The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Stephen A. Smith and Samantha Smith
Episode Title: Full Show: Stephen A's daughter Samantha co-hosts the show discussing the NBA Finals, Love Island, and his hairline.

1. NBA Finals Recap and Analysis

Timestamp: 02:01 - 09:24

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the episode by delving into the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Highlighting the Pacers' dominant performance in Game Six, Smith notes:

Stephen A. Smith (07:12): "I got Oklahoma City winning, but I don't underestimate Indiana by any stretch of the imagination. They can beat Oklahoma City. I think it's going to be tight. I think it's going to be a thriller..."

The discussion emphasizes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance, with Samantha adding her own predictions and passion for the Thunder's potential victory in Game Seven.

2. Samantha Smith’s Co-Hosting and Personal Insights

Timestamp: 03:07 - 42:55

Samantha Smith joins her father on the show, bringing a fresh perspective and addressing viewer interactions. She clarifies misconceptions about Stephen's personality:

Samantha Smith (03:19): "My dad is one of the most introverted men I know. He's really shy in public because he's introverted."

Samantha also expresses her eagerness to engage more with the audience, urging fans to bring her back as a co-host:

Samantha Smith (04:33): "I really will talk about anything you guys want me to talk about. I'm open minded. Tell them. Say I'm open minded. Say it."

Throughout the episode, Samantha shares her interests, including her participation in "Streamer University," her admiration for "Love Island" Season Seven, and her role in acting projects like "Wrong Place, Wrong Time." Her enthusiastic interactions and shout-outs to friends and fans add a dynamic layer to the show.

3. NAACP's Decision to Exclude President Trump

Timestamp: 13:10 - 21:43

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the NAACP's unprecedented decision to exclude President Donald Trump from their national convention. Stephen A. Smith critiques this move, arguing for open dialogue:

Stephen A. Smith (15:22): "Why not let the 47th president of the United States come and address the NAACP convention? Why not give Donald Trump a chance..."

In contrast, Ryan Seacrest (co-host) supports the NAACP's stance, emphasizing Trump's actions against the organization's mission:

Ryan Seacrest (13:36): "Our mission is to advance civil rights. And the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights."

Smith challenges the NAACP's approach, suggesting that excluding Trump may hinder constructive dialogue:

Stephen A. Smith (16:13): "Don't get me wrong, I respect Derrick Johnson, but I just don't agree that this was the right decision to make."

4. Elon Musk’s XAI Data Center and Environmental Concerns

Timestamp: 22:06 - 26:05

The show transitions to environmental issues, specifically the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center's lawsuit against Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, XAI. Stephen A. Smith examines the implications of the lawsuit:

Stephen A. Smith (25:03): "Air pollution risk of cancer four times greater than it normally is? What good is everything I mentioned if you're dead? We can't have that."

He balances the economic benefits of the XAI data center with the health risks posed to the predominantly Black communities in South Memphis, stressing the importance of safeguarding community health over economic gains.

5. Sean "Diddy" Combs’ Federal Trial Update

Timestamp: 27:11 - 31:49

Stephen A. Smith provides an update on the high-profile trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, highlighting the judge's expectation to conclude the trial before July 4th and Combs' decision not to testify in his defense:

Stephen A. Smith (28:07): "The music mogul will not take the stand in his own defense. I'll tell you why that matters right here..."

Smith critiques Combs' legal strategy, citing incriminating evidence and arguing that testifying could harm his case:

Stephen A. Smith (30:10): "That's just where I'm at with it. Seriously."

Ryan Seacrest supports the decision, emphasizing the potential adverse effects of Combs taking the stand:

Ryan Seacrest (30:47): "He couldn't testify because he can't garner any sympathy from a jury. I don't even think it's about the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering."

6. Samantha’s Segments: Acting, Love Island, and Shout-Outs

Timestamp: 32:44 - 42:55

In a lively exchange, Samantha discusses her acting roles and her dedication to "Love Island," encouraging listeners to tune into the popular reality show:

Samantha Smith (34:05): "Love Island is like, maybe five girls, five boys, and they find love, and they couple up, and then they break up..."

She also takes time to shout out friends, family, and fans, fostering a sense of community and engagement:

Samantha Smith (33:08): "I need to shout out Tyrese Max, Joel Embiid, Jared McCain painting his nails and all. We love it. We support it."

Additionally, Samantha addresses comments about her father's hairline with humor and affection, highlighting their playful dynamic:

Samantha Smith (40:06): "Advice for an admin that's going bald at a hilariously fast rate..."

7. Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Topics

Timestamp: 26:05 - 44:28

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by briefly mentioning future topics, including the ongoing trial of Sean Diddy Combs and upcoming segments with Samantha:

Stephen A. Smith (26:05): "Coming up, the latest on the Sean Diddy Combs federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. The music mogul will not take the stand in his own defense. I'll tell you why that matters right here..."

Before concluding, Stephen acknowledges Samantha's contributions and hints at more engaging discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith (07:12): "I got Oklahoma City winning, but I don't underestimate Indiana by any stretch of the imagination."
• Samantha Smith (03:19): "My dad is one of the most introverted men I know. He's really shy in public..."
• Ryan Seacrest (13:36): "Our mission is to advance civil rights. And the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights."
• Stephen A. Smith (28:07): "The music mogul will not take the stand in his own defense."
• Samantha Smith (34:05): "Love Island is like, maybe five girls, five boys, and they find love..."
• Stephen A. Smith (25:03): "Air pollution risk of cancer four times greater than it normally is?"

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a blend of sports analysis, political discourse, environmental activism, and personal interaction, enriched by the dynamic co-hosting of Stephen A. Smith and his daughter Samantha. Listeners are treated to in-depth discussions, spirited debates, and engaging banter, making the show both informative and entertaining.