Stephen A's Get@Me!: Stephen A responds to Fans phone calls!

Summary

Podcast Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Episode Title: Stephen A's Get@Me!: Stephen A Responds to Fans' Phone Calls
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a series of compelling discussions by responding to fan phone calls. The episode covers a diverse range of topics, including a heated debate on basketball legends, guidance for aspiring sports media professionals, and a nuanced conversation on current immigration protests. Throughout the show, Stephen A. provides his unfiltered opinions, enriched with insightful analysis and notable quotes, making the content both informative and entertaining for listeners.

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1. Comparing Basketball Greats: James Harden vs. Dwyane Wade

Timestamp: [01:38] - [03:15]

The episode kicks off with a fan named Nikon from California posing a classic sports debate: comparing the all-time greatness of James Harden and Dwyane Wade. Stephen A. Smith, represented by Tom Brokaw in this transcript, offers a decisive take on the matter.

Key Points Discussed:

• Performance Under Pressure: Stephen A. emphasizes Wade's ability to perform in crucial moments, stating, "Because Dwyane Wade showed up when it counted" ([02:01]).
• Career Achievements: Highlighting Wade's three championships, an NBA Finals MVP, and his Hall of Fame status, Stephen A. argues that these accolades set Wade apart despite Harden's prolific scoring abilities.
• Consistency and Aggression: Stephen A. critiques Harden's performance in high-stakes games, pointing out instances where Harden did not "show up" and lacked aggression, contrasting this with Wade's relentless drive in critical games.

Notable Quote:

"That has never happened to Dwyane Wade, who's a three-time champion and an NBA Finals MVP and a Hall of Famer. That ain't even a discussion." ([02:15])

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2. Advice for Aspiring Sports Media Professionals

Timestamp: [03:15] - [09:32]

The next call comes from Dre, a 22-year-old aspiring sports media professional seeking guidance on breaking into the industry. Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive roadmap for success in sports media.

Key Points Discussed:

• Education and Self-Education: Stephen A. underscores the importance of formal education and continuous self-learning to stay informed on current issues.
• Skill Development: He advises mastering on-camera presence, microphone skills, and understanding what resonates with the public.
• Substance Over Money: Emphasizing the value of building something meaningful over pursuing monetary gains, Stephen A. encourages dedication to the craft.
• Understanding Audience and Content: Highlighting the necessity of identifying newsworthy topics and maintaining relevance with the audience.

Notable Quote:

"Study the issues, study how to be on in front of the camera, study how to speak in front of that microphone. Pay attention to what makes a good subject matter to broach or what makes a good subject matter to avoid." ([03:31])

Dre expresses his gratitude, stating, "Thank you for being an inspiration to me all these years," to which Stephen A. responds with appreciation, fostering a motivational atmosphere.

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3. Addressing ICE Protests and Immigration Issues

Timestamp: [04:36] - [09:32]

A pivotal segment of the episode features a caller named Anthony from New York City voicing his concerns about the recent ICE protests in Los Angeles. This conversation delves into the complexities surrounding immigration policies and protest tactics.

Key Points Discussed:

• Sanctuary States: Stephen A. explains that California's status as a sanctuary state allows it to resist certain federal mandates, emphasizing the role of the judiciary in determining legality ([05:00]).
• Right to Protest vs. Lawlessness: He differentiates between peaceful protests and illegal activities, acknowledging that while the right to protest is protected, actions like burning property and stealing are not.
• Impact on State Finances: The discussion touches on how immigration, both legal and illegal, affects state budgets, particularly in areas like healthcare and public services.
• Political Gridlock: Stephen A. critiques both political parties for using immigration as a tool for electoral gain rather than seeking effective solutions, quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger: "It could easily be fixed if they were committed to doing it" ([07:30]).
• Personal Stance: Anthony expresses frustration over being labeled a racist for his views on legal immigration processes, to which Stephen A. acknowledges his valid points while maintaining a balanced perspective ([08:00]).

Notable Quotes:

"The fact that they're approaching a deficit in the tens of billions of dollars... Somehow, some way it's gotta be fixed." ([07:10])

"All parties are to be blamed for this as opposed to just one party." ([07:35])

Anthony reiterates his stance: "I want them to do it the right way, the legal way. That's all I'm saying," emphasizing a desire for orderly immigration procedures without prejudice ([08:30]).

Stephen A. concludes the conversation by appreciating Anthony's perspective, maintaining a respectful and open dialogue.

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4. Promotional Content and Podcast Finale

Timestamp: [09:32] - [10:40]

Towards the end of the episode, promotional segments for other iHeart podcasts are briefly mentioned, including a teaser for the true crime series Camp Shane. However, as per the summarization guidelines, these sections are acknowledged but not elaborated upon, ensuring the focus remains on the core content of Stephen A.'s discussions.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers listeners a multifaceted exploration of sports excellence, career development in media, and the intricate dynamics of immigration protests. Through direct engagement with callers, Stephen A. provides authoritative insights and fosters meaningful conversations on topics that resonate with a broad audience. Notable for its blend of passion, expertise, and balanced viewpoints, the episode serves as both an informative and motivational resource for fans and aspiring professionals alike.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• "Because Dwyane Wade showed up when it counted." ([02:02])
• "Study the issues, study how to be on in front of the camera, study how to speak in front of that microphone." ([03:31])
• "It could easily be fixed if they were committed to doing it." ([07:30])
• "All parties are to be blamed for this as opposed to just one party." ([07:35])

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and providing readers with a clear understanding of the topics covered without needing to listen to the full episode.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[NBC News Anchor]

NBC Nightly News Legacy isn't handed down or NBC News.

[Tom Brokaw]

I'm Tom Brokaw.

[Richard Karn]

We hope to see you back here.

[Lester Holt]

I'm Lester Holt.

[NBC News Anchor]

It's carried forward.

[Tom Brokaw]

Tom Yamas is there for us.

[NBC News Anchor]

Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are coming on the air with breaking news right now. We look for a constant and from one era to the next. Trust is the anchor for NBC Nightly News. I'm Tom Yamas. A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas evenings on NBC.

[Richard Karn]

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[Lester Holt]

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[Tom Brokaw]

Now let's get to your calls before I get on out of here for the day. Let's go to Nikon. You're live with Stephen A. Nikon out of California. What's up Nikon? How are you?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Hi Stephen A. I wanted to know when you have a great scorer like James Harden and when you have a player like Dwayne Wade who won many rings, who do you think is better all time?

[Tom Brokaw]

I got to give it to Dwyane Wade. Do you know why?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Why?

[Tom Brokaw]

Because Dwyane Wade showed up when it counted. See, if you're looking at the stats and you're looking at the one on one skill set and you're looking at the Prolific scoring prowess of a James Harden over several years of his career, particularly when he was in Houston. You have a point. The problem with James Harden's resume is that there has been too many occasions where the moments call from him. A Game 6 closeout game against San Antonio, a Game 7 in Houston against Golden State. A Game 6 and 7 with the Philadelphia 76ers against Boston. A Game 7 just now against Denver with different teams. There have been several occasions where he has not shown up. And I'm not talking about just a lack of efficiency. I'm talking about a lack of aggression where he's attempting 9 shots, 11 shots, 10 shots or whatever, acting like he didn't even want to be there in games where it was on the line. That has never happened to Dwyane Wade, who's a three time champion and an NBA Finals MVP and a Hall of Famer. That ain't even a discussion. Appreciate the call. Let's go to Trey in Texas. You're live with Stephen A. What's up, Trey?

[Caller (Dre)]

Hey, Stephen A. This is Dre. First of all, I want to thank you for signing my book and for being an inspiration to me growing up. So my question to you is, how do you get more involved in sports media as a 22 year old person?

[Tom Brokaw]

Well, number one, go to school, get your education. Number two, edify yourself as much as possible. Make sure you stay up on the issues or whatever and practice repetition contributes to excellence. Do it over and over and over again. And don't be about the money. Be about the substance, be about building something. You're 22 years of age, you're wet behind the ears, you're young, you got your whole life ahead of you, a whole career ahead of you. You know, study the issues, study how to be on in front of the camera, study how to speak in front of that microphone. Pay attention to what makes a good subject matter to broach or what makes a good subject matter to avoid. Understand what the people want, what the public at large wants, what they have, a sense of, what's newsworthy and what resonates with an audience on a day to day basis. And when you do that, it'll go a long way towards assisting you in your aspirations. Did I answer that question?

[Caller (Dre)]

Yes, sir. I appreciate you, man. Here they go, man. Thank you for being inspiration to me all these years, man. Appreciate it.

[Tom Brokaw]

Thank you, man. I appreciate it. Trey. Appreciate you. Anthony in New York City, the last caller. What's going on, man? How are you?

[Caller (Anthony)]

Love you work on espn.

[Tom Brokaw]

Thank you.

[Caller (Anthony)]

So I'M calling about these ICE protests in Los Angeles, and I want to get your opinion on it. Honestly, I think it's disgusting. I think it's distasteful.

[Tom Brokaw]

Hold on, hold on. What's discussed? Hold on. Just, just for clarity, what's disgusting and what's distasteful for my audience that we don't understand you. What's disgusting and what's distasteful?

[Caller (Anthony)]

The way they're protesting is not peaceful. I see ministries burning things is not peaceful. Okay. And I'm all for people coming into this country, you know, better opportunity, all that, but they got to do it the right way. STEPHEN A. There's a process for that. And I don't know how I, Gavin Newsom, and people, Sandra, support them being here the illegal way where they don't belong here. Then I process. You have to go to court, get asylum. They're not doing that. They're crossing the border illegally. And we certain states are defending that. And I don't understand that. And that's what really drives my gears. I want just your thoughts on that.

[Tom Brokaw]

Well, a couple of things. Number one, and don't hang up, because I want to hear your response to what I have to say. Number one, California is a sanctuary state. And when you look up the definition of the sanctuary state, it basically gives you a license to fight and fend off federal mandates that may come your way because you don't agree with them. That's what our court system is for. So even though it's a sanctuary state, it doesn't make the state of California illegal in their actions, according to the courts. Now, if the courts reach a ruling, particularly after Governor Newsom goes about the business of suing the Trump administration and the court rules in Trump's favor, and then Gavin Newsom in the state of California defied those courts. Now you're venturing into a legal status. But until that time comes, if you're labeled a sanctuary state or a sanctuary city, then you're not considered lawless. That's number one. Number two, everybody out there protesting ain't illegal, ain't undocumented. We. We have to keep that in mind. Some are. There is no doubt about that. Obviously, most, if not all of those protesters support illegal and undocumented immigrants, which is a different subject altogether. Something close to what you're alluding to. But that doesn't mean every one of them is illegal and undocumented. There are legal citizens in the United States. There are people here on their visas. There are people here that are documented and naturalized immigrants. And because that's the case, that doesn't mean that that would make them leg. And under our laws, you do have the right to protest. Okay, now that doesn't mean you have the right to burn cars and businesses and steal like folks were stealing from Jordan store in downtown la. They showed footage of that taking place. No, you don't have a right to engage in lawlessness. But sometimes the art of a protest is being as disruptive as you possibly can be so you can garner the attention not just of the federal government and our elected officials, but the world, making sure the eye of the nation and the world is upon you so they could see what your vociferous protests are all about. That's what's transpiring here and that's what we have to pay attention to. So again, it's not ideal. We don't like it. We see what's going on in the state of California in terms of their spending compared to the revenue that they're generating. The fact that they're approaching a deficit in the tens of billions of dollars. We understand that. We understand that in a lot of people's eyes, illegal immigration contrib to that because you got people using Medicaid and the medical system, you know, as their form of health care and it's costing taxpayer dollars a lot. We get all of that. And somehow, some way it's got to be fixed. But Arnold Schwarzenegger said it best. It could easily be fixed if they were committed to doing it. But either side uses it as a tool to favor themselves when they're running for election. And as a result of that, it's in the politicians benefit to not resolve this issue. And that's what the problem is right now. And that's why all parties are to be blamed for this as opposed to just one party. Anthony. All right, Right.

[Caller (Anthony)]

And I, and I respect what you're saying. I understand all that and I live in a sanctuary state, so I'm from New York City, so I see it here too. And why don't like it when you speak about illegal immigration, people want to call you a racist or tell me, you know, I work. Oh, you don't care about these people. If I don't care about people, it doesn't make me a racist. I want them to do it the right way, the legal way. That's all I'm saying. Mr. Stephen A. Smith. That's all I pulled into this.

[Tom Brokaw]

All right, I appreciate it. Good points, Anthony. Not going to sit up there and decry that, no doubt about it. And I thank you for the call.

[Podcast Host]

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[Katherine Townsend]

Over the years of making my true crime podcast Hell and Gone, I've learned no town is too small for murder. I'm Katherine Townsend. I've heard from hundreds of people across the country with an unsolved murder in their community.

[Caller (Anthony)]

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[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Katherine Townsend]

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[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.