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

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.

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])

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.

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.

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.

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.

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])

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.