Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club
Episode: Best Of Full Interview: Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson Talk 'All The Smoke;' Podcast & Book, Kobe, Kamala, Bronny James +More
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren LaRosa
Guests: Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson

Introduction

[00:30 - 00:48] DJ Envy opens the show by introducing Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the dynamic duo behind the "All The Smoke" podcast and their recently released coffee table book. Charlamagne Tha God praises their pioneering role in athlete-hosted podcasts, noting their influence on the current wave of sports podcasts.

Notable Quote:
Charlamagne Tha God: "I feel like y'all started that whole wave." [00:52]

Journey of 'All The Smoke' Podcast and Coffee Table Book

[00:48 - 01:36] Matt Barnes reflects on the evolution of their podcast over five years, expressing surprise and gratitude for the unexpected growth, including launching a coffee table book and establishing a production company. Charlamagne commends their partnership with iHeartPodcasts and acknowledges Matt's significant role in their success.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "If you would have told me, like, five years later, we'd have a coffee table book... I would have been like, you're full of shit." [01:16]

Importance of Trusted Voice in Sports Media

[02:26 - 03:10] DJ Envy shares his favorite interviews with comedians and hip-hop artists, highlighting the show's diversity. Matt Barnes emphasizes the importance of being a trusted voice, mentioning high-profile guests like J.R. Smith, Kamala Harris, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and Shaquille O'Neal. Charlamagne adds that their platform provided NBA players a unique space to open up in ways they couldn’t before.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "Being a trusted voice in this space with so many voices is something I pride myself on." [02:45]

Interview with Kamala Harris

[03:29 - 07:09] The conversation delves into their recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Initially reluctant to engage in political discussions, DJ Envy and Matt Barnes decided to proceed, motivated by personal connections and the potential positive impact. They aimed to humanize Harris, focusing on her personal life and blended family, which resonated deeply with her.

Notable Quote:
DJ Envy: "I really don't want to get in politics... but I know it was beneficial for our company." [03:45]

Matt Barnes: "We wanted to humanize her and get to know her a little better." [06:37]

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Interviews

[05:22 - 07:09] Stephen Jackson inquires about the preparation process for interviewing a high-profile figure like Kamala Harris. Matt Barnes explains their rigorous preparation, including research and creating a comfortable environment to elicit genuine responses. The team focused on blending political questions with personal stories to engage Harris authentically.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "It was a back and forth and when she came into the room, she took us away...” [05:23]

Kobe Bryant: Last Interview and Legacy

[10:40 - 14:49] The discussion shifts to their last interview with the late Kobe Bryant. Matt Barnes and DJ Envy reminisce about Kobe's dedication, both on and off the court, highlighting his coaching Gigi James and his relentless work ethic. They share personal anecdotes about Kobe's ambition to leave a lasting legacy beyond his playing career and his impact as a mentor and father.

Notable Quote:
Katie Bryant: "He didn't want people to remember me from my last 20 years. I want them to remember me for my next 20 years." [11:38]

Cannabis in the NBA: Evolution and Impact

[22:50 - 24:32] The conversation explores the changing landscape of marijuana use in the NBA. Matt Barnes discusses the historical challenges players faced with cannabis policies, including the lengths they went to avoid detection. He commends the recent shifts allowing players more freedom, emphasizing the benefits for recovery and mental health.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "It was tough to smoke in our entire career, risking fines or suspension." [23:08]

DJ Envy: "Now they can smoke freely to relax after the game, the right way." [23:28]

Transitioning from NBA to Media

[31:27 - 34:34] Matt Barnes shares his transition from the NBA to media, driven by personal reasons like spending more time with family. He and Stephen Jackson capitalized on media opportunities to launch their podcast, emphasizing authenticity and maintaining their natural personas both on and off camera. They discuss the importance of controlling their narratives and the decline of traditional sports networks in favor of athlete-driven content.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "Having real conversations lays the foundation for respect." [33:06]

Future of the NBA and Emerging Players

[35:17 - 40:35] The hosts and guests discuss the future of the NBA, contemplating who will emerge as the next faces of the league post-LeBron James and Stephen Curry. They highlight rising stars like Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, and others, predicting a committee approach to leadership in the league. Additionally, they touch on the growth of the WNBA, praising players like Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese for their impact and advocating for continued support and recognition.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "The league is in a great place with young talent that hasn't been seen in a long time." [36:50]

Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

[42:14 - 43:46] Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson share personal anecdotes about dealing with grief and the importance of a strong support system. They emphasize controlling one's narrative and understanding brand power, offering advice to young athletes on maintaining their image and handling media scrutiny.

Notable Quote:
DJ Envy: "Control your own narrative." [42:44]

Matt Barnes: "Understand your brand power and that you're a business everywhere you move." [43:20]

Reconciliation and Brotherhood in Sports

[43:35 - 47:50] The conversation highlights the reconciliation between Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher following past conflicts, showcasing the importance of personal growth and focusing on family. They discuss the bonds formed through sports and the value of mentorship, illustrating how past disputes can be resolved for the greater good of their children and community.

Notable Quote:
Matt Barnes: "We squashed it because it wasn't about saving that. It was about raising these young men." [43:40]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[47:57 - End] As the episode winds down, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson promote their upcoming live shows and hangouts, expressing excitement for future engagements. The hosts reiterate the significance of their conversations and the impact of their podcast and book on the sports community.

Notable Quote:
Charlamagne Tha God: "That conversation is in the All The Smoke coffee table book, which is out right now." [47:57]

Matt Barnes: "It's a tremendous opportunity, and we hope everyone checks it out." [28:36]

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering Influence: Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson's "All The Smoke" podcast and coffee table book have been instrumental in shaping athlete-hosted media, providing a trusted platform for in-depth and authentic conversations.

• Humanizing High-Profile Figures: Their interviews with figures like Kamala Harris and Kobe Bryant focus on personal stories and legacy, offering listeners a deeper understanding beyond public personas.

• Championing Mental Health and Wellness: Discussions on cannabis in the NBA highlight the evolving attitudes towards mental health and recovery among athletes.

• Authenticity in Media: Transitioning from the NBA to media, Barnes and Jackson emphasize staying true to themselves, controlling their narratives, and fostering genuine connections with their audience.

• Future of Sports Media and Representation: The hosts discuss the rise of new talents in the NBA and the growing recognition of the WNBA, advocating for continued support and positive representation in sports.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps

• Charlamagne Tha God: "I feel like y'all started that whole wave." [00:52]

• Matt Barnes: "If you would have told me, like, five years later, we'd have a coffee table book... I would have been like, you're full of shit." [01:16]

• Matt Barnes: "Being a trusted voice in this space with so many voices is something I pride myself on." [02:45]

• DJ Envy: "I really don't want to get in politics... but I know it was beneficial for our company." [03:45]

• Matt Barnes: "We wanted to humanize her and get to know her a little better." [06:37]

• Matt Barnes: "He didn't want people to remember me from my last 20 years. I want them to remember me for my next 20 years." [11:38]

• Matt Barnes: "It was tough to smoke in our entire career, risking fines or suspension." [23:08]

• DJ Envy: "Control your own narrative." [42:44]

• Matt Barnes: "Understand your brand power and that you're a business everywhere you move." [43:20]

This episode of "The Breakfast Club" offers a comprehensive look into Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson's influential work with "All The Smoke," their personal journeys, and their perspectives on the evolving landscape of sports media and athlete wellness.