Stephen A. Smith
Mentioned in 49 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
A prominent ESPN sportscaster and co-host of First Take, known for commentary on NBA, NFL, and college sports alongside debates on media bias and draft analysis. Beyond sports, he has emerged as a political commentator who analyzes Democratic strategy and the Trump administration, with occasional speculation about his own political candidacy. Podcasts frequently feature him for his contrarian takes on sports narratives and his willingness to engage in broader cultural and political discussions.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
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 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”
The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show · Jan 19, 2026
17.) Stephen A. Smith On Running For POTUS, Ludacris Addresses MAGAFest + A BIG Announcement!(1/19/26)
“Discussed as potential 2028 presidential candidate despite denying serious interest in politics”
The Right Time with Bomani Jones · Jan 14, 2026
Charles McDonald on Mike Tomlin & Steelers future, Rich Paul's bizarre podcast, defending Nick Sirriani | 01.14
“ESPN personality who accidentally called Christian Kirk 'Charlie Kirk' on air, facing social media criticism”
We're Out of Time · Oct 28, 2025
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Maurice Benard on Mental Illness and Healing
“Sports commentator who appeared as guest on State of Mind podcast”
Becoming UnDone · Sep 2, 2025
133 | Derrick Rose's Journey: A Lesson in Temperance and Resilience
“Sports analyst grouped with Skip Bayless as example of talking heads offering uninformed criticism of Rose's medical choices”
Autocracy in America · Jul 18, 2025
The Pollster
“Sports commentator expanding into political commentary; identified as centrist voice with growing political influence beyond traditional media”