Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode: Why I'm an independent, Charlie Kirk, more. My FIRST political show. Let's do this.
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Notable Guests: Gov. Josh Shapiro (PA), Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), Gov. Spencer Cox (UT); plus call-ins from Sean Hannity and Chris Cuomo
Theme: Stephen A. pivots into the political arena, unveiling his political philosophy, responding to the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, and engaging with major figures from both sides on the state of American discourse, polarization, and where hope for unity lies.

Episode Overview

Stephen A. Smith debuts “Straight Shooter,” his first-ever political radio show. In this high-stakes first episode, he outlines his personal political philosophy, addresses America’s rising political violence (particularly the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk), and converses with a range of high-profile guests across the political spectrum. Stephen A. lays the foundation for a show built on frankness, “balls and strikes,” and principled independence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen A.’s Political Identity: Independence, Nuance, and Principle

• (02:35 - 12:40) Stephen A. introduces himself beyond his ESPN persona, sharing his Bronx roots, upbringing in a conservative home, Black identity, and nuanced positions:
  • Socially liberal, fiscally conservative—“I can’t stand high taxes. It gets on my last nerves.” (05:20)
  • Pragmatic on abortion: personally against, but “not my right to tell a woman what to do with her body.” (06:20)
  • Strong on law and order, supports the death penalty in heinous cases.
  • Critical of both parties, open to changing his mind on issues; emphasizes consistent principles over party lines.

“You never are going to know where I’m definitively coming from unless you just listen to me… because I’m consistent with my positions. But in the same breath, I’m kind of fluid, because I understand certain issues require certain judgments.”
— Stephen A. Smith (12:00)

2. Political Violence & The Charlie Kirk Assassination

• (14:00 - 25:00, 53:00 - 55:33)
  • Discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
  • Decries public celebration or rationalization of violence, regardless of views.

“For anybody who would come close to celebrating such a horrific act against any human being, to me, makes them pretty damn close to inhumane.”
— Stephen A. Smith (16:15)

• Draws a strong moral line–right is right, wrong is wrong, regardless of political tribe or race.

3. Urgency for Political Decency and Accountability

• (25:00 - 31:00 & throughout guest interviews)
  • Argues that both politicians and citizens must lower the temperature and reject rhetoric that incites division.
  • Emphasizes that politicians' decorum sets national tone, but citizen responsibility is paramount (reiterated by guests).

Featured Guest Interviews: Key Segments and Quotes

A. Governor Josh Shapiro (PA)

Segment: [21:55 - 43:50]

Main Points

• Condemns Kirk assassination unequivocally: “We don’t have to agree with the man to know you can’t go shoot somebody in the town square.” (22:24)
• Critiques President Trump’s divisive, finger-pointing rhetoric in the aftermath (“calling Americans ‘scum’ is low and making it harder… for this nation to come together”). (27:45)
• Appeals for both sides to take responsibility for toxic politics and resist “fight fire with fire” logic.
• Shares his approach in PA: governing by uniting moderates, progressives, Republicans, and independents; “appealing to the highest common denominator,” not the lowest (30:08).
• Discusses Dem Party shortcomings: need to look to successful, pragmatic state governors for a playbook (36:21).
• On 2028 ambitions: Uncommitted, but intends to play a voiceful role; “I love this country… and I want to be a part of making sure it is fixed.” (41:08)

Notable Quote:

“No one political party is immune from political violence… It also leaves emotional scars. At the same time, no one’s immune from it. No one has clean hands.”
— Gov. Josh Shapiro (25:47)

B. Senator Lindsey Graham (SC)

Segment: [52:30 - 72:48]

Main Points

• Describes witnessing Trump’s immediate reaction to Kirk’s death; says MAGA world sees it as an attack “on the movement.” (53:04-54:17)
• Stresses not to respond with revenge, but through non-violence and “winning at the ballot box.”
• Calls out mutual extremism across left and right; says failure to unite even for a moment of silence signals deep dysfunction (57:14)
• Social media as a radicalization engine: proposes ending Section 230 immunity, making platforms liable (“I want to do away with Section 230 and allow parents and people in America… to bring a lawsuit.”) (59:55)
• On foreign policy: Calls for tough tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, warns about Chinese support for Russia; frames Ukraine as a frontline for global democracy against authoritarianism (63:15–66:24).
• Backs Trump deploying National Guard to cities with crime surges, but acknowledges constitutional questions.
• Stresses American accountability through elections.

Notable Quotation:

“You cannot have… a moment of silence for a man killed with two young kids? America’s kind of screwed up right now. But we’ve been there before.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (58:00)

“I want to change that law [Section 230]. I want you to be able to bring those bastards to court and sue them.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham (59:55)

C. Governor Spencer Cox (UT)

Segment: [73:22 - 90:00]

Main Points

• Describes Utah’s heartbreak after Kirk assassination; reiterates his plea for less violent, less divisive rhetoric.
• Discusses the “ideology that teaches words are violence is wrong… words are not violence. Violence is violence.” (74:53)
• Defends prior comment about wishing the shooter were “not one of us,” providing context of community reflection, not prejudice.
• Says real change comes from “we the people,” not just politicians; 70% of Americans dislike the current atmosphere.
• Warns about the dangers of social media algorithms on youth; Utah implemented the nation’s toughest laws targeting youth social media addiction and “dopamine hit” feedback loops (86:26).
• Discusses “Disagree Better” initiative showing bipartisan public dialogue lowers polarization measurably (87:27).

Notable Quotation:

“I think our politicians are a reflection of we the people. I don’t think we the people are a reflection of our political leaders.”
— Gov. Spencer Cox (83:12)

D. Live Callers & Memorable Moments

Sean Hannity (Friend/Conservative Pundit, Florida)

• Calls to rib and congratulate Stephen A., joking about political aspirations—“If you're thinking of running for president, it’s a bad idea. It’s not going to end well. However, if you’re thinking of finally crossing the aisle…” (45:05-46:19)
• Stephen A. reaffirms: “I keep telling you I love you, but I’m allergic to agreeing with you.” (46:30)

Chris Cuomo (NewsNation Host, NY)

• Calls to praise Stephen A. and the show’s importance. Highlights Cox as “the best” current elected official in terms of bridging national divides post-Kirk assassination. (90:41-92:08)

Listener Questions/Townhall Takeaways

• Is it socially acceptable to silence moderate voices?
  Stephen A.: Moderates are “inclusionary” and crucial to the discourse; we must “learn the definition of compromise.” (48:28)

• On stadium subsidies:
  Defends public spending when economic benefits (jobs, local growth) accrue (93:49)

• If President, what’s your first policy?
  Would prioritize economic growth, small business, and AI literacy; “we’re only as strong as our weakest link” (95:14)

• On Jimmy Kimmel's suspension:
  Criticizes attempts (from either side) to link political groups to murder; responsible speech is critical, hosts must tread carefully. (96:17)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Right is right and wrong is wrong… regardless of any scrutiny, skepticism, cynicism or anything else that comes my way, that's what the hell I'm going to remain.”
  — Stephen A. Smith (18:30)

• “For the President to stand up and call some of his fellow Americans ‘scum’…you don’t call our fellow Americans scum. As Commander in Chief, you have a responsibility to unify…”
  — Gov. Josh Shapiro (27:45)

• “It's not about, 'oh you're a moderate voice, so you're separate and apart'… You're inclusionary… open to being edified… That makes the world a better place.”
  — Stephen A. Smith (48:28)

• “We reward in American politics today the loudest among us… But we've been there before.”
  — Sen. Lindsey Graham (58:00)

• “Words are not violence. Violence is violence. And we can’t equate those…”
  — Gov. Spencer Cox (74:53)

• “Building is hard. Tearing down is easy. We need a nation of builders.”
  — Gov. Spencer Cox (79:35)

Segment Timestamps (Approximate)

• Stephen A. Intro/Platform/Philosophy: 00:00 – 21:55
• Gov. Josh Shapiro Interview: 21:55 – 43:50
• Sean Hannity Call & Listener Qs: 44:19 – 52:30
• Sen. Lindsey Graham Interview: 52:30 – 72:48
• Gov. Spencer Cox Interview: 73:22 – 90:00
• Chris Cuomo Call & Closing Qs: 90:25 – End

Tone & Language

• Candid, conversational, deeply personal. Stephen A. blends earnest autobiography with no-nonsense analysis.
• Energetically bipartisan. Guests and listeners challenged directly but fairly.
• Moments of levity — especially with Hannity and Cuomo — lighten grave subject matter and underline the show’s commitment to real dialogue.

Final Takeaway

Stephen A. Smith’s political debut strikes an urgent, passionate, and balanced note. He centers humanity and open-mindedness over party dogma, establishing “Straight Shooter” as a rare forum where sharp disagreement, honest questioning, and mutual accountability coexist. His guests—Democrats, Republicans, and media personalities—echo fears of a nation on edge, but offer blueprints for healing: de-escalation, electoral engagement, and a daily choice for decency.

For new listeners:
If you’re seeking a show where the host’s principles can’t be mapped cleanly onto one party, where high-profile guests face real questions, and where America’s deep problems are confronted without theatrical outrage, Stephen A. Smith’s “Straight Shooter” arrives as a refreshing, necessary voice—right on time.