First Take - podcast cover

First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornettewww.espn.com
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Hour 2: Bigger Threat to OKC: Spurs or Nuggets?

First Take resumes with the faltering Thunder as Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper made them look human. Who's their bigger threat: Spurs or Nuggets? (0:00) Then, Travis Kelce's last home game and a cross conference showdown between the Eagles and Bills. (11:10) Next, a potential NFC conference finals preview between the Bears and 49ers will certainly deliver, but which team has more at stake? (23:00) Finally, with a playoff spot clinched and injuries mounting, should the Packers rest Jordan...

Dec 26, 202547 min

Hour 1: Does LeBron Need to Leave The Lakers?

First Take begins with an NBA Christmas Day recap! Has the LeBron-Lakers relationship run its course? (0:00) Then, Michigan has zoned in on former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as their next leader. Is he a good fit? (24:15) Next, with the Cowboys eliminated, should Dak Prescott play next week? (39:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 26, 202548 min

Hour 1: Would You Start a Franchise With Wemby or SGA?

Merry Christmas! First Take begins with NBA superstars. If you're starting a franchise today, do you want SGA or Wemby? (0:00) Then, LeBron faces KD in a Christmas night showdown! Which team is more likely to make the finals: Rockets or Lakers? (23:30) Next, who cracks RC's list of NFL teams that will bounce back in 2026? (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 25, 202551 min

Hour 2: Who Owns Christmas: NBA or NFL?

First Take begins with the battle of Christmas. Fraser Firs, Mariah Carey, and a warm fire...are you thinking of the NBA or NFL? (0:00) Then, it's Bears vs. 49ers in a battle that could decide the one seed in the NFC. Who needs this win more? (12:45) Next, Jeff lists his top 5 NFL teams after week 16! (23:15) Finally, two of the Thunder's four losses have come at the hands of Wemby. Are the Spurs their kryptonite? (34:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 24, 202546 min

Hour 1: Should DK Metcalf's Suspension Have Been Upheld?

First Take begins with DK Metcalf's two game suspension. Is that too many games, or not enough? (0:00) Next, would you rather have Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen heading into the playoffs? (25:25) Then, we bring on Kendrick Perkins to discuss the Lakers most recent loss to the Suns and JJ Redick's comments on his squads effort. (40:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 24, 202548 min

Hour 2: Will DK Metcalf's Suspension Derail The Steelers Season?

First Take resumes with DK Metcalf's 2 game suspension. Is it too harsh, and how much will Aaron Rodgers miss his number one receiver? (0:00) Then, we look at the big picture in the NFC North. (13:30) Next, what is Mad Dog mad about this week?? (21:40) Finally, Jake Paul joins to tell us which is more difficult: fighting Floyd Mayweather, or being in the WWE! (32:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 23, 202546 min

Hour 1: Can The 49ers Win The NFC?

First Take begins with Mad Dog! He hates holidays and 49ers skeptics! Does he really think the Fightin' Shanahans can get to the Super Bowl, though? Then, FOOTBALL! Does Lamar get a pass for this dreadful Ravens season? (17:15) How do you view Kalen DeBoer right now? (25:10) Have the Eagles FINALLY righted the ship? (28:50) And, Mad Dog's Nice List! You don't want to miss who he has number one!! (38:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 23, 202548 min

Hour 2: Can Caleb Williams Lead Bears to The Super Bowl?

First Take resumes with the Bears comeback. Caleb Williams has taken a leap this year, but can this version of him lead the Bears to the Super Bowl? (7:30). Then, we take a look at Jerry Jones' latest comments on the Cowboys 30th consecutive disappointing season. (11:45) Next, Paul Finebaum tells us which CFP game had his phone exploding with text messages! (23:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 22, 202546 min

Hour 1: Are Steelers Real Deal or Fools's Gold?

First Take begins with a controversial ending in Detroit. Did the refs ruin an all time classic, and can we trust the Steelers in the playoffs? (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum joins to talk about a chaotic weekend in college football! (21:30) Finally, The Patriots shocked the Ravens with a late 4th quarter comeback, and John Harbaugh shocked the world by benching Derrick Henry. What in the world happened on Sunday night?? (35:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 22, 202549 min

Hour 1: Is an Alabama 1st Round Loss Unacceptable?

First Take begins with the CFP! Alabama is on the hunt for revenge against an OU squad that took them down in November. With Bama's stacked roster, is it unacceptable for them to lose tonight? (0:00) Then, Sam Darnold came up clutch in a wild Thursday night win over the Rams, but did he truly silence the critics? (11:20) Next, the Bears enter Saturday's matchup against the Packers as 1.5 point favorites. Is that the correct line? (31:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Dec 19, 202551 min

Hour 2: How Well Does Miami Need to Play to Justify a CFP Bid?

First Take resumes with Miami backing up their CFP bid. What if they get blown out by A&M? Does that mean the committee should have put Notre Dame in? (0:00) Then, should Joe Burrow force his way out of Cincinnati? (14:15) Next, the crew makes their CFP National Championship game picks! (29:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 18, 202546 min

Hour 1: How Confident Are You in Alabama?

First Take begins with Josh Pate walking us through Alabama's massive CFP matchup against Oklahoma. (0:00) Then, Mina Kimes tells us if it's more important for the Bears or Packers to win the NFC North. (25:40) Meanwhile, in the AFC North, it's coming down to the wire between the Ravens and Steelers. Which team do you have more faith in? (42:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 18, 202548 min

Hour 2: Will The Eagles Keep Sliding?

First Take resumes with Peter Schrager on the Eagles. Time is running out for a late season turnaround. It's now or never for Jalen Hurts! Next, how confident are you that the Chiefs will bounce back next season? Then, Mad Dog is MAD about Colts FGs, Travis Kelce, and the NFL's Christmas slate! Finally, Shams breaks the news that the Knicks will NOT hang an NBA Cup banner at the end of the show! Stephen A. and Doggy react! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 17, 202546 min

Hour 1: Are The Knicks Title Contenders?

First Take resumes with the NBA (Cup) Championship Knicks! Windy joins to talk about their title hopes, and Doggy talks about the absurdity that is hanging a Cup Championship banner. Next, a Bears-Packers preview, and the Dolphins are benching Tua for Quinn Ewers. Why??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 202548 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android