Stephen A. Smith
Mentioned in 55 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
A prominent ESPN sportscaster and co-host of First Take known for incisive commentary on NBA, NFL, and college sports topics, frequently providing contrarian takes backed by statistical analysis. Beyond sports, he is discussed as a political analyst and commentator on Democratic messaging and State of the Union responses, with some podcast mentions positioning him as a potential political candidate. Podcasts feature him across sports networks and political shows to debate contemporary issues spanning athletics, media bias, and national politics.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Pardon My Take · May 20, 2026
Grit Week Continues, Lane Kiffin, Blake Bortles, Wemby’s Incredible Game 1, Knicks Kill The Cavs Plus Hot Seat/Cool Throne
“Discussed for conflict with Jaylen Brown; hosts joked about potential dirt he claims to have”
Club 520 Podcast · May 19, 2026
520 in the Morning - Jeff Teague REACTS to Spurs-Thunder CRAZY 20T game, Wemby GOES OFF Game 1, Cavs-Knicks ECF preview
“ESPN commentator criticized by Jaylen Brown for unfair media coverage and commentary”
The Pat McAfee Show · May 7, 2026
PMS 2.0 1548 - Tyrese Haliburton, Matthew Tkachuk, Jeff Passan, Peter Schrager, Ben Stiller
“Returning to First Take tomorrow at 10 AM ET for debate with Skip Bayless after 10-year absence”
PBD Podcast · May 5, 2026
Gov. Wes Moore: Trans Kids, Newsom's Failures & 2028 Dark Horse | PBD #791
“Sports commentator who publicly supports Moore as potential 2028 candidate”
DOUBL3 COVERAGE PODCAST · Apr 18, 2026
Stephen A Smith’s Nephew Josh Declares Steph As The GOAT and Guarantees A Knicks Ring
“Josh Smith's uncle; referenced throughout for sports debate style and media influence”
First Take · Apr 16, 2026
Hour 2: What Does Kawhi Leonard's Future Hold?
“Primary host debating Kawhi Leonard extension, Knicks championship potential, and NBA distribution issues”
First Take · Apr 16, 2026
Hour 1: Who was More Impressive in Win: Steph or Draymond?
“Co-host of First Take providing analysis on Warriors comeback and playoff implications across NBA”
First Take · Apr 15, 2026
Hour 2: What's the Lakers Recipe to Take Down the Rockets?
“First Take co-host providing analysis on NBA playoffs, NFL draft, and WrestleMania 42”
93X Half-Assed Morning Show · Apr 15, 2026
Crisis of Bowels
“ESPN personality who claims WWE offered him heel character role in past; declined due to injury concerns”
First Take · Apr 15, 2026
Hour 1: Should LaMelo Ball Have Been Ejected?
“Co-host of First Take; provided analysis on playoff controversies, coaching changes, and team dynamics”
First Take · Apr 13, 2026
Hour 2: Are the Knicks on Upset Alert?
“Primary host leading discussion on NBA playoffs, tanking concerns, and WWE WrestleMania preview”
First Take · Apr 13, 2026
Hour 1: How Costly is the Spurs Loss to the Nuggets?
“Primary commentator providing analysis on NBA, golf, and sports topics throughout episode”
First Take · Apr 10, 2026
Hour 2: Do the Knicks or Celtics Have the Edge in a Potential Playoff Rematch?
“Primary host engaging in debate about playoff matchups and NBA storylines”
First Take · Apr 8, 2026
Hour 2: How Will Lakers Players Respond to JJ Redick Calling Them Out?
“Main host defending JJ Redick's coaching approach; inducted into Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame; shared personal Easter story”
First Take · Apr 8, 2026
Hour 1: Is There a Gap Between the Celtics and Everyone Else in the East?
“Primary host discussing Celtics, Bucks dysfunction, and NBA trends”
First Take · Apr 7, 2026
Hour 2: Is This Michigan's Best Basketball Team Ever?
“Primary host of First Take driving discussion on Michigan championship, college sports governance, and NBA trades”
First Take · Apr 7, 2026
Hour 1: What Statement Did Michigan Make With Title Win?
“Co-host analyzing Michigan's championship, coaching hires, and NFL offseason developments”
First Take · Apr 3, 2026
Hour 2: High on the Huskies?
“Co-host analyzing NBA title contenders, MLB youth movement, and LeBron James Memphis comments”
First Take · Apr 3, 2026
Hour 1: Lakers blown out and Luka Injured
“Co-host of First Take providing analysis on Lakers, Thunder, and NCAA tournament.”
First Take · Apr 2, 2026
Hour 2: MVPTake
“Primary host of First Take providing NBA analysis and commentary throughout episode”
First Take · Apr 2, 2026
Hour 1: Trade Away
“Co-host discussing NBA MVP race, Eastern Conference standings, and NFL quarterback moves”
Brock and Salk · Apr 1, 2026
Hour 4-Reacting to Phillip Rivers on Seattle's impressive defense, Around the NFL, and Trash Takes
“Discussed for inserting himself into NBA narratives and blaming players for losses”
First Take · Apr 1, 2026
Hour 1: Bigger Deal: Lakers Win Streak or Knicks Losing Streak?
“Co-host providing analysis on NBA and NFL topics, particularly critical of Knicks performance and Jerry Jones' comments.”
First Take · Mar 31, 2026
Hour 2: Better Case for MVP: SGA or Wemby?
“First Take host debating MVP race and coaching awards; discussed Jaden Ivey situation and brand alignment”
Pablo Torre Finds Out · Mar 12, 2026
Share & MMAmerica & Tell with Wyatt Cenac and Tim Miller
“Announced on Hannity podcast that he won't run for president due to financial requirements”
KSR · Mar 11, 2026
2026-03-11- KSR - Hour 1
“Media personality discussed for his extensive media presence across radio, TV, podcasts, and acting roles”
First Take · Mar 2, 2026
Hour 2: Problem with Draymond Defending Nico Harrison?
“First Take host providing primary analysis and criticism of Nico Harrison's trade execution”
First Take · Mar 2, 2026
Hour 1: More Concerned with Spurs or Confident in Knicks?
“First Take host analyzing Knicks vs Spurs matchup and Eastern Conference playoff dynamics”
Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis · Feb 28, 2026
No Spin News - Weekend Edition - February 28, 2026
“ESPN sportscaster and author debating nationalism, Team USA politics, and media bias with O'Reilly on State of the Union issues”
Mundo in the Morning - KCMO Talk Radio 95.7FM & 710 AM · Feb 27, 2026
KK x Mundo Crossover: Local and National Sports Media Freak Out | 2-27-26
“Sports media personality cited as example of successful sports journalist earning millions annually”
First Take · Feb 27, 2026
Hour 2: Should OKC Worry About the Spurs?
“First Take host and Steelers fan who criticized Art Rooney II's leadership amid NFLPA report card failure”
First Take · Feb 27, 2026
Hour 1: How Loud was the Lakers Loss to the Suns?
“Co-host analyzing Lakers loss, Kevin Durant's legacy, and NFL offseason drama; provided critical perspective on organizational decisions”
Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis · Feb 27, 2026
Hour 3 of NMN, Dems Suck + More on the Clinton's
“Sports commentator; interviewed Wesley Hunt about Gavin Newsom's controversial statements to Black voters”
Bussin' With The Boys · Feb 27, 2026
Finally, The B Team Podcast | Inside The Bus
“ESPN personality encountered during green room experience at Super Bowl coverage”
First Take · Feb 26, 2026
Hour 2: Can Luka Lead a Championship Team?
“First Take host leading discussion on Luka, Browns quarterbacks, and Kevin Durant's international basketball comments”
First Take · Feb 26, 2026
Hour 1: More Impressed with Jokic and the Nuggets or Tatum-less Celtics?
“First Take host and analyst discussing NBA analysis, college basketball, and NFL Draft evaluation”
Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis · Feb 26, 2026
The Chris Cross Hand-Off: Movie Prop Edition
“Sports commentator and political analyst whose State of the Union response commentary about Democratic messaging strategy is central to the episode.”
Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis · Feb 26, 2026
Hour of 4 NMN, Scamberger in Virginia + The Chris Cross Hand-Off
“ESPN commentator praised for calling out Democrats for not standing when Trump said 'Americans' in State of the Union”
Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis · Feb 26, 2026
Hour 2 of NMN, DCS in Disrepair
“Mentioned as upcoming interview topic regarding reaction to Trump State of the Union and Democratic response”
First Take · Feb 25, 2026
Hour 2: Are the Thunder a Top 8 Team Without SGA?
“First Take host arguing Thunder are not top-8 team without SGA, defending position throughout episode with statistical analysis”
First Take · Feb 25, 2026
Hour 1: Issues with Luka Passing up the Final Shot?
“First Take host; expressed frustration with Knicks performance and Lakers roster construction”
Nashville's Morning News with Dan Mandis · Feb 25, 2026
Hour 4 of NMN, Idiots Everywhere! + The Chris Cross Hand-Off
“Sports commentator asked about Pete Buttigieg's appeal; responded critically about his ability to move Democratic voters”
First Take · Feb 24, 2026
Hour 2: Which Team Will Draft Ty Simpson?
“First Take host defending Kevin Durant's racial critique and supporting his commentary on AAU and international players”
First Take · Feb 24, 2026
Hour 1: Are Spurs the Best Team in the NBA Right Now?
“First Take host; primary commentator on Darren Peterson availability concerns and draft narrative management”
Pablo Torre Finds Out · Feb 24, 2026
Share & Free Skate & Tell with Katie Nolan and Michael Cruz Kayne
“Sports commentator discussed for clip about considering running for president; described as reasonable centrist”
Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis · Feb 24, 2026
Olympic Hockey Win Boosts Nationalism – Stephen A. Smith Weighs in, Supreme Court Rules on President Trump’s Tariffs, Tensions Rise in Iran & Drug Cartel has Mexican City Under Siege
“Premier sportscaster and ESPN personality who debates O'Reilly on women's hockey team boycott and media bias issues”
Andy & Ari On3 · Feb 23, 2026
Remembering Purdue star Rondale Moore | Tennessee's Upcoming QB Battle | Kansas basketball & Darryn Peterson
“ESPN analyst who publicly questioned Darryn Peterson's draft stock after Oklahoma State game”
Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis · Feb 22, 2026
O'Round the World - February 22, 2026
“Co-host discussing Trump administration policy, affordability crisis, and potential political candidacy”
Part Of The Problem · Feb 18, 2026
The Dems Are Still A Hot Mess
“Identified as emerging dark horse Democratic candidate with media skills and detachment from establishment”
Sharp or Square · Feb 12, 2026
NFL Offseason Mailbag - Free Agent QBs, NFL Future Bets and more
“ESPN personality; mentioned as voice of reason during post-Super Bowl QB debate on First Take”