The Stephen A. Smith Show

Stephen A. shares something in common with today's guest. Outside of being from New York, they both have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their respective level of success. On today's show Stephen A. interviews Bronx-born rapper Fat Joe about his early struggles growing up in the projects of New York, his award-winning and pioneering music career, the state of Hip Hop today, and his life now as a mentor and philanthropist to the next generation. They also discuss Joe’s compelling memoir, The Book of Jose. Say what you want, but you can’t knock the hustle of one of the music industry’s most resilient artists.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s been a wild and strange start to the NBA season, both on and off the court. The drama-filled Nets, the putrid Lakers, the shocking success of the Utah Jazz, and the devastatingly mediocre Knicks…Stephen A. gets into it all. Then, he is joined by two-time NBA Champion and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to discuss the state of the league, life after basketball, and the most important players today: Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Stephen A. does what he does best -- talk basketball.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. is fired up about the midterm elections. Hear what he has to say about the hotly contested senate and gubernatorial races, along with what he's sensing for the future of our democracy on this special Know Mercy episode.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this special Election Day episode, Stephen A. talks to New York Times bestselling author and distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, about the hot button issues of the day. From affirmative action, cancel culture, and the conservative Supreme Court, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the dilemmas rapper Kanye West and NBA’s Kyrie Irving find themselves embroiled in. It’s a candid hour with one of the country’s premier intellectuals. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. gets candid about surviving two bouts of COVID-19, getting older, and prioritizing his health. He is then joined by the most watched comedian on YouTube and the first comedian to sell out back-to-back shows at historic Dodgers Stadium Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. They discuss his life on the road 46 weeks a year, representing Latin culture, and comedy in the "woke" era.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true? That’s the question Stephen A. poses on this episode. He talks to Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of The Talk and American Ninja Warrior about growing up in South Central LA, journey in the NFL, dream career in entertainment, and his inspirational book, Everyone Can Be A Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Respectful disagreement, compromise, basic human decency… what happened to it? Stephen A. gives his thoughts on the lack of civility in American society and how politicians on both sides of the aisle have failed to set the tone for the country. From their lack of leadership following the attack on the Capitol to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton labeling Americans as Deplorables, Stephen A. exposes immaturity, recklessness, and hypocrisy. He also addresses the recent attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of the Speaker of the House. The lack of manners and decorum has gotten out of control. When will it end and what will it take? Only time will tell.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everyone, including some of the most successful and well-known people in our society, experiences internal struggle. Stephen A. shares key examples and opens up about how he gets through his own dark days. He’s then joined by outspoken radio host, TV personality and bestselling author, Charlamagne tha God for a candid conversation about his rise as a radio titan, battles with anxiety and depression, work as a mental health advocate, the importance of putting family first, and refusing to let others dictate his standard for success. It’s an insightful, honest, and real hour with one of the media’s brightest stars.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The attack on American democracy is a topic on Stephen A’s mind. On this episode he talks to New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author Steve Phillips, host of the color-conscious political podcast Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips, to discuss the history of white supremacy in this country, how Barack Obama’s historic presidency ushered in the possibility of a Trump administration, what the January 6th insurrection proved, and Phillips latest book, How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good. It is a nuanced and thought-provoking hour ahead of the important midterm elections.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. is fired up about many things, but there is one subject that really gets under his skin – taxes. Income tax. Sales tax. Property tax. Payroll tax. Capitol gains tax. FICA. He shouts it loudly, I Am Tired of These Damn Taxes. On this solo episode, Stephen A. gripes about the IRS. The rich who stay wealthy through loopholes. And talks about celebrities who tried to game the system – Nicolas Cage, Shakira, Wesley Snipes, and the first winner of Survivor, Richard Hatch, who went to prison for not paying taxes.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. opens up about a pivotal moment in his career, what it taught him, and how learning to value his worth changed his journey. He is then joined by rapper/entrepreneur Master P, who shares the decision to walk away from a million-dollar deal and bet on himself early in his career, the business ventures that landed him on the prestigious Forbes list, and his desire to now help others in the Black community build generational wealth. It’s an inspiring conversation with one of Hip Hop’s most forward-thinking visionaries.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. admits he was wrong about Kanye West. He revisits and breaks down the recent and ongoing controversies surrounding the artist, including his social media ban, outbursts on talk shows, antisemitic claims, and major public figures speaking out against him. Is the tide turning on one of hip-hop’s wealthiest and most talented moguls? Stephen A. believes so. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. tackles the hot-button topic of Roe v. Wade. Then, he is joined by award-winning producer/director Tonya Lewis Lee, whose Hulu documentary film, 'Aftershock', explores the movement around Black maternal health and birth justice.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode Stephen A. does what he does best -- sports. Ahead of the 2022-2023 NBA season, he shares his thoughts on who will be making noise in the East and the West, updates his take on both the Ime Udoka situation and the Draymond Green punch, and, of course, delves into his love-hate relationship with the New York Knicks!Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. has a charmed life. But getting there hasn’t been easy. There were obstacles along the way. He didn’t give up, though. He learned from his mistakes, continued to grind, and is now at the top of his game. The lesson Stephen A. learned is that when it is your time, nothing can stop you. On this episode, he talks to Emmy Award-Winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph about her Hollywood career, her role on ABC’s hit comedy, Abbott Elementary, her social activism work, and why her first Emmy win after fifty years in the business meant so much.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gone are the days of the traditional media dictating the narrative. Social media has changed the landscape of how people interact and tell their stories. At the top of that world are influencers. Yes, social media influencers are the new frontier. Stephen A. sits down with one of the biggest stars in the social media game, Jake Paul. It’s an honest, no holds barred conversation about Jake’s early life, relationship with his brother Logan, the regrets, and plan to take on the world of professional boxing on his own terms. Tune in for an eye-opening and real conversation with one of social media’s most outspoken and controversial names. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. shares the trials and tribulations on his road to success and pays homage to those that helped him get there. He is then joined by Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show host, Tamron Hall, who details her historic role as the first Black woman to co-host The Today Show, betting on herself after her departure, the joy of motherhood in her late forties, and passion for helping people on her daytime show. She is a woman that has experienced significant tragedy, but is incredibly strong and a source of light in the world. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. jumps into headline-making news and addresses what's on his mind: Kanye West. He shares his point of view on Kanye's recent decision to wear a White Lives Matter shirt at his Paris Fashion Week show, the fallout from the decision, and the public reaction it stirred up. Stephen A. goes deep, dissecting Kanye's conscious and subconscious motivations and tactics, whether his billionaire status makes him immune to cancel culture, and thoroughly critiques the social and political dialogue around these matters. No guest, no problem.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. has a lot on his mind ahead of the midterm elections – and a warning—that the Right-Wing is on a mission to take back control of the country. On this episode, he is joined by Fox News pundit, Sean Hannity. The two spar over conservatism, the liberal agenda, and the state of U.S. politics. Stephen A. also asks the question on the minds of many Americans: Why is the Republican party so beholden to Donald Trump? It’s a provocative hour as only Stephen A. can bring.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. thinks the two-party political system in this country is broken. In this episode, he examines the problems with the Democratic and Republican parties, and why it might be time for a third-party (or more!) option. He’s also joined on the show by multi award-winning broadcast anchor and attorney, Chris Cuomo who shares his regrets, life-lessons, the self-work he has done since leaving CNN, and his return to primetime as host of the nightly NewsNation program, ‘Cuomo’. It’s a deeply personal and engaging hour with one of the news industry’s most well-known personalities.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. is down with the disruptors of the world – the ones that have the courage to do things their way and in doing so, impact the world at large – from Muhammad Ali and Elon Musk to Charles Barkley and George Steinbrenner. Stephen A. also chops it up with UFC President Dana White about living on his own terms, disrupting the boxing industry, and what it took to build the sport of mixed martial arts into a global empire. Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Snoop Dogg invites Stephen A. into his world for a candid conversation about growing up in Long Beach, life as a gangbanger, the important advice he received behind bars, and the meeting with legendary producer Dr. Dre that changed his life. Snoop also details his business acumen, and advice for the next generation of artists entering the game. It's an eye-opening hour with a true music and entertainment icon.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Ime Udoka situation has led Stephen A to collect and crystallize his thoughts on how women are treated in society. He shares his views on the societal double standards that exist for women and why men need to listen. Then, he is joined by CNN Legal Analyst and award-winning Civil Rights Attorney Areva Martin to discuss politics and her latest book, 'Awakening: Ladies, Leadership, and the Lies We've Been Told.'Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inaugural episode, Stephen A. shares his American dream success story and sits down with multi-platinum rapper LL COOL J to discuss his barrier-breaking music journey, their shared experiences growing up in Hollis, Queens, and LL’s meteoric rise to Hip Hop icon. It is a provocative hour of storytelling only Stephen A. Smith can bring.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephen A. Smith knows mercy…when it’s warranted. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get Stephen A’s unfiltered opinions on all things culture, as well as interviews with outspoken celebrities and societal thought leaders. “Know Mercy” kicks off on September 26th.Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.