The Mingle Project

Sirius XM radio and CNN television host Michael Smerconish is on a mission to restore civility and compromise to our public discourse. For three decades, he’s had a front-row seat to the increase in polarization that has gripped the nation. He sees the current climate as part of a much larger disconnect in society fueled by technology and self-sorting, having a serious impact on the mental health of our youth. The Mingle Project is both his diagnosis and prescription for the problem, presented through anecdotes, social science …and a few laughs!

The Mingle Project - Trailer

For thirty years, Michael has observed the rising polarization in the nation. What’s his response to these challenges? Watch the video to get a first-hand look into The Mingle Project!

Author Interviews

Michael talks about new research showing that, for poor children living in an area where people have more friendships that cut across class lines, that significantly increases how much they earn in adulthood. He speaks with the study’s author, Harvard University Professor Robert Putnam. The book was originally published on August 7, 2001. The interview aired on August 4, 2022.

Our kids are being raised disconnected from natural outdoor environments for a variety of reasons like technology addictions, fears and dangers of being alone outside, and many more. Michael welcomes Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder.” As children’s connections to nature diminish and the social, psychological, and spiritual implications become apparent, Mr. Louv highlights that new research shows that nature can offer powerful therapy for such maladies as depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder. The book was originally published on April 15, 2005. The interview aired in June of 2007.

Even though he wrote this book 14 years ago, “The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart” by Bill Bishop remains more relevant than ever. He joined Michael to talk about it. The book was published on May 7, 2008. The interview aired on February 28, 2022.

Mingle News

The Atlantic

A Ridiculous, Perfect Way to Make Friends

Group fitness classes, with their shared routines, feel-good camaraderie, and a bit of silliness, create an unexpectedly perfect environment for building meaningful adult friendships.

Mingle News

The Wall Street Journal

Why I’m Glad I Didn’t Choose My Roommate

My college initiation brought an unexpected friendship with a football player nicknamed ‘Lone Wolf.’ I feel for my son, who handpicked someone just like him.

Mingle News

The New York Times

How Tech Created a ‘Recipe for Loneliness’

Technology and loneliness are interlinked, researchers have found, stoked by the ways we interact with social media, text messaging and binge-watching.

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