalls of the Common App, and the immense pressure students face in today's admissions arms race.If you have a student in your life considering college—or if you've ever wondered whether chasing elite names is truly worth it—this episode offers a fresh, practical perspective on finding the right fit.Also listen to Episode #454, on Jeffrey Selingo's book ""Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions." (2021). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. 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 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. 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 Episode #340 from 2007Richard Louv is co-founder of the Children & Nature Network.

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.

Listen here to Episode #27: Michael's 2017 conversation with Dr. Jean Twenge about "iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us" Listen here to Episode #240: Michael's 2023 conversation with Dr. Jean Twenge about ""Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future."

From the archives, Michael's conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barton Gellman, on his book “Dark Mirror: Edward Snowden and the American Surveillance State.” In 2013, Edward Snowden's massive leak of classified files sparked a global reckoning over government surveillance. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Barton Gellman was one of the reporters Snowden trusted with those secrets. In Dark Mirror, Gellman goes beyond the headlines to reveal the inside story—tracking the reach of the surveillance state, dissecting Snowden's legacy, and exposing the personal risks he faced while reporting. Michael speaks with Gellman about the gripping true-life tale behind the book, national security journalism, and what it all means for our privacy today. Original air date 05-21-20. The book was published on 19 May 2020

Michael's conversation with longtime sportswriter and bestselling author Michael Bamberger, author of "The Man Who Heard Voices: Or, How M. Night Shyamalan Risked His Career on a Fairy Tale." In his relatively young career, M. Night Shyamalan achieved phenomenal commercial and critical success. His films 'The Sixth Sense,' 'Unbreakable,' 'Signs,' and 'The Village' grossed over $1.5 billion (at the time of this 2006 interview) and reinvented the thriller genre. Because Shyamalan has worked outside of the Hollywood system, however, his filmmaking habits and personality have remained largely unknown. But reporter Michael Bamberger obtained unprecedented access to Shyamalan during the tumultuous production of his film Lady in the Water, and in The Man Who Heard Voices exposes the struggles and triumphs of this modern-day Hitchcock at work. Listen to Bamberger talk the book here. Original air date 3 August 2006. The book was published in July 2006.

Upon hearing of Gerry Spence's passing away at 96 years old this week, we remembered this conversation from deep in the archives, with the trial attorney and bestselling author on his book "Bloodthirsty Bitches and Pious Pimps of Power: The Rise and Risks of the New Conservative Hate Culture." Gerry Spence takes dead aim at the media demagogues who wield their power with virulent effect: The likes of Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, Bill O'Reilly and others - who occupy the bully pulpit of the "new American hate culture" - TV and radio programs shaping opinions of millions of Americans. Original air date 12 October 2006. The book was published on 3 October 2006.

Michael spoke with longtime Philadelphia sports journalist Ray Didinger in a Free Library of Philadelphia event about Didinger's memoir, “Finished Business: My Fifty Years of Headlines, Heroes, and Heartaches,” in May 2021. In his book, the legendary sportswriter shares a heartfelt story that begins with the Eagles' epic Super Bowl LII win. From growing up a diehard fan to becoming a Hall of Fame journalist, Didinger reflects on five decades covering Philadelphia sports — from locker rooms and press boxes to TV studios and even Hollywood. With warmth, humor, and deep Philly pride, he offers unforgettable stories and insights from a life in sports. The book was published on 26 May 2021.

Michael's conversation from five years ago this month with Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's, about his instant bestseller "Beyond Charlottesville: Taking a Stand Against White Nationalism." It is McAuliffe's behind-the-scenes account of the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally. He examines the events that led to the violence, and reflects on Virginia's troubled racial history and how President Trump reacted to what happened. McAuliffe also explores what must be done to prevent future acts of hate and extremism. Original air date 2 August 2019. The book was published on 30 July 2019.

Michael Smerconish is joined by journalist and bestselling author Garrett Graff to discuss his powerful new oral history, "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb." On the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, they explore the bomb's development, the people behind it, the decision to use it, and its enduring legacy. With over 500 voices included, Graff's work captures the triumph and tragedy of one of the most pivotal moments in human history. Original air date 6 August 2025. The book was published on 5 August 2025.

Michael Smerconish talks with journalist Julia Hotz about her debut book, The Connection Cure, which explores the emerging field of social prescribing—using community, creativity, and connection as powerful tools to boost health and well-being. Hotz shares compelling science and personal stories behind five key wellness drivers: movement, nature, art, service, and belonging. A fresh look at how non-medical care can make a real difference. Original air date 30 July 2025. The book was published on 11 June 2024.

Author M.W. Craven joins Michael Smerconish in a discussion about Craven's captivating novel titled "Nobody's Hero." The duo chat about a variety of topics including the thrilling yet mysterious tone of the book, the Ben Koenig series in which "Nobody's Hero" belongs to, and the familiar names found within Craven's stories. Original air date 29 July 2025. The book was published on 03 December 2024.