# Graduation Advice That Actually Matters

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155/graduation-advice-that-actually-matters
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155/graduation-advice-that-actually-matters.md
Podcast: [The Smerconish Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155)
Published: 2026-05-20T17:24:46+00:00
Episode link: https://www.siriusxm.com
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/sxm.simplecastaudio.com/d49edecb-af71-4e40-b63b-f7bdc3faae1b/episodes/be41b059-d8fb-4be9-8cd8-f75a0c764d56/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=d49edecb-af71-4e40-b63b-f7bdc3faae1b&awEpisodeId=be41b059-d8fb-4be9-8cd8-f75a0c764d56&feed=Dv1m2CJC
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155/episodes/graduation-advice-that-actually-matters
Duration seconds: 1910

## Resource

Michael and TC revisit some of the most memorable commencement speeches from both this year and years past — from Roger Federer, Steve Jobs, Shonda Rhimes, Steve Carell, Eric Church, Arthur Brooks, and more. From lessons on resilience and rejection to purpose, kindness, ambition, and community, they break down the advice that resonated most with graduates — and why these messages matter far beyond campus. Plus: AI gets booed at graduations, universities navigate speech controversies, and Michael reflects on the power of rejection in his own commencement addresses. A thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about success, failure, and what actually makes a meaningful life. Original air date 19 May 2026. 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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## Transcript

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