Joe and Jada Podcast: Allen Iverson on NEW DOC SERIES w/ Steph Curry + LEGENDARY NBA & 76ers Stories
Podcast: Joe and Jada
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Date: October 23, 2025
Guests: Allen Iverson, Allen Iverson's Mother
Co-hosts: Fat Joe (“Joe Crack the Dawn”), Jadakiss (“Jada”)
Episode Overview
This vibrant episode centers on NBA legend Allen Iverson—nicknamed "Bubba Chuck"—reflecting on his new documentary series (executive produced by Steph Curry and Shaquille O’Neal), his cultural and athletic legacy, career highlights, personal struggles, and the enduring power of family. Iverson, joined by his mother, shares intimate stories about life, fame, perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way, all delivered with the raw, heartfelt, and humorous rapport that defines the Joe and Jada show.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power of Telling Your Own Story
- Documentary Motivation: Iverson stresses the importance of authenticity and sharing his story without sugarcoating the hardships or the triumphs.
- ”Just to be able to tell your story, regardless how they accept it. Everybody always talking about, man, if I was AI, I would do this. You not.” – Allen Iverson [02:07]
- Role Model Beyond Clichés: Iverson rejects the idea that role models can only inspire children—his journey aims to uplift people of all ages.
- “We inspire everybody, all ages, you know what I mean? They live through us and believe through us.” [14:23]
2. Brotherhood, Loyalty, and Navigating Relationships
- Magnetism & Friendships: Joe and Jada joke with AI about how he makes “everyone feel like his best friend.”
- “You make everybody think they your brother. This guy thinks he’s your brother too.” – Joe [04:22]
- Hard Lessons: Iverson reflects on learning to distinguish between people who truly support you and those who don’t.
- “That's the hardest part about navigating through life is you gotta depict which ones is which.” [05:03]
- Letting Go: He confesses the challenge of having a big heart and the pain of outgrowing old entourages.
- “The hardest thing for me, to have this heart that I have... is learning to say ‘no’.” [19:27]
3. Faith, Perseverance, and the Devil’s Work
- Faith Through Trials: AI credits his mother’s and grandmother's faith for his resilience, even during wrongful accusations and imprisonment at 18.
- “My mom told me at 8 years old, I could be whatever I wanted to be in life. And I actually believed her.” [13:00]
- “Don’t you ever question God.” (advice from his grandmother) [13:40]
- Overcoming Adversity: Iverson sees his story as living proof the “devil is a sucker” and proclaims victory over life’s obstacles thanks to faith.
- “It’s a confirmation to the world that the devil is a sucker...and he can't fuck with me.” [11:24]
- Helping Others: He tries to use his mistakes and victories as lessons for his children and fans.
- “Why do you have to learn the hard way?... Why can’t you listen to what I’m telling you?” [15:15]
4. Changing the NBA Culture: Fashion, Authenticity, and Influence
- Style Pioneer: The hosts emphasize Iverson’s impact on NBA tunnel fashion and culture.
- “He still hasn't got his proper just due for being... for starting the tunnel cam. The crossover.” – Jada [03:07]
- From Fined to Icon: AI recalls being fined for his clothing, which opened doors for today’s NBA style icons.
- “Now they want to see what the players is coming out with... it was worth getting my ass whooped for it.” [52:16]
- Recognition: Modern players now openly pay homage, giving Iverson his “flowers.”
- “They show love for it. They give me my flowers for it. That’s the only thing that I—that matter to me.” [52:16]
5. The New Docu-Series: Allen’s Perspective and Steph Curry’s Involvement
- Production Backstory: Executive produced by Shaq and Steph Curry; Curry is highly praised by Iverson as both an on-court killer and as someone who gets “the culture.”
- "Steph, just to me is just an honor, man. Like, I just admire the dude, you know what I mean? Squeaky clean, but you know, behind the scenes, he just like us." [24:09]
- "I don't miss no Golden State game...gotta see that light-skinned killer every night." [24:47]
- Purpose: AI sees the documentary as an open book, a way to teach the next generation and set the record straight.
6. Iconic NBA & 76ers Stories
- Early Career and Encounters:
- Joe recalls meeting a young Iverson, then full of ambition, in a Virginia parking lot in army fatigues: “I knew it was something special about you when I met you.” [08:00]
- Battles and Rivalries:
- AI recounts heated rivalries, especially with Kobe Bryant:
- “Me and him had wars, but...if you not my size...especially like Marcus Banks, Steph [Marbury]...Kobe could move lateral...he was a defensive...dog.” [44:43]
- AI recounts heated rivalries, especially with Kobe Bryant:
- Step Over Moment: They discuss the famed step-over Tyronn Lue in the 2001 Finals, with AI sharing post-series stories.
- “He looked at me and said ‘thank you’ [for the contract boost], and both of us just started laughing. We’ve been like this ever since.” [43:57]
- Legendary Nights Out: Multiple stories relive wild nights in Philly, the Bronx, and postgame Fridays parties.
- “After every single game...Fridays was legendary, I think. They had a DJ...” [52:57]
7. Reflections on NBA Commissioners
- David Stern: Iverson’s relationship went from combative to mutually respectful as Stern got to know him through the years.
- “He got to know me...and we became close, you know what I mean?...it was just the perception.” [47:00]
- Hilarious moment: Stern reading Iverson’s rap lyrics to him in a disciplinary meeting. “Man started reading the lyrics...curse words, everything...I wanted to crawl up under the table.” [50:34]
- Adam Silver: Praised as a “player’s commissioner” and ally for being “with the people.”
- “He always with the people, he always understand. He always with the culture.” – Joe [48:53]
8. Family, Roots, and The Role of Allen Iverson’s Mother
- Early Life and Struggles: AI’s mom tells stories about raising him as a teen, seeing athletic greatness from the start, and feeling pride at every stage.
- “His arms was past his kneecap when I laid them out like that...I was like, I got a baller.” – Allen Iverson’s Mother [59:00]
- “He was perfect. He was not hard headed. He would listen to everything I said and he loved the daylights out of me.” [59:40]
- Pride: She shares how Iverson is committed to making her proud and how their family stuck together through every challenge.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- On Telling His Truth:
- “Just to be able to tell your story, regardless how they accept it. Everybody always talking about, man, if I was AI, I would do this. You not.” – Allen Iverson [02:07]
- On Overcoming Adversity:
- “It’s a confirmation to the world that the devil is a sucker...and he can't fuck with me.” – Allen Iverson [11:24]
- On Role Model Status:
- “We inspire everybody, all ages, you know what I mean? They live through us and believe through us.” – Allen Iverson [14:23]
- On His Mom’s Influence:
- “My mom told me at 8 years old, I could be whatever I wanted to be in life. And I actually believed her.” – Allen Iverson [13:00]
- On NBA Tunnel Fashion:
- “Now they want to see what the players is coming out with... it was worth getting my ass whooped for it.” – Allen Iverson [52:16]
- On Steph Curry:
- “I got DirecTV... just for him, you know what I mean? I don't miss no Golden State game...gotta see that light-skinned killer every night.” – Allen Iverson [24:47]
- On Commissioner Stern Reading His Rap Lyrics:
- “The man started reading the lyrics...curse words, everything...I wanted to crawl up under the table.” – Allen Iverson [50:34]
- On Friendship and Loyalty:
- “You make everybody think they your brother. This guy thinks he’s your brother too.” – Fat Joe [04:22]
- On Letting Go of Entourages:
- “You gotta implement that word, ‘no’, in your vocabulary, man.” – Allen Iverson [19:27]
- On Making His Mom Proud:
- “I said, bubba, I am so proud of you...and he said, ‘I’m not finished making you proud.’” – Allen Iverson’s Mother [61:00]
Key Segments & Timestamps
- Allen Iverson on His Documentary & Legacy [11:24 – 18:31]
- Brotherhood, Relationships, and Life Lessons [04:22 – 10:11]
- NBA Fashion, Tunnel Fame, and Influence [03:07, 52:16 – 53:28]
- Iconic NBA Battles and Stories (Kobe, Lue, Vick, Stern, Fridays) [43:57 – 47:00, 52:56 – 53:28]
- Allen’s Relationship with NBA Commissioners [46:52 – 50:38]
- Allen Iverson’s Mother on Raising a Legend [56:52 – 61:43]
Final Thoughts
This episode is an unfiltered celebration of Allen Iverson, revealing the real person behind the icon—from his battles and mistakes to his laughter and love. The conversation flows with camaraderie, jokes, and deep reflections, equally highlighting legendary NBA tales and the importance of faith, family, and authenticity. The episode is a must-listen for its blend of raw honesty, hilarity, and history—the legacy of Bubba Chuck.
