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

Apr 9, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: Luka's Return
On another episode of First Take, Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo, Monica McNutt, Brian Windhorst, and Marcus Spears examine Luka's return to Dallas tonight. Then, Louis Riddick joins Mad Dog and Marcus Spears to breakdown Jalen Milroe's potential draft destination. Mad Dog also takes aim at the worst things in sports this week. Finally, the crew takes a look at the NBA team with the most pressure heading into the playoffs and discuss some of their favorite sports comebacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 9, 2025 • 51min
Hour 1: Coach Approach
On another episode of First Take, Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo, Monica McNutt and Brian Windhorst discuss if they believe the Nuggets made a mistake firing Mike Malone. The crew debate whether or not Luka deserved the ejection. They debate who needs a playoff run more: Giannis or Anthony Edwards? Louis Riddick and Marcus 'Swagu' Spears joins the show to debate whether or not Shedeur Sanders is a top-10 pick. Mad Dog shares his A-List of top 5 changes needed in sports! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 8, 2025 • 49min
Hour 2: Playoff Payoff
On another episode of First Take, Shannon Sharpe, Kendrick Perkins and Seth Greenberg discuss Walter Clayton Jr's ceiling as a pro. Ryan Clark joins the show to debate whether Florida is more a football or basketball school right now. Brian Windhorst joins the show to debate which NBA Star has most to gain this postseason and if Jayson Tatum is disrespected. Alexander Volkanovski joins the show to promo his upcoming fight. Big Perk gives his A-List! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 8, 2025 • 50min
Hour 1: Florida Chompions
On another episode of First Take, Shannon Sharpe, Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins, and Seth Greenberg dive into the NCAA Men's National Championship and debate whether the title game was moreso a Florida comeback or Houston collapse. Brian Windhorst joins and the crew discusses the importance of the Los Angeles Lakers game tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mel Kipper Junior joins the show later on to talk about two of the hottest stars of the Colorado Buffs- Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Last but not least, the crew paints the playoff payoff picture, and looks at which team would be the best matchup with the reigning champs, the Celtics, in a 7-game series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: California Dreaming
On the second hour of the First Take podcast, Chiney Ogwumike joins the show to talk about UConn's Championship win last night. Chiney, Shannon, and Stephen A., debate what this title means for Paige Bueckers' legacy. Then, Dan Orlovsky stops by to answer whether he thinks the Cowboys will be better, worse, or the same in 2025. Afterwards, the guys discuss Shedeur Sanders' performance at the Colorado NFL Showcase last Friday. Later, Brian Windhorst joins to give his take on if the Lakers could beat the Thunder in a 7 game series and after Draymond Green's tech versus the Rockets, the guys argue if the Warriors can really trust Draymond Green. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2025 • 51min
Hour 1: UConn Do It
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Brian Windhorst discuss whether they were more impressed by the Lakers or concerned for the Thunder. Andraya Carter joins the show to debate whether Geno Auriemma is the greatest coach in American sports. P.K. Subban joins the show to react to Alex Ovechkin's record breaking goal. Shannon argues that LeBron's record was more impressive. Lastly, Coach Seth Greenberg joins the show to react to Cooper Flagg's struggles in their last game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 4, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: Game of Jones
On Hour 2 of First Take, Joe Fortenbaugh and Stephen A. Smith listen to ESPN's Jessica Mendoza give Stephen A. advice for throwing his first pitch. Then, Brian Windhorst joins the show to talk the Warriors at the Lakers last night, and the guys discuss Lebron's comments on the Warriors adding Jimmy Butler III. Stephen A. gives his compliments to Coach Steve Kerr before Chiney Ogwumike stops by live from Tampa at the women's Final Four. She gives her take on the best story to watch in the Women's Final Four, and Joe and Stephen A. debate. Stephen A., Joe, and Chiney raise the question: Would Bueckers become an all-time great with a title? After, Dan Orlovsky joins First Take to address whether the Cowboys will be better, the same, or worse in 2025 and the guys talk about Dan's son, Madden, visiting the NFL Live set yesterday in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Joe gives his Best Bets for the Men's Final Four and where he thinks Shedeur will be selected on Draft Day. Then, Breaking News... Stephen A. and Joe discuss Ja Morant being fined $75k for his finger-gun gestures. Enjoy the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 4, 2025 • 51min
Hour 1: Legends Compete
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Brian Windhorst and Joe Fortenbaugh debate whose deep playoff run would be better for the NBA: Steph or LeBron? The crew reacts to Ja Morant using the finger-gun gesture an earlier warning from the NBA. Coach Seth Greenberg joins the show to debate whether he trusts Cooper Flagg or Walter Clayton Jr more in the final four. Dan Orlovsky joins the show to debate the best landing spot for Shedeur Sanders. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 3, 2025 • 49min
Hour 1: Wild Wild West
On another episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins and Marcus Morris debate how far the LeBron and Luka will lead the Lakers. The guys discuss who's a threat in the Western Conference and debate if this OKC Thunder team is the greatest yet. Peter Rosenberg joins the show to react to Carmelo Anthony being inducted into the Basketball HOF Class of 2025. The crew debates whether or not Nikola Jokic is a top-20 player all-time. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 3, 2025 • 50min
Hour 2: Chef Curry Still Cooking
On this episode of First Take, Stephen A. is joined by Marcus Morris, and Peter Rosenberg to talk about the success of Steph Curry and the Warriors this year. In baseball, Stephen A and Peter Rosenberg discuss the undefeated start of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then Kendrick Perkins dives into who is the most vital Laker player approaching the playoffs. Stephen A. gives his list of who would be the best NBA player to own a franchise. Finally, Shams Charania joins the conversation to give an update about Joel Embiid and give a season outlook for the New York Knicks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices