First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim Rose

First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories. read less

Our Editor's Take

The First Take podcast is a great way to discover what's new in the world of sports. It's a fast-paced show with arguments on all sports, from the NFL to the NBA. Stephen A. Smith is the main host of this engaging show. He's also a radio host for ESPN Radio and the author of Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, a New York Times bestselling memoir. Smith has both extensive sports knowledge and insider information. This is the audio podcast version of his daily two-hour ESPN TV show. Each episode contains an hour of the program.

Molly Qerim cohosts First Take with Smith. She moderates discussions between Smith and different guests each day. Dan Orlovsky, Keyshawn Johnson, and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo are a few of the show's regulars. Some of these voices are former pro athletes. Others are sports journalists. They all bring their expertise, insight, and opinions to the podcast. Listeners should expect controversial conversations throughout the series. Smith and his guests sometimes get heated when arguing the day's issues. But it's what makes this podcast an entertaining show.

The content of the First Take podcast is different each day, depending on what's going on in the sports world. When it's time for the Super Bowl, this show will have opinionated arguments about what team they think will win. After the game, Smith and his guests debate what moments were most worthy of celebration or scorn. In later episodes, they will argue about which teams will make the Super Bowl the following season.

When First Take talk turns to the NBA, guests like former player Kendrick Perkins join the podcast. In the episode “LeBounce Back,” the conversation gets tense. Smith calls out the big three players from the Brooklyn Nets as the most prominent failures ever in the NBA. Opinions and statements like this are what make this podcast so compelling. Fans can hear debates like this each day on this rollicking podcast.

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Hour 2: In The Running

Hour 2: In The Running

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Domonique Foxworth debate if the Ravens can be a top team in the NFL if Derrick Henry gets the ball more. Jeff Saturday joins the show to tell us if C.J. Stroud has taken a step back this season. Stephen A. gives us his A-List of the Top 5 teams in the NFL after Week 12. Kendrick Perkins is here with his thoughts on the new changes to the NBA All-Star Game. The crew gives their takes on what is standing in the way of a Suns Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episodes

Hour 2: In The Running

Hour 2: In The Running

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Domonique Foxworth debate if the Ravens can be a top team in the NFL if Derrick Henry gets the ball more. Jeff Saturday joins the show to tell us if C.J. Stroud has taken a step back this season. Stephen A. gives us his A-List of the Top 5 teams in the NFL after Week 12. Kendrick Perkins is here with his thoughts on the new changes to the NBA All-Star Game. The crew gives their takes on what is standing in the way of a Suns Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: All The Rave

Hour 1: All The Rave

Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Jeff Saturday debate if Lamar Jackson's career is a failure without winning a Super Bowl. Kendrick Perkins joins the show to discuss which team he has more faith in: the Golden State Warriors or the Denver Nuggets? Also, Domonique Foxworth joins the show to react to Jerry Jones' comments on Mike McCarthy's contract extension. Lastly, the crew talks about the Dolphins potentially being a dangerous team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Taking The L

Hour 2: Taking The L

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Damien Woody debate if the Eagles are as scary as the Lions right now and if Bo Nix has passed Jayden Daniels in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. Tedy Bruschi joins the show to tell us if we should be concerned after the Chiefs' close call with defeat against the Panthers. Paul Finebuam is here to debate which CFB loss was more disappointing: Alabama or Colorado? The crew debates if C.J. Stroud has taken a step back this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Fly Eagles Fly

Hour 1: Fly Eagles Fly

Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Tedy Bruschi discuss if Saquon should be the MVP front-runner after a stellar performance against the Rams. The crew also recaps the crazy ending to the Cowboys-Commanders game yesterday. They react to Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers' frustration after their 6th straight loss. Lastly, Shay Shay has another segment of Sharpe or Not Smart. Stay tuned to hear what he has to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Mic On?

Hour 2: Mic On?

Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, Ryan Clark and Elle Duncan react to Micah Parson's comments and discuss if active players with podcasts are a problem. The crew debates whether the 76ers leak was a bigger deal than the players meeting. The crew reacts to breaking news that the Giants release Daniel Jones. Lastly, Joe Fortenbaugh joins the show to share his best bets for this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Steel Curtain Closed?

Hour 1: Steel Curtain Closed?

Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, Ryan Clark, and Elle Duncan analyze Steelers-Browns game last night, questioning if they lost faith in the Steelers being a playoff contender. The crew debates Deion Sanders' future at Colorado following the commitment of five-star quarterback Julian Lewis yesterday. Lastly, Elle Duncan addresses the Giants fanbase about Daniel Jones' performance this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: The King's Speech

Hour 1: The King's Speech

Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst discuss a recent social media post by Kevin Durant’s manager, Rich Kleiman, criticizing the national sports media, as well as LeBron James's reaction. Kimberley A. Martin and Dan Orlovsky join the show to debate whether the Steelers are a top three team in the AFC. In addition, the crew discusses whether the Ravens have been underperforming lately. Lastly, things get heated in the studio over disagreements about whether or not former Giants QB Eli Manning should be considered a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: How Biased Is The Media, Really?

Hour 2: How Biased Is The Media, Really?

Stephen A. Smith, Kimberley Martin, Brian Windhorst, and Jason McCourty respond to LeBron's tweets about how the media contributes to negativity in sports. Dan Orlovsky joins the show again to debate whether it's better for Deion Sanders to coach in college or the NFL. Mina Kimes joins the crew to share her Triple Play Parlay. The crew debates which NFL team current has the worst ownership. Lastly, Dan Orlovsky and Stephen A. react to Geno Auriemma's recent accomplishment. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: WAYMA Wednesday

Hour 2: WAYMA Wednesday

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Jeff Saturday, and Kimberley A. Martin join Stephen A. Smith as he reveals his top 5 NFL teams through Week 11. Paul Finebaum also joins the show to share his biggest takeaway from the latest College Football Playoff rankings. It's Wednesday, which means Mad Dog is back with a new list of things that have him fired up. The crew then debates whether Aaron Rodgers played a role in the recent firing of Jets General Manager Joe Douglas. Lastly, things get fun in the studio as they debate who’s the better athlete: Stephen A. playing basketball or Mad Dog playing tennis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: New Sheriff in Town

Hour 1: New Sheriff in Town

On another episode of First Take, Stephen A Smith, Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo, Jeff Saturday and Kimberley Martin react to Micah Parson's recent comments on his podcast. They also debate who should be the Cowboys next head coach: Deion Sanders or Bill Belichick? Shams Charania joins the show to discuss trouble in the 76ers locker room. The crew reacts to Mad Dog's take that Josh Allen is a better QB than Lamar Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: The Cavs Are Coming

Hour 2: The Cavs Are Coming

Domonique Foxworth joins the crew to react to Jerry Jones' comments and discuss what the Cowboys should do next. The guys debate which was the most disappointing loss between the Bengals, Ravens or 49ers. Paul Finebaum joins the show to discuss whether or not the SEC championship is a major risk for Ole Miss. Kendrick Perkins joins the crew to debate how worthy of a title contender are the Cavaliers. To end the show, the crew reacts to Harry Douglas' recent antics and the Queen Bey's upcoming performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Dallas Debacle

Hour 1: Dallas Debacle

On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Jeff Saturday react to the Cowboys loss and discuss what next steps the organization should take. Per usual, Jerry Jones enters the conversation... Kendrick Perkins joins the show to react to Draymond Green's flagrant 1 foul on Zach Edey. Stephen A and Shannon chime in on what consequences they believe Draymond should receive. Lastly, the crew discusses if Josh Allen should be the MVP front-runner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Gold Rush

Hour 2: Gold Rush

Damien Woody joins the crew to discuss whether he trusts the Chiefs or Lions more to win the Superbowl. The guys also give their take on who the best team in the AFC is and if the 49ers are in danger of missing the playoffs. The crew discusses their takeaways from the Mike Tyson v Jake Paul fight. Who do you have winning the matchup between the Texans and Cowboys? Tune into hear Stephen A and Shannon's opinion... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Bills On Top

Hour 1: Bills On Top

On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Rex Ryan debate whether the Bills are the best team in the AFC. The guys discuss their concerns for the Chiefs. The crew reacts to breaking news as the Giants replace Daniel Jones with Tommy DeVito. Lastly, Shay Shay has another segment of Sharpe or Not Smart. Stay tuned to hear what he has to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Match Made In Dallas

Hour 2: Match Made In Dallas

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, Elle Duncan, and Ryan Clark debate if Deion Sanders would be a good fit to coach the Cowboys. Plus, the crew decides which QB has the better story ahead of their rivalry matchup: Lamar Jackson's chase for MVP or Russell Wilson's resurgence? And, would an undefeated season even matter to the Chiefs? Joe Fortenbaugh joins the show to give us his best bets for this weekend's NFL action and UFC 309. Rapper Cordae joins the show to talk all things sports and his new album "The Crossroads" out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Rivalry Week

Hour 1: Rivalry Week

On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, Elle Duncan and Ryan Clark debate if the NFC is a 2-team race between the Lions and Eagles. The crew also discuss if the Chiefs need to see more from Patrick Mahomes for a 3-peat. With the highly anticipated Steelers and Ravens matchup this weekend, the crew debates who the most important player will be. Lastly, they react to Mike Tyson slapping Jake Paul during the final staredown and predict the outcome of the fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood

Hour 2: Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood

Stephen A. Smith, Dan Orlovsky, Kimberley A. Martin, and Mina Kimes discuss who needs the win more: Lamar Jackson or Russell Wilson? Later on, Shams Charania joins the show to discuss how far LeBron can carry the Lakers. They also debate if Aaron Rodgers can still be a quarterback for a playoff team. Lastly, the crew shares what they think will be the most intriguing NFL game this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Familiar Foes

Hour 1: Familiar Foes

Stephen A. Smith, Dan Orlovsky and Jason McCourty discuss the team with the better offense heading into tonight's matchup: the Commanders or the Eagles? They also debate whether or not the Bills can hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season. Kimberley A. Martin also joins the show to weigh in on the team with the more worrisome quarterback situation; the Bears or the Colts? Lastly, the crew discusses whether or not Jared Goff's five-interception performance ended his MVP case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 2: Need for Embiid

Hour 2: Need for Embiid

Stephen A. Smith and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo react to Joel Embiid's poor performance against the Knicks last night. They also weigh in on his comments saying he wants to play tonight after saying he wouldn't play in back-to-back games before the season. Kimberley A. Martin and Jeff Saturday join the show as Stephen A. gives us an A-List on his top 5 NFL teams through Week 10. Daniel Cormier also joins the show to discuss the UFC 309 main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Stephen A. also takes over "What Are You Mad About?" The crew also reacts to the breaking news of the Colts re-naming Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback this week. Lastly, Stephen A. discusses being honored by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour 1: Prime Time Buffaloes

Hour 1: Prime Time Buffaloes

On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo and Jeff Saturday debate whether or not the Chiefs' close wins are a cause for concern. They also share if they trust Jayden Daniels or Jalen Hurts more down the stretch. Paul Finebaum joins the show to discuss all things college football and share a hot take about Deion Sanders and Colorado that you don't want to miss! Paul Rabil, Alex Aust Holman and Izzy Scane join the show with exciting news from the Premier Lacrosse League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices