All The Smoke

Matt Barnes sits down with World Series champion and 13-year MLB veteran Nick Swisher for an unfiltered conversation. From the Oakland A's locker room to the darkest year of his career to winning it all in pinstripes, Swish holds absolutely nothing back. They get into Jason Giambi's infamous team motto, Barry Zito's off-the-field life, and what it felt like to win a World Series with the New York Yankees after hitting rock bottom in 2008. Plus — the real talk on A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, the death of Oakland baseball, the Dodgers dynasty, and why the Yankees are built different.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eight rings. 32 years. The man who saw every Kobe Bryant practice and game finally sits down.  Former Los Angeles Lakers head athletic trainer Gary Vitti opens up on November 7, 1991, the day he realized Magic Johnson was HIV positive before anyone told him. He also revisits the 1985 Memorial Day Massacre in Boston, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s accountability speech, and why HBO’s Winning Time got Jerry West and Dr. Jerry Buss wrong. He breaks down Pat Riley’s famous “12 + 2 + 1” inner circle and why Kareem still has the strongest GOAT case. Then come the Shaq stories: police academy frisking that broke Vitti’s pelvis, wild locker-room pranks, Kobe getting waterboarded by Navy SEALs, the Sacramento suppository moment, Kobe’s Achilles tear, the “F*ck Paul Pierce” walk back to the bench, and the instant Vanessa arrived and the Black Mamba became dad again. This is 32 years of Lakers history told by the one man who was there for all of it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hardest question we ask on ALL THE SMOKE: Rank MJ, Kobe, and LeBron. It's a question guests fear answering but everyone comes with a different take. We put together a compilation of 20 guests giving their answer and it is fascinating how everyone looks at it from a different perspective. We talked to people who have played against all three and even some who never played in the NBA to see how they view the most debated topic in basketball. What is your ranking? Let us know in the comments!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We officially welcome Michael Irvin to the ALL THE SMOKE family on the latest episode of Unplugged!  The Playmaker and Vernon Maxwell join Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for a loaded conversation on running Texas from Houston to Dallas, legendary '90s nightlife, football culture, and life after the game. Also on the episode: GOAT wide receiver debates, the rise and downfall of "The White House," Mike Vrabel, Shedeur Sanders, Adam Sandler's advice, his new Netflix show, and why Michael still goes to confession every week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jalen Duren joins ATS Unplugged with Stephen Jackson and Vernon Maxwell to talk Detroit’s Bad Boy revival, the Pistons’ physical identity, and why this young group feels different. He also opens up about betting on himself after turning down an extension, the summer ahead, Isaiah Stewart, Cade Cunningham, Philly roots, and Detroit practices that sound like real smoke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first cannabis executive to grace the cover of Forbes pulls up on ALL THE SMOKE. Berner is impossible to put in a box: rapper, entrepreneur, and one of the most innovative minds in the game. From building Cookies with $19k from his mother's inheritance to battling cancer to his next chapter in film, he's always moving. Hear how he spent over $20 million in legal fees fighting for his brand, why he turned down Diddy trying to buy into Cookies, and what's next. This one will have you ready to get up and build something.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Howard Bryant, one of the most respected baseball writers alive, joins Matt in a special conversation on Jackie Robinson Day.Howard breaks down why Black players disappeared from MLB , what it was really like covering the steroid era, and why he believes baseball is at a crossroads right now.Plus, he breaks down his new book King of Pawns, the untold story of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CM Punk pulls up to ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged ahead of WrestleMania 42 and gets real about Roman Reigns, Pipe Bomb 2.0, Pat McAfee, Chicago, WWE politics, his 10-year hiatus, AJ Lee, Money in the Bank 2011, John Cena, writing for Marvel, and what’s still left to accomplish in his legendary career. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion also opens up on main-eventing WrestleMania back-to-back years, why the business feels different now, the pressure of carrying the company, and how he still approaches the game at 47. Tap in for one of CM Punk’s most honest long-form interviews yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Barnes sits down with businessman, philanthropist, and California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer to break down the largest state in the nation, and discuss his vision for California's future.They cover the housing crisis, a $22 billion corporate real estate tax loophole that's been quietly sitting on the books for decades, and what Steyer would do on day one in office. He also gets into what he thinks the Democratic Party is getting wrong, and why he says fellow billionaires will hate his policies.They also touch on billionaire-elites buying media entities, AI data centers being built in low-income communities, and the Warriors.As we approach the Midterm Elections,  The Smoke Signal  will be bringing prominent voices to the table to have honest conversations about where the country is and where it needs to go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt & Stak sat down with one of the Bay Area's most underrated rap legends: Richie Rich. He saw how the industry moved and stepped back from the mainstream while others didn't make it out. Expect crazy Tupac & Biggie stories, how Snoop's 213 was inspired by Rich's 415, and the untold story of how he landed on the Luniz classic "I Got 5 On It." Now building his coffee brand The Rolling Bean Coffee, Rich is proof the game never stops. All game, all real, only on ALL THE SMOKE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly minted hall-of-famer CC Sabathia pulls up for his second appearence on All the Smoke. CC gets into everything, most notably his legendary Yankees tenure; from A-Rod recruiting him, Cashman closing the deal, the Astros rivalry, and the current Aaron Judge-era. On Ohtani, CC is all-in: "Ohtani is the greatest baseball player to ever live." Plus, the WBC's rise to must-watch TV, how the Commissioner's office is finally putting players in the room, and what the CAP program is doing to bring legends back to the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Netflix’s Untold: Jail Blazers (premiering April 14), Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, and Bonzi Wells join All The Smoke Unplugged to finally tell their side of one of the most misunderstood eras in NBA history. They revisit the loaded Trail Blazers rosters that nearly broke through, the heartbreak of coming up short against the Lakers and Spurs, Damon’s unforgettable first practice in Portland, brutal first-team vs. second-team battles, Scottie Pippen’s arrival, Arvydas Sabonis stories, locker room culture, and why those teams believed they should have won a championship. From the origins of the “Jail Blazers” label to the media narratives that followed those Portland teams for years, the guys reflect on how that era was framed, what the public never heard, and why this documentary matters now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyson Chandler and The Game put us on to Compton legend David Hamilton aka Super Crip, and the fans demanded we bring him on. Now he finally got to sit down with Matt Barnes to tell the full story. Shot in high school. Recruited to Auburn. Caught up in an NCAA investigation. Did time in federal prison. Now he's doing motivational speaking and just dropped a new book. The Compton urban legend speaks for himself. You asked for it. Here it is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legendary Kenny Lofton joins Matt Barnes and Chris Young for a long overdue conversation. K-Lo was a six-time All-Star, five-time stolen base champion and four-time Gold Glove winner — but somehow was one-and-done on the Hall of Fame ballot. Lofton breaks down why he believes the home run era buried his legacy and what it was really like playing on the greatest teams never to win a World Series. He also opens up about growing up poor in East Chicago, being raised by his blind grandmother, and the promise he made her before leaving for the University of Arizona — where he played point guard on a Final Four team. Plus, Lofton gets into some amazing untold stories, like almost taking out Cal Ripken during his consecutive games streak, chasing Sammy Sosa through the Cubs dugout during the playoffs, getting held up by the third base coach in Game 7 of the 2007 ALCS, and why he believes Shohei Ohtani should never bat leadoff. 00:00 Intro, Hall of Fame Snub, Steroid Era 08:30: Ichiro Stats Comparison  16:55: Slow Death of the Leadoff Hitter, Should Ohtani Bat Leadoff? 22:50: Raised in East Chicago by Blind Grandmother 28:25: Playing Basketball at University of Arizona under Lute Olsen 39:05: Foot Locker Slam Dunk Contest 44:13: Taking only one at-bat at Arizona, Getting Drafted to MLB  55:30: Superpower of the bunt 58:18: First MLB memories with Astros  01:00:46: Traded to Cleveland Indians, Albert Belle, Eddie Murray 01:03:53: 90’s Indians Best Team to Never win it? 01:05:48: Shocking Trade to Braves for David Justice 01:10:58: Golden Era of Outfielders 01:13:13: Journeyman back half of career 01:14:45: Bartman game, almost fighting Sammy Sosa 01:20:00: Signature Shoe with Nike 01:21:00: 3-0 Blown ALCS with Yankees 01:23:45: Held at 3rd Base in Game 7 of ALCS 01:31:28: Quick Hitters 01:35:50: EndSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Barnes opens up ATS Unplugged by calling out Patrick Beverley over recent comments about Dwyane Wade, saying the energy behind the debate feels more like clickbait than basketball analysis. Matt and Vernon “Mad Max” Maxwell also break down why Wade still gets the nod over James Harden for many fans, react to Duke’s late-game collapse in March Madness, debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, or Victor Wembanyama deserves MVP, and discuss why Joe Mazzulla belongs in Coach of the Year conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the rings, before the goggles, before the championships, Horace Grant was a kid in Sparta, Georgia hunting squirrel and raccoon just to eat. Four titles later, he's finally telling the whole story. On this episode, Horace goes deep on the Bulls three-peat with MJ and Pip, the emotional decision to leave Chicago, what Penny Hardaway could have been, getting that fourth ring in LA with Kobe and Shaq, and why after all of it, he has zero regrets. One of the most complete careers in NBA history. Not enough people know it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time World Series champion Tyler Glasnow sits down with Matt and Chris Young fresh off back-to-back titles with the most dominant team in the sport. The Dodgers right-hander pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like inside that pitching staff — the culture, the aura, and why Japanese players have so much success. Glasnow reflects on the long road from Pittsburgh to Tampa to LA, how the Rays' unconventional R&D system helped shape him into an ace, and what pitching coach Mark Prior has meant to his development. He opens up about his relationships with Shohei Ohtani and his Japanese teammates, the real leadership structure in that clubhouse, and whether the Dodgers are actually bad for baseball. Plus — the mental side of pitching, his game-day routine, thoughts on the pitch clock and robot ump, and what he does away from the field. And with two rings already, one question looms: is a three-peat actually coming?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Howard White has been Michael Jordan's right hand at Nike for over 40 years. As Vice President of Jordan Brand and the man Chris Tucker portrayed in Ben Affleck's Air, Howard has been in the room for every pivotal moment in sneaker history. In this powerful sit-down with Matt Barnes, he tells the full story for the first time. From growing up in poverty in Hampton, Virginia to becoming the person who helped sign MJ to Nike (when Jordan wanted Adidas), Howard reveals the untold stories behind the Jordan 3 design conflict with Tinker Hatfield, the Mercedes-Benz analogy that saved Jordan Brand after retirement, and the moment Phil Knight told him "it's been a good run."  He also opens up about his battle with amyloidosis, his heart transplant in December 2020, and how MJ donated $1 million to establish the Howard H. White Center for Amyloidosis. Along the way, you'll hear never-before-told stories about MJ's competitive fire (cycling in Hawaii, ping pong obsession, staring at a blank TV before The Shot), Kobe telling Howard "I want to sit at the table with Mike," and the mother's wisdom that guided Howard through it all: "Even a dog can wag its tail when it passes you on the street."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oscars just wrapped, so we did what made sense: pulled the 20 craziest Hollywood stories from the All The Smoke archives and put them all in one place. Leonardo DiCaprio getting so deep in character on Django Unchained that it changed everything on set. Vince Vaughn actually slapping Snoop Dogg on Starsky & Hutch. Denzel ignoring RZA while quietly giving T.I. the confidence to become an actor. Charlie Sheen juicing for Major League. Tupac and Eazy-E almost starring in Menace II Society. Ryan Coogler breaking down what inspired Sinners. These are the Hollywood conversations nobody else is havingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most complete players to ever put on a uniform finally pulls up to All The Smoke Dugout, and Eric Davis does not disappoint. From growing up in South Central Los Angeles alongside his childhood best friend Darryl Strawberry, to navigating racism in the minor leagues, to becoming the highest paid player in the state of Ohio — E.D. takes us through a life that was anything but ordinary.Eric gets brutally honest about Marge Schott, the most chaotic owner in baseball history, and how her racism became the fuel that drove him to demand a $3 million contract and deliver a World Series championship. He opens up about the real Pete Rose — not the headlines, but the man who showed up with $5,000 cash in a rubber band, ostrich cowboy boots, and more swag than anyone in that clubhouse expected. He breaks down what the steroid era actually looked like from inside the locker room and why the Hall of Fame has lost all credibility in his eyes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vernon “Mad Max” Maxwell joins All The Smoke Unplugged for a hilarious NBA-heavy episode covering Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP run, whether SGA is already better than prime James Harden, Luka Doncic’s revenge stretch with the Lakers, LeBron’s future in LA, Boston’s playoff ceiling, and Houston’s late-season struggles. Mad Max also reacts to Bam’s controversial 83-point game passing Kobe’s mark, breaks down March Madness contenders, top NBA draft prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, and sounds off in classic unfiltered fashion on everything from KD to college hoops chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Wexler is one of the most influential figures in 21st century sneaker culture. Matt and Stak linked up with him during NBA All-Star weekend in LA to break down his legendary run at Adidas, how he recruited Kanye away from Nike, and what it was like working with young Kobe and T-Mac. We also got into Steph Curry's sneaker free agency, Anthony Edwards' rise in the shoe game, and where fashion is headed. This one is straight free game from one of the sharpest minds the industry has ever seen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former University of Southern California athlete Owen “O-Dog” Hanson lived a double life. Known as the “Cocaine Quarterback,” Hanson went from popular college athlete to the leader of a massive international criminal operation involving drug trafficking, sports gambling, and money laundering across the U.S., Australia, and Latin America. At one point, Hanson owed a cartel $4 million, a debt that could have cost him his life. In this episode of ATS Unplugged, Hanson tells the unbelievable story of how a USC Trojans football walk-on ended up moving millions for a cartel, running an international gambling network, and eventually facing a 21-year federal prison sentence after a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. From partying with pro athletes and celebrities to running a global trafficking empire, this is the wild true story of how he survived the cartel, the streets, and federal prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Nick Smells something crazy and follows his nose. finds one of his friends, Matt Barnes, waiting for a pizza. Join these two for some funny conversations about smoking, super fans and how weak sports have gotten in this new era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Effect Presents... All The Smoke! The Game returns to All The Smoke for a wide-open conversation about everything happening in hip-hop and basketball. Compton rapper The Game responds to his controversial Kendrick Lamar comments, gives his thoughts on Drake, breaks down J. Cole's new album, and explains why LaRussell is beyond criticism. On the NBA side, we discuss the LeBron James & Luka Doncic Lakers, Alijah Arenas' breakout, and Compton legend Super Crip. If you're a fan of hip-hop, the NBA, or just real unfiltered conversation, this episode is for you. The Game Responds To EVERYTHING | Kendrick, Drake & The State of RapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taj Gibson just signed a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies at 40 years old, and he's pulling up to All The Smoke Unplugged with Matt Barnes to break it all down. From the emotional phone call that brought him back to the NBA, to untold stories from the Derrick Rose-era Chicago Bulls, Taj holds nothing back. He reveals what D-Rose was REALLY like in practice (spoiler: he was NOT quiet), shares wild stories about Joakim Noah, Thibs' no-rules practice wars, and Carlos Boozer's infamous shoe-dye hairline. Taj also compares Ja Morant to Derrick Rose, breaks down the death of the power forward position, picks his 2028 Olympic big men, and shares what it was like having Wemby grab his shot out of the air. Plus, Taj's childhood friend Tameek Floyd joins to talk about GFB Development and their mission to rebuild the Brooklyn community they grew up in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Basketball history has had only a handful of true faces of the league and we were lucky to sit down with one of them during NBA All-Star Weekend: Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Matt and Stak talk with Dr. J about everything from his legendary runs at Rucker Park to the high-flying, flashy style of the ABA, plus his heated rivalry with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Along the way, we share plenty of laughs, including the inspiration behind Doc’s iconic afro and a hilarious story about his college car at UMass. From influencing generations of players to becoming Michael Jordan’s favorite player and blueprint on and off the court, Dr. J’s impact is undeniable. Step back in time with us as we sit down with true basketball royalty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Paul deserved better. On this episode of ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged, we break down why the Clippers’ handling of CP3’s exit still doesn’t sit right, and how it impacts his legacy as one of the greatest point guards of his era. We also get into: • Jaylen Brown getting disrespected AGAIN... this time by Beverly Hills PD • Team USA 2028 roster projections Who’s a lock? Who’s getting snubbed? • The NBA’s “grimiest” city conversation • Darryn Peterson's Strange Season at KansasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year's NBA All-Star Weekend gave us one of our most iconic moments: the Vernon Maxwell episode. Not only does it stand as one of our funniest and most-watched episodes of all time, but it also brought Mad Max into the ALL THE SMOKE family as a permanent part of the show. So naturally, we had to run it back with this year's live show at The Lighthouse Campus in Venice. We caught up with Max to talk about how his life has changed since that episode and what he's been up to lately. We also sat down with Craig Hodges to discuss his record-setting NBA Three-Point Contest wins, Symba to break down his cutting-edge approach to breaking into the rap game, and Jenna Bandy to talk about her experience in the NBA Celebrity Game and how she built her career as a content creator. This one is packed with laughs, completely unfiltered, in the only way ALL THE SMOKE knows how.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years, we’ve sat down with hip-hop legends who’ve shared untold stories that shaped the culture forever. This compilation brings together 20 of the most jaw-dropping moments from ALL THE SMOKE that you need to hear. Stories like Fat Joe helping get Biggie his first concert while navigating tension with Tupac. Snoop Dogg speaking on a near death experience with Big Boy. The D.O.C’s career changing accident and one of hip-hop’s biggest what-ifs. Dame Dash admitting he didn’t think Kanye could rap. NWA being on the verge of a reunion before Eazy-E passed. These are the kind of stories that remind you how unpredictable the journey really is. That’s what makes ALL THE SMOKE different. Guests don’t hold back. They speak on what really happened, who was really there, and how these moments actually shaped hip-hop history. This is one of the wildest collections of rap stories we’ve ever put together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA FIGHT NIGHT on ALL THE SMOKE Matt Barnes, Stephen Jackson, and Vernon “Mad Max” Maxwell break down the wild Hornets–Pistons scuffle that saw Isaiah Stewart SNAP off the bench and charge the floor. The guys give their unfiltered take on what went down, whether the trip was intentional, and how many games Stewart should (and will) get suspended. The crew also debates what it means when teammates “duck the smoke,” with Duncan Robinson in the spotlight, and whether every player should ride for their squad the way the old school did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patriots legend and 3x Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest joins Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for an unforgettable conversation spanning NFL dynasties, West Coast culture, and untold locker room stories. Willie reveals the REAL reason Bill Belichick chose Tom Brady over $100 million man Drew Bledsoe—including Belichick's "cold speech" to the team that shocked everyone. He breaks down what made the Patriots different, and shares wild stories about Mike Vrabel being an "asshole" teammate who researched opponents' personal lives to trash talk. Beyond football, Willie takes us inside Death Row Records when his former high school classmate Snoop Dogg signed, describes being in Dr. Dre's studio sessions hearing unreleased music, shares his firsthand experience of the LA Riots and the unity that followed, and gets emotional recalling his relationship with the late Junior Seau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Bowl Champion Keyshawn Johnson joins Matt Barnes on All The Smoke Unplugged to share the untold story of how he found out Fox Sports fired everyone, and what really happened behind the scenes at FS1. The former #1 overall NFL Draft pick breaks down his Super Bowl XXXVII experience with the Buccaneers, shares hilarious stories about Jon Gruden, and reveals how Bill Parcells "saved him from working at UPS." Plus, he gives his prediction, explains why Sam Darnold's journey vindicates what he told the Jets years ago, and goes in on the Raiders' #1 pick decision. Keyshawn calls coaches "coyotes" over the Brandon Aiyuk $27M situation, evaluates Shedeur Sanders' rookie season, and shares his thoughts on LeBron's future with the Lakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melvin Gregg's journey from Vine star to Hollywood actor has given creators the blueprint for turning social media fame into a thriving career. Best known for his breakout role as Manboy on Snowfall, Gregg opens up about the financial sacrifices he made while on the show and shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with the legendary John Singleton. He also breaks down the difference between social media fame and acting fame, offers advice for content creators looking to transition into entertainment, and exposes the shady tactics platforms use to manipulate creator reach. Plus, Melvin reveals his unexpected passion for gardening and landscaping. And of course, Stak shoots his shot for an acting role yet again. Your time will come, Stak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mad Max is back and he's not holding back.  Max unleashes on the Bucks' disrespectful treatment of Giannis, shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about Chris Webber crashing at his spot in Sacramento, and breaking down why the Kings franchise continues to disappoint Matt's hometown. Then, NFL legend Jake Plummer and former Broncos WR Nate Jackson join to discuss the Patriots' Super Bowl run, the 49ers' bizarre injury epidemic conspiracy, and what it takes to survive championship-level football. From NBA trade deadline chaos to NFL playoff intensity, this episode brings unfiltered smoke from legends who've lived it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody is using their platform to educate, challenge, and inspire quite like Vic Mensa. From viral orange-tree monologues to fearless conversations about politics, identity, and culture, Vic joins ALL THE SMOKE for one of our most wide-ranging and thought-provoking interviews yet. Vic breaks down how he uses social media as a tool for activism, the realities of Venezuelan immigration in Chicago, and how redlining and systemic violence continue to shape the city. He reflects on growing up biracial, his powerful ayahuasca experience, and the role music plays in influencing today’s youth. We also dive deep into Chicago’s legendary music scene, including unforgettable stories about coming up with Chance The Rapper, being in the room while Kanye West recorded “30 Hours,” and the moment Vic’s own career began to take off. Plus, he talks acting on The Chi, sheds light on today’s activists making a real difference, and shares what it was like filming Still With Smoke entirely on an iPhone in Senegal. This one is equal parts history lesson, cultural deep dive, and raw personal reflection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Bilas and Seth Greenberg join Matt Barnes for a deep, unfiltered conversation on what’s actually broken in college basketball. From NIL and the transfer portal to year-to-year free agency and growing age gaps, Bilas and Greenberg explain why the NCAA is purposefully struggling to keep up, and what that means for the future of the sport. Later, the conversation shifts to the generational 2026 NBA Draft class, including Jay’s thoughts on Darryn Peterson’s Kobe Bryant comparisons, AJ Dybantsa, and Cam Boozer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA super-agent Rich Paul is stepping into a new lane, and it’s turning heads across the league. Matt Barnes reacts to Rich Paul’s recent "Game Over" podcast comments and explains why publicly discussing player movement, trades, and locker-room dynamics can have serious ripple effects inside NBA organizations, ESPECIALLY when stars like LeBron James and the Lakers are involved. Plus, Matt reacts to the Jimmy Butler injury and its consequences for the Golden State Warriors. I s this transparency fans want... or is Rich Paul playing with fire in a profession built on trust and relationships?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode, Matt Barnes sits down with Senator Raphael Warnock for an unfiltered conversation about faith, politics, and the America’s division in dark times. Warnock speaks on Renee Good, community resistance, and why hope requires action and not hashtags. He calls out the weaponization of Christianity, breaks down the real stakes around healthcare and choice, and explains how culture and sports can shift political power. This is an urgent and honest dialogue about using your voice, protecting your neighbors, and showing up for the next generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Affleck joins Matt and Stak for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, control, and staying grounded in an industry that rarely allows for it. He talks about building Artists Equity with Matt Damon, why ownership matters more to him now than ever, and how their friendship has survived fame, failure, and everything in between. B en reflects on choosing when to step in front of the camera and when to stay behind it, why he’s never felt the pull of social media, and what it takes to be comfortable being misunderstood. He also shares stories from directing Air, working closely with Michael Jordan, and the sports movie he still hopes to make one day. The conversation moves through defining moments like Good Will Hunting and The Town, lessons learned from Rob Reiner, handling paparazzi at the height of fame, and his respect for filmmakers like Ryan Coogler. Ben also gives his honest take on artificial intelligence in entertainment and what to look out for in his new Netflix film, The Rip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fred VanVleet pulls up to ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged and keeps it 💯 From Kevin Durant’s viral moment to the REAL version of Dillon Brooks, Fred sounds off on everything fans don’t get to hear: ACL rehab, mental battles, grief, veteran leadership, and why today’s NBA is missing something real. PLUS: Coach Ime Udoka’s leadership (“Popovich energy”) Why the NBA needs vets more than ever His most infamous ejection and the real-life context behind it Quick hitters: toughest covers, MJ/Kobe/Bron, road trip cities & moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Jaguars reporter showed emotion after a playoff moment... and legacy media LOST ITS MIND. Matt Barnes breaks down why the backlash to Lynn Jones Turpin's postgame interaction with Liam Coen missed the point, how athletes see moments like this differently, and why letting someone show love for 30 seconds shouldn’t be controversial. If you’ve ever wondered who actually understands the pressure of playoff sports, players or pundits, this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scramblin’ Randall was the original dual-threat quarterback and one of the most electric players the game has ever seen. Matt and Stak sit down with Randall Cunningham, now Pastor Cunningham, to trace his journey from UNLV to the Philadelphia Eagles and beyond. Cunningham shares his thoughts on today’s stars like Lamar Jackson and Shedeur Sanders, reflects on playing alongside Randy Moss and Cris Carter, and tells unforgettable stories from his life on and off the field. From college football days with Suge Knight, to hearing his name dropped in Jay-Z’s Heart of the City, to dating Whitney Houston, this episode is packed with moments you don’t want to miss. Buckle up. This one sets the tone perfectly for the NFL playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mad Max returns to the first Unplugged of 2026 with both Matt and Stak! The crew debates whether the Warriors dynasty is officially OVER, breaks down the viral Draymond-Kerr sideline confrontation, and plays Push or Pivot on trade deadline targets like Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Ja Morant. Plus, Stak goes OFF on Joel Embiid playing basketball with NO SOCKS, the guys debate if Jaylen Brown is the best two-way player in the NBA, discuss LeBron's potential All-Star snub, and dive deep into Jokic's MVP case vs. the 65-game rule. Then it's NFL Wild Card Weekend picks and a thoughtful conversation about Drake's post-Kendrick beef comeback with the Iceman album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ALL THE SMOKE is where real beef gets talked about, not talked around. Over the years, our guests have been unfiltered about their biggest conflicts and the moments where they refused to back down. Whether it was tension with a coach, the media, a league, or a teammate, this compilation brings it all together. We cover Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf standing up to the NBA, the Will Smith and Chris Rock incident, Isiah Thomas on his issues with Michael Jordan and Karl Malone, Dwight Howard’s struggles with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, and Terrell Owens’s unrecoverable beef with Stephen A. Smith, and more. Matt and Stak even get personal, breaking down their own beefs with Byron Scott and Doc Rivers. One of the special things about ALL THE SMOKE is that guests let it all fly. No filters. No rewriting history. This might be one of the juiciest compilations we’ve dropped to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged sits down with legendary radio executive Damion “Damizza” Young for a conversation that connects the real history of hip-hop to the future of media, AI, and ownership 💨 From connecting Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, helping Eminem, 50 Cent, and Jay-Z get heard, and witnessing Pac, Biggie, and Death Row up close, Damian shares the untold stories behind the moments that changed music forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Lorenzo joins ALL THE SMOKE alongside his father, former MLB player and manager Jerry Manuel, making this the first father son duo episode in the show’s history. They reflect on Jerry Lorenzo’s upbringing around Major League Baseball, the influence of his father’s career, and how those early years shaped his perspective. The conversation also dives into Michael Jordan’s unintended impact on baseball and what his presence meant for the sport and its cultural visibility. Jerry breaks down the origin of Fear of God and opens up about the early moments that gave him confidence including receiving Kanye West’s stamp of approval, which helped solidify his belief in what he was building. From there, they talk about breaking through in fashion, what culture really means, and the decline of the Black American baseball player. The episode also covers baseball players with the most swag, fatherhood, the best baseball jersey of all time, building Fear of God Essentials, battling imposters, finding the right collaborators, and carrying their family legacy forward. This is rare multi generational conversation connecting sports, fashion, culture, and belief.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Art of Ward, Andre Ward sits down with Hall of Famer Tim Bradley live at the House of Boxing in San Diego. Bradley calls out Jake Paul AND his trainer J’Leon Love to a “two for one” fight in the same night—and reveals why he’s training at 5:30 AM to back it up. The two-division, five-time world champion also shares the untold story of discovering Terence Crawford’s greatness during a sparring session, the truths behind his trilogy with the legendary Manny Pacquiao, plus his incredible journey from being expelled in second grade to the Hall of Fame! Subscribe to The Art of Ward: -->  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-ward/id1767454006 -->  https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-art-of-ward-214694054/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kendrick Perkins pulls back the curtain on the NBA’s most unforgettable moments, from Hall of Fame hazing stories to the truth about the Durant-Westbrook OKC era. He also weighs in on Shedeur Sanders, NBA media beefs, his biggest career regrets, what ESPN life is really like, why SGA is giving him Michael Jordan-type vibes. Plus, we get an inside look into the future of NBA fandom with Head of Threads Connor Hayes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Nichols goes behind the scenes of the NBA Cup with Dwyane Wade, SGA, Jalen Williams, Desmond Bane, Tony Parker, Blake Griffin, De’Aaron Fox, Josh Hart, Chris Haynes and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.