Full Show: Kevin Durant's Leadership issues. Body Bag sent to me by Gil's Arena crew. Diddy's 7 new Lawsuits.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show – October 25, 2024: In-Depth Episode Summary

Release Date: October 25, 2024

Stephen A. Smith delivers a dynamic and incisive episode covering a range of topics from high-profile legal battles in the entertainment industry to in-depth analyses of NBA movements and spirited political commentary. The episode also features an engaging conversation with comedian and actor JB Smooth about his new game show initiative. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the show.

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1. Sean P. Diddy Combs' Legal Challenges

Stephen A. Smith delves into the mounting legal troubles facing Sean P. Diddy Combs, highlighting seven new lawsuits filed against the music mogul. These allegations include serious charges such as sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. Notably, two of the lawsuits involve accusations from individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged incidents.

Stephen A. Smith [05:50]: "Sean P. Diddy Combs is in a world of trouble. [...] Over 80% conviction rate, [...] the mountain of evidence that's accumulated."

Smith emphasizes the gravity of the situation, discussing the potential long-term consequences if the cases proceed to trial. He scrutinizes the evidence presented, including alleged videos used by Combs' legal team as intimidation tactics, and underscores the credibility of the prosecution based on Eli Honig's analysis from the Southern District of New York.

Stephen A. Smith [10:13]: "There's a mountain of evidence that's thrown down upon you, your plight looks even more daunting. [...] life."

Smith remains impartial regarding Combs' guilt or innocence but stresses the severity of the charges and the potential impact on Combs' future.

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2. NBA Insights and Player Performances

a. Klay Thompson's Transition to the Dallas Mavericks

Stephen A. Smith provides an in-depth analysis of Klay Thompson's performance in his debut game with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson showcased his enduring shooting prowess by making 6 of 10 three-point attempts, totaling 22 points.

Stephen A. Smith [09:20]: "Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters in the history of basketball."

Smith reviews Thompson's career three-point shooting percentages, affirming his status as an elite shooter despite recent fluctuations. He praises Thompson's ability to generate open shots in Dallas' offensive scheme, highlighting his potential impact on the Mavericks' quest for another championship.

b. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets Showdown

The episode covers the Thunder's impressive victory over the Denver Nuggets, spotlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 28 points and Chet Holmgren's defensive prowess with 14 rebounds and four blocks.

Stephen A. Smith [17:45]: "Shai Gildrich Alexander is just that dude. My bad, my bad."

Smith expresses his admiration for Gilgeous-Alexander, considering him a frontrunner for MVP honors. He also critiques Holmgren's overall game, noting his strengths in shot-blocking but questioning his mobility and shooting capabilities.

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3. Political Commentary and Presidential Campaign Trail

a. Appearance on Sean Hannity's Show

Stephen A. Smith discusses his recent appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show, where he addressed the tight presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Smith confronted Hannity's questioning about Kamala Harris's awareness of President Biden's cognitive state during his re-election campaign.

Stephen A. Smith [33:07]: "I know you're not talking about somebody being lucid and cogent... Sen. Lindsey Graham can articulate himself very well. Not Donald Trump."

Smith criticizes the portrayal of Biden's cognitive abilities and counters conservative narratives by defending Kamala Harris's qualifications, while also challenging Trump's leadership qualities. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and consistent political principles, urging conservatives to support candidates who align with core values rather than partisan loyalty.

Stephen A. Smith [37:15]: "There are plenty of people we work with, [...] Don't act like it's easy to support Trump. No, it ain't."

b. Views on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

Smith articulates his support for Kamala Harris, underscoring her professional background and dismissing attacks on her character. He contrasts her with Donald Trump, highlighting Trump's lack of adherence to conservative principles and questioning his suitability for leadership.

Stephen A. Smith [42:08]: "She is a graduate of an HBCU... she is a former attorney general... she is the President of the United States of America."

Smith also addresses the flip-flopping tendencies within the conservative base, advocating for candidates who maintain consistent policies and demonstrate honesty and integrity.

Stephen A. Smith [45:27]: "How much are you talking about? That's the first thing we want to know."

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4. Conversation with JB Smooth on "Buy It Now" Game Show

In an engaging segment, Stephen A. Smith interviews JB Smooth about his new game show, Buy It Now, which aims to provide entrepreneurs with a platform to pitch their products directly to consumers and a panel of celebrity judges.

JB Smooth [55:25]: "Shark Tank is looking for investors to invest in a product, [...] This show is different because I get you on here to the celebrity judges and they give you their feedback."

Smith and Smooth discuss the unique aspects of the show, such as immediate product availability on Amazon's exclusive Buy It Now store and the opportunity for participants to win $20,000 to reinvest in their ventures.

Stephen A. Smith [60:32]: "How is it different from Shark Tank?"

JB Smooth [61:06]: "When I say that, automatically that product goes right into Amazon."

The conversation underscores the show's emphasis on immediate market exposure and leveraging celebrity influence to boost product visibility and sales.

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5. Closing Remarks and NBA Predictions

Wrapping up the episode, Smith shares his predictions for the World Series, confidently forecasting a New York Yankees victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Stephen A. Smith [78:29]: "Yankees in seven. Yankees in seven."

He signs off with enthusiastic support for both the Yankees and ongoing NBA seasons, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for upcoming sports analyses and events.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a compelling mix of entertainment, sports analysis, and political discourse. Stephen A. Smith's forthright opinions and insightful commentary provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events in the NBA, high-profile legal cases, and the intricacies of the presidential campaign trail. Additionally, the introduction of JB Smooth's Buy It Now game show adds an entrepreneurial dimension to the show's diverse content portfolio.

Transcript

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

NBA action is fantastic. The first week of the NBA season. Did you see some of it? Did you see some of it? I got to talk about it. It's been absolutely fantastic thus far, by the way.

So was my appearance on Sean Hannity. I actually talked more than he did this particular time.

That's something I'm going to get into as well.

Something that's not so fantastic. More allegations and accusations against Sean P. Diddy Combs. Damn. Stephen A. Smith show in the house. Let's roll. What's up, everybody?

Welcome to the latest edition of the.

Stephen A. Smith Show.

Coming at you as I love to.

Do over the digital airwaves of YouTube.

And, of course, iHeartRadio.

Once again, I want to take a moment to thank my subscribers and followers. We've now eclipsed 889,000 subscribers. It'll be at 890,000 subscribers by the time you all get to see this particular episode. Can't thank y'all enough for the love and support that you continue to give me. Not just on YouTube over the digital airwaves of that, but also on iHeartRadio, where we've exceeded more than 3 million downloads. The love and support continues to allow this show to grow. It goes nowhere without your support. And I know. I want you to know that. And I want you to know that I appreciate it and I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, please continue to like and follow the show. Just click the bell in the right hand corner. You too shall be the latest member of the Stephen A. Smith show family. And obviously, as always, if you have an opportunity, please don't hesitate to grab a copy of my New York Times best selling book, Straight Shooter, A memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, now in paperback. Just go to straightshooterbook.com to get yourself a copy. Once again, that straight shooter book.com to get yourself a copy. And by the way, even though my, my, my career has pretty much been in the world of sports, it is not a sports book. Not at all. It's a book. It's a memoir. It's about me, about trials and tribulations that I've overcome and some of the advice that I have to espouse upon those who choose and have an ambition to elevate themselves and to aspire to be the best that they can be and overcome obstacles that stand in their way. That's why I wrote the book and I hope that you get a copy of it. Let me move on to some news items. I got a lot of sports to get to today. I got a lot of sports to get to today. Okay. But of course I'm going to talk about my man Sean Hannity. I got to get it. I got to talk to the conservatives out there. I got to talk to people on the right out there. I got to send a message to y'all once and for all be that I don't think y'all are grasping. So I'm gonna make it very, very clear to every damn conservative out there, black, white, Latino and everything in between.

I got something to say to all.

Of y'all, all of you. It started with me talking to Hannity last night.

It's going to continue with me talking to you directly.

So make sure you check out the show a little bit later on.

Of course, I'm not going to get into the Menendez brothers potentially being let.

Out after the prosecutor basically set the stage for a judge to let them out if he so chooses or she so chooses. We'll see what decisions come down about that, the days and weeks to come. And when the final verdict comes down in regards to them, I will address that subject. For now, however, I'd be remiss in neglecting to point out what's trending all over the place right now. Again, we'll get into sports headlines in a moment, but I got to start with Sean P. Diddy Combs, himself who's now had seven new lawsuits filed against him this week. Sean P. Diddy Combs is currently being held in federal jail in Brooklyn facing sex trafficking, racketeering and conspiracy charges. Two of the suits filed are from accusers who say they were minors at the time. They were allegedly drugged and assaulted by the music mogul. Again, minors. And for the first time, other celebrities are now cited and accused of participating in an alleged result, though they are not being identified at this particular moment in time. Look, you know what I've said, You know what I've been on the record for saying? Sean P. Diddy Combs is in a world of trouble. I'm not attaching guilt or innocence. I have no idea about his guilt or innocence. At no time have you heard me implicate him in anything. I don't know. All I'm talking about is speaking to people who cover Hollywood, speaking, the legal analyst and expert knowing law enforcement official.

Taking into account that the feds are.

After him, say some state crime, some.

Isolated incident or whatever.

When you're talking about racketeering and sex trafficking, it's a problem. Talk about sex workers coming across state lines, that's a problem.

When you're now talking about minors being involved, that's a problem. And when you talk about the potential of stars, other stars, other notable figures, be it implicated, that's a huge, big time problem. Because as CNN legal analyst was it Eli Honig that came on this show and talked to us about it, which over a million or 2 million of you witnessed when you watched my interview with him from weeks ago. He is an alumnus of the Southern District of New York who is behind his prosecution of Sean P. Diddy. Cohes and talked about their rate of.

Success is over 80%. Over 80%.

These are the things that are coming.

Down the pike about Sean P. Diddy Cones. And here's what I want to say to y'all.

Why am I bringing this up, ladies and gentlemen? You know what's trending? Sean Diddy Combs named the seven new.

Lawsuits other celebrities allegedly involved.

New Diddy lawsuit claims pro athletes stopped.

The rapper from sexually assaulting a man at a Chiroc party.

Sean Diddy Combs faces claims of raping a 13 year old girl in 2000 with unnamed male and female celebrity in the latest round of lawsuits. All three of those headlines are trending. They're trending. Now you could make the argument that the feds are trying to squeeze them and don't necessarily want this to go to a trial. He'll settle Plead guilty, do some significant time and call it a day. You can do that. You can, you can look at it from that standpoint.

My point is you can't dismiss it.

Because if They've got over 80% conviction rate, a lot of these cases get settled that way. There's a mountain of evidence that's accumulated. And as a result of that mountain of evidence they're throwing down upon you, your plight looks even more daunting. And suddenly the specter of 20 years or 15 years or something like that gets shoved out the window. Because now you're looking at life. And ultimately you might plead out so you can see the light of day before you expire and depart from this earth. This is the kind of stuff they come at you with. They're bringing up the freak offs, the after parties, after the party. Obviously you got a party, got a situation in one of the stories where you're having a party in Miami, but that wasn't the real party. Got pictures of stars there and stuff like that. But they depart and one day apart, you're still around. And you take the party to your Miami mansion and they're scantily clad men and women. There's sex workers, there's orgies, there's drugs.

And now we're hearing that a minor is being, is accusing them of something. And then you're hearing about how somebody witnessed him engaging in sexual activity with a man.

And then after you hear all of that, then you're looking at it and you're saying, okay, there's drugs. And then they're talking about how one woman was having sex with two men and, and there was white powder under her nose. This is all in the articles. It's all in the articles.

And then you hear about 13 year old talking about she got a drink and all of a sudden she got groggy and wanted to lay down. And then a male celebrity with Diddy.

And a female entered the room and.

Had their way with her. Remember Homeland Security raided the homes of Miami and LA before they arrested him. Remember that the allegations include him taping a lot of these sessions. And while taping a lot of these sessions, ultimately, according to the allegations, not.

Proof, because he categorically and emphatically denies.

This stuff through his lawyers at this particular moment in time.

They say he used the video as.

Intimidation to get them to capitulate to whatever demands he may make. And then we see this statement from his attorneys. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses and the integrity of the judicial.

Process in court, the truth will prevail.

That Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted.

Anyone, adult or minor, man or woman.

Let me tell you why, and this is just speculation, of course I know nothing about this, but being a reporter by trade, investigating an inordinate amount of stories in my career, seeing what mountains of evidence look like, etc. Let me tell you where the tapes become very incriminating. Why have them? I mean, there's porn all over the place. Do you really, really need to see yourself and others in your home? And let's say that for the sake of argument, that answer is yes. Okay, fine, no problem. Consenting adults, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. But it's not going to be far fetched for jurors to believe that you may have wanted to use those on camera activities to your advantage in terms of getting people to capitulate to what you wanted them to do from a business standpoint. What I mean by that is that the music industry, in terms of trying to convince you to do things their way in terms of a contract, music, deals, et cetera, et cetera, when you think about this kind of evidence and the kind of accusations that have already been thrown out by accusers, it all entails that kind of activity. They were forced, they were compelled, they did things against their will, they were drugged, et cetera.

I don't know how the baby oil, a thousand bottles of baby oil comes into the equation. I really, really don't know.

But it's worth noting. All of that matters. Yeah, it's tough to get 12 jurors to see your way. But remember what Eli Hoenig said about the Southern District of New York. He said more than 80% conviction rate, usually compelling folks to settle. It usually doesn't get to court all of the time anyway because the mountain of evidence, the preponderance of evidence that have been mounted against you is so significant you don't see how you can have a way out of it. Who knows? Who knows? Let's move on to the NBA, where the one and only Klay Thompson debuted as a Dallas Maverick. And by the way, it was something to behold. The Mavericks took out the San Antonio spurs and evicted women at home, beating the Spurs 120 to 109. Dallas was led by Luka Doncic who dropped 28 and Klay Thompson scored 22. And shooting, including shooting 6 of 10 from three point range. It was Thompson's first regular season game outside of a Golden State uniform after leaving the warriors this season. Here's where it gets interesting, y'all. Klay Thompson shot about 37, 38 from 3 point range last year. Do you understand that's a bad year, fam. Do you understand that? Do you understand how lethal this brother has been as a marksman in his NBA career? Do you understand that? As I sit here for you today, I can make a legitimate argument to you that Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters in the history of basketball. Do you realize I could say that? Because I can. It's kind of undeniable. This is Klay Thompson right here. He's a career 41.3% shooter from 3 point range in his career. Looking at these numbers here, ladies and gentlemen, this. He came into the league in 2011. It is now 2024. Remember 2019, 20, in 20, 20, 21, he was out with the Achilles, the ACL and then the Achilles, okay? Remember all of that? So that's two seasons he's been out, but he still has 12 years in the league on the court. Let me read to you those 12 years. He shot from three point range, 41.4 as a rookie, 40.1, 41.7, 43.9, 42.5, 41.4, 44, 40, 40.2%. Then he got injured in that Finals against Toronto. 2019, out the next two years, comes back, shoots 38 and a half percent from three point range, 41.2% and 38.7% last year. Do you understand that Klay Thompson's worst career as a three point shooter still has him as one of the elite shooters this game has ever seen and still has him better than more than 95% of the NBA last year alone. That's Klay Thompson. And that's when he was bouncing the ball, sometimes posting up, hoping to get shots created for him, etc. Etc. Having to create some of his own shots, even though Golden State was very adroit at moving the basketball and obviously Steph Curry was your primary focal point. But understand this about Klay Thompson in Dallas with Luca and Kyrie drawing most of the attention, most of the shots this brother is going to get are going to be open shots. I saw that last night and I said to myself, you know something? Dallas may very well be one of the top two teams in the Western Conference vying for another shot at the crown like they did last year. Moving on, let's stay in the Western Conference and talk about the Oklahoma City Thunder. I got to get to this. Did y'all see that beat down they put on The Denver Nuggets. Last night in Denver, no less. The Thunder looked like world beaters, led by Shay Gilgis Alexander, my league MVP. I voted for him last year. He dropped 28 points. And did you see Chet Holgren 25 and 14 with four blocks? Let me say this to you because I've got a. I. I might have to reconsider my pick. I was talking about Boston, Denver. I'm at Boston OKC right now. Hell with Denver. They looked old against this younger version. Shay Gildrich Alexander is just that dude. My bad, my bad. I made a mistake. It's only open tonight. I'm here in game two. Give it for. Forgive me. Let me say this. Chet Holmgren. I'm not saying it's not deserved because Victor Wembanyana is that dude. But don't y'all think we should be.

Talking a little bit more about Chet Holen?

The brother is 7ft. He can't run the floor.

He can't make shots.

He can block shots.

And he's got a fire in his belly. And he's enemies with Winbiana.

So they love going up against each other.

And oh, by the way, as a rookie, because he was hurt his first whole first year as a rookie last year he averaged more than 17. The brothers can ball. Chet Holgren ain't no joke. I'm just saying. And when you look at Hartenstein coming over from the New York Knicks, where the Chet Holmgren. Where the Shay Gilgis Alexander with Williams and.

And those boys, yo. The number one seed in the west was Oklahoma City last year. This might be their year. This might be the year they go to the finals. But that brother, Shay Gildrich Alexander, there's a sour note that comes with him. He is phenomenal. He is great. He is also to do that most folks within the Clippers organization begged ownership and Steve Ballmer not to give up on because Kyle Kawhi Leonard wanted him gone or not wanted him gone, but wanted Paul George so badly the Clippers had to trade the farm to Oklahoma City to get him. And this damn dude, Kawhi Leonard ain't even available to play.

And what the hell did you do?

You let Paul George walk out the window.

You got your bag last January, Kawhi. Why the hell didn't you make sure Paul George got his bag? If you got that much influence with Steve Ballmer, why don't you assist in keeping Paul George in LA instead of letting him go away to Philly? I mean, that's some straight bs.

Because the Clippers ain't going nowhere. All they got is their new arena. They ain't got anything to put. I was there the other night. It rivaled the sphere in Vegas with the ceiling changing and all this stuff. It looks off the chain. They don't have the team to attract an audience. It was about 65 to 70% full on opening night. How the hell is it gonna get any better with no Kawhi Lennon, no Paul George, and you relying on James Harden, who ain't the same James Harden that was in Houston. Come on, y'all. Let me, let me get to my man Kevin Durant. I need to get to him. But before I do, I got some bills to play. So let me take a break for a quick second. I'll be right back in a moment.

Okay, everybody, you know what time it is. It's time for Stephen A. Sports Picks in case you didn't already know, I've teamed up with Prize Picks to bring you my favorite picks on every big time game or sporting event you see. Prize Picks is a skill based, real.

Money, daily fantasy sports game where you.

Select two or more players and predict if they'll have more or less on.

Their projected stats for the game or contest.

It's not only super exciting, but incredibly easy to play.

And guess what? It takes only 60 seconds to make your picks. Just 60 seconds. Just 60 seconds.

That's less time than it takes for Aaron Judge to hit a big time home run and circle the bases.

Even though I will need to see that from him in this World Series.

So pick the stats for Josh Allen, Garrett Cole or Kevin Durant and then.

Sit back and watch and get this.

Sign up with code SAS and prospects will give you $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup.

You don't need to win your lineup to receive the $50 bonus.

It's guaranteed. All you have to do is play.

A $5 lineup on prospects and you'll get $50 instantly. Now let's look at my winning picks I'm picking for this Sunday's NFL games.

First up, jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. More or less than 239.5 passing yards.

Up in New England, it's the New England Patriots. They've lost six in a row. They have no offense whatsoever. They give you an abundance of opportunities to make things happen. The jets, who have lost four straight, should damn sure win this game. Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't looked good throwing six interceptions over the past three weeks, he definitely should look better this game. I'm going with more on this primarily because they're playing the New England Patriots. Okay, let's go to the next one on the list. Cardinal signal caller, Kyler Murray. More or less than 215 and a half yards passing against Miami. Now, I know that 2 is supposed to be coming back. I know that Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, they've been up and down all season, but 215 yards passing shouldn't be much to ask from Kyler Murray. Okay, I'm going with more on this one, too. Let's go. Let's go to the next one. Going up against the Baltimore Ravens defense is Brown's quarterback, Jameis Winston. Okay, he's going to be a starter, in case you missed it, Deshaun Watson. Torto Achilles out for the year. Jameis Winston steps right in, and here he goes.

Can't be much worse than Deshaun Watson was before he got hurt.

But here's the bottom line. More or less than 224 and a half yards passing, Jameis Winston is back in the lineup. He's going to have his opportunity to fling that football. I think this is going to be one of those situations where he's going to throw the ball a lot. I'm not saying he's going to be accurate. I'm not saying he's going to complete more than 65 of his passes. I don't know what the hell he's going to do, but I do know this. 224 and a half passing yards. Okay, that is something he should be able to do. The Baltimore Ravens defense has been problematic this year in the twenties in every statistical, defensive category you can imagine right now, 23rd, 25th, 26th, you understand, in terms of points allowed, yards allowed, all of this kind of stuff, he should be able to do that against this defense, and I think he will. Okay, I'm gonna go with more. Even though they don't have Amari Cooper anymore, he's in Buffalo. I'm still going to go with more for Jameis Winston on this one. And finally, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson. More or less than 208 and a half yards passing. Is Lamar Jackson really? You asking me that question? He might run for 208 yards. Crying a lot. I'm exaggerating, I'm being facetious, but I'm just using that to articulate a point. He's Lamar Jackson. 208 and a half passing yards is nothing for him. Unless, of course, he's just gonna hand the ball off all day to Derrick Henry. And he's never going to throw a pass because Derrick Henry's gonna run for about 200 yards. That's the only way I could see him having less than the 208 and a half yards passing, which I don't see happening. So I believe the word to go with here is more, more, more, more on all four of them. That's Stephen. A selection. You know, I usually know what I'm talking about, right?

[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast podcast network. IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jamie Petras]

September 1979. Virginia's top prison band, Edge of Daybreak, is about to record their debut album Behind Bars in just five hours.

[JB Smooth]

Okay, we're rolling.

[Stephen A. Smith]

One, two, three, four.

[Jamie Petras]

I'm Jamie Petras, music and culture writer. For the past five years, I've been talking to the band's three surviving members. They're out of prison now and in their 70s, their past behind them. But they also have some unfinished business.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The everyday break Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Jamie Petras]

It's a story about the liberating power of music, the American justice system, and ultimately second chances. Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Welcome back. Now let me get to my boy, Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. Kevin apparently took exception to my comments I made on First Take this week about his leadership. For those of you who missed it, let me play a portion of that clip right here, right now. Just take a listen. When you talk about Kevin Durant, this is what we're not going to do. We're not going to look at Kevin Durant and just measure him in terms of just his talent. It's what ability you have to peel out of others. He's been relatively leaderless. He's been Very. He's been very lacking in inspiration in terms of peeling out from those around him. Whatever you can give him, he'll show up. If you said to me, if you it's a game seven, it's a game one, it's a game five, I don't give a damn what it is. Kevin Durant's gonna show up and he's gonna ball out. But does he get the others around him to do it? Not only does he not do it, he doesn't feel the level of responsibility I think he should feel in getting it out of now. Here's what Kevin posted on social media via X in response to those very comments I made on first date. Quote I would disagree, Stephen. I would argue passionately that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent. End quote. Naturally, I responded to Kevin with the following post you see here saying, quote I would argue passionately that very little compares to your obvious greatness as a talent, including those tangibles. Hashtag respectfully, end quote. And I stand by it. Kevin Durant is a phenomenal player. He's not a phenomenal leader. The evidence has shown that. Showed it in Brooklyn, showed it in Oklahoma City, has shown it in Phoenix thus far. Do you have the ability to galvanize the troops around you to maximize their potential? A legit argument can be made to say no. That's the bottom line. I take no joy in saying that. It's certainly not disrespectful to Kevin Durant. Everybody ain't meant to lead. Now he's being a bit more outspoken from what we saw in Game one because he was mic'd up and maybe it's changing and I wish him nothing but the best. I know how phenomenal of a player he is, but I stand by every syllable I said because it's his track record that I'm talking about. Not right now, period. Let me move on to my next subject before we go to break because I want to address my friends on the Gilbert Arenas Podcast, AKA Gill's Arena. We've been going back and forth this week on several topics, and I even offered myself up to appear on the show. Take a listen.

And by the way, I'm looking forward to going on this podcast in the future because, you know, Rashad McCants has had a few things to say about me. I'm down for it. Ain't nobody hiding. Kenya Martin. They disagree with me. I can't wait to have a discussion with them. We want to talk basketball, let's talk basketball. But this is my lane.

When you talk about journalism.

I took no offense whatsoever to what.

Gilbert Arenas has had to say.

Zero.

I get what his point is. He has his, I have mine.

Rashad McCants.

Yeah, we'll talk, bro. I can't wait. I can't wait for that conversation.

[JB Smooth]

I. I can't wait.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I got a busy schedule. But I swear, the second I get an invite, the second I have time, are we gonna have those conversations? You want real talk? Gill's arena ain't the only place to get it. Well, they accepted that invitation, but did y'all see how.

Courtesy of Rashad McCants.

Take a look at this, please.

[J]

Hi, I'm Larry. Since you want the invitation, I think we all accept it. So what I'm gonna ask you. I wanna ask you to come and put your legs in the bag. Come put your legs in here, Stephen. Head first. Okay, we're gonna go head first. Come put your body in here, too.

[JB Smooth]

Not the body. Shot. Not the body.

[J]

Put your body in here, too. Yeah, I said it. Invitation accepted. I'm Larry.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's a damn good promotion. I gotta give it to him. That's a damn good promotion. And, you know, I mean, I got.

To give it to him. No problem whatsoever. Like I said, I got a busy schedule. I got some stuff to do over the next few weeks.

I spoke to my man Gilbert Arenas.

Just the other day. I got some few things to get out of the way over the next couple of weeks because I'm on the road and I know they tape in LA and all of that stuff.

Oh, I'm coming.

[JB Smooth]

I'll be there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Can't wait.

Just give me a few weeks. Just give me a few weeks again. I gotta travel a lot. I got a lot of stuff to get out. With the election coming up and all this other stuff, I got a lot of stuff to get out of the way, but I promise you I'm coming. I ain't gonna go back on my word. Rashad Kenyan. Martin. Gil, my man, the whole bit. Y'all got a hell of a podcast. I love what y'all doing. I love y'all talking. That don't bother me one bit. I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait. I'll be there as soon as I can. Just need a few weeks because I got other commitments. But I promise I will keep my word. I will. Come on, Gill's Arena. You can bet the house on that. You bet the house.

Coming up.

He's an Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, and considers himself one of the best dressed men in Hollywood. The one and only JB Smooth joins us later. But first, I made an appearance on Hannity last night on Fox News to set the record straight about what we're seeing on the presidential campaign trail. And it appears I've gone viral. That's next right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Don't go away. Welcome back to the STEPHEN A. Smith Show. Time to turn to politics as promised. More specifically, the presidential election, which is now less than two weeks away. Polls have former President Donald Trump and.

Vice President Kamala Harris in a dead heat.

So with that said, I took the opportunity to appear on Hannity on Fox News to discuss the state of affairs on the campaign trail. Hannity, as always, challenged me on Kamala Harris and her knowledge of President Biden's mental state during his reelection campaign. Here's how I responded. Take a listen.

I know you're not talking about somebody.

Being lucid and cogent and enunciating their thoughts with clarity.

And you're bragging about Donald Trump. We can't be watching the same stuff.

If that's what you're doing.

You ain't gonna do that today. Lindsey Graham, hold it now. Sen. LINDSEY Graham, come on this show. That man can articulate himself very well. Not Donald Trump.

[JB Smooth]

Now I have, okay, I have sat with him for hour after hour after hour, topic after topic after topic, and he is so dialed in, he really, you know, it's funny. People try. This is like meanwhile and meanwhile, meanwhile, your friends in the Democratic Party, they ignored the obvious significant deep cognitive decline of the president for over four years. I said it before the 2020 election. Kamala to this day say, oh, Joe was really cognitively alert. You know that's a crock. I know that's a croc. Everybody knows it's a croc. Not Donald Trump.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What is it? Hold on, hold on. What is she supposed to say? She's supposed to sit up there and say, you know what? My president, my boss, I mean, there was cognitive. No, you're not. No, you don't dime out your book. You don't tell the truth. But guess what? So I said, I do. I said I do. What I said, however, makes you, if.

That'S my boss, go ahead.

[JB Smooth]

Hang on a second. You know what? I have never watched you hold back. You, you, you say what you mean, what you say. That's my point. She is. She knew. She knew he was a cognitive mess and now she lying. Oh, no, I never noticed it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's because Sean, because Sean, what you're trying to lie because what people. But because what. Listen, I personally listen a year earlier. I was saying, this slippage. There's something that ain't there. He ain't going to make it to the election. Y'all better get with the program. Do something about it. I was on the record about Joe Biden, but I'm not a part of the Biden administration. And if I was a part of the Biden administration, I wouldn't have told you that. That's number one. Number two, she's the candidate now. You got to run against her. Are you going to be the show? Are you going to be there? Are you going. Are you going to be interested, straight.

[JB Smooth]

Up, the American people?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Are you as confident as you were months ago?

[JB Smooth]

Biggest choice?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I see some slippage on Stephen A.

That was something else. First of all, I barely got a few words and I tried. I was fighting, fighting, fighting. Because that's Hannity. That's just what he's going to do. Here's the deal. It's a couple of things, and I'm gonna preface my comments by saying, as always, me being a registered independent, that I am, there are some things the conservatives are about to hear that ain't gonna like. There's also some things that the liberals are gonna hear that they ain't gonna like. Let me get a portion anyway of what the liberals ain't gonna want to hear. Sean Hannity is my friend. Get the hell over it. I'm talking about people in my personal life. I'm talking about people that work with me. Hell, I might be talking about people that work for me. I don't give a shit. No one dictates who my friends are. When I sat up there and I had my struggles and I was thrown out like yesterday's bath water, and my career was in shambles. Sean Hannity was a friend. I do not agree with his politics.

Pretty much at all. I think he's off his damn rocker half the time. Okay?

But he's my friend.

We get along very, very well. And that's the way it's been.

And damn it, that's the way it's going to stay.

While I'm at it, let me get.

This out the way.

The same applies to Mark Levin. Get the hell over it.

No one gets to tell me how to think.

No one gets to tell me who.

The hell my friends are. Y'all can kiss my. You know what? We gonna get that out the way right now. I don't give a damn who it is, okay?

There are plenty of people we work with, we work for, who work with us for us, who are our friends, who are family members, and a whole bit that don't think like we think. Stop acting like that's new. I'm from the streets of New York City, Hollis Queens. And I can tell you right now, without seeing half of them in years and seeing the other half, some of them gonna vote for Trump. I'm supposed to say they ain't my boys. Really.

I'm not voting for them. I'm not voting for them.

I'm supposed to disown my friends because they are. I am a person who's pro life as opposed to pro choice. But I don't believe in telling a woman what to do with her body. Therefore, I'm pro choice because I'm always going to support a woman's right to navigate her own body and her own decisions. I'm riding to the end with ladies on that. There are some people who won't. I'm supposed to sit there and say, they not family no more. They're not friends. One of them was my mama, God rest her soul. She was pro life. She went pro choice. If she were alive today and that was her position, I'm supposed to disown her. What's wrong with y'all? The hell is wrong with y'all? This notion right now when you on the left that, oh, my God. You, you, you. You got to turn in your black card. If you are a black person and you don't completely unadulteratedly support Kamala Harris, Why, I do support her, primarily because.

It'S either her or Trump, and I'll be damned if I'm supporting him.

Well, what's her record? You trying to tell me when you watched at the town hall last night on cnn, she operated and conduct us up? That's right. Look at me. Michael did she. Was she flawless in her performance on the town hall? David Axelrod is a political pundit for CNN who headed the Obama campaign. He wasn't enamored with her choices. He wasn't enamored with her performance. Rather, he didn't like her position on Israeli Palestinian conflict. He didn't like her position on immigration. He didn't like the way she has articulated herself about the economy. There are questions. That's cnn. He's supposed to ignore it. Van Jones. He was supposed to ignore it. Dana Bash. Dana Bash. She's supposed to ignore it. Fareed Sicaria, when he come on this Sunday, he's supposed to ignore it. What is he supposed to do? So Kamala Harris can run around and she could do all the interviews. Acting like one after another is a rally. Go ahead, knock yourself out.

I'd love to interview her. I doubt it'll happen. I'd love to interview Obama. Oh, would I love to interview him. I doubt it'll happen. Don't think I didn't ask. But it's a different ball game when you sit across from your boy. Little bit different.

I support Kamala Harris. I support a woman's right to choose. I don't support children being separated from their parents like Trump did under his administration as it pertained to immigrants coming in here illegally. I get all that. I said I support the woman. I didn't have to do that. But that doesn't mean that everything she does I'm going to agree with because I don't.

So let me get that out the way back to Sean Hannity, my buddy. I feel sorry for that man. Cause your boy Trump did some slippage. You ain't talk about that, are you? You ain't talk about that at all.

I don't ever want to hear another.

Word about Joe Biden cogency and his cognitive decline. Have you seen Trump?

Have you seen him trying to sing? Have you seen him dancing for 30 minutes? Have you seen him rambling on and on? Did you see him talking about Honor Palmer? Oh, I love women. I love women. But he was a man's man, you understand? When he got out of the shower, the men there say, oh, my goodness, all over the place. What that got to do with policy? What that got to do with politics? What that got to do with Kamala Harris? Speaking of Kamala Harris, you think I appreciate the fact that he's talking about that black woman that way.

Calling a dumb?

She is a graduate of an hbcu. She is a lawyer by trade and profession.

She is a former attorney. She is a former state attorney general. She is a former senator of the United States who is not a vice.

President of the United States of America. And by the way, to our knowledge.

She didn't file for bankruptcy about six, seven or eight times.

Who the hell do you think you.

Are using the word to disrespect my sister like that? Hell, no. Hell to the no. Okay.

If you are so successful, stand on your.

Stand on your policies, Donald Trump.

Stand on what you offer America compared.

To what she offers America.

You want to call her a radical, that's fair game. You want to get on her about policies involving immigration or the war between Russia and the Ukraine and how ill effective you think she may have been or the economic policies of the Biden administration has allowed inflation to ravage our economy going away and it threatening to come back. You want to use those as an argument and say times are better under you even though the national deficit went up big time to about 35 trillion under your watch. But that's neither here nor there. You want to make those arguments against her?

Fine. You don't disrespect our sisters, bruh. You don't do that. You don't do that.

And to me, when Barack Obama spoke.

To those black men and he talked to the black men about the need to support the sister, that's something he should have brought up as opposed to accusing folks of being engaging in misogyny as to why they wouldn't support her.

Reverse that bad boy. Just say, you see how she talk about your sister.

So how you think he talking about you? That would have been an argument to.

Go with, See when Sean Hannity and.

I were on the air last night, because the man knows politics more than me. He does it for a living. He's been doing it for over 30 years. He's a master narrator, no question about it.

But you see, at some point in time, and here's where I get to.

The part about the conservatives and how y'all gonna have to live with this reality. Y'all acting like it's easy to support Trump. No, it ain't. You know better. How you feeling about the fact that you didn't support Desantis? How you feeling about the fact that you didn't support Nikki Haley or Governor Chris Christie, even Vivek Ramaswamy? How you feeling about that right now? How you feeling about that right now? Or back in the day when you didn't support Kasich, you see people with.

Conservative principles but have decorum in class and know how to act like they have common sense and isn't threatening to shred the Constitution. Okay. And doesn't violate every tenant that conservatives lived by for decades until he came.

Along, your case would have been more profound.

But when we talk about people flip.

Flopping like Kamala Harris is flip flopped on, on, on fracking because yes, Anderson.

Cooper asked about it and I wasn't satisfied with her answer. Or you're talking about the border wall and all of this other stuff and talk about, hey, you only built like 2% of it when actually it was significantly more according to the fact checkers on cnn. While you could make that case okay, about flip flopping against Kamala Harris.

What has Trump done and who has flip flopped more than conservatives?

I am a Megyn Kelly fan.

I ain't apologizing for that either.

I'm a Megyn Kelly fan.

I'm friends with Hannity and Mark Levin. Okay.

I know plenty of conservatives. Obviously I'm friends with Will Kane. That's my man right there. Don't agree with him. Most of the time I'm talking about a core decency about people. But to the conservatives out there who's flip flopped more than y'all, once upon a time, y'all cared about adultery.

Don't matter.

Once a time to time, you cared about fornication.

Don't matter.

With this candidate, you cared about honesty and integrity, particularly with caring about the American citizen in a free market society and honoring your financial commitments.

Man filing for bankruptcy.

Religion mattered to you Episcopalians and others.

You sure that's the candidate you want best represented? Y'all said yes. For years and years and years spanning decades, conservatives lived by tenants that Donald Trump paid no attention to, didn't give a about and flaunted so in so doing. And now he's your guy. And if you lose this election, it'll likely be because you backed the wrong horse. Cuz I got news for you. I think Nikki Haley would have beaten Kamala Harris, Ron DeSantis, if it wasn't for him trying to justify the positive elements of slavery, I think he would have beat Kamala Harris. But y'all back the wrong horse and nobody's talking about that.

That's if you lose, it's still possible you could win. It's a tight race, it's up for grabs.

But I think you backed the wrong horse. And I think conservatives have come across as individuals who have flip flopped, dare I say so when you want to sit up there and go at Kamala Harris for what she may have done. All Stephen A. Was trying to say on Sean Hannity show was folks in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. You feel me? I know you do. I know you do.

But I enjoyed it. I really did. And I'm looking forward to being on with him sometime again in the near future.

And he's promised to come on this show as well. So it's gonna be entertaining. Make no mistake about that. But let's also make sure we understand there is absolutely, positively nothing from a character standpoint that you can accuse Kamala Harris about that you can't accuse Donald Trump about.

With the exception of her not diamond out her boss.

The cognitive decline that I swore I saw last a year ago. What the hell is she supposed to admit? Yeah, that was my boss. That was cognitive decline. What's he supposed to do? She can't say anything and you know it. You reaching? Sean was reaching last night, but I understood. I know the man, so I saw it coming.

It was a lot of fun.

Looking forward to going back? Yes, I am.

Coming up, JB Smooth joins the show to talk about his new show.

And anything that'll make you laugh, don't go away. It's the Stephen A. Smith Show. I'll be right back. Let me just take a second to make sure that everybody out there knows I'm in it to win it. And I demand nothing short of excellence. No question about that.

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[Hunter]

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bites and stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our Girls. Join the Search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered black women and girls, listen to Hunting for Answers every Weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jamie Petras]

September 1979. Virginia's top prison band, Edge of Daybreak, is about to record their debut album Behind Bars in just five hours.

[JB Smooth]

Okay, we're rolling.

[Stephen A. Smith]

One, two, three, four.

[Jamie Petras]

I'm Jamie Petras, music and culture writer. For the past five years, I've been talking to the band's three surviving members. They're out of prison now and in their 70s, their past behind them. But they also have some unfinished business.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The end of Daybreak, Eyes of Love was supposed to been followed up by another album.

[Jamie Petras]

It's a story about the liberating power of music, the American justice system, and ultimately second chances. Listen to soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Welcome back to the Stephen A. Smith Show. Without further ado, cuz I don't want to waste time. I want y'all to check out the discussion I had just a few days ago with the hilarious, the one and only J.B. smooth.

Enjoy.

I wouldn't be chasing it if I didn't believe that the world needs this product.

[JB Smooth]

Let's go. Welcome to Buy it now show where aspiring entrepreneurs get the opportunity of a lifetime.

[Jamie Petras]

You know I'mma get you right.

[JB Smooth]

In each episode, the entrepreneurs get 90 seconds to pitch to an audience of potential customers. This is match point, baby.

[Hunter]

A perfect lighted vanity, guilt free ethnic.

[JB Smooth]

Fusion snacks popping hand soap.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Pick up your game.

[JB Smooth]

Pick the 100. Customers like the product. It gets them in front of our panel of experts. Gwyneth household. Anthony Anderson is. Tabitha Brown. Tony Hawk, Christian Ceriano. These panelists are looking for entrepreneurs whose ideas best fit the Criteria of the 4P's pitch, product popularity and problem solvability. I'm going to give you a yes. I want to see it. If our panelists like the product, it goes into the Amazon Buy it now store.

[Julie Swerbinks]

You are the embodiment of what an American entrepreneur is.

[JB Smooth]

You're going on the Buy it now store. And at the end of the show, our panel will award one entrepreneur for $20,000.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's a lot of money.

Oh my God.

[JB Smooth]

Are we excited for this moment. I cannot believe it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Lord have mercy.

That was a preview of the new.

Game show Buy it now hosted by my next guest.

He's an Emmy award winning actor, comedian and writer.

Please welcome. I know he thinks he's one of the best dressed brothers in the world.

I don't know about all of that. We could talk about that in another lifetime. But Mount Vernon's own New York's, one of New York's finest. The one and only JB Smooth. What's up, big time? How are you, man? Long time no see. How you been?

[JB Smooth]

Long time, man? I'm doing good, brother. Man, you know how we do. Hey, we just keeping it going.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm feeling you on that. So they're going to let you wear that half of this game show, huh? They're going to let you keep on that hat, man.

[JB Smooth]

Look, I got. Every episode I got, I got to have my JB Smooth going on. Every. Every show a different hat, man. Every show a different look, different stuff. You know, I just keep it easy breezy, man. I got to be comfortable, man. Different glasses. Come on, I gotta change up. Everything gotta match.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Everything gotta match. And you gotta. You're gonna. I, I doubt you're gonna have a.

Different style because I've been seeing you with that same style for years.

But the hat does work, jb. The hat does work. I can't front.

[JB Smooth]

Hey, one thing about me, man, I might have 100 hats, man. I gotta. They all have a different personality. They all act. They beg to wear me, you know, they beg to wear me. You know, talk to me about this.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Game show by now. What's the concept of the show and.

What was it that you liked about it so much?

[JB Smooth]

You know what? I'll start with what I loved about it. You know, this show, it fits me. You know, being someone who's, who's always crafted himself on having a bunch of different talents and different things that I do. But it's all rooted in rooting for people. It's all rooted in rooting for success. It's all rooted in wanting people to be happy. And I think I'm in a happy business, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right?

[JB Smooth]

And that goes across the board. No matter what I'm doing, whether I'm doing movies, tv, animation, commercial campaigns. A little bit of everything, man. I do a little bit of everything, which I think works well for some people. Some people are good at one thing or two things. I, I fancy myself being someone who can do a bunch of different things. Therefore, I'm never bored in, in my process and things that I'm trying to do. But I, I can jump on board to anybody's product, anybody's product, anybody's production, because I know I'm well balanced in, in what I do. That's why I love doing late night tv. I love doing commercials, I love doing all this stuff. This is just an Extension of, of me giving a hand to other people. Coming up. You know, this show is based in getting someone who's an entrepreneur on their process, keeping them going, man. Getting them exposure to an amazing show, putting them in front of real consumers and allowing them to have an opportunity to get into a exclusive store called the Buy it now store on Amazon. This is perfect for anyone who's on this show to get their product exposure. Learn a lot from an amazing celebrity, judges and entrepreneurs who are judges and Amazon executives. This is perfect for them. If, if I wasn't doing what I do, I would, I would love to be on this show. I'm an ideas guy. I love ideas. This is perfect for them, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

For me personally, the title's perfect because it's Buy it now and on Amazon. Now, if it was somewhere else, that might not, but buying Amazon, I mean, it seems perfect. I mean, right there, right there, that's automatic. Did that come into your thinking at all as to why this, this concept would work for you?

[JB Smooth]

Oh, I knew it would work, man. Hey, look, all I see on my blog is that damn Amazon truck, man. People love, people love buying stuff, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right.

[JB Smooth]

And Amazon, the perfect platform to do that. You know, I think, here's what, here's what happens if I, if I say it myself. You know, outside of the actual trailer, we just watched these amazing entrepreneurs get a chance to come onto this amazing show. I'm the captain of the ship. I'm the host. Of course I can't have a, I can't play favoritism. I just got to make sure the show is right, make sure your energy is right, give you the opportunity to pitch your product for 90 seconds in front of a hundred real consumers. And when those lights start turning green, lights start turning red. You, you get a gauge on what people love about your product. But it's all these things that got, that have got to work. Your pitch got to work. Your product got to be amazing. You got to have a problem solving product, man. And your price, your price got to work. You'd be surprised how many green lights people get. And then all of a sudden they, I ask them, here's the number one thing, what's the price? They tell us the price. And all of a sudden you start seeing red lights. Red light, red light, red light.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now tell the tr. When it, tell the truth, when it come to the brothers, that's the first thing we ask. What's the price?

[JB Smooth]

First thing we want to know, how much you talking about?

[Stephen A. Smith]

How much are you talking about? That's the first thing we want to know.

[JB Smooth]

How much, how much is this going to cost? People got bills, man, and, and look, people love problem solving ideas and people love to buy stuff. But here's what this show does outside of other shows. I'm not one to throw anybody else under the bus. I love all the shows that is, that give these guys exposure and get their product out there. But this is something that these entrepreneurs, these, these professional entrepreneurs that are on the show as our, as our judges, you know the Jamie Simonov, you know the Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Anderson, the Tabitha Brown, the Christian Siriano, the Tony Hawk. These are people who are doing it, man. Their products are killing it right now. And these entrepreneurs get a chance to learn from people who are really doing it. This is the, this is a chance to get feedback, positive and negative feedback. And the main thing that makes this show go is we want you to get into the Buy it now store. So my thing is this, man. I gotta, I got a playground up there on this show. As you see from the, from the trailer, man. I'm having a blast. I'm trying the products, I'm keeping it going. I'm getting them laughing, I'm getting them loose because they got to do a 90 second pitch and they got to sell their product, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right?

[JB Smooth]

And it's up to me to make sure the playing field is even and to make sure that these consumers give them positive or negative feedback so they know where they're going at.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me chime in here.

How is it different from Shark Tank? And I asked that respectfully, only from the standpoint that when we think about product, you know, and we think about pricing and we think about problem solving, we think about all of those things that you threw out there. A lot of times when people are thinking about the only thing we've had to lean on, trust, truly, you know, in the modern era is something like Shark Tank. I know you well enough to know your competitive fervor, how you like to do things and how you like to stand out.

The one thing about you is you don't like to be like anybody but JB Smooth. That's how you, that's how you go. So how is this gonna be different?

[JB Smooth]

Here's how it's different. Shark Tank is a great show. Don't get me wrong. Shark Tank is looking for investors to invest in a product, you know, and a lot of them products need help building their business and to get them to the point where they are a successful entrepreneur.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay?

[JB Smooth]

This show is different because I get you on that buy. I get you over here to the celebrity judges and they give you their feedback. All you need is who of those celebrities. If you add in the Amazon rep, who now the Amazon rep knows exactly what's going to work on Amazon. That's their job. They know what's going to click. They know what's going to sell millions of. Of items. They know what it is. You combine them with these experienced entrepreneurs for products that are already existing that you can. That's why it's called Buy it now, right? Not get investors to come on board to help you. You know, not knocking anything. That's still a process of this. These people are past that point. They're to the point right now where they want. They want millions of eyes on their product, okay, that you can pull your phone out while you're watching the show. And when I, from the moment I say congratulations, you are going into the Buy it now store. When I say that, automatically that product goes right into Amazon. In the Buy it now store, you can pull your phone out. After I say that, hit the button and you can buy that product right away.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay.

That's fair.

That is unique. Let me ask you this question. How much money. We talk about people being able to win for this on this show.

How much money into the show?

[JB Smooth]

How much though These people have a chance to win $20,000 at the end of the show that they can reinvest into their own product. This is, this is a. Now look, there's. There's a term called win, win situation. This is a win, win, win situation, right? You get a chance to expose your product to 100 consumers, get your feedback. All you got to get is 10 or more green lights, you know, and you move on to talk to our panel of amazing entrepreneurs, right? They're gonna give you feedback. They're gonna. Now, if you say you made it into the Buy it now store, you just made it into the Buy it now store. You also qualify for the $20,000 into the show. But get you this. Now, here's the. Here's the big thing. To me, that's the plus in the moment your product is being seen. Ready product. Whether it goes in the Buy it now store right now or not, you are being seen by millions of people watching the show who can still buy your product. I feel you outside of the Buy it now store. The Buy it now store is just an exclusive area of Amazon where you can buy stuff that's only presented on the Buy it now show. You still your product.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Props to you, because. Props to you because you know what product you represent, and I feel you on that. Way to go. Way to go. Way to go.

Let me get to you personally, because.

When you talk about winning, somebody that's winning is you. You've been doing a lot of big things throughout your career. Obviously, everybody knows you would curb your enthusiasm. Mr. Leon Black himself or whatever, we.

Got to get into that from this perspective. I think y'all just finished taping.

Talk to me about what life has been like for you since you became.

A character on that show and what it's done for your career.

[JB Smooth]

You know what? Here's the one thing I will say as an actor, as a comedian. This is something that I think we end up in our process as entertainers. We end up going down a path. You know, I really, really fancied myself early when I started doing this. And you talking about, look, man, sometimes I don't tell how long I've been in it, but, you know, I've been doing this since probably 89. 89. I've been doing this. So for me, it's this. And. But I've always told myself that I wanted to be good at a bunch of different things, which I wanted to do voiceover, I wanted to do acting, I want to do stand up, I want to do movies, tv, voiceover work, commercial campaigns. And that was always my agenda, to be able to do all those things in pockets throughout my career when Curb came along. Purposes. Curve is an extension of something that I'm happy that I started planting these seeds, which is the improv world. The first thing I ever did was take an improv class. And I think that have an opportunity to be on the probably the greatest improvised show ever on tv.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So there's truly. So there's truly no script, nothing being written. It's all improv. That's what you're telling me. Curve your thoughts.

[JB Smooth]

All we get is the outline of the episode, and the rest we're just going at it. And that's. That's the benefit. But look. But now being able to improvise has led to other things. So now everything I do, they let me just do a little jb. You know, I can't do full JB on. On movies and tv. But they have. They'll do a scene that's scripted, and then they'll say, okay, jb, these last few. That's all you do, what you're going to do. And a lot of the times, the one I do last is the one that makes the movie.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wow.

[JB Smooth]

Because it's different, it's a different pace to it. It's not so robotic, it's not so predictable. It's different. And, but I tell, I tell any young actor, any young person, anyone who's in, who wants to do this, I always tell them that, hey, make sure you have a balance to what you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Want to do, right?

[JB Smooth]

So that you are prepared for anything thrown your way. Any opportunities that you now, now you don't gotta have an opportunity where you have to say no because you don't have that skill set. Fancy yourself on making yourself versatile in, in whatever you do. It's going to be helpful and learn and really just learn how to just connect with people and plant those seeds. Because whether it's a month from now, a year from now, I got it, you have something to fall back.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I got to interject because it's easy from you, knowing you the way that I do, you could go into anywhere.

You could go anywhere and you're going to vibe with people. You're the life of the party. You walk in. You're absolutely hilarious.

You and I spent New Year's Eve together one time. We brought in the new year and you were, I mean, you just rolled up and had all of us screaming, laughing for, you know, the next hour, for crying out loud. We brought in the new year, right? Hanging out with you. I asked you this question. When you think about standup comedy, one.

Would think that's your passion.

But based on what you're describing in terms of your improvisational skills and what.

You were able to, to develop over.

The years, I don't know where to go with this. Is it stand up comedy? Is it improving when you're doing movies, when you're doing television shows? Stand up comedy, what is it for.

You at this particular moment in time? Something has to stand out above the crowd.

[JB Smooth]

You know, every, you know what? I just, I just feel like, you know, what's that term? They use some of his parts. I think it's helpful to be familiar with different, different areas of the business. When I'm on a movie set, you know what I do sometimes? I used to do, I used to watch the camera guy, I used to watch the angles, I used to watch the cinematographer. I used to watch things that I wanted to know about so I can, I can understand their job better and know what it helps me do? It helped me make sure I was given my good side or it made me fix my posture. All these things. I think we just have to be privy to in what we do. You know, Stand up is an amazing place because Noah, Stand up does. You're in the moment with people. You're in a moment. You can leave their drive home. They can leave their drive home and talk about what they just saw and laugh and tell those jokes tomorrow. TV and film. Sometimes a movie will take months to a year to come out. You've already changed as an actor. A year from now, you look at yourself in that movie and say, damn, I would have never done that today. I don't like how I'm standing. I don't like how I delivered that line because you. Because you got too much time after you did something. So if you continue to grow, you have to just understand what you're doing in the moment. And also understand your path is growth. Growth is number one. And meeting people. Meeting people and being courteous and being nice don't cost you a damn thing, right? And you're planting seeds for something in the future. My phone rings from people I met in 1990 because I was cool with them or ate lunch with them, you know, an intern who are now studio execs now. It really. It really is about how you plan on moving. You can move aggressively or you can move real selfishly, right? You just gotta find a balance there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm wondering, how challenging is it for you to be you? And I don't mean you specifically as in JB Smooth. I mean being a funny man, an individual that makes people laugh, that makes people feel comfortable in today's day and age compared to what it was in years past.

I got to tell you, JB I've.

Run across people that were born in the 50s and the 40s who tell me life is harder now than it was in the 60s because of how divisive our world is, how the heightened level of sensitivity exists, how much more.

Difficult it is to make people laugh.

And to make sure you laugh and have them laughing with you and instead of them feeling you're laughing at them, therefore giving them a license to get sensitive and be upset about the things that you say when your intent is only to be funny. How difficult is it today to be a funny man?

[JB Smooth]

It's definitely not as easy as it used to be. You know, the world is moving in a different way. You know, I feel bad that people have this. You know, they don't allow this thing that we do as far as what stands up is purpose. The purpose of it is we. We. You know, our. Our version of this is to take. You take Another version of the world, another version of life, and give it to you in a more manageable format. You know, something that's more digestible for you. You know, if we just had the real straight news every day, you, you couldn't survive. Your, your mentor would, you would lose it. But to hear a comedian's take on it and it takes a sting off it. We, we have a different system, we have a different way of digesting things and, and reprocessing them for, for the, for the masses. I think that there's some, really something to that if you think about it. Comedy, stand up is therapeutic in some ways. You know, comedians can take a real life and still make it relatable to you, even though it's real. They're dealing with it internally, but they're still dealing with it externally to give it to you so that you can have a great day or they can connect with you in some cool way.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right?

[JB Smooth]

That's how, that's how, that's what stand up's purpose is. Now I'm gonna tell you, man, the speed of the world today. I would not change my humble beginnings with this speed of the world today. I wouldn't because I would still rather pull over on the side of the road, drive my car, make a phone call. I still would rather do all that stuff. I still rather put a stamp on something to pay a bill. I still rather write a check. I still rather do all this stuff that I grew up on because I can have. It's manageable. It's not, it's not. It doesn't rely on other people. It doesn't rely on someone giving their opinion on it. It doesn't rely on me taking everything they say and, and allowing that to change how you do change the recipe, your rest. You got a recipe you already made, you're, you're full of different ingredients. Your recipe is already made. You gotta like buying that product over and over again, right? Because you like the taste, you like the taste. You like how it tastes. Man, I just like how it tastes.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I got you.

[JB Smooth]

I don't need to make a new version of it, right, to compete with that, especially when you're used to doing things a certain way. So just know that I tell people all the time, the purpose of a comedian is to make you happy. Not to bring you down, but to make light of things that are out there that already exist. We're not creating things, brand new things, we're just talking about things that already exist. It's nothing that we're Creating. We're not making stuff up. We're not giving you something different. It's out there. We just. It's our take on it. To make things easier for your mindset, I got.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You let me move on. I got a couple of quick hitters. Before I let you get on out of here. When the hell the last time you've been back to New York, bro?

Cause, I mean, you.

[Greg Rosenthal]

You.

[JB Smooth]

I'm in New York all the time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You enjoying Hollywood a lot. You understand? You enjoy. You in New York a lot?

[JB Smooth]

I'm always in ny, man. I'm in NY all the time. I travel, you know, look, we gotta. We got a spot in Brooklyn, man. I'm back there all the time. You know, I got my Mountain Vernon roots. Oh, come and check on mama.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's what I'm saying.

[JB Smooth]

You know, I'm always in New York City, man, checking me or not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm just.

[JB Smooth]

I'm always.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm just checking because there's a lot going on in New York, like, mainly our New York Knicks. And I want to know how you feeling about. Call Anthony Towns and Mikhail Bridges joining the crew, and what we think the New York Knicks are going to do this year.

[JB Smooth]

Hey, man, I just did their Central park block party last month, man. I had a. In the rain, man. I had a blast. I'm telling you right now, man, I'm so happy with these trades, with this movement we got right now. I think this. I think based on our season last. Last year, this is. This is just building. We keeping our building blocks there, keeping our chemistry, adding a few new pieces, the main thing. You know what it is, Stephen? Chemistry is key to everything. If we can build some chemistry early with these guys. Keep what? We keep the core guys, which worked for us last year. You know, JB is killing the game, man. Come on, man.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right.

[JB Smooth]

You know these guys. Get out there.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You talk about Jalen Brunson, not JB Smooth. You talk about Jalen Brunson in this.

In this particular situation.

[JB Smooth]

That's right. The other jb. The other jb.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Not that.

[JB Smooth]

Not that. This JB couldn't get out there, do a few things. I'm just saying, we talk about that jb.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Man, I gotta get on out there. Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead, go ahead.

[JB Smooth]

I'm happy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You happy? I'm happy as well.

[JB Smooth]

Look, I ran into Cat in Cali in the mall. I ran into him, man. I said. Because, you know, me and him go back a little bit when he was. I ran into him at one of the All Star Games. And he said, hey, man, my parents are going to come and see you perform. This is years ago. Yeah, my parents don't come see you before. I said, man, guess what? I got you. I got your parents. I'll put them on the list for the comedy show. His parents came to the show and enjoyed the show, man. They called him up and said, JB Hook took care of us. He got us in, he gave us T shirts, he gave us. He gave us merchandise, hats and everything. I took care of those people, man. To this day, he still thanks me for that, man. You know, he still thanks me for that man. And I always send him blessings, man. I know he lost his mom. And I always say, man, I'm happy that I got a chance to give them some laughter and enjoyment, man, because that's what comedians do, man. And, and, and I'm happy he's a Nick man. I'm happy he's a Nick man. I'm happy we got these new pieces coming in.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I know you are.

[JB Smooth]

These guys are going to do some work this year, man. I think it's a perfect window for the Knicks, man, and I can't wait.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We hope so. Boston and Philly. Something to be reckoned, Whip. But the New York Knicks going to be in there. By the way, ladies and gentlemen, you can catch the premiere buy it now.

Hosted by the one and only JB Smooth.

October 30th on Amazon Prime. My brother, always good to see you. Got nothing but love for you, my man. We'll catch up soon. Probably at one of these games.

[JB Smooth]

Nyc.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You know it. Take it easy, bro. Always good to talk to my man, JB Smooth. One of the best times I ever had bringing in a new year was the New Year's Eve party I spent spent with him a few years ago. That brother is truly funny, truly special and gifted whose heart is in the right place. Always wishing him nothing but the best. That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. I got to get on out of here. I got a lot of stuff to do. NBA Countdown, World Series tonight. Dodgers. Yankees. I know that the Dodgers are big time, Shell. Hey, Otane, Mookie Betts and the crew. But damn it, they got issues with health wise with this starting pitching. Yankees don't have that problem. All six of their starters ready. Kanely and Weaver ready as closers. You understand? They get to the Yankee ball pin, the Yankees ball pin can shut them down. Dodgers don't have that at their disposal. It'll be a thrilling series. The Dodgers will score runs, but in the end, the New York Yankees will win their first World series championship since 2009.

New York, stand up. New York, stand up.

Yankees in seven. That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. I'm out. Yankees in seven, baby. Yankees in seven. Yankees in seven. Whoa.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agencies, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you, with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.