Stephen A. Smith built sports empire off confidence and criticism, responds to public spats with Jasmine Crockett, Alexis Ohanian, Lebron James, accepts being under heat, but not afraid of the fire

Oct 17, 2025

Stephen A. Smith, a veteran sports commentator and media entrepreneur, shares a candid look at his life. He discusses recent clashes with LeBron James and others, revealing the backstory behind their feuds. Stephen A. opens up about prioritizing health after a COVID scare and how fatherhood shapes his public persona. He urges accountability from athletes and reflects on his political views, questioning the effectiveness of athlete activism. A bold voice in sports, he isn't afraid to face controversy head-on.

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ADVICE

Own The Show, Build The Business

Build media businesses by owning shows and splitting profits instead of just hosting.
Treat broadcasting as entrepreneurship: hire staff and plan for a production company and network growth.

INSIGHT

Different Audiences Beat Overexposure

Avoid overexposure by serving different audiences with distinct content.
Diversify platforms and topics so each outlet reaches unique listeners rather than repeating the same show.

ANECDOTE

Health Scare Triggered Major Lifestyle Change

Stephen A. described a near-fatal COVID hospital scare that forced him to overhaul his health.
He followed a tailored program and now exercises 5–6 days weekly and cut most sugar.

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“I’m willing to say what most people aren’t. I’m willing to do what most people aren’t. I’m willing to be in the storm, if that’s what it takes.” Stephen A. Smith

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Stephen A. Smith invites the guys to his home for a deeply personal and an unfiltered conversation discussing everything from sports to culture to parenting to politics while under fire for recent public clashes with LeBron James, Alexis Ohanian, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Ryan acknowledges all the heat surrounding Stephen A. and one by one, we go through it all, leaving no stone unturned to the whys, the hows and what happens from here while delving into the man Stephen A truly is behind the mic.

Known for his bold takes and unapologetic style, Stephen A. opens up about the backlash, his growing interest in politics, and how he handles being a lightning rod for controversy. He shares the background into Lebron dislike, revealing how he and one of the greatest to ever play the game. ended up in such disdain. He shares insight into the recent Alexis Ohanian situation, doubling down on his comments but offering explanation of what he truly means at the core of his words. Stephen A. also talks about the criticism and being called out for comments on Jasmine Crockett, saying it wasn't an attack on black women but taking action to be apart of the solution not the problem.

He also gets personal—discussing fatherhood as his two daughters have come into public eye lately and how it influences his choices on and off the air. He goes deep into his roots with the love and respect of his mother, who's voice still guides him today and the lessons he learned the hard way from his father's choices that have all led to shaping the man he is today.

And of course we had to ask him about running for President, not only is he serious but Stephen A. shares why he believes he would win the office of Presidency and his why that drives him to take on politics in this dangerous era of hate and controversy.

Buckle up, because this conversation covers it all and nothing is off limits!

A special thanks to our partners at Jack Daniels for sponsoring this conversation and inviting us to be apart of their F1 partnership with McLaren, check us out in Austin, TX this wknd!

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