The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary Release Date: December 12, 2024

Host:

• Stephen A. Smith
• Daniel Jeremiah

Guest:

• Mario, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor

1. Introduction and Guest Presentation

The episode kicks off with Stephen A. expressing immense gratitude to his loyal listeners and subscribers across various platforms. Despite being on vacation, Stephen ensures that high-quality content is delivered consistently. He introduces his New York Times bestselling memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, highlighting its motivational and inspirational themes.

Notable Quote:

"Without you, there would be no me."
— Stephen A. Smith [01:15]

2. Interview with Mario

Mario, an acclaimed artist with two Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy nomination, joins Stephen A. to discuss his multifaceted career in music and acting. They delve into Mario's latest projects, including his new album and his role in the holiday film, Style Me for Christmas.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Music Career and New Album:

  • Mario reflects on his six-year hiatus and his continuous creative process during that period.

  • His new album, Glad You Came, is set to release on December 13th. The album blends classic R&B influences with contemporary sounds, aiming to preserve the art form while introducing fresh elements.

    Notable Quote:

    "This album is an invitation to a new era of me as an artist and a new era of R&B."
    — Mario [17:56]

• Acting Ventures:

  • Mario discusses his foray into acting, emphasizing it as a means of creative expression and collaboration.

  • His role as Teddy Maxwell in Style Me for Christmas is highlighted, showcasing his ability to merge his musical talents with his acting skills.

    Notable Quote:

    "Acting teaches you to stretch your creativity in ways that also enhance your music."
    — Mario [14:26]

• Touring and Collaborations:

  • Mario shares his excitement about touring with Mary J. Blige and Neo, positioning himself as the opening act. He describes the tour as an intimate performance that connects deeply with the audience.

    Notable Quote:

    "It's gonna be a beautiful night where you dance, sing, and feel the essence of R&B in so many different spaces."
    — Mario [28:30]

• Influence and Inspirations:

  • Mario articulates his admiration for R&B legends like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Joe. He contrasts them with contemporary artists, emphasizing the unique qualities that set each apart.

    Notable Quote:

    "If you combine Michael, Marvin, Stevie, and Joe, you get my vocal prowess."
    — Mario [27:26]

3. Relationship Advice Segment with Nephew Josh

In a dynamic and often humorous segment, Stephen A. and Daniel Jeremiah navigate relationship queries with the unexpected involvement of Stephen A.'s nephew, Josh. This segment blends traditional advice with Josh's unfiltered and sometimes controversial inputs.

Listener Calls and Discussions:

• Anitra from St. Louis:

  • Topic: Maintaining friendships with the opposite sex.

  • Discussion: Daniel advises caution and trust, while Josh provides a blunt perspective on attraction.

    Notable Quote:

    "If you know that your man likes women that are in shape, then if he has a big friend, that's a friend."
    — Josh [37:40]

• Troy from Toronto, Canada:

  • Topic: Balancing multiple romantic interests.

  • Discussion: Daniel emphasizes commitment and authenticity, countering Josh's cynicism about relationships.

    Notable Quote:

    "Pick one or the other. You don’t play with both."
    — Daniel Jeremiah [62:16]

• Parker from Burlingen:

  • Topic: Spicing up a relationship with role-play.

  • Discussion: Daniel offers practical advice on prioritizing genuine connections over superficial gestures, while Josh humorously suggests unconventional methods.

    Notable Quote:

    "When you know that you have achieved your best self, you worry less about how she perceives you."
    — Daniel Jeremiah [56:14]

• Mickey from Middletown:

  • Topic: Navigating multiple dates and ethical dilemmas.

  • Discussion: Daniel provides strong guidance against deceit, advocating for honesty and self-respect, while Josh injects humorous but misguided suggestions.

    Notable Quote:

    "If you’re a seven on a good day and she’s an eight, focus on becoming the best you can be instead of trying to be someone else."
    — Daniel Jeremiah [61:52]

Nephew Josh's Role: Josh, though not officially part of the show, actively participates by answering calls and offering unsolicited advice, often leading to animated exchanges with Stephen A. and Daniel. His contributions add a layer of unpredictability and humor, though they sometimes clash with the hosts' perspectives.

Notable Interaction:

Josh: "Are you the friend with a friend, Anitra?"
Anitra: "So I'm not the friend with the friend? No, I'm like the person that's dating him..."
Daniel Jeremiah: "You use her to gloss over your own insecurities."
*— Stephen A. Smith and Daniel Jeremiah engaging with Josh [36:03 - 64:46]

4. Sports Segment with Stephen A. and Daniel Jeremiah

While not the primary focus of this episode, Stephen A. and Daniel Jeremiah touch upon the sports world, discussing teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs. They analyze team performances and express skepticism about certain teams' prospects for the season.

Notable Quote:

"If you give Derrick Henry the ball about 25 times, I think you'll be all right."
— Daniel Jeremiah [07:00]

5. Promotions and Advertisements

The episode includes sponsorships and promotions for various brands, such as Geico and Prize Picks. However, as per the user's instructions, these sections are skipped in the summary to focus on content-rich discussions.

Conclusion: This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a blend of insightful interviews and engaging relationship advice, all wrapped in Stephen A.'s signature candor and entertainment value. Mario's discussion provides a deep dive into the creative processes of a multifaceted artist, while the relationship segment offers listeners both professional and unconventional perspectives on navigating personal relationships. The show's ability to balance serious topics with lighthearted interactions ensures a captivating experience for both long-time fans and new listeners.

End of Summary