370 episodes

Reading for Independent Minds. Unlike many author interviews, if Michael didn't actually read the book, you won't hear about it. If he read it, you'll hear it and you'll love it. Insights into a wide range of topics, including many titles you've probably never heard of. The perfect book is just one listen away.

Book Club with Michael Smerconish SiriusXM

    • Arts
    • 4.7 • 72 Ratings

Reading for Independent Minds. Unlike many author interviews, if Michael didn't actually read the book, you won't hear about it. If he read it, you'll hear it and you'll love it. Insights into a wide range of topics, including many titles you've probably never heard of. The perfect book is just one listen away.

    Bill Giles: "Pouring Six Beers At A Time"

    Bill Giles: "Pouring Six Beers At A Time"

    A hilarious, fascinating, and revealing view of the national pastime from the 1930's to the present, "Pouring Six Beers at a Time: And Other Stories from a Lifetime in Baseball" offers a treasure trove of stories by a man once dubbed the P. T. Barnum of Major League Baseball, Philadelphia Phillies Chairman emeritus Bill Giles. Michael spoke to him when he was chair of the club in 2007. Original air date 18 June 2007. The book was published on 1 April 2007.

    • 36 min
    Dr. Debby Herbenick: "Yes, Your Kid"

    Dr. Debby Herbenick: "Yes, Your Kid"

    There is a troubling trend happening in teenage sex. Michael talks to Indiana University Professor Dr. Debby Herbenick, Ph.D, co-author of "Yes, Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today's Teens and Sex." Original air date 22 April 2024. The book was published on 14 November 2023.

    • 16 min
    Charles Murray: "The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead"

    Charles Murray: "The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead"

    For those starting out in their careers—and those who wish to advance more quickly—this is a delightfully fussy guide to the hidden rules of the road in the workplace and in life. As bestselling author and social historian Charles Murray explains, at senior levels of an organization there are curmudgeons everywhere, judging your every move. Yet it is their good opinion you need to win if you hope to get ahead. He joins Michael to discuss "The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead: Dos and Don'ts of Right Behavior, Tough Thinking, Clear Writing, and Living a Good Life." Original air date 10 April 2014. The book was published on 8 April 2014.

    • 12 min
    Brad Wilcox: "Get Married"

    Brad Wilcox: "Get Married"

    What's the recipe for happiness? If you listen to liberal elites or red pill influencers, you'd say it's making money, living for yourself, and staying single without kids—and you'd be wrong. Nothing predicts happiness better than a good marriage. University of Virginia Professor Brad Wilcox joins Michael with his new book "Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization." Original air date 15 April 2024. The book was published on 13 February 2024.

    • 20 min
    Jeffrey Zaslow: "The Last Lecture"

    Jeffrey Zaslow: "The Last Lecture"

    This is a special extended edition of Book Club. In 2008, Michael had the opportunity to speak with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeffrey Zaslow, co-author of "The Last Lecture" which he wrote with Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch. It focuses on a final lecture that many college professors give, except for Pausch, it was very real - he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He passed away in July 2008, just months after the book was published. The first part of this conversation with Mr. Zaslow by phone, and then a couple months later, he joined Michael in studio after they spoke in front of a live audience at the Keswick Theatre in June 2008 about "The Last Lecture." Mr. Zaslow has since also passed away, in 2012. Original air date Spring/Summer 2008. The book was published on 8 April 2008.

    • 43 min
    Arianna Huffington: "Thrive"

    Arianna Huffington: "Thrive"

    Michael talks to "Huffington Post" co-founder Arianna Huffington about her book "Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder." The best-selling author makes an impassioned and compelling case for the need to redefine what it means to be successful in today's world. Original air date 7 April 2014. The book was published on 25 March 2014.

    • 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
72 Ratings

72 Ratings

jkguhcdf ,

New To Bookclub

I listen to Michael on SiriusXM, but only recently found the book club podcast. It is great! I put it on while I’m doing things around the house and just let it play one episode to the next. The variety I’m authors and topics is amazing.

Project Pratt ,

Too rushed

Interviews are way too short. When he does actually have an interesting guest it’s over in no time.

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