The Stephen A. Smith Show: "We Rich" Nephew Josh Stuns Stephen A with His NFL Playoff Picks

Release Date: January 21, 2025

In this electrifying episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, hosted by the indomitable Stephen A. Smith alongside iHeartPodcasts, Stephen A. engages in a spirited discussion with his nephew, Josh Smith. Titled "We Rich," the episode delves deep into the NFL playoff landscape, showcasing Josh's surprising and confident predictions that leave Stephen A. both impressed and challenged. Beyond football, the episode also touches on personal dynamics, self-improvement, and the pressures of live broadcasting.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

Timestamp: [01:05] - [02:12]

Stephen A. opens the episode by introducing his nephew, Josh Smith, highlighting their familial bond and setting a playful tone. He humorously addresses Josh's attempt to take over his role on the show, emphasizing the generational and experiential differences between them.

Stephen A. Smith:
"Josh, ladies and gentlemen, you like my sweater? Please tell me, first of all, you're not sitting at my desk. You sitting at my desk in my studio."
[01:26]

2. NFL Playoff Picks

The core of the episode revolves around the NFL playoff matchups. Stephen A. presents his analysis, while Josh counters with his own bold predictions, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game and defying Stephen A.'s expectations.

a. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Timestamp: [02:12] - [03:11]

Stephen A. expresses skepticism about the Texans' chances against the Chiefs, citing injuries and key player absences.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I don't give a damn whether he's available or not... As far as I'm concerned, the Kansas City Chiefs are completely healthy."
[02:58]

Josh aligns with Stephen A., backing the Chiefs' superior roster and defending Patrick Mahomes' prowess.

Josh Smith:
"I got Pat Mahomes. You see the numbers. He don't really lose this early in the playoffs."
[02:58]

b. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

Timestamp: [03:11] - [04:08]

Stephen A. favors the Detroit Lions, emphasizing their quarterback Jared Goff's experience and the team's home advantage in Motown.

Stephen A. Smith:
"Being in Detroit in Motown, I think spells doom for the Commanders."
[03:59]

Contrary to Stephen A., Josh surprises him by supporting Jayden Daniels and predicting a rookie Super Bowl champion.

Josh Smith:
"I got Jaden Daniels winning the super bowl championship as a rookie."
[04:08]

Stephen A. challenges Josh's prediction, but ultimately acknowledges his nephew's conviction.

c. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Timestamp: [04:08] - [05:07]

Stephen A. anticipates a tough game for the Rams against the Eagles, highlighting Saquon Barkley's impact and the Eagles' defensive strength.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I can't see them beating Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles."
[04:45]

Josh concurs, reinforcing his support for Saquon and expressing doubt about the Rams' chances.

Josh Smith:
"I got Saquon too."
[05:07]

d. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

Timestamp: [05:07] - [06:36]

This marquee matchup sees Stephen A. favoring the Ravens, citing Lamar Jackson's dual-threat abilities and Derrick Henry's influence.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I think the Baltimore Ravens might go on the road and pull this out."
[06:09]

Josh remains steadfast in his support for Baltimore, even humorously suggesting Lamar Jackson's extraordinary athleticism.

Josh Smith:
"I really do believe Lamar Jackson is fast enough to throw the ball to himself."
[06:26]

Stephen A. raises an eyebrow at this bold claim but appreciates the enthusiasm.

3. Banter and Personal Dynamics

Timestamp: [06:36] - [09:24]

The conversation shifts from football predictions to playful banter about Josh's role on the show and his personal habits. Stephen A. teases Josh about handling the microphone and questions his day-to-day activities, revealing a lighthearted and familial rapport.

Stephen A. Smith:
"You think you should have my job?"
[07:10]

Josh Smith:
"It's my first day on the job."
[07:08]

The discussion then pivots to AJ Brown, a wide receiver seen reading a self-help book during a critical playoff moment. Stephen A. questions the distraction, while Josh offers a more lenient perspective.

Stephen A. Smith:
"What did you make of that?"
[09:04]

Josh Smith:
"I don't think it was a problem. Like if he was reading a double XL magazine or something like that."
[09:03]

4. Self-Improvement and Relationships

Timestamp: [09:24] - [12:16]

Josh introduces his favorite books, revealing his interest in self-improvement and relationship dynamics. Stephen A. probes deeper, seeking actionable insights from Josh's reading.

Stephen A. Smith:
"What did you learn from the book? Tell me the tricks that the book taught you."
[10:09]

Josh Smith:
"Don't make it seem like I'm into trickery with the ladies and stuff like that."
[10:22]

Their exchange touches on themes of authenticity and honesty in personal relationships, with Josh defending the strategies outlined in his favorite books.

5. Closing Remarks and Reflections

Timestamp: [12:16] - [13:48]

As the episode nears its end, Stephen A. reflects on the family's public image and the pressures of maintaining a legacy. He mentions a conversation with Josh's mother, Arlene Smith, highlighting the pride and concern she feels for Josh's endeavors on the show.

Stephen A. Smith:
"And by the way, I don't know if you notice that your mama, your mama, Arlene Smith, your mama... she loves, absolutely loves you on the show."
[12:23]

Josh responds with humor and confidence, asserting his own identity beyond being Stephen A.'s nephew.

Josh Smith:
"I fully support her. And I want y'all to go out and get her booked."
[13:16]

The episode concludes with Stephen A. urging Josh to return to his desk, signifying the end of their lively and insightful conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. on Chiefs vs. Texans:
  "What does my nephew have to say about this?"
  [02:12]

• Josh on Jayden Daniels:
  "He’s like a younger version of Pat Mahomes to me."
  [03:59]

• Stephen A. Expressing Skepticism:
  "I really do know how much you even know about football."
  [02:12]

• Josh's Bold Prediction:
  "I got Jaden Daniels winning the super bowl championship as a rookie."
  [04:08]

• Humorous Exchange on Lamar Jackson:

  • Josh: "I really do believe Lamar Jackson is fast enough to throw the ball to himself."
    [06:26]
  • Stephen A.: "Did you just finish saying he's fast enough to throw the ball to himself?"
    [06:29]

• Discussion on Self-Improvement Books:

  • Stephen A.: "What did you learn from the book?"
    [10:05]
  • Josh: "Don't make it seem like I'm into trickery with the ladies and stuff like that."
    [10:22]

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show stands out for its dynamic interplay between Stephen A. and his nephew Josh. While Stephen A.'s seasoned insights provide a foundational analysis of the NFL playoffs, Josh's unexpected predictions and confident demeanor add a fresh and engaging dimension to the discussion. Beyond the gridiron, their candid interactions offer listeners a glimpse into the balance between mentorship and generational shifts in perspectives. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply enjoy spirited debates, this episode delivers both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.