First Take
ESPN
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Location:
Bristol, CT
Description:
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Twitter:
@podcenter
Language:
English
Contact:
ESPN Viewer Response ESPN Plaza Bristol, CT 06010 1-888-549-3776
Email:
blair.cullen@espn3.com
Episodes
Hour 1: Christmas Day in the NBA
12/25/2024
In this special Christmas episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shams Charania, and Kendrick Perkins debate a slew of NBA topics, including if the Warriors or the Lakers are more likely to miss the playoffs and if the Knicks are the biggest threat to the Celtics in the East. Plus, the crew tells us who they would take over Victor Wembanyama right now. Jeff Saturday and Kimberley A. Martin join the festivities to tell us what they would rather see: a Chiefs threepeat or the Lions or Bills winning their first Super Bowl. And, we debate if Lamar Jackson has been the most impressive QB this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:43:44
Hour 2: Cool Your Jets
12/24/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe continue their argument over LeBron vs. Michael Jordan and Jeff Saturday gets caught in the middle. The crew tells us how many QBs they're taking over Jayden Daniels. Plus, what's the better story: Broncos or Bengals to make the playoffs? We've got a holiday edition of Stephen's A-List of the Top 5 Teams in the NFL through Week 16. The guys discuss Aaron Rodgers' role in the media and whether the Jets should want him back at QB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:00
Hour 1: Leader of the Pack
12/24/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Jeff Saturday react to the Packers' shutout win over the Saints last night and debate where Green Bay falls in the NFC. Plus, we debate who the NFL MVP is right now. We react to new sound from Jerry Jones on Mike McCarthy and debate if he should return as Cowboys Head Coach. Stephen A. and Shannon go at it on the Lakers' place in the West after LA lost to Detroit last night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:51:18
Hour 1: Headliners
12/24/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Dan Orlovsky debate which is the bigger headline from the Eagles-Commanders game: Jalen Hurts' injury or Jayden Daniels' performance? The crew reacts to comments from Kirk Herbstreit seemingly about a previous take of theirs... We ask the guys what they're ready to say about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens after they clinched a playoff berth this weekend. The crew debates if the Chiefs are the scariest team in the AFC and if the Bengals are a sneaky threat to the AFC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:02
Hour 2: Chiefs Kingdom
12/20/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Chris Canty debate whether the Chiefs need the #1 seed to reach the Super Bowl. They also discuss whether the Cowboys should rebuild their roster or stick with the current roster for next season. Desmond Howard joins the show to preview the College Football Playoff games this weekend. Additionally, Joe Fortenbaugh shares his best bets for this weekend's slate of games. Lastly, the crew have fun with footage of Cam Newton playing pickleball with Tim Tebow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:57
Hour 1: Battle for the AFC North?
12/20/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Chris Canty debate whether or not the Chargers can compete against elite AFC teams. The crew also discuss which quarterback's performance is more crucial in the upcoming Saturday matchup between Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson. EJ Manuel joins the show to discuss Georgia's title hopes without their star QB Carson Beck and Ryan Day job security at Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs. Lastly, they react to Cam Newton's comment about "There are no game changers in the NFC". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:50:22
Hour 2: All The Rave
12/19/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Dan Orlovsky, Mina Kimes, and Kimberley A. Martin debate if the Ravens can still be considered a Super Bowl threat if they lose to the Steelers this week. The crew debates who will secure the 1 seed in the AFC: the Bills or the Chiefs? Plus, the guys tell us which team is most likely to reach the Super Bowl: the Lions, the Vikings, or the Packers? Stephen A., Mina, and Dan discuss if Jalen Hurts is a top-5 QB in the NFC and which coach has done a better job this season: Sean Payton or Jim Harbaugh? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:39
Hour 1: The Real MVP
12/19/2024
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Dan Orlovsky and Jason McCourty debate whether it's too soon to coin Josh Allen the MVP. The guys share their predicts for Lamar and Russ' AFC North matchup this weekend. Kimberley A. Martin joins the show for Stephen A's infamous 'What Do You Say Stephen A' segment. Stay tuned to hear Stephen's hot takes! The crew shares their ESPN Triple Play Parlay bets. Lastly, the guys debate whether they want to see upsets or chalk in the CFP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:50:56
Hour 2: Playoff Payoff
12/18/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith presents this week's edition of his "A-List" of the top 5 teams in the NFL to Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Jeff Saturday, and Kimberley A. Martin. Paul Finebaum joins the show with his picks ahead of this weekend's College Football Playoff action. It's Wednesday so you know what that means-Mad Dog is in the house to tell us what he's mad about this week. The crew reacts to Kevin Durant's comments on the new All-Star Game format. Plus, the guys give their takes on the Yankees' recent offseason moves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:42:40
Hour 1: Quarterback To The Future
12/18/2024
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo and Jeff Saturday react to Michael Penix Jr. being named the Falcons starting QB and whether Cousins or Rodgers is more likely to start in 2025. The guys discuss if Mahomes should play on Saturday. Kimberley A. Martin joins the show to debate how much criticism should Josh Allen get if the Bills miss the Super Bowl. Lastly, the crew discuss which team gets the #1 seed in the NFC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:50:20
Hour 2: Chiefs Concerns?
12/17/2024
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe discuss the biggest obstacle standing in the Bills' way of reaching the Super Bowl. They also react to Marcus "Swagu" Spears' comments on how the Chiefs should handle Patrick Mahomes' injury this past Sunday. The crew talks about Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson being excused from team activities. Kendrick Perkins joins the show to discuss the Emirates NBA Cup Championship matchup betwen the Bucks and Thunder. The crew also debate whether or not the 76ers should consider shutting down Joel Embiid for the season. Lastly, they react to the breaking news of A'ja Wilson's contract extension with Nike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:31
Hour 1: Viking Age
12/17/2024
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe react to the Vikings win and debate whether the Vikings are a legit Super Bowl contender. The guys discuss whether or not they are concerned for the Detroit Lions and which NFL team needs the number one seed the most. The crew reacts to Conor McGregor agreeing to fight Logan Paul in a boxing match. Lastly, Stephen and Shannon discuss the state of the Bears and the moves they must make to protect Caleb Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:55
Hour 2: U-F-Got To-C This
12/16/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe react to Stephen A. beating Kenny Smith in their highly anticipated free throw contest. Plus, we get the guys' thoughts about LeBron's comments on his time away from the Lakers. Dana White drops in to tease some big things coming from UFC in the new year and, being a Boston sports fan, he shares his takes on the Celtics and Bill Belichick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:30:56
Hour 1: Under Pressure
12/16/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Louis Riddick debate if Dan Campbell takes too many in-game risks after the Lions lost to Buffalo yesterday. We discuss how concerning Patrick Mahomes' ankle injury is after he left yesterday's game in the 4th quarter. Stephen A. and Shannon debate if the Eagles have put their drama behind them. Plus, the crew decides who is facing more playoff pressure: Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen? And, did Josh Allen secure the NFL MVP last night? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:05:10
Hour 2: Snoop Doggy Dogg
12/13/2024
In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Ryan Clark are joined by Snoop Dogg as he discusses his newest album "Missionary" and the state of his Los Angeles Lakers. The crew reacts to the disarray in the Eagles' locker room and tells us how they would handle the drama. Plus, Joe Fortenbaugh stops by with his best bets for this weekend's slate of games. Stephen A., Cam, Ryan, and Snoop debate if C.J. Stroud is in a sophomore slump or something more. Stephen A. challenges the "Inside the NBA" crew to a free throw contest... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:12
Hour 1: Thursday Night Walkout?
12/13/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Ryan Clark have a heated discussion on 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell walking out of the game against the Rams last night. They also react to Aaron Rodgers' recent comments about the media. Lastly, the crew discusses Bill Belichick's decision to become UNC's newest head football coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:31
Hour 2: Cool Your Jets
12/12/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin and Dan Orlovsky react to Bill Belichick agreeing to become UNC football's newest head coach. Stephen A shares his ESPN bets for the week. Jason McCourty joins the show and reacts to Aaron Rodgers recent comments about the media. The crew debates whether the tension between A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts will affect the Eagles' season. Lastly, Stephen A. responds to the TNT crew and says he has something special to announce on First Take tomorrow. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:35
Hour 1: Chapel Bill
12/12/2024
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Adam Schefter, Dan Orlovsky, Jason McCourty and Damien Woody discuss Bill Belichick's decision to become UNC's football newest head coach. Schefter shares insight on why Belichick took the job and Belichick's relationship with the Kraft family. Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst join the show to share why LeBron James is taking time away from the Lakers. Shams also addresses his dispute with Jimmy Butler's agent and defends the information he reported about Butler's trade list. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:55:05
Hour 2: Circling the Wagons
12/11/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, and Jeff Saturday discuss whether or not they are more confident in the Eagles or Steelers ahead of their upcoming matchup this Sunday. The crew also debates whether the Bills are a Top-5 team in the NFL. They discuss whether the Mets made the right decision in going all-in for Juan Soto during MLB free agency. It's Wednesday, which means Mad Dog is back with a new list of things that have him fired up, joined by Kimberley A. Martin. Lastly, the crew shares their reaction to the clip of the Mark Gastineau-Brett Favre rift from the 2023 30 for 30 documentary *The New York Sack Exchange*, premiering this Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:31
Hour 1: Brotherly Love?
12/11/2024
Stephen A. Smith, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Jeff Saturday discuss if the relationship between Eagles duo Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown could impact their Super Bowl chances. The crew also debates what's at stake between the Bills and Lions in their Sunday matchup. Kimberley A. Martin joins the show to discuss if Bill Belichick would have instant success as the head coach at UNC. Lastly, they talk about their concerns about the Chiefs winning close games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:24