Latest Episodes
REACTION to Dan Le Batard
March 27, 2023
- 39:27
Stephen A. counters his friend, Dan Le Batard, regarding his comments blaming him for the downfall of sports debate. He fires back...
MJ, TikTok, Trump, and Pornstar Jimmy
March 24, 2023
- 45:05
On this week’s Necessary Takes episode, Stephen A. discusses Michael Jordan's potential sale of the Hornets, the banning of TikTok in...
King of the 4th Quarter Kenny Beecham
March 22, 2023
- 43:52
Content creator, YouTuber, and basketball fanatic Kenny Beecham joins Stephen A. to talk about his journey in new-age content and sports...
About The Show
Stephen A. Smith knows mercy…when it’s warranted. On “Know Mercy” Stephen A. will give you his straight shooter point of view beyond the world of sports, breaking barriers and pulling back the curtain on politics, entertainment, and business. Three times a week, you’ll hear his unfiltered opinions on front page news and pertinent cultural events, as well as interviews with outspoken celebrities and thought leaders across the societal arena. You’re guaranteed to be entertained, informed, and motivated. And one thing will be clear: you don't need to know sports to know mercy. “Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith” is a presentation of Cadence13, an Audacy studio.
More Episodes
REACTION to Dan Le Batard
March 27, 2023
- 39:27
Stephen A. counters his friend, Dan Le Batard, regarding his comments blaming him for the downfall of sports debate. He fires back...
MJ, TikTok, Trump, and Pornstar Jimmy
March 24, 2023
- 45:05
On this week’s Necessary Takes episode, Stephen A. discusses Michael Jordan's potential sale of the Hornets, the banning of TikTok in...
King of the 4th Quarter Kenny Beecham
March 22, 2023
- 43:52
Content creator, YouTuber, and basketball fanatic Kenny Beecham joins Stephen A. to talk about his journey in new-age content and sports...
Trump Arrest? ft. Chris Cuomo
March 20, 2023
- 53:44
Stephen A. talks to News Nation host, Chris Cuomo, about the latest on Donald Trump.
Jalen Rose, Ja Morant, and The Oscars, Oh My!!
March 17, 2023
- 42:58
Stephen A. gives his takes on the top-trending news stories of the week. He's also joined by fellow ESPN analyst Jalen Rose to discuss...
The first survivor of Larry Nassar - Sarah Klein
March 15, 2023
- 49:51
Stephen A. interviews former Team USA gymnast-turned-attorney, Sarah Klein, about surviving sexual abuse at the hands of team doctor...
Ja Morant, Strip Clubs, etc…
March 13, 2023
- 50:45
Stephen A. goes off on the release of the video showing Ja Morant in the strip club with his money, details how he agrees with Shannon...
Will Smith is “offended,” Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving’s “old bitter gentlemen” comment and Tucker Carlson’s insurrection spin — Necessary Takes
March 10, 2023
- 55:27
Stephen A has a lot more to say about the fallout from the Chris Rock Netflix special, the controversy surrounding Memphis Grizzlies...
Nick Saban thinks NIL is broken, and explains how he’d fix it.
March 8, 2023
- 43:42
Stephen A. sits down with the winningest coach in college football, University of Alabama’s Nick Saban, to discuss his historic seven...
Stephen A’s Take on “The Slap” and Reaction to Chris Rock’s Live Special
March 6, 2023
- 42:05
Stephen A. Smith sits down after watching Chris Rock’s live Netflix special to give his reaction, his feelings on it and where he thinks...
Straight Shooting w/ David Feherty
March 1, 2023
- 39:39
In a revealing interview, Stephen A. talks to former golf pro and now broadcaster, David Feherty, about his move to the LIV golf tour,...
F**k Your Thoughts and Prayers
February 28, 2023
- 38:11
Stephen A. discusses the tragic shooting at Michigan State University with State Representative Ranjeev Puri and how he is working to...
The Education of Kendrick Perkins
February 27, 2023
- 50:44
Stephen A. sits down with NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins to discuss his new book and the lessons he hopes readers will...
Brandon Miller, R. Kelly, and Marjorie Taylor Greene - Stephen A's Necessary Takes
February 24, 2023
- 42:50
Stephen A. gives his takes on the most controversial headlines of the week. From a second sentencing for R. Kelly and Harvey Weinstein,...
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with Secretary Pete Buttigieg
February 23, 2023
- 42:13
Stephen A. interviews the U.S. Transportation Secretary about the latest train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, criticism of the...
NBA All Stars...After the Weekend
February 22, 2023
- 40:43
Stephen A. give his updated opinions on the stars of the league and their respective teams as we head towards the home stretch of the...
Coach Tom Izzo on the Michigan State Shootings and College Basketball
February 20, 2023
- 43:18
Stephen A. sits down with legendary Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo to discuss the tragic events that occurred on his campus on...
Stephen A's Necessary Takes for the Week
February 17, 2023
- 39:56
Stephen A. recaps a few hot-button headlines. From Nikki Haley's presidential run, to gun control following three mass shootings, to Ime...
Adam Carolla - Speak Your Mind
February 15, 2023
- 34:30
Stephen A. interviews outspoken comedian and podcast host, Adam Carolla, about the importance of speaking your mind, his start in...
Stephen A. For the Lover in You - A Valentine's Day Special
February 14, 2023
- 32:58
Stephen A is all about the ladies, especially on Valentine’s Day. On this episode, he tells the fellas how to ensure their mate has a...
SUPER BOWL INSTANT REACTION
February 13, 2023
- 30:30
Recorded in his hotel room directly from the stadium, Stephen A. shares his thoughts on the big game, Hurts vs. Mahomes, the pivotal and...
Donovan McNabb
February 10, 2023
- 47:38
Philadelphia Eagles legend Donovan McNabb joins the show and goes toe to toe with Stephen A. He addresses why he wasn't more outspoken...
Cedric the Entertainer - Longevity is the Key
February 8, 2023
- 41:41
He is one of the original “Kings of the Comedy”, Cedric The Entertainer sits down with Stephen A. to discuss his life before comedy,...
The Grammys and Kyrie
February 6, 2023
- 42:29
Stephen A. opens with his reaction to last night's Grammy Awards, the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, and Beyonce's historic win. Then he...
Ron DeSantis and Black People
February 3, 2023
- 47:55
Stephen A. breaks down Florida Governor Ron Desantis’ attempt to curry favor to win the presidency. His target? Black people. He is then...
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf - “He protested before Colin Kaepernick”
February 2, 2023
- 47:26
Stephen A. speaks with former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul Rauf about his Showtime documentary Stand and how it reveals reading Malcolm X's...
LA Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss
January 30, 2023
- 44:37
She hails from a sports dynasty and is one of the NBA’s most high-profile businesswomen. Stephen A. interviews Los Angeles Lakers owner,...
TYRE NICHOLS: HERE WE GO AGAIN
January 28, 2023
- 1:00:57
Stephen A. sits down with Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump to discuss the latest events surrounding the Tyre Nichols death at the...
The Pathological Liar George Santos! Republicans, What Does That Make You?
January 25, 2023
- 37:02
Stephen A. unpacks the list of lies told by New York Congressman George Santos, the GOP’s lack of integrity, and the investigation of...
Welcome to WEAPONIZED with Jeremy Corbell & George Knapp
January 24, 2023
- 03:46
In WEAPONIZED, Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp pull back the veil on the world of the known, to explore the unexplained. This...
Javicia Leslie - Being True to You
January 23, 2023
- 32:08
Stephen A. talks to actress Javicia Leslie about her barrier-breaking title role on The CW superhero series, Batwoman, her LGBTQIA...
THIS RIHANNA BROUHAHA IS RIDICULOUS
January 20, 2023
- 41:16
Stephen A. takes on the cancel culture community following his appearance on the Sherri Shepherd daytime talk show.
Draymond Green (Part 2)
January 18, 2023
- 44:37
In part two of Stephen A’s one-on-one with four-time NBA Golden State Warriors Champion Draymond Green, they continue the discussion...
Draymond Green (Part 1)
January 16, 2023
- 51:29
In part one of a two-part interview with four-time NBA Champion Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen A. and Draymond...
Bill Maher: Politically Incorrect
January 13, 2023
- 43:44
The host of HBO’s Real Time joins Stephen A. to share his perspective on the latest political circus – from Trump and DeSantis, to Biden...
Fear...is a good thing + Joseph Sikora and Deon Taylor
January 11, 2023
- 42:14
Fear is a fact of life. It can paralyze or propel people. On this episode, Stephen A. discusses his fears and why having them isn’t a...
Damar Hamlin: Don't Blame the Players, Blame us
January 9, 2023
- 45:55
On the first visual episode of Know Mercy, Stephen A. shares his thoughts on the public’s reaction to the collapse of NFL safety Damar...
Best of Know Mercy - Stephen A. on Kanye West
January 6, 2023
- 41:24
Stephen A. admits he was wrong about Kanye West. He revisits and breaks down the recent and ongoing controversies surrounding the...
Best of Know Mercy - Jonathan Greenblatt
January 4, 2023
- 1:02:59
On this critically important episode, Stephen A. sits down with Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, to discuss the meaning...
Best of Know Mercy - Laurence Fishburne and Jason Wilson
January 2, 2023
- 47:48
Laurence Fishburne and Jason Wilson visit Stephen A. to discuss their award-winning film, “The Cave of Adullam”. The poignant...
Best of Know Mercy - Tamron Hall
December 30, 2022
- 50:05
Stephen A. is joined by Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show host, Tamron Hall, who details her historic role as the first Black woman...
Best of Know Mercy - Chris Cuomo
December 28, 2022
- 56:22
Stephen A. is joined on the show by multi award-winning broadcast anchor and attorney, Chris Cuomo who shares his regrets, life-lessons,...
Best of Know Mercy - Snoop Dogg
December 26, 2022
- 50:42
Snoop Dogg invites Stephen A. into his world for a candid conversation about growing up in Long Beach, life as a gangbanger, the...
Regarding Trump - It's About Damn Time
December 23, 2022
- 38:50
Stephen A. offers his perspective on the Jan. 6 committee’s criminal referral that accuses former president Donald Trump of obstructing...
Hannah Storm - The Matriarch of Sports Media
December 21, 2022
- 47:22
Stephen A. is joined by award-winning sports journalist and fellow ESPN colleague Hannah Storm to dig into her pioneering career in the...
Money money money w/ Suze Orman
December 19, 2022
- 57:44
Suze Orman is a New York Times bestselling author, an Emmy and Gracie Award-winning financial expert, and the host of the Women & Money...
Michelle Williams - Mental Health Advocacy (RIP tWitch)
December 16, 2022
- 43:04
Stephen A. discusses the tragic suicide of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, the longtime deejay and Executive Producer of the Ellen Show, and the...
It's On: Tired of This
December 14, 2022
- 38:30
Let's get it on! Every damn place you turn, people have a problem. Deion Sanders, Brittney Griner, the photo of Jerry Jones ... people...
Ne-Yo - Crossover Appeal
December 12, 2022
- 36:28
Stephen A. is joined by multi Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, Ne-Yo, to discuss his newest projects and his crossover...
What do Brittney Griner, Lamar Jackson, and Aaron Judge have in common?
December 9, 2022
- 46:03
Stephen A. shares his thoughts on the prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner, the sidelining injury of Baltimore Ravens...
Pinky Cole - Bet on Yourself
December 7, 2022
- 50:48
Stephen A. talks to Pinky Cole, creator and owner of the Slutty Vegan restaurant empire, about betting on herself, empowering the next...
Matt Barnes, All the Smoke
December 5, 2022
- 56:10
5 years removed from his NBA career, Matt Barnes is just getting started. He is the co-host of the award-winning podcast, All the Smoke,...
LeBron Ain't Lying
December 2, 2022
- 44:09
In a post game press conference, LeBron James called out the media for failing to ask him any questions regarding the Jerry Jones...
REACTION (controversial photo of Jerry Jones) - Not Selling Out, Looking Out
November 30, 2022
- 49:22
Stephen A. seethes about the backlash he received from the Black community following his reaction to a 1957 photo of Dallas Cowboys...
Redefining Manhood w/ Laurence Fishburne and Jason Wilson
November 28, 2022
- 53:08
Laurence Fishburne and Jason Wilson visit Stephen A. to discuss their award-winning film, “The Cave of Adullam”. The poignant...
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt
November 21, 2022
- 1:09:09
On this critically important episode, Stephen A. sits down with Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, to discuss the meaning...
Breaking Stereotypes w/ Omari Hardwick
November 18, 2022
- 1:09:35
Stephen A. shares the importance of breaking stereotypes. Known as a sports analyst most of his career, he discusses the time he stepped...
REACTION - Dave Chappelle's SNL Monologue
November 16, 2022
- 41:03
Dave Chappelle’s recent appearance as guest host of Saturday Night Live had social media buzzing. Stephen A. shares his thoughts on the...
Fat Joe - Don't Knock the Hustle
November 14, 2022
- 1:06:27
Stephen A. shares something in common with today's guest. Outside of being from New York, they both have overcome significant obstacles...
Isiah Thomas and the State of the NBA
November 11, 2022
- 1:07:36
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...
Midterm Elections Reaction - IT’S NOT POLITICS, IT’S LIFE
November 9, 2022
- 41:24
Stephen A. is fired up about the midterm elections. Hear what he has to say about the hotly contested senate and gubernatorial races,...
STATE OF THE UNION w/ Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
November 8, 2022
- 1:02:15
On this special Election Day episode, Stephen A. talks to New York Times bestselling author and distinguished University Professor of...
Gabriel Iglesias AKA "Fluffy"
November 7, 2022
- 53:52
Stephen A. gets candid about surviving two bouts of COVID-19, getting older, and prioritizing his health. He is then joined by the most...
Are you a Warrior for Your Dreams w/ Akbar Gbajabiamila
November 4, 2022
- 51:48
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...
What Happened to Civility in this Country?
November 2, 2022
- 51:06
Respectful disagreement, compromise, basic human decency… what happened to it? Stephen A. gives his thoughts on the lack of civility in...
Charlamagne tha God - Don't Let Your Dreams Kill You
October 31, 2022
- 1:15:56
Everyone, including some of the most successful and well-known people in our society, experiences internal struggle. Stephen A. shares...
Are we on the verge of a new Civil War? w/ author Steve Phillips
October 28, 2022
- 1:22:45
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...
Tired of These Damn Taxes
October 26, 2022
- 47:03
Stephen A. is fired up about many things, but there is one subject that really gets under his skin – taxes. Income tax. Sales tax....
Know Your Worth w/ Master P
October 24, 2022
- 1:05:24
Stephen A. opens up about a pivotal moment in his career, what it taught him, and how learning to value his worth changed his journey....
Kanye West Part 2 - The Tide is Turning
October 22, 2022
- 40:57
Stephen A. admits he was wrong about Kanye West. He revisits and breaks down the recent and ongoing controversies surrounding the...
Roe v. Wade & Tonya Lewis Lee
October 21, 2022
- 1:06:36
Stephen A. tackles the hot-button topic of Roe v. Wade. Then, he is joined by award-winning producer/director Tonya Lewis Lee, whose...
All Things NBA
October 19, 2022
- 55:32
On this episode Stephen A. does what he does best -- sports. Ahead of the 2022-2023 NBA season, he shares his thoughts on who will be...
Sheryl Lee Ralph
October 17, 2022
- 59:01
Stephen A. has a charmed life. But getting there hasn’t been easy. There were obstacles along the way. He didn’t give up, though. He...
Jake Paul
October 14, 2022
- 58:45
Gone are the days of the traditional media dictating the narrative. Social media has changed the landscape of how people interact and...
Don't Count Me Out w/ Tamron Hall
October 12, 2022
- 1:17:34
Stephen A. shares the trials and tribulations on his road to success and pays homage to those that helped him get there. He is then...
Kanye; He's Not Going Away
October 10, 2022
- 35:48
Stephen A. jumps into headline-making news and addresses what's on his mind: Kanye West. He shares his point of view on Kanye's recent...
The Right is Coming, Brace Yourselves w/ Sean Hannity
October 7, 2022
- 1:23:29
Stephen A. has a lot on his mind ahead of the midterm elections – and a warning—that the Right-Wing is on a mission to take back control...
Chris Cuomo + Is it Time for a Third-Party System?
October 5, 2022
- 1:26:14
Stephen A. thinks the two-party political system in this country is broken. In this episode, he examines the problems with the...
Dana White
October 3, 2022
- 1:02:13
Stephen A. is down with the disruptors of the world – the ones that have the courage to do things their way and in doing so, impact the...
Snoop Dogg
September 30, 2022
- 1:12:45
Snoop Dogg invites Stephen A. into his world for a candid conversation about growing up in Long Beach, life as a gangbanger, the...
Ladies, we need to hear you!
September 28, 2022
- 1:05:09
The Ime Udoka situation has led Stephen A to collect and crystallize his thoughts on how women are treated in society. He shares his...
The American Dream w/ LL COOL J
September 26, 2022
- 58:39
In this inaugural episode, Stephen A. shares his American dream success story and sits down with multi-platinum rapper LL COOL J to...
Introducing Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith
September 21, 2022
- 02:37
Stephen A. Smith knows mercy…when it’s warranted. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to get Stephen A’s unfiltered opinions on...