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First Take

ByESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim Rose
200 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into the electrifying world of "First Take," where debate reigns supreme and opinions collide! Hosted by the dynamic Stephen A. Smith, alongside insightful co-hosts like Chiney Ogwumike and Chris Canty, this podcast brings you the hottest takes on sports, culture, and beyond. Each episode features a range of high-profile guests, including legendary athletes like Candace Parker, who share their unique perspectives on pressing topics, from the NBA Finals to the nuances of player dynamics. What sets "First Take" apart is its unapologetic passion and the lively exchanges that keep listeners on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fanatic or simply curious about the latest headlines, this podcast offers a captivating blend of analysis, entertainment, and insider knowledge. Tune in to experience the thrill of the debate and gain insights that only "First Take" can provide!

#1

Hour 2: Candace Parker Joins The Show!

Stephen A. Smith, Chiney Ogwumike and Chris Canty welcome special guest Candace Parker who talks about her new book 'The Can-Do Mindset.' Additionally, Parker provides her hot takes regarding the NBA Finals and crew discusses what a Finals victory would mean for the legacy of SGA! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-06-03•43mins
#2

Hour 1: Finals Phenoms

Stephen A. Smith, Chiney Ogwumike and Chris Canty continue to preview the NBA Finals! The crew goes over what stands out most regarding the upcoming matchup as well as who is the most important player in the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-06-03•47mins
#3

Hour 2: On Guard

Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Jay Williams preview the upcoming NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder! The crew goes in depth with the guard matchup and how key guards will be in determining this series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-06-02•44mins
#4

Hour 1: Big Apple Crumble

Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Jay Williams arrive on First Take to discuss what went wrong with the Knicks as they fall to the Indiana Pacers in 6 games. The crew goes over what stood out the most in Game 6 and if it's fair to say the Knicks underachieved as a whole this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-06-02•48mins
#5

Hour 2: Words Hurt

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Jay Williams go over the stand out quote from Anthony Edwards where he says their series loss to OKC "didn't hurt." Plus, the guys make their picks regarding if the Knicks are able to force a Game 7 on Monday against Indiana Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-30•45mins
#6

Hour 1: Super Saturday

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Jay Williams breakdown the Knicks HUGE Game 5 win to save their season last night and tee up what will be an eventful Game 6 on Saturday in Indiana The guys go over what happened to Tyrese Haliburton after he scored just 8 points, by far his lowest total of the series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-30•46mins
#7

Hour 2: Rolling Thunder

Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Monica McNutt and Jay Williams give the Thunder their due praise after advancing to the NBA Finals! Additionally, the crew goes over if either the Knicks of Pacers are capable of taking down OKC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-29•44mins
#8

Hour 1: Wolves Tamed

Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt, Jay Williams, Brian Windhorst and Michael Wilbon review Oklahoma City's series clinching win over the Timberwolves to advance to the NBA Finals! Is it time to revisit the 'stock' of Anthony Edwards? All that and more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-29•46mins

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#9

Hour 2: Coach Approach

Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo and Jay Williams continue to talk Knicks - Pacers as the guys ask if Tom Thibodeau is coaching himself out of a job. Additionally, more Rodgers-Steelers talk and of course Mad Dog tells you what's making him mad today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-28•42mins
#10

Hour 1: On Guard

Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo and Jay Williams are back on First Take to review the stellar performance by the Indiana Pacers in their Game 4 win over the Knicks to go up 3-1 Plus, a review of the Haliburton -Super Star debate, and it's safe to stay Stephen A. still has his mind made up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-28•45mins
#11

Hour 2: Leader Of The Pack

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and the Morris Twins continue their NBA discussion here on First Take! After praising Anthony Edwards a lot of late, the guys discuss if they awarded him the crown too early after his Western Conference struggles. Additionally, the crew debates who wins first at home between the Knicks and Pacers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-27•39mins
#12

Hour 1: Bringing The Thunder

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and both Markieff and Marcus Morris join First Take to discuss the NBA Conference Finals! The guys debate what it would take to derail the Thunder as well as if the Knicks should go back to Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup for Game 4. Plus, Ryan Clark joins the show to talk NFL! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-27•47mins
#13

Hour 2: Knicks in the Mix

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith along with the Morris twins continue to talk the latest surrounding the NBA Conference Finals! The crew goes over if Anthony Edwards is able to lead Minnesota to a win tonight and even the WC at 2-2. Plus, the Knicks are back in the mix and the guys go over Jalen Brunson's impact on the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-26•43mins
#14

Hour 1: Time To Worry?

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith along with Marcus and Markieff Morris breakdown the massive Knicks Game 3 victory last night over the Indiana Pacers. The guys discuss if the Pacers should begin to worry as well if Tom Thibodeau should be under fire if New York is not able to complete the full comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-26•49mins
#15

Hour 2: Strong Words

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon and Kendrick Perkins discuss the level of stardom that Tyrese Haliburton is currently at following his Game 1 heroics on Wednesday. Additionally, the GOAT debate makes a return as well as the question of who would you rather have in the final seconds - Jalen Brunson or Haliburton? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-23•42mins
#16

Hour 1: The Real MVP

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon and Jay Williams break down the big win by the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals led by MVP SGA! Plus, the guys discuss what the Knicks have to do in order to save their season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-23•46mins
#17

Hour 2: New York Nixed

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Jay Williams continue to go over the stunning collapse by the New York Knicks last night. Is Indiana's pace too much for the Knicks to handle? Should there still be good confidence the Knicks can win the series? Plus another 'Stephen's A List!' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-22•43mins
#18

Hour 1: Set The Pace

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Jay Williams break down the absurd Indiana Pacer comeback victory over the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals! The crew discusses who is to blame for the Knicks collapse and if it's time to consider Tyrese Haliburton a superstar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-22•45mins
#19

Hour 2: Shutting Down The Wolves

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, JB Bickerstaff, Chris Russo and Kendrick Perkins continue to talk all things Conference Finals on First Take! Does Jalen Brunson need to have a big game tonight for the Knicks to win? Is OKC 'significantly' better than Minnesota? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-21•43mins
#20

Hour 1: Title Impact

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo, Kendrick Perkins and JB Bickerstaff talk EVERYTHING Conference Finals today on First Take How much stock should we take in the OKC blowout? Which team between New York and Indiana can LEAST afford a Game 1 loss tonight? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-21•46mins
#21

Hour 2: Who Ya Got?

Stephen A. Smith, Marcus and Markieff Morris and Gilbert Arenas make their picks for the more crucial aspects of the Conference Finals! Who wins Game 1 tonight between Minnesota and OKC? Who is the most important option remaining? All that and more on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-20•43mins
#22

Hour 1: Rivalry Renewed

Stephen A. Smith, Marcus Morris, Peter Rosenberg and Gilbert Arenas discuss the latest in the NBA Postseason! The guys discuss the start of the Western Conference Finals tonight as well as the upcoming edition of the Knicks Pacers Rivalry! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-20•46mins
#23

Hour 2: Easy Being Green?

Following their 2nd Round exit, Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Marcus Morris discuss if Jaylen Brown is able to lead Boston to another championship as the option The crew also discusses the upcoming Brunson V Haliburton matchup ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-19•43mins

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#24

Hour 1: Go New York Go New York Go

Stephen A. Smith, Chiney Ogwumike and Marcus Morris are on First Take to discuss how unbelievable this year's run for the New York Knicks is! Plus a review of this past weekend's duel between the Fever and Sky and a look into Caitlin Clark's flagrant foul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-19•49mins
#25

Hour 2: Joker's Wild

Stephen A. Smith, Chiney Ogwumike, Brian Windhorst and special guest Spike Lee continue to talk tonight's massive Game 6 matchup between the Knicks and Celtics Stephen A. provides his Top 5 priorities for what MUST happen if the Knicks are going to close it out tonight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-16•43mins
#26

Hour 1: Game 6 at The Garden

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Chiney Ogwumike are back on First Take today to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about the Knicks big time opportunity to advance to the ECF in Game 6 against the Celtics Plus, was last night's Game 6 win for Denver more impressive for the Nuggets or more disappointing for OKC? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-16•47mins
#27

Hour 2: Clark On The Mark!

Stephen A. Smith, Udonis Haslem and Monica McNutt continue to talk the latest basketball action on First Take! The crew discusses the big time Timberwolves win last night helping them advance to the Western Conference Finals for the 2nd consecutive season! Plus, what should we expect from Caitlin Clark and the Fever as the WNBA gets ready to tip off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-15•42mins
#28

Hour 1: Knicked Up

Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Udonis Haslem are back on First Take to break down yesterday's NBA Playoff Action! Are the Knicks in a place to be worried after their Game 5 loss? Plus, a look at the Dallas Cowobys' 2025-2026 schedule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-15•46mins
#29

Hour 2: Golden State of Play

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst, Chris Russo and Udonis Haslem continue to debate NBA Playoff Action! Will the Celtics be able to come back from down 3-1 following the loss of Jayson Tatum? Is it a possibility for Golden State to get a Game 5 win tonight even without the return of Steph Curry? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-14•40mins
#30

Hour 1: East Mode

Stephen A. Smith, Udonis Haslem and Chris Russo are back on First Take to discuss the latest NBA Playoff Action! The guys go over whether Cleveland deserves a lot of criticism following another early exit as well if the Knicks will close out the Celtics tonight in Game 5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-14•46mins
#31

Hour 2: New York State of Mind

Hour 2: Jay Williams, Kendrick Perkins and Udonis Haslem go more in depth with New York's clutch Game 4 victory over Boston. The guys discuss if Jalen Brunson has truly proven himself as the NBA's most clutch player The crew also debates who wins a title first between Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-13•44mins
#32

Hour 1: Orange and Blue Skies

Hour 1: Jay Williams, Kendrick Perkins and Udonis Haslem break down all of last night's NBA Action on First Take! The guys go over New York's big win over Boston including a bold statement from Perk... Plus, is there a vibe update with Nico Harrison after the Mavs landed the pick? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-13•49mins
#33

Hour 2: Playing The Lottery

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Jay Williams continue to break down what could happen with Giannis in the off season. Additionally, the guys give a preview of tonight's NBA Draft Lottery and discuss the recent struggles of Nikola Jokic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-12•48mins
#34

Hour 1: Game 4 Guarantee

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Jay Williams sit down to talk more hoops on First Take? What are the more likely trade destinations for Giannis? Plus, Stephen A. has a bold statement regarding Game 4 tonight between the Knicks and Celtics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-12•48mins
#35

Hour 2: New York State of Mind

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins continue to talk what's going on with the Celtics after they surrender their 2nd consecutive 20-point lead to the Knicks! Plus, the guys go further in depth with how big Game 2 is tonight for Minnesota as they try to even the series without Steph Curry available for Golden State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-08•48mins
#36

Hour 1: Blame Game

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins are back on First Take to discuss who is to blame for the big Boston collapse to the Knicks as they fall behind 2-0 in their 2nd round series! More NBA Playoff talk right here on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-08•41mins
#37

Hour 2: Green Machine

Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo, Jay Williams and Ryan Clark continue to break down NBA Playoff action on First Take! The crew discusses Haliburton's heroics just before the final buzzer to take down Cleveland as well as what feels like a crucial Game 2 for the Boston Celtics tonight against the New York Knicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-07•42mins
#38

Hour 1: Haliburton Heroics

Stephen A. Smith, Ryan Clark, Chris Russo and Jay Williams are back on First Take! The guys discuss the latest big time NFL trade that sent George Pickens from the Steelers to the Cowboys as well as if the Warriors are capable winning this series if Steph Curry is out for an extended amount of time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-07•46mins
#39

Hour 2: Warrior Wonders

Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins are back on First Take to continue to talk NBA Playoffs! The guys ask if tomorrow if a must win game for the Celtics, preview tonight's Game 1 matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves, and break down if LeBron has to have influence in Luka's decision this Summer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-06•44mins
#40

Hour 1: Orange and Blue Skies

Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Brian Windhorst are fired up as they get ready to break down the Knicks' big Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics Plus, Denver also had a big upset win last night. Should OKC be worried about the series moving forward? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-06•47mins
#41

Hour 2: Rocket Science

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Marcus Spears, Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins continue to talk NBA Playoffs on First Take! After their Game 7 loss, Perk explains why Houston should go all in to get Kevin Durant. Additionally, a preview of the Knicks Celtics Round 2 series that begins tonight in Boston! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-05•45mins
#42

Hour 1: Golden Opportunity

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Marcus Spears, Kendrick Perkins and Brian Windhorst sit down on First Take to break down all the lastest NBA Playoff Action! What did the Warriors prove in their Game 7 win? What's next for the Clippers after their Game 7 loss? All that and more on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-05•48mins
#43

Hour 2: Clippers Climbing

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst, Peter Rosenberg and Jay Williams are back on First Take to continue to discuss the current state of the playoffs around the NBA! What do the Knicks need to do to compete against Boston? What does last night's Clippers win mean for James Harden? All that and more here on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-02•47mins
#44

Hour 1: Captain Clutch

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Peter Rosenberg, Brian Windhorst and Jay Williams are back on First Take to discuss Jalen Brunson's game winning 3 to help the Knicks clinch the Round 1 series against the Pistons! Plus, a preview of tonight's Game 6 action between the Rockets and Warriors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-02•48mins
#45

Hour 2: Purple and Fold

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Jay Williams continue to discuss the Lakers losing in Round 1 to Minnesota Additionally, the guys debate if this was the last chance for LeBron James to win a championship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-01•47mins
#46

Hour 1: Hollywood Horror

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Jay Williams and Kendrick Perkins are back on First Take to breakdown the Lakers Round 1 loss to the Timberwolves in 5 games Is JJ Redick to blame and how sustainable is the current version of their roster. More NBA Playoff conversation to follow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-05-01•49mins
#47

Hour 2: Falcons Fined

Hour 2: First Take returns to discuss both the Falcons and their DC Jeff Ulbrich being fined after the Shedeur Sanders prank call situation from this past weekend Additionally, the guys talk about whether the Lakers can come back from down 3-1 to defeat Minnesota in Round 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-04-30•48mins
#48

Hour 1: Pacers Prevail

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Chris Russo and Brian Windhorst are back on First Take to discuss last night's wild NBA Playoff Action! How does Milwaukee pivot after losing to the Pacers in 5? Plus, what does it mean for the Knicks after the Pistons were able to push the series to a 6th game? All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-04-30•48mins
#49

Hour 2: Title Town?

Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Carlos Boozer return to First Take to continue discussing the NBA Playoffs! Was a NBA title to high of an expectation for the Lakers following the Luka Doncic trade? Plus, Mike Tannenbaum joins the discussion to talk Abdul Carter attempting to wear Lawrence Taylor's next season as well as the outlook of the Bills! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-04-29•10mins
#50

Hour 1: Heat Hurting

Hour 1: Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt and Carlos Boozer are back on First Take to discuss both the latest and upcoming action of the NBA Playoffs. The crew discusses the frustrating loss by the Rockets last night to go down 3-1 against the Warriors as well as the direction the Heat need to go in after getting swept by the Cavs. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025-04-29•48mins

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