Straight Shooter with Stephen A.

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Latest Episodes:

REACTION - Dave Chappelle's SNL Monologue Nov 16, 2022

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Dave Chappelle’s recent appearance as guest host of Saturday Night Live had social media buzzing. Stephen A. shares his thoughts on the brilliance of Chappelle’s opening monologue, that touched on Kanye West, the NBA’s Kyrie Irving, the midterm elections, and the enigma that is Donald Trump. Stephen A. questions why the public reaction is often just as sensational as the original offense. As it pertains to these hot-button topics, he discusses cancel culture, antisemitism and the response of the ADL, the critical importance of intent, and the role of comedians in today’s woke world. It's a can’t miss episode in the midst of a pivotal moment in society.

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Fat Joe - Don't Knock the Hustle Nov 14, 2022

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Stephen A. shares something in common with today's guest. Outside of being from New York, they both have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their respective level of success. On today's show Stephen A. interviews Bronx-born rapper Fat Joe about his early struggles growing up in the projects of New York, his award-winning and pioneering music career, the state of Hip Hop today, and his life now as a mentor and philanthropist to the next generation. They also discuss Joe’s compelling memoir, The Book of Jose. Say what you want, but you can’t knock the hustle of one of the music industry’s most resilient artists.

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Isiah Thomas and the State of the NBA Nov 11, 2022

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It’s been a wild and strange start to the NBA season, both on and off the court. The drama-filled Nets, the putrid Lakers, the shocking success of the Utah Jazz, and the devastatingly mediocre Knicks…Stephen A. gets into it all.

Then, he is joined by two-time NBA Champion and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to discuss the state of the league, life after basketball, and the most important players today: Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Stephen A. does what he does best -- talk basketball.

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Midterm Elections Reaction - IT’S NOT POLITICS, IT’S LIFE Nov 09, 2022

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Stephen A. is fired up about the midterm elections. Hear what he has to say about the hotly contested senate and gubernatorial races, along with what he's sensing for the future of our democracy on this special Know Mercy episode.

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STATE OF THE UNION w/ Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Nov 08, 2022

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On this special Election Day episode, Stephen A. talks to New York Times bestselling author and distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, about the hot button issues of the day. From affirmative action, cancel culture, and the conservative Supreme Court, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the dilemmas rapper Kanye West and NBA’s Kyrie Irving find themselves embroiled in. It’s a candid hour with one of the country’s premier intellectuals.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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Gabriel Iglesias AKA "Fluffy" Nov 07, 2022

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Stephen A. gets candid about surviving two bouts of COVID-19, getting older, and prioritizing his health. He is then joined by the most watched comedian on YouTube and the first comedian to sell out back-to-back shows at historic Dodgers Stadium Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. They discuss his life on the road 46 weeks a year, representing Latin culture, and comedy in the "woke" era.

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Are you a Warrior for Your Dreams w/ Akbar Gbajabiamila Nov 04, 2022

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How far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true? That’s the question Stephen A. poses on this episode. He talks to Akbar Gbajabiamila,co-host of The Talk and American Ninja Warrior about growing up in South Central LA, journey in the NFL, dream career in entertainment, and his inspirational book, Everyone Can Be A Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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What Happened to Civility in this Country? Nov 02, 2022

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Respectful disagreement, compromise, basic human decency… what happened to it? Stephen A. gives his thoughts on the lack of civility in American society and how politicians on both sides of the aisle have failed to set the tone for the country. From their lack of leadership following the attack on the Capitol to presidential candidate Hillary Clinton labeling Americans as Deplorables, Stephen A. exposes immaturity, recklessness, and hypocrisy. He also addresses the recent attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of the Speaker of the House. The lack of manners and decorum has gotten out of control. When will it end and what will it take? Only time will tell.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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Charlamagne tha God - Don't Let Your Dreams Kill You Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

Everyone, including some of the most successful and well-known people in our society, experiences internal struggle. Stephen A. shares key examples and opens up about how he gets through his own dark days. He’s then joined by outspoken radio host, TV personality and bestselling author, Charlamagne tha God for a candid conversation about his rise as a radio titan, battles with anxiety and depression, work as a mental health advocate, the importance of putting family first, and refusing to let others dictate his standard for success. It’s an insightful, honest, and real hour with one of the media’s brightest stars.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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Are we on the verge of a new Civil War? w/ author Steve Phillips Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

The attack on American democracy is a topic on Stephen A’s mind. On this episode he talks to New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author Steve Phillips, host of the color-conscious political podcast Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips, to discuss the history of white supremacy in this country, how Barack Obama’s historic presidency ushered in the possibility of a Trump administration, what the January 6th insurrection proved, and Phillips latest book, How We Win the Civil War: Securing a Multiracial Democracy and Ending White Supremacy for Good. It is a nuanced and thought-provoking hour ahead of the important midterm elections.

Support the show: http://www.youtube.com/@stephenasmith

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