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First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornette

#18 in Sports this week

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

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  • 158 episodes
  • Avg 46 min
  • English

Episodes 158

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • August 17 · 47 min

    Hour 1: Is The NFL Out To Get Jaxson Dart?

    First Take begins with preseason football! Jaxson Dart impressed in his 2026 debut with a rifle off platform touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields, but took another big hit and wound up in the blue tent. Postgame, he noted that NFL doctors seem to only take major precautions with him! Is Dart correct? Then, Kevin Clark has the Rams winning 15 games!! Next, are the Bears the team to beat in a loaded NFC North? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 14 · 49 min

    Hour 2: How Do Professional Athletes Overcome Fear?

    First Take resumes with an underwhelming Titans debut. Cam Ward struggled to find Carnell Tate in their first game together. What has to change for them to find their groove? Then, Steve Smith Sr. and Chris Canty tell us how athletes overcome fear! Next, are you buying the Rams as overwhelming Super Bowl favorites? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 14 · 46 min

    Hour 1: Can Joe Burrow Overcome Offensive Line Woes?

    First Take begins with the Bengals preseason opener! Joe Burrow's offensive line failed him yet again, as he faced numerous pressures and even took a sack in his one quarter of action. Are we staring down the barrel of another disappointing Bengals season due to subpar o-line play? Then, Drew Allar balled out in his preseason debut for the Steelers, tossing two touchdowns and adding another on the ground. Should Aaron Rodgers be worried about Allar lurking in the shadows, awaiting his opportunity to overtake the ole' gunslinger as QB1? Next, DanO picks the Colts schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 13 · 46 min

    Hour 2: Who's Going To Show Out In Tonight's Loaded Preseason Slate?

    First Take resumes with a loaded slate of preseason football! Are you looking forward to Carson Beck potentially repeating his stellar HOF game performance? Do you want to know if Carnell Tate is next up in a line of insane Ohio State WRs? Or, are you more of a Bengals watcher, patiently awaiting Joe Burrow's tight spirals and Tee Higgins' circus catches? Then, Perk reveals his top 5 point guards of all time! You'll be shocked to see where Frank Howard lands! Next, Jayden Daniels can't believe his alma mater, LSU, is giving a current player his number! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 13 · 47 min

    Hour 1: How Should Russell Westbrook Be Remembered?

    First Take begins with Big Perk reminiscing about his old triple double machine of a teammate and godfather to his child! Always on full-go. Always driving manically to the rim, yet finishing with the grace of Jalen Brunson. After two decades of lending his entire mind, body and soul to the game of basketball, we give Brodie his flowers <3. Then, DanO is the latest NFL guru to tell everyone Jalen Hurts isn't in the top tier of QBs! Will we ever listen, or continue bringing up his Super Bowl run from two years ago? Next, DanO predicts the Chargers schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 12 · 50 min

    Hour 2: How Many Game Will The Vikings Win This Season?

    First Take resumes with Evan Cohen! UnSportsmanLike's premier host dishes on the Vikings win total, Kyler vs. J.J. and Jordan Love's win%. Then, are we underrating the Eagles offense? Their QB can't complete a pass between the numbers and they lost their number one receiver to the Pats, but could they outdo our expectations? Next, the Super Bowless QBs; who are you picking out of Lamar, Burrow, and Allen to win a ring first? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 12 · 50 min

    Hour 1: Are The Vikings Correct to start Kyler Over J.J. McCarthy?

    First Take begins with the Vikings announcing Kyler Murray as their week 1 starter! Can he take them to the playoffs, and how does this affect former 1st round pick J.J. McCarthy? Then, the Rays lead the Yankees in the AL East, but the Evil Empire is still favored to come out of the lackluster American League. Why? Next, noted Bears fanatic Shae Cornette predicts their daunting schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 11 · 50 min

    Hour 2: What's At Stake For Jordan Love This Season?

    First Take resumes with Green Bay's monstrous season! What happens to Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love if Green Bay misses the playoffs? Then, are you taking the Rams or the field? Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, Matt Stafford??? Who's picking against this super team? Next, O Schrag's top 5 impact rookies heading into the NFL season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • 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

Showing 121–140 of 158 episodes