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First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornette

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

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  • 90 episodes
  • Avg 45 min
  • English

Episodes 90

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  • August 11 · 50 min

    Hour 1: Does Micah's Absence Change Your View of The Packers?

    First Take begins with a shaky start to the Packers season. A brutal schedule plus Micah Parsons most likely sitting until at least week 6 puts all of the pressure right on Jordan Love's shoulders! UnSportsmanLike's Evan Cohen goes off on the Green Bay's analytics darling! Next, UnSportsmanLike's Chris Canty threw a take into the ether: Patrick Mahomes has clearly declined. We respond! Next, Open Champion Ryan Fox gives us an update on life since joining the illustrious and exclusive club of one-time major winners! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 10 · 46 min

    Hour 2: Which Eagles Offensive Player Must Show Up This Year?

    First Take begins with the always controversial Eagles! Their 2026 journey begins without A.J. Brown, and WITH added pressure on Jalen Hurts after every exec and scout slammed his quarterbacking prowess this offseason. Devonta Smith is a WR 1 for the first time, and Saquon needs to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Which Eagles player needs to have a big season the most? Then, with Mahomes returning from injury and the Chiefs adding zero offensive weapons, what are fair expectations for them? Next, should Deshaun Watson start week 1 over Shedeur? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 10 · 48 min

    Hour 1: Was Flagrant 2 on Dijonai Carrington the Right Call?

    First Take begins with Dijonai Carrington's ejection. The Sky forward received a flagrant 2 after clotheslining Sophie Cunningham. Did the WNBA get this one right? Then, Cowboys fans rejoice! First Take thinks you might have a good team this year! If Caleb Downs is a day one starter, and with a full season of Quinnen Williams, could Dallas make a deep playoff run? Next, with the Dodgers in a minor freefall post trade-deadline, should we be worried about their dynastic run coming to an end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S17 · E1
    August 9 · 31 min

    THE BETRAYAL OF SHOHEI OHTANI: Episode 1

    ESPN Investigative Reporter Tisha Thompson receives a tip that, if true, could damage Shohei Ohtani’s picture-perfect reputation. To listen to the rest of The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani, follow 30 for 30 Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 7 · 46 min

    Hour 2: Is it Weird that Tatum and Brown Haven't Spoken Since The Trade?

    First Take resumes with more suspicious Jaylen Brown comments. The Sixers fourth option said he hasn't spoken with Jayson Tatum since being traded to Philly. Weren't these guys best friends? Perhaps their relationship was more fractured than we thought. Then, Pablo found out... again. Kawhi had an undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, opening up yet another can of worms that may lead to Leonard leaving Toronto. Next, Stephen A. picks the Seahawks schedule! Joey Moneybags has them way under, while CC thinks they may repeat as champs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 7 · 47 min

    Hour 1: Are Lions The Team To Beat In The NFC North?

    First Take begins with Jahmyr Gibbs massive new contract! Gibbs inked a three year/$67.5 deal with the Lions making him the highest-paid RB in NFL history! Does this immediately make Detroit NFC North favorites? Then, Stephen A. addresses Caitlin Clark addressing social issues. Next, what in the world was Purdue AD Tommy McClelland thinking? Did he forget IU just won the national title in football? 1.03: Ja'Marr or Puka? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 6 · 46 min

    Hour 2: Has Criticism Of Jalen Hurts Been Fair Or Foul?

    First Take resumes with the oft criticized Jalen Hurts. His stats don't align with any of the top players, and the eye test shows he can't even throw down the middle of the field... but he has won a Super Bowl. Should we stop criticizing Hurts, or berate him even more? Then, can Alabama football fly under the radar, or is this a completely conjured up story ripped from the depths of Nick Saban's illustrious brain? Next, Stephen A. and CC pick the Bengals schedule! You have pick 1.6 in fantasy: CMC or Amon-Ra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 6 · 47 min

    Hour 1: What Would Aaron Donald's Return Mean For The NFC?

    First Take begins with Aaron Donald's potential return! The all time great defensive tackle may come back to a star studded Rams defensive line already equipped with Myles Garrett and Poona Ford. Would they be the clear cut favorites in the NFC? Then, Jeff Passan thinks the Dodgers recent slide means nothing, PCA could win MVP, and Aaron Judge may boost the Yankees offense back to its scoring ways. Next, Stephen A. has Michelle Smallmon's Packers starting out 6-0!! What??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 5 · 46 min

    Hour 2: Into the NFC Unknown - The Philadelphia Eagles

    First Take resumes with the always controversial Philadelphia Eagles! Are there any certainties with this Jalen Hurts led squad, or are they the NFC's biggest unknown? Then, coming off of a disappointing 2025 campaign in which he tore his ACL and LCL, does Patrick GOAThomes have anything to prove this season? Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Tarik Skubal's tenure with the Tigers, people caring about NFL training camp, and PCA's Babe Ruth disrespect! Who are you drafting first in fantasy football: Mahomes or Hurts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 5 · 48 min

    Hour 1: Are Dodgers The Team To Beat?

    First Take begins with Tarik Skubal's Dodgers debut! The MLB's newest evil empire struck out against the Cubbies losing 5-1 with their new ace on the mound. Is the squad with the $400 million payroll the team to beat come playoff time? Then, Doggy runs through the Lions lackluster last place schedule! Is Detroit the best bounce back candidate heading into the NFL season? Next, are the Chargers too reliant on Justin Herbert? Have they failed the perennial playoff loser more than he has failed them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 4 · 45 min

    Hour 2: Skubal's Defense of the Dodgers

    After Tarik Skubal signed with the Dodgers, he defended critics calling his new ballclub a super team. Does Skubal have a point? Who is the biggest threat to the Dodgers in the MLB? Plus, Jaylen Brown was back on Twitch, but this time, he expressed his excitement to play alongside LeBron James. Does Brown present a problem for the 76ers, or will he and James develop chemistry that can lead them to a title? All that and more on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 4 · 47 min

    Hour 1: Bijan's Extension

    The wait is over. Bijan Robinson has signed an extension of 3 years that is worth up to $75 Million. What does this record-breaking contract mean for the rest of the NFL, especially Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs? Plus, the Yankees dropped another heartbreaker against the Cardinals on Monday night. Did the Bronx Bombers do enough at the MLB trade deadline? Do they have enough to make a deep postseason run? All this and more on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 4 · 44 min

    Hour 2: Finding their Groove

    Good morning, and welcome to First Take. Baseball's trade deadline is in the books, but the biggest move has everyone asking the same question: Did the Dodgers just put the rest of the league on notice? And after all the blockbuster deals, is baseball headed for another labor showdown? Plus, Drake Maye and AJ Brown are finding their groove during training camp. Will AJ Brown have a bounce back season with New England? Or will it be the same struggles with a different starting quarterback? That's all ahead on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 3 · 49 min

    Hour 1: Garrett Out Back

    Good morning! It's time for First Take. Deadline Day delivered a stunner with the Skubal shocker. So now the question is: Have the Dodgers become unbeatable? And after baseball's wildest trade deadline in years, are we one step closer to a lockout? Plus... Deshaun's Declaration. The Browns quarterback had plenty to say about his future in Cleveland. You need to hear it—and we'll tell you what it really means. And in the NFL... Have the Kansas City Chiefs done enough this offseason to get back to the Super Bowl? Or has the rest of the AFC finally caught up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 31 · 48 min

    Hour 1: Do You Like Dak's Beaming Confidence?

    First Take begins with GOTI. Huh? Yes, GOTI. Dak dubbed the cowboys high flying offense the "Greatest Offense There Is." Where is all of this confidence coming from, and is it a good sign for the Cowboys? UnSportsmanLike's own Evan Cohen ponders all of the Cowboys hype currently circulating. Then, former SEC loyalist Paul Finebaum joins to wax poetic about the Big Ten. Next, is Deion Sanders visiting Browns training camp an issue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 30 · 45 min

    Hour 2: Does George Pickens Need To Have A Career Year For Cowboys To Contend?

    First Take resumes with an oddly quiet offseason for the Cowboys. George Pickens is back as one half of the most dangerous WR duo in the NFL. Does another 1400 yd, 9 TD season for him make the Cowboys Super Bowl contenders? Next, can Justin Jefferson have a big season with two mediocre QBs dueling for the starting job in Minnesota? Next, Jordan Rodgers breaks down Ohio State's and Indiana's schedules heading into a sure to be crazy college football season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 30 · 48 min

    Hour 1: Does Joel Embiid Have More To Lose Than Goat James?

    First Take begins with Joe Burrow! Place yourself in a world where the Bengals miss the playoffs AGAIN. Will we have to officially move him below Jalen Hurts in the QB rankings? Then, Canty's A-List! Who are the top 5 QBs with the most on the line? Next, UnSportsmanLike's Evan Cohen and Chris Canty get into a HEATED LeBron debate. Does King James have more to lose this season than Joel Embiid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 29 · 47 min

    Hour 2: Will The Warriors Make The Playoffs?

    First Take begins with a sad and drawn out ending to Steph Curry's career. Draymond is returning, and it seems as if the Warriors are running back the "limp into the play-in" strategy for Steph's final years... Then Triple H talks Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar! Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Jose Caballero, Janik Sinner's withdrawal, and Notre Dame's greed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 29 · 47 min

    Hour 1: Are The Cowboys Super Bowl Contenders?

    First Take begins with a Jerry Jones bombshell! Supposedly, the Cowboys are in on multiple trade candidates! Is Maxx Crosby to Dallas a sure thing? Then, J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will split 1st-team reps in training camp. Are the Vikings handling their QB situation the right way? Next, are the Cowboys or Eagles the team to beat in the NFC East? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showing 61–80 of 90 episodes