The Stephen A. Smith Show: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Stephen A's Get@Me!: Stephen A responds to fan tweets and questions
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosted by: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Fan Engagement

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith dives deep into fan interactions, addressing tweets and listener questions with his characteristic candor and expertise. Skipping past the initial advertisements, the episode swiftly transitions into interactive segments that cover a range of topics from sports debates to hypothetical scenarios.

Steelers’ Quarterback Conundrum

Timestamp: [01:04] – [03:00]

One of the first topics Stephen tackles is the Pittsburgh Steelers' ongoing struggles with their quarterback position following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. He critiques the extended tenure of Roethlisberger, stating, "Big Ben stayed around too long. He should have retired about two years earlier than he did."

Smith analyzes the roster's quarterback options—Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett—and evaluates their performances. He expresses optimism about Justin Fields, citing his early successes and dual-threat capability: "I think that Justin Fields still might have some work to do... he ran with the football, which is something we don't normally see Steelers quarterbacks doing in recent memory."

Smith contemplates the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, highlighting the team's strong offensive line, talented receivers like Pickens and Frymuth, and the leadership of Coach Mike Tomlin. He emphasizes, "You got an elite defense, assuming you keep TJ Watt. You get Aaron Rodgers. You get Aaron Rodgers. That's my deal with that."

Superhero Powers: A Personal Choice

Timestamp: [03:00] – [04:29]

Addressing a whimsical fan question, Stephen A. is asked to choose between Captain America’s Super Soldier Serum, Spider-Man's powers, or other superhuman abilities. He opts for Spider-Man’s powers, providing a thoughtful rationale:

"I would tell you Spider Man's. Here's the reason why, as much as I love Captain America's serum... I don't want to live forever. I don’t want to be 150 years old, but still on this earth, looking 30."

Smith appreciates the balance Spider-Man offers between enhanced abilities and natural aging, contrasting it with the perpetual youth granted by the Super Soldier Serum. He adds a cinematic nod to Captain America:

"I went to see Captain America, by the way. Major props to him. But I would pick Spider Man because Spider man ages."

GOAT Debate: Kobe Bryant vs. Kevin Durant

Timestamp: [04:29] – [10:14]

A passionate caller from North Carolina ignites a heated debate about basketball's greatest players, challenging Stephen A. to defend Kobe Bryant's legacy against Kevin Durant. The caller asserts, "Kobe can't be top five because he played with Shaq... I will squash you in a goat debate, brother."

Smith responds with enthusiasm, safeguarding Kobe's esteemed position while acknowledging Durant's remarkable skills:

"I'm not talking about KD was better than Kobe. Kobe's a five-time champion... You just can't dismiss it is all I was trying to say. He has to be mentioned in your top 10 of all time."

He delves into Durant's impressive statistics and efficiency since recovering from his Achilles tear, emphasizing Durant's status as one of the top scorers in basketball history:

"He’s averaging a career 27.3 points per game... He’s shooting 53% from the field, 41% from three-point range since he came back from his Achilles tear."

Smith contrasts Kobe's loyalty and competitive spirit with Durant's career moves, highlighting Kobe's dedication to the Lakers and his adaptability after Shaquille O'Neal's departure:

"Kobe was a dude that accepted and embraced the challenge of the Lakers being his when Shaq departed... he embraced the challenge."

Ultimately, Smith respects Durant's accomplishments while honoring Kobe's legendary status, underscoring the complexity of the GOAT debate.

Lunch with Past U.S. Presidents

Timestamp: [10:14] – [08:18]

Responding to a fan's query about which past U.S. President he'd choose to have lunch with, Stephen A. presents a thoughtful selection:

1. Barack Obama: "Barack Obama without question."
   Smith admires Obama's eloquence and leadership, viewing him as the top choice for an insightful conversation.

2. Donald Trump: "I wouldn't mind having lunch with Donald Trump. Okay?"
   Despite political differences, Smith is curious about Trump's perspectives and what he might discuss over a meal.

3. Ronald Reagan: "Ronald Reagan... he seemed like a people person."

He briefly mentions Hillary Clinton, adding a touch of humor:
"I like relations with that woman Monica Lewinsky... Clinton's kind of funny."

Smith explains his choices based on the unique attributes and historical impacts each president has had, showcasing his ability to navigate political discourse with nuance.

Rob Parker and the Odd Couple Dynamic

Timestamp: [08:18] – [10:56]

A listener named Philip from New Orleans seeks advice on handling his co-host, Rob Parker, from The Odd Couple on Fox Sports Radio. Smith responds with a blend of humor and genuine praise:

"Rob Parker is one of the nicest human beings on the planet outside of his job... At his job, it's like a personality transplant kicks in and he just wants to slice and dice people up with no sympathy whatsoever."

He lauds Philip's co-hosting skills, especially following in the footsteps of Christopher Broussard, a respected figure in sports broadcasting. Smith emphasizes Parker's depth and complexity, acknowledging both his challenging on-air persona and his admirable off-air character.

Promotions and Future Collaborations

Timestamp: [10:56] – [11:52]

Towards the end of the episode, Smith promotes upcoming podcasts and collaborations:

1. Greg Rosenthal's Podcast:
   "Greg Rosenthal... teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah... '40s and free agents,' the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season."

2. New Hockey Podcast:
   "Energy Line with Nate and jsb... each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life."
   Featuring former NHL player Nate Thompson, this new venture promises engaging discussions on all facets of hockey.

Smith's endorsements reflect his commitment to supporting diverse sports content, ensuring listeners have access to comprehensive coverage across various athletic disciplines.

Closing Thoughts

Throughout this episode, Stephen A. Smith exemplifies his role as a dynamic sports commentator and engaging host. By addressing passionate fan debates, offering personal insights, and promoting exciting new projects, Smith maintains a vibrant connection with his audience. His ability to balance serious analysis with relatable anecdotes makes The Stephen A. Smith Show a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both depth and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• On Big Ben's Retirement:
  "Big Ben stayed around too long. He should have retired about two years earlier than he did." – [01:39]

• On Choosing Spider-Man's Powers:
  "I don't want to live forever. I don’t want to be 150 years old, but still on this earth, looking 30." – [02:45]

• On the GOAT Debate:
  "He has to be mentioned in your top 10 of all time. This brother is one of the legitimately one of the top three or four scorers in the history of basketball." – [05:30]

• On Ronald Reagan:
  "He seemed like a people person." – [07:15]

• On Rob Parker's Dual Nature:
  "Rob Parker is one of the nicest human beings on the planet outside of his job... At his job, it's like a personality transplant kicks in." – [09:10]

For more insights and unfiltered opinions from Stephen A. Smith, tune into the latest episodes of The Stephen A. Smith Show on iHeartPodcasts.