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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
What's up, everybody? Welcome to the special edition of the Stephen A. Smith show, coming at you on Christmas Day over the Digital Airways of YouTube. And of course, iheartradio. Can't thank y'all enough for the love and support as we rapidly climb to a million subscribers. Couldn't appreciate enough the love and support that you've given this show. I thank you so much. Obviously, during this Christmas season, a lot of people might look at life, trials and tribulations and what have you, and find yourself a bit melancholy, if not flat out sad in some instances. But for the most part, hope springs eternal. And there's always a reason to be optimistic, to smile, and to think about the joy that has been brought to your life. Well, during this time of year, especially when it comes to little kiddies out there. Cause you know, Stevie A love the kids. He sure does. When you think about joy, you think about Santa Claus. You think about the North Pole. You think about the reindeers. You think about this person, this mythical figure that comes into your home while you're asleep and slides presents under the Christmas tree. To a lot of people, it's fantasy. To some people, it's a reality, even within the crevices of their mind. That's worth holding on to because obviously it evokes joy. And we never, ever get tired of that. So I was thinking about something, and something came to my mind. And I said the one thing in my career that I've never done in my life was actually have a conversation with Santa Claus. Little old me climbing up there in age, you would think that Santa Claus ain't a part of my imagination, ain't a part of my mind, ain't a part of my life. But like I told you, I like to smile, I like to laugh, I like joy, I like to bring joy, I like to receive joy. And during this time of year, who better to communicate that with than the one and only Santa Claus himself. Now, how am I gonna talk to him? Am I gonna go to the North Pole? Nope. Is he gonna be here in studio? Nope. But in the age of technology, neither is necessary. Simple link connecting him to a camera and the feed has him right in front of me, talking to me. Stephen A. In Santa Claus in the his house. I like that. I like that. That's up next. Don't go. Okay, everybody, you know what time it is. It's time for Stephen A. Sports Picks. Do you realize how exciting this time of the year is especially for me? Obviously it's the holiday season, but we also got football, basketball, hockey and college games being played every day. And that's why we've partnered with Prize Picks, the largest fantasy sports platform in all the land, to turn that big time game action into real time cash. You see, with prize Picks, you simply choose two, three, or even up to six of your favorite players and then choose more or less on their projected stats for the game or contest. And because it's December, it's now Pixmas at Prize Picks. Okay, it's a great time to join this holiday season because prize picks is giving away two free picks in December and $30 million in rewards during Pixmas. So make sure make your holidays bigger and brighter with prize picks. A great place to get real money action while watching your favorite sport and making your picks in less than 60 seconds and turn your sports opinions into real money all season long. Again on prospects, download the app today and use the code SAs to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup. Again, download the app and use the code SAs to get $50 instantly after your first $5 lineup. Prospects, run your game today. I'll be picking for today's Christmas NFL games. First up, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Facing the Steelers defense more or less than 250 and a half passing yards. It's Patrick Mahomes, y'all. I'm running out of. I'm really running out of denials. I watch, you know, Pacheco and them get injured earlier in the season at the running back spot. This guy finds a way, okay, Rasheed Rice is out for the season and Worthy is just a rookie and Travis Kelce doesn't seem to be what he once was or whatever the case may be. And you're looking at the compromising of their passing game. Patrick Mahomes finds a way. It just doesn't stop with this guy. Whatever you think he can't do, he goes out there and shows you exactly what the hell he's going to do. And even though the Steelers defense is something to behold, it ain't beyond the pill to see Patrick Mahomes passing For more than 250 and a half yards. I'm going to go with more just because it's Patrick Mahomes. Next up, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson playing the Kansas City Chiefs more or less than 221.5 passing yards. I'm gonna go with Les. I don't appreciate what I saw Russell Wilson do this past weekend in Baltimore. I was there in attendance, freezing my butt off hanging out with the governor of Maryland, Mr. Westmore, who I think has got a shot to be the next President of the United States in 2028. But that's an aside. The man is a huge, huge Ravens fan and was talking a lot of smack to me all game long. Okay? And then I watched Russell Wilson scramble, get a first down and then some, runs all the way down to the three yard line and forgets to slide and get down, gets popped, fumbles the ball, ruins a scoring opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They end up losing the game. Russell Wilson, by the way, hasn't had George Pickens over the last three games. He's looked relatively pedestrian without Pickens, who's expected to be back. But we don't know yet if he's going to be back from that hamstring injury until further notice. I got to go with less on this one by Russell Wilson. I just have to. Okay. Next up, Baltimore Ravens signal caller. The one and Only Lamar Jackson, two time league MVP. Facing the Texans more or less than 216 and a half passing yards. Lamar Jackson. Of course I'm gonna go with more. Okay. Now the only way he's gonna get less is if they're giving the ball to Derrick Henry about 30 times. If it ain't for that reason, Lamar Jackson gonna have more than 216 and a half passing yards. The brothers been balling all year long. Finally, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. stroud going up against the Baltimore Ravens defense more or less than 251 and a half passing yards. There's always been question marks about his Baltimore secondary. CJ Stroud obviously can ball, but he just lost Tank Dell. Now he lost Stephon Diggs earlier in the season and this time with a separated kneecap on a part of Tank Dell that had C.J. stroud crying. I feel real, really bad for him. The weapons have dissipated to some degree and I don't know who's going to have the to throw the football to. I really don't. And that's why I got to go with Less than this. So let's recap all of these picks right here. We got Patrick Mahomes more because he's Patrick Mahomes. We got Lamar Jackson more Demon because he's Lamar Jackson. And then we've got less for Russell Wilson because I'm disappointed in him. And we got less for CJ Stroud because he's bereft of weapons. That's really what this comes down to. It makes sense. Now you would say what? And I would say of course, because as surprise picks, we always make sense. Always.
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 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.
Nate Thompson
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 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
Now, for those of you who don't know you, you should know this by now. I consider myself to be one of the hardest working people out here. But nothing I do compares to the work this man did all year long and especially the work he's put in across the globe over the last 24 hours. My guest today on this very special Christmas addition to the Stephen A. Smith show is none other than Santa Claus himself, coming to us live back at his home in the North Pole for this post game interview. How you doing, Santa? How's everything going?
Nate Thompson
I'm great, Stephen. Thank you for having me. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Stephen A. Smith
Thank you so much. I hope you had a. I'm sure you've made wonderful Christmases for so many people across the world. Let me ask you this, Santa, I gotta start here. You've been doing this for centuries now, delivering gifts to billions of kids in a single night. What's the secret to maintaining this kind of longevity? Give me that.
Nate Thompson
Well, it's putting together the right team. I've worked with my elves for years and they're the best. Mrs. Claus, make sure that we get everything done on time. So I can't take all the credit. It's. It's everyone here at the North Pole.
Stephen A. Smith
Are we talking pure magic or are you talking about some kind of supernatural performance regimen or something? That's what I want to know.
Nate Thompson
You want all the secrets?
Stephen A. Smith
I want all the secrets.
Nate Thompson
Well, I have to be honest. There's a lot of magic involved, and I can't reveal those kind of secrets. But I just. I want to give credit to the team here.
Stephen A. Smith
Is there anything that stood out about the year 2024 compared to years past?
Nate Thompson
Yeah, I'm glad you asked. We, in conjunction with NASA, last launched a new satellite. We call it North Pole 2. And it connects with the sleigh. And so we get real reports on weather. It gives us a tracking GPS to get the maximum trajectory to get to all the billions of children. And also it keeps an update on the naughty and nice list for us. And then it tells me if the children are awake or asleep so that we can skip those houses where the children are still sleeping. So that was a big new feature this year.
Stephen A. Smith
So, Santa, are you saying that you would actually skip homes for people who have been naughty? You would actually go right past being the Wonderful, good hearted person that you are. If somebody was a little bit naughty, you wouldn't forgive them and you just go right past the house.
Nate Thompson
Well, if they're still awake, I can't deliver the gifts if they're still awake.
Stephen A. Smith
Mm, that's true. That's a good point. Let's be real about something here because, you know, I cover sports and every year the naughty list gets a little bit longer. Do you ever feel like you're losing the locker room, so to speak?
Nate Thompson
Oh, that's a good question. You know, Stephen, I think there is naughty and nice in all of us. And so I like to choose to look at the nice in people. And so you're right, sometimes I do overlook the naughty in people so that I can bring them gifts. But, you know, I think the way we stay on the naughty or nice list really depends on not only who we are as a person, but takes coaches and teachers and parents all working together to keep us on the nice list.
Stephen A. Smith
Santa, what's the deal with the cookies, man? What's the deal with the cookies, man?
Nate Thompson
I love cookies. I tell you. I eat a lot of cookies.
Stephen A. Smith
You eat? Eat billions of them, it seems like in one night, man. How do you have like, I mean, don't you have like the worst cholesterol numbers in history? Isn't that true, Santa?
Nate Thompson
Oh, now you're sounding like Mrs. Claus.
Stephen A. Smith
Is that what she says?
Nate Thompson
She says, stay away from those cookies, Santa. Eat more broccoli and eat your greens. But it's one night out of the year, so I think I can eat some cookies.
Stephen A. Smith
But isn't that, dare I say, isn't that being naughty? Not listening to Mrs. Claus, I mean, that falls under the naughty list.
Nate Thompson
Well, she knows I'm going to do it. She just has to give me good advice before I go.
Stephen A. Smith
What's your favorite treat to be left by families on Christmas Eve?
Nate Thompson
Oh, well, I, I, I love cookies. And, and different parts of the world have different cookies. And so I have favorite cookies in different places. And so even Mrs. C.L. says, make sure you bring me some of those when you come back. Or don't forget my favorite cookies. So I just love cookies for selfish purposes.
Stephen A. Smith
Where's the best place I can get chocolate chip cookies?
Nate Thompson
Oh, there's a place in Indiana outside of Terre Haute. They've got the best cookies.
Stephen A. Smith
They got the best. It's nice, warm and chewy.
Nate Thompson
Oh, perfect. With a good ice cold glass of milk.
Stephen A. Smith
Got me laughing like you now. That's right, that's right. That's how Much. I love my chocolate chicken. I'm gonna put you on the spot here, Santa. Out of all the reindeer, who's the mvp?
Nate Thompson
Okay, well, that is on the spot. I've got to be honest with you. We've got a new recruit. He's been trying to get into the team of pulling the sleigh. He's been trying for the last few years. His name's Randall. I will tell you even now, I mean, he's not too good, but he really put it together when he was starting, he would hit snowbanks and trash cans and mailboxes. But he tried so hard. He's our MVP for this year. Randall the reindeer.
Stephen A. Smith
Are any of them trying to get engaged in load management? That's a problem in the world of sports. They're looking for load management. They're looking for time off all the time. Are the reindeers looking for any time off?
Nate Thompson
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. They're treated really well. They're treated like rock stars around here.
Stephen A. Smith
But they're looking for time off. And what do you say when they want time off?
Nate Thompson
Well, you know, obviously, around Christmas time. No, but when it gets a little closer in the spring, summer, they can have some time off.
Stephen A. Smith
Now, Santa, you know, I try to be a good man. I try to be a good human being, and I certainly try to be a good uncle, but I got a knucklehead for a nephew. He gets on my last nerves, you know, and he's on every naughty list that I could possibly think of. Is my nephew Josh on your naughty list as well, or is he on the nice list?
Nate Thompson
Well, I'll tell you, Stephen, the legal elves have told us that I can't disclose someone else's naughty or nice. Just between you and me, Josh just really just sticks on that naughty list too much.
Stephen A. Smith
Sticks on the naughty list too much. Right. How do you rectify that? How do you get him straight? How do you get him right?
Nate Thompson
I don't know. You've tried. I've tried. I don't know what to do.
Stephen A. Smith
Mm. Lastly, you've been rocking. You know what? You've been rocking the same suit for centuries. Santa. Have you ever thought. Have you ever thought about switching it up a little bit? I mean, getting a new suit? Have you ever thought about that? Some Jordans to match the slate or something like that?
Nate Thompson
When you look as good as I do, why would you change? You know, I've got an image. I've got a look. I'm recognizable all over the world, which when I want to go incognito When I don't wear this suit now, people don't know who I am. So I can be at the beach having a nice island tropical shirt and people might look at me because I'm pale white, but they don't know it's me.
Stephen A. Smith
Has anybody ever told you you look like Andy Reid, the head coach for the Kansas City Chief?
Nate Thompson
I've been told that before.
Stephen A. Smith
Santa Claus himself right here with Stephen A. Up next with the tweets. Thanks, Santa Claus. Stick around.
Nate Thompson
All right.
Stephen A. Smith
I need all of you to stop what you're doing right now and listen up here at the Stephen A. Smith show. And in everything I do, I'm in it to win it. Everyone likes to win. That's why our show has decided to team up with Prize Picks, America's number one fantasy sports app with over 3 million members to help you turn all your sports knowledge and there's some big time cash. You see, Prize Picks is a daily fantasy app where you just choose between two and six players from any of the sports you love to watch and then pick more or less on their projected stats for the game. Think James Cook will get more than 60 yards this weekend? How about Joe Burrow? Will he pass for more than one and a half touchdowns? Create hot takes with your friends and win real money this football season when you and your crew run your game on Prize Picks. And because it's December, it's now Pixmas at Prize Picks. It's a great time to join this holiday season because Prize Picks is giving away two free picks in December and $30 million in rewards during Pixmas. That's right. Prize Picks is giving away a million dollars to whichever member. Cash is a lineup with the Highest multiplier through 1225. That would be Christmas Day, y'all. Cash the Highest multiplier. Win $1 million in cash now. That's the holiday spirit. Make your holidays bigger and brighter with Prize Picks. The best place to get real money action while watching your favorite sports. Check out the Nikola Jokic free Pick on Prize Picks app. It's live now and available until tip off of the Nugget Suns game at 10:30pm Eastern Time on Christmas night. If Nikola Jokic scores more than 0 and a half points on Christmas Day, users who select more win on top of the chance at $1 million. Prize fixes members covered with daily rewards through Christmas. All members have to do is place a lineup and they'll receive a free lineup or payout boost the following day. Download the app today and use the Code SAs to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup again, download the app and use the Code SAs to get $50 instantly after your $5 lineup. Price picks run your game.
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 Tamika 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 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.
Nate Thompson
Okay, we're rolling. 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 air to Daybreak, 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 to Stephen A. Smith show with his special guest Santa Claus himself. Post Christmas celebration, talking about a few things. We got a bunch of folks out there tweeting the show, Santa. They wanted to hear from you and I, so I wanted to show you some of these tweets to see what they had to say. Let's take a look at it right now. First up, what is that? Merriam Webster's Dictionary? What is the most underrated word in the dictionary? Santa, what would that be?
Nate Thompson
Underrated word?
Stephen A. Smith
Yes. Wow. Yes.
Nate Thompson
Oh, I don't know. I guess I'd say being nice.
Stephen A. Smith
I was getting ready to say kindness. Great minds think a lot. Great minds think a lot. Kindness is the Christmas spirit, right? That's what I'm talking about here. People need to be Nice, not naughty. And kindness falls in line with nice. So we'll do that one. Next tweet. What you got for us. This says, if AI robots became a household item, what would you have them do? Santa Claus.
Nate Thompson
Wow. I would have them bake more cookies.
Stephen A. Smith
I don't disagree. I don't disagree. You know what I'd say? I'd have them take out the garbage. Cause after I eat, I don't feel like getting them to take out the garbage. I'd want them to take out the garbage. That's just me, Santa. I like my answer better than yours on that one. Let's go to the next tweet. Christmas ham, question mark. Or another Christmas turkey. Santa Claus, which way you going?
Nate Thompson
I'm going to say, why not both. What's wrong with some ham and some turkey?
Stephen A. Smith
I'm going to go. I'm not going to eat the pork. I'm going to stay away from the ham, Santa. And not only that, because I think that's going to elevate my cholesterol level as well. And turkey is more in line with some protein that you need to fuel the body. So I'm gonna go with the protein. Santa. Are you cool with that?
Nate Thompson
That's fine. But, you know, for a guy that eats cookies, a lot of cookies. I'm not really worrying about my waistline.
Stephen A. Smith
I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. Next tweet. Two more to go. Hey, Stephen A. If you had to pick your top five Christmas movies, what would they be? I'm not really in the Christmas movies. Santa. I need your help with that. I like this Christmas. I loved that movie. It's a couple of others that I could think of, but I'm really not into Christmas movies. What about you?
Nate Thompson
I really like the ones that Tim Allen did. He did a really good job with the Santa Claus. Tim called me and got some tips about how to play me, and so I think Tim kind of nailed it there.
Stephen A. Smith
I'd like bad Santa, believe it or not. I don't mean to offend you, sir, but I did like Bad Santa with Billy Bob Thorpe. I did like bad center.
Nate Thompson
Well, he didn't do a bad job. Different kind of Santa.
Stephen A. Smith
Yeah, different kind of Santa. I got it last tweet. What you got for us as of right now? What's your number one New Year's resolution, Santa?
Nate Thompson
Well, this is an easy one. I make it every year. Eat less cookies.
Stephen A. Smith
Eat less cookies. Well, I'm along the same line as you in terms of cutting down on even more candy. And getting myself in better shape, better health.
Nate Thompson
All right. And make Josh off the naughty list.
Stephen A. Smith
I don't think there's any hope in pulling that off. Josh has been on the naughty list for 36 years. I don't think he's interested in getting off of it. Saying, I appreciate you, man. Thank you so much, buddy. You take care. All right. See you next year. See you next year.
Nate Thompson
All right. Happy New Year.
Stephen A. Smith
That's it for this edition of the Stephen A. Smith Show. Hope you all enjoyed it. I know I did. Post Christmas celebration, all of that stuff. I'll be seeing y'all within the next few days to bring in the new year just right. Until then, I'm signing off with Stephen A. Peace and love, everybody.
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. 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 Swearbinks 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.
The Stephen A. Smith Show: Stephen A's Christmas Show and Get@Me Santa Claus
Release Date: December 25, 2024
In this festive special edition of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith brings holiday cheer and insightful conversations by welcoming a very special guest—Santa Claus, portrayed by Nate Thompson. The episode seamlessly blends humor, heartwarming discussions, and interactive segments, making it a must-listen during the Christmas season.
At [10:51], Stephen A. Smith sets the stage for the holiday edition, expressing gratitude for the show's growing audience and acknowledging the mixed emotions people may feel during the Christmas season. He emphasizes the enduring spirit of hope and joy that the holiday brings, especially through the beloved figure of Santa Claus.
Stephen opens the conversation with Santa, appreciating his centuries-long tradition of delivering gifts worldwide. At [11:43], Santa attributes his sustained success to his dedicated team:
Santa Claus [11:43]: "It's putting together the right team. I've worked with my elves for years and they're the best. Mrs. Claus ensures everything gets done on time."
Discussing advancements, Santa reveals a collaboration with NASA to launch "North Pole 2," a satellite that enhances his gift delivery system. At [12:25], he explains:
Santa Claus [12:25]: "North Pole 2 connects with the sleigh, providing real-time weather reports and GPS tracking to optimize our trajectory, ensuring we reach every child efficiently."
A pivotal topic arises at [13:07] when Stephen probes the mechanics of the Naughty and Nice list:
Stephen A. Smith [13:07]: "Are you saying that you would actually skip homes for people who have been naughty?"
Santa Claus [13:23]: "If they're still awake, I can't deliver the gifts, so I have to skip those houses."
Santa emphasizes his focus on goodwill, choosing to highlight the "nice" in people despite the universal presence of naughtiness:
Santa Claus [13:41]: "I like to choose to look at the nice in people. Coaches, teachers, and parents all work together to keep us on the nice list."
A lighthearted exchange about Santa's favorite treats takes place at [14:16]:
Stephen A. Smith [14:16]: "What's the deal with the cookies, man?"
Santa Claus [14:20]: "I love cookies. I eat a lot of cookies."
Stephen playfully questions Santa's dietary choices, linking it to the naughty list:
Stephen A. Smith [14:47]: "Isn't that being naughty? Not listening to Mrs. Claus?"
Discussing the reindeer team, Santa introduces a new member, Randall, as the MVP at [15:58]:
Santa Claus [15:58]: "Randall has been trying to pull the sleigh for years. He's our MVP this year despite a few mishaps."
Stephen draws parallels between the reindeer's dedication and sports phenomena like load management:
Stephen A. Smith [16:31]: "Are any of them looking for time off?"
Santa assures that the reindeers are treated like rock stars and can have time off outside the busy season:
Santa Claus [16:44]: "When it gets closer to spring and summer, they can have some time off."
At [17:00], Stephen brings up his nephew Josh, who is perpetually on the naughty list. Santa humorously responds:
Santa Claus [17:20]: "Josh just really sticks on that naughty list too much."
Stephen laments his nephew’s behavior, highlighting the personal side of the holiday challenges.
The conversation shifts to Santa's iconic suit at [17:48]:
Stephen A. Smith [17:48]: "Have you ever thought about switching up your suit? Maybe some Jordans?"
Santa defends his classic look, explaining its role in maintaining his recognizable image:
Santa Claus [18:03]: "When you look as good as I do, why would you change? It's my image, and it's essential for recognition."
He humorously mentions using casual attire to go incognito:
Santa Claus [18:29]: "I can wear a tropical shirt and go unnoticed, but without the suit, people don't know it's me."
At [23:01], Stephen transitions to engaging with the audience through tweets, inviting Santa to respond to listeners' questions:
Most Underrated Word in the Dictionary
Tweet: "What is the most underrated word in the dictionary?"
Santa's Response [23:32]:
"I'd say being nice."
Stephen's Reaction:
"Kindness is the Christmas spirit. People need to be nice, not just kind."
AI Robots as Household Items
Tweet: "If AI robots became a household item, what would you have them do?"
Santa's Response [24:06]:
"I would have them bake more cookies."
Stephen's Addition:
"I'd have them take out the garbage after I eat."
Christmas Ham vs. Turkey
Tweet: "Christmas ham or turkey?"
Santa's Response [24:35]:
"Why not both? What's wrong with some ham and some turkey?"
Stephen's Preference:
"I'm going with turkey for protein and lower cholesterol."
Favorite Christmas Movies
Tweet: "If you had to pick your top five Christmas movies, what would they be?"
Santa's Admission [25:07]:
"I'm not really into Christmas movies, but I like the ones Tim Allen did."
Stephen's Choice:
"I'd like 'Bad Santa.'"
New Year's Resolutions
Tweet: "What's your number one New Year's resolution?"
Santa's Resolution [26:06]:
"Eat less cookies."
Stephen's Resolution:
"Cutting down on candy and getting in better shape."
As the episode concludes, Stephen and Santa share a lighthearted moment discussing the perennial struggle to reduce cookie consumption. Stephen humorously mentions his nephew Josh's unchanging place on the naughty list, while Santa wishes everyone a Happy New Year.
At [26:39], Stephen wraps up the special Christmas edition with warm wishes:
Stephen A. Smith [26:39]: "Peace and love, everybody."
This Christmas special of The Stephen A. Smith Show masterfully blends festive spirit with engaging dialogue, offering listeners both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on the holiday season. Through the playful yet meaningful interaction with Santa Claus, Stephen A. delivers a memorable episode filled with laughter, insights, and the enduring message of kindness and joy.