All The Smoke

Jason Sudeikis pulled up to ALL THE SMOKE with Ted Lasso Season 4 out now and it turns out the man could hoop!? Before Hollywood, he was a flashy JUCO point guard at Fort Scott Community College and he and Stak almost crossed paths in the Jayhawk Conference. We got into why Lasso is the most personal thing he's ever made, the Tony Parker and Thierry Henry moment that told him the idea had legs, and why Apple was the only one willing to take a shot on it. He also opened up on scalping his Bulls tickets to pay rent in Chicago, what Chris Rock told him right before his SNL audition, and why he calls Lorne Michaels coach. Plus, Jason talked WNBA ahead of the playoffs coming up.

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0:00 – Intro & Welcome to the Dugout
2:02 – George Steinbrenner, Chris Berman & Building a TV Career
7:44 – Life as Tommy John's Teammate
13:54 – Raising Jack Leiter & the Mental Game (Harvey Dorfman)
22:44 – Facing Vladimir Guerrero
26:40 – Roots: The Minor League Hypnotist, One of Seven Kids & the 32-K High School Game
39:46 – Mike Piazza, Pitch-Calling & Inventing His Cutter
46:19 – Drafted by the Yankees as a Diehard Mets Fan
50:17 – Billy Martin, Lou Piniella & Old-School Managers
54:20 – Almost Fighting David Ortiz on Live TV
1:01:23 – The Best Rickey Henderson Stories Ever
1:06:54 – World Series Memories & the 2000 Subway Series
1:10:27 – 9/11, Piazza's Homer & "We Were Part of the Healing"
1:16:52 – Mount Rushmore of Pitchers
1:25:53 – Pitch Counts Then vs. Now & Nolan Ryan's No-Hitter
1:36:05 – Dream Guest: Sandy Koufax
1:37:55 - End

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Colin Kaepernick is ALL THE SMOKE and he's still got everything to say. Matt & Stak sat down with the man who took a knee and changed sports forever, and he came with the real story: the fake NFL workout that turned into a legal trap, the waiver his own lawyers called malpractice, and the call from Jay-Z the day before that NFL deal went public. Ten years after the protest, Kaepernick still trains like he's getting the call tomorrow. He also breaks down the Super Bowl run, growing up biracial in Northern California, and what he actually wants to be remembered for, as a quarterback and as a man.

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Dave Stewart, the East Oakland kid known as "Smoke" who became a 4x 20-game winner, 3x World Series champion, and 1989 World Series MVP, joins All The Smoke Dugout for a full career sit-down. From sneaking into A's games as a kid to living through the '89 earthquake mid-World Series, this is one of the deepest baseball interviews we've ever done.

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The NFL didn’t want Warren Moon at quarterback. He became its highest-paid player anyway.

He joins Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson to reveal how he overcame racial barriers, won five consecutive Grey Cups in Canada and changed the perception of Black quarterbacks in the NFL.

Moon also opens up about the racism his family endured and why he secretly attended therapy during his playing career. He reflects on Doug Williams’ historic Super Bowl win, gets honest about Shedeur Sanders, shares the advice he gave Russell Wilson and reveals how his jersey connected LeBron James and Rich Paul.

Plus, he explains why he let Cam Ward wear No. 1 and shares unforgettable stories about Barry Sanders, Lawrence Taylor and Derrick Thomas.

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Jose Canseco joins All The Smoke Baseball for one of the wildest episodes yet — the Madonna affair (with a helicopter chase), his take on PEDs and the Hall of Fame, life with the "Bash Brothers" A's, and how a home run off his own head led him to his wife.

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Danny DeVito is ALL THE SMOKE in human form: he's seen it all and none of it fazes him. Matt & Stak sat down with one of Hollywood's funniest legends and went all the way back to foggy memories from the 50s. Danny brought the stories too: the prank the Always Sunny crew pulled on him, the time he snuck weed into Arnold Schwarzenegger's cigar, and the monkey that bit his balls on the set of Batman Returns. Fifty years in the business and DeVito still matches Matt & Stak's don't give a f- energy. He also gets into Tarantino, Michael Douglas, and the courtside Lakers story with Jack Nicholson.

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Prince Fielder joins the show live for a wide-ranging conversation on his career — growing up in MLB clubhouses as the son of Cecil Fielder, grinding through the minors, reviving the Brewers, chasing 50 home runs, signing a $214M deal with Detroit, and the neck injuries that cut his career short. Plus: the hitters he likes today, the toughest pitchers he ever faced, and more.

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After a summer hiatus, Matt & Stak kicked season 8 of ALL THE SMOKE off with a bang. We reacted to what was one of the craziest offseasons in NBA history: LeBron to Philly, the Jaylen Brown trade, Ja Morant's fresh start in Portland, Kawhi's scandal, and the Warriors' latest trade rumors around Steph Curry. Matt & Stak finish it off with an ode to their favorite coach Don Nelson, who recently passed. RIP Nellie!

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1989 NL MVP Kevin Mitchell sits down for his first interview on All The Smoke and doesn't hold anything back. From growing up in the streets of southeast San Diego to becoming a World Series champion and MVP, to the health battle that left him paralyzed for five years, Kevin takes us through the full story.

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Kevin Garnett has NEVER been short on stories 😂🔥

KG looks back on his wildest moments from across his ALL THE SMOKE appearances: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to legendary trash talk, the Olympics, Kendrick Perkins, Tim Duncan and more. 

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Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins All The Smoke for a different kind of episode. Kendrick unpacks how the league died, why the record books just got rewritten, and the Satchel Paige vs. Josh Gibson showdown that might be the greatest story in baseball history.

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Curtis Granderson joins Matt Barnes and Nick Swisher and opens up about getting traded to the Yankees mid-shopping-trip, reworking his swing with hitting coach Kevin Long, what Derek Jeter was really like as a teammate, Ichiro's strangest habits, Jim Leyland's old-school leadership, his run to the 2015 World Series with the Mets, nearly quitting baseball before his call-up, and building the Players Alliance.

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Two of the greatest to ever swing a bat and the MLB legends who watched them up close aren't holding back on who's really the GOAT. Mookie Betts, CC Sabathia, Sammy Sosa and more break down what made Barry Bonds impossible to pitch to and why Ohtani might be unlike anything the game has ever seen. From Bonds' mental approach at the plate to Ohtani being called a straight up unicorn, this one gets into the details that actually separate legendary from generational. Tap in for the arguments, the respect and the real talk on where these two stand in baseball history.

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MLB insider Jeff Passan joins Matt Barnes for a wide-ranging conversation covering the looming MLB lockout, the wildest trade that never happened, why he gave up his Hall of Fame vote, breaking the Ohtani gambling scandal, the business behind Ohtani and the Dodgers, the Tommy John surgery epidemic in youth baseball, and much more.

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Matt Barnes goes all-access at WWE Monday Night Raw ahead of SummerSlam, sitting down with Jacob Fatu, Je'Von Evans and Royce Keys for exclusive conversations from inside the Intuit Dome.

The WWE Superstars open up about their journeys to the biggest stage in professional wrestling, the legends who shaped their careers and what's next as SummerSlam approaches. Je'Von Evans talks learning from Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton and John Cena, Royce Keys reflects on grinding his way from the independent circuit to WWE, and Jacob Fatu gets real about his family's legendary wrestling lineage, overcoming his toughest years and carving out a legacy of his own.

Plus, Matt gets an inside look at Monday Night Raw and the energy surrounding one of WWE's biggest weekends of the year.

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Cecil Fielder joins All The Smoke to tell his full story: leaving Toronto for Japan, chasing 50 home runs in 1990, winning it all with the '96 Yankees, and opens up honestly about his relationship with son Prince Fielder.

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Matt Barnes & Nick Swisher sit down with legendary broadcaster and two-time All-Star Harold Reynolds live from MLB All-Star Weekend in Philly. Harold takes us all the way back to Corvallis, Oregon, where he grew up one of eight kids, snuck into the gym to watch Pistol Pete Maravich shoot around, and helped Dick Fosbury perfect the Fosbury Flop before it won Olympic gold. From there he breaks down what it was really like stepping into an 80s MLB clubhouse as a rookie, and the vets — Julio Cruz, Maury Wills, Frank White, Reggie Jackson, Jim Palmer — who took him under their wing and passed down lessons that don't show up in any box score.

The crew gets into the biggest shifts in the game: why Harold thinks the eye test still matters more than the analytics era wants to admit, how kids are getting priced out of baseball before they ever get a shot, and why coaching today looks nothing like it did when a manager like Dick Williams could put the fear of God in you. Harold also shares what it was like coming up alongside Ken Griffey Jr. and his dad in Seattle, watching Randy Johnson turn into a monster after one lunch with Nolan Ryan, and breaking Rickey Henderson's stolen base streak.

There's no shortage of Bo Jackson lore either, from throwing out Harold at home from the wall, hitting bombs from both sides of the plate, benching 400 pounds in street clothes just to prove a point. Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak, Kevin Mitchell showing up to games on his own terms, and Harold's jump from the field to Baseball Tonight and co-founding MLB Network round out one of the deepest baseball history conversations the show has done.

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Jimmy Rollins joins All The Smoke Baseball for one of the realest conversations we've had yet.

The 2007 NL MVP, World Series champion, and Phillies all-time hits leader takes us from the fields of Alameda all the way to Cooperstown's doorstep.

J-Roll holds nothing back. He tells the story of the minor league coach who said he'd never make it with that "big-a** swing," the rookie-year beef with Scott Rolen that ended with the angriest home run of his life, and the advice Ken Griffey Jr. gave him at 17 that carried his whole career.

He breaks down how Larry Bowa built him into a Gold Glove shortstop, what made the 2008 Phillies core special — Chase Utley's grit, Ryan Howard's confidence and Pat Burrell as the glue. Rollins also gets honest about his Hall of Fame wait.

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All The Smoke Baseball sits down with 17-year MLB veteran Royce Clayton.

Royce opens up about growing up in Inglewood, getting drafted in the first round by the Giants, and the pressure of replacing his childhood hero Ozzie Smith in St. Louis. He shares stories about Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire's legendary batting practice, playing clean through the steroid era, and winning it all with the 2007 Red Sox.

Plus: coaching his sons to a CIF championship, playing Miguel Tejada in Moneyball, and the real story behind the infamous clubhouse fight with Chad Tracy.

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Kevin Hart warned us. Will Ferrell is one of the funniest people alive and he confirmed it on ALL THE SMOKE. Matt & Stak got into all of it with Will: Anchorman, Old School, Talladega Nights, Semi-Pro, plus his new series "The Hawk," where he plays Lonnie Hawkins, a pro golfer chasing his magic late in his career. And because Will is a diehard Lakers fan, he told us about the time he "ejected" Shaq from a game. We could try to explain the rest, but we were laughing too hard to take notes. Just watch or listen. After years of calling Stak "Ron Burgundy" for reading anything that hits the screen, this one has been a long time coming.

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You don't find many as talented as the hilarious Deon Cole between acting, directing, and comedy. We got up with the Chicago comedy legend to talk about his role as Don King in the Michael movie and the current state of comedy. Deon had us rolling with stories about getting security called on him at the Roots Picnic, the time Idris Elba pistol whipped him on the set of The Harder They Fall, and watching DeRay Davis's evolution up close. Few guests had us laughing quite like Deon.

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The NBA offseason is officially underway, and Matt Barnes is breaking down everything that comes next.

On the final episode of ALL THE SMOKE: Unplugged before summer break, Matt reacts to the blockbuster Giannis trade to Miami, discusses Jaylen Brown's future in Boston, weighs in on LeBron James' next move, and shares why the Spurs and Thunder are built to dominate the Western Conference.

Then, Fred VanVleet joins the show to talk about recovering from injury, Houston's rollercoaster season, Kevin Durant's leadership, going undrafted, and the NBA's new Players United initiative.

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Coco Crisp joins Matt and Chris Young for a conversation with one of the most versatile and underrated center fielders of his generation. The 2007 World Series champion played 15 seasons across Cleveland, Boston, Oakland, and Kansas City and his journey to get there was anything but straightforward.

Coco opens up about growing up in Inglewood during the 90s and how a near-robbery involving his father and a stray hubcap became the moment that changed his family's life forever. He talks about his career progression, starting as a shortstop, moving to the outfield and becoming one of the premier defenders of his era.

He dives deep into his time in Boston, explaining what it was like to step in and fill Johnny Damon's place. He retells the story of his all out brawl with James Shields and the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008. Finally, Coco recalls his time in Oakland and the end of his career in Cleveland where he fell just short of a World Series Championship in his final MLB game.

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We've been working on this one for a while: we got 44 on ALL THE SMOKE. With the Obama Presidential Center freshly opened in Chicago, Matt & Stak got a real sit down with Barack Obama himself. We got into the origin story behind Home Court, the basketball facility he built right into the Center and what hoops meant to him growing up without his father in the house, idolizing Walt Frazier and Dr. J from a TV screen in Hawaii. We also broke down the Knicks' championship run with him, from Brunson's heart to why he's officially crowning him the king of New York, and got his honest take on a divided America. Plus, Obama opened up on what he misses most since leaving the White House and how he's spending his time now mentoring the next generation of leaders.

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Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, the heart of the Grit & Grind Grizzlies, pull up to All The Smoke and go deep with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The two Memphis legends and Out The Mud hosts get into how they got into the podcast space, the brotherhood that built one of the toughest teams in NBA history, and the stories most fans have never heard.

TA tells how a Kobe Bryant text almost made him a Laker, what he learned about being a pro from James Posey and KG in Boston, and the dead-ball dunk that tore his ACL. Z-Bo and TA relive the Lob City vs Grit & Grind wars, the hard fouls, and beating the Tim Duncan Spurs. We got into Ja Morant, LeBron's Memphis comments, and much more. Be ready for some good laughs and real talk from two of the strongest personalities in the game.

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The Knicks are NBA champions, Jalen Brunson silenced every doubter, and Victor Wembanyama's first Finals run has the entire basketball world talking. 🏆👀

On this episode of ALL THE SMOKE: Unplugged, Matt Barnes breaks down the biggest storylines from the 2026 NBA Finals, including the growing debate around Wemby's public perception, the Spurs' blown leads, Brunson's historic championship run, and why San Antonio's future is still brighter than ever.

Plus, Matt reacts to the latest Giannis trade rumors, weighs in on Jaylen Brown potentially being moved, and discusses one of the biggest NBA Draft storylines involving Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa.

Then, Matt sits down with projected lottery pick Kingston Flemings to discuss his rise from Houston to the NBA Draft, playing for Kelvin Sampson, competing against the nation's best prospects, and what NBA teams can expect from his game.

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CJ Miles spent 17 years in the NBA and has stayed around the game in a completely different role. It's hard to put CJ in a box. He writes, he takes photos, and most importantly, he tells stories. Matt and Stak got up with CJ to talk about this new chapter of his life, what it was like being one of the last players to jump straight from high school to the league, and the stories that come with 17 years of NBA experience. We touched on everything from the Utah Jazz to Larry Bird personally recruiting him to the Pacers, to the ongoing debate about which state produces the best basketball players: California or Texas. This one is filled with stories, laughs, and real game on how to transition from being a pro in one world and build something in another.

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Chase Utley sits down with Matt Barnes for an extremely interesting conversation. Six-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, World Series champion, 259 career home runs, and possible hall of fame inductee in the near future.

Utley opens up on the grind of the minor leagues, the unbreakable chemistry he built with Jimmy Rollins, what it was like watching Ryan Howard hit moon shots from the on-deck circle, how the Phillies dynasty quietly became one of the greatest teams of the 2000s and much more.

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The Spurs stole Game 3 in New York, but did they just unlock something even bigger? 👀

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson break down the adjustments that changed the NBA Finals, why Victor Wembanyama looked like a different player, and whether the Knicks beat themselves with costly mistakes.

Plus:

🏀 Did the Spurs finally unlock Wemby's full potential?

🏀 Why Jalen Brunson didn't look like himself in Game 3

🏀 Karl-Anthony Towns as New York's X-factor

🏀 De'Aaron Fox's impact on the series

🏀 Stephon Castle's breakout performance

🏀 Why Stak says Wemby "ain't a punk"

🏀 Game 4 predictions and what's at stake for both teams

Has San Antonio figured something out... or will the Knicks bounce back and take control of the Finals?

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Larry Miller built Jordan Brand into what it is today. He sat in boardrooms, brokered deals, and helped shape one of the most powerful names in sports history. What most people still don't know is where he came from to get there. At 16, he was convicted of second degree murder. He served four and a half years in prison. That's not the beginning most people picture when they think about the man who ran Jordan Brand. Caron Butler, who walked a similar road before the NBA, joins the conversation. Between the two of them, they cover a lot of ground on what it actually takes to make it out and build something real. This is one of the most important episodes we've done.

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Matt Barnes sits down with Grammy Award-winning gospel star Erica Campbell and producer Dr. Holly Carter to talk about Lifetime’s new movie, Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery.

Matt opens up about how a chance encounter with Brandy led to his unexpected acting role, why the Lifetime opportunity reminded him of his late mother, and how the project connected to his own spiritual journey. Erica Campbell also breaks down stepping into one of her most surprising roles yet, filming intimate scenes, setting boundaries with her husband, and why the film’s themes of infidelity, faith, redemption and marriage matter.

Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery premieres Saturday, June 6 at 8/7c on Lifetime.

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The NBA Finals are HERE, and Stephen Jackson is breaking it all down.

Stak reacts to the Spurs' Game 7 win over OKC, explains why he was disappointed in Chet Holmgren's performance, and discusses whether Oklahoma City should consider making a major roster move. He also shares stories from his own NBA Finals run with the Spurs and reflects on the impact Gregg Popovich had on his career.

Plus, Stak previews the NBA Finals matchup between Victor Wembanyama's Spurs and Jalen Brunson's Knicks, gives his series prediction, talks Wemby's emotional leadership, and weighs in on the ongoing debate around Shai Gilgeous Alexander and foul drawing in today's NBA.

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AJ Dybantsa pulled up to the ALL THE SMOKE studio and it was clear from the jump: this kid is different. We got into his journey from Brockton to BYU, what it was like being the most watched prospect in the country since 9th grade, and why he has never once dropped from the number one spot. We also broke down the intensity behind his game, how an 8th grade coach changed everything, and what LeBron told him about business that he took and ran with. AJ’s dad Ace also joined the show to give us more background on their tight relationship and approach to development.

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Dave Winfield sits down with Matt Barnes and Chris Young for an extremely revealing conversation. By every measure, Winfield had one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen. 7-time Gold Glove winner. 3,000 hits. Hall of Famer. Drafted by four leagues in a single year. But the numbers only tell part of the story. For the first time, Winfield opens up about the years behind the stats: a decade of battling George Steinbrenner that made him miserable during his years in New York.

He also talks about joy, specifically when he signed with Toronto at 40 years old, playing 156 games, driving in 108 runs and winning the 1992 World Series. Winfield also touches on his upbringing in Minnesota, the most underrated players of his generation, making $15,000 as a rookie, his brawl with Nolan Ryan, and much more.

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The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals… and Matt Barnes is giving credit where it’s due.

Matt opens the episode by breaking down how Jalen Brunson proved the doubters wrong, why Mike Brown changed everything in New York, and how the Knicks rebuilt themselves into a championship contender.

Then ESPN legend Kenny Mayne joins ATS Unplugged for an incredible conversation about the golden era of ESPN, working alongside Stuart Scott, unforgettable stories about Kobe Bryant and Ken Griffey Jr., playing football with Randall Cunningham at UNLV Rebels football, Seattle sports history, golf culture, and the future of media in the AI era.

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Gary Vaynerchuk rolled through the All the Smoke studio and it was clear from the jump: Gary knows ball. We got into his maniacal Knicks fandom, the business of basketball, and the one trait he believes is the key to success in anything he does. We also picked Gary's brain on the sports card industry, why he believes in the future of pickleball, and what he'd tell Wemby right now if he was in his corner. This might be one of the most game-filled episodes we've ever dropped.

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Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony joins ATS Unplugged for an in-depth conversation on basketball’s new era.

Melo breaks down why Victor Wembanyama is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen, why the New York Knicks have a real shot at the Finals, and what it was like watching Kiyan battle through a tough freshman season at Syracuse University.

He also opens up on:

Kobe Bryant and the 2009 Western Conference Finals

Why today’s players don’t master the mid-range anymore

The NBA stars he’d love to train

Wemby’s mentality and mindset NIL chaos and the future of college basketball

What separates elite scorers from everybody else

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Darren Waller pulls up to All The Smoke and holds nothing back. From the chair in Miami where Mike McDaniel got fired 90 minutes after their exit meeting, to the parking lot in Baltimore where a fentanyl-laced Percocet nearly ended his life, the All-Pro tight end walks Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson through the highs, lows, and the resurrection in between. Now 9 years sober and weighing his next NFL move, Waller is more open than he's ever been.

He breaks down the cold business of the league, the Toradol and painkiller culture that swallowed teammates like Lorenzo "Zoe" Taliaferro, the wild drug-test tricks players used to beat the system, and the John Harbaugh rookie-meeting moment that hit him in the heart. Waller also opens up on stocking shelves at Sprouts for $11 an hour before becoming one of the highest-paid tight ends in NFL history, his Harlem jazz bloodline tied to Fats Waller, and the brotherhood he's built with Max Crosby through recovery.

Plus: a live Baron Davis FaceTime cameo after Darren drops his new song named after the We Believe Warriors legend, his all-time offensive starting five, smartest defender he ever faced (Vontaze Burfict), the hardest hit he ever took, and what he wants out of free agency this offseason.

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Matt sits down with one of baseball's most remarkable figures — Dusty Baker. A 19-year career as a player, one of the greatest managerial runs in the sport's history, and a front-row seat to some of the most defining moments in baseball history.

Dusty opens up about breaking into professional baseball in the Deep South in 1968, navigating sundown laws as a young Black man in the minor leagues, and what it was really like to come of age during one of the most turbulent eras in American history. He shares what it meant to be taken under the wing of legends, like Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige, and how those early experiences shaped the way he led clubhouses for decades.

He also gets into managing Barry Bonds through one of the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history,, the infamous Bartman game in Chicago, inheriting the Houston Astros in the middle of a scandal, and finally winning it all at 73 years old — becoming the oldest manager in history to win a World Series.

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The NBA Playoffs have been wild! To break it all down, you already know we had to bring back our guy Mad Max. Matt and Max discuss the Lakers' impending offseason, Wemby's ejection, and the criticism Jaylen Brown has been drawing. We also break down the Wizards winning the lottery, potential Giannis destinations, and why KD should stay in Houston.

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Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom sits down with Matt & Stack to talk about pushing Nipsey Hussle's legacy forward. From humble beginnings in the streets to building one of hip hop's most respected brands, Sam gets into the opening of Nipsey Hussle Square, the future of the Marathon brand, and the highly anticipated Nipsey docuseries and Prolific music project dropping soon. Bino Rideaux also pulls up to share what he's been working on and what it was really like creating with Nip. This one is heavy. Game, love, and real talk about a legend who never stopped building.

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Stephen Jackson sits down 1-on-1 with his real brother 2 Chainz for a wide-ranging Unplugged conversation covering hip-hop, fatherhood, basketball, and legacy. 2 Chainz opens up about his new memoir The Voice in Your Head Is God, finding hidden money and letters his late father left behind, and being a special guest on Lil Wayne's 20-year Carter Class of Tour this summer. He drops nostalgia on Duffel Bag Boyz with Wayne, pays homage to Dolla, and previews his upcoming album Players Only Live Once (POLO) featuring Mary J. Blige, Big Sean, Macy Gray, and T.I.

2 Chainz also goes deep on his son Halo's NBA mindset, the recent scouting trip to Kansas with the Hawks ownership to see AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, and why he believes the Spurs are winning the whole thing this year.

Plus: Hawks first-round playoff exit to the Knicks, Mike Brown's defensive blueprint, the future of the Celtics and Rockets, his Atlanta club Candyland, and a passionate defense of KD's decision to protect his Achilles.

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II sat down with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson ahead of his Netflix debut in Man on Fire, where he steps into the iconic role made famous by Denzel Washington. Yahya breaks down what it takes to fill those shoes, shares stories about Keanu Reeves, Michael Bay, Lisa Bonet, and gives his take on the future of Hollywood. And when we found out he hooped in high school? You already know we had to go there. Real ones know what to expect from ALL THE SMOKE.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: End

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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."

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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 having

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Rap

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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.

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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.

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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 Kansas

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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 & more

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Layzie Bone pulled up to ALL THE SMOKE for a legendary conversation about one of the most influential rap groups ever. From reuniting Bone Thugs-N-Harmony today to breaking down their impact on hip-hop, this episode is packed with stories that shaped an entire era. Layzie takes us back to Cleveland, talks about being homeless while making a platinum album, and opens up about Bizzy Bone’s kidnapping and the chaos that surrounded the group in their early days. He shares memories of working with icons like Eazy E, Mariah Carey, Biggie, and Tupac, and gives us the inside story on classic tracks like Notorious Thugs and First of the Month.

We also get into a Christmas party run-in the crew had with Wu-Tang Clan, his thoughts on the greatest rap groups ever, and the journey from the streets to winning a Grammy. This is hip-hop history told by one of the architects.

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Shedeur Sanders turned heads against the Titans…and Matt Barnes & Mad Max have PLENTY to say. After the rookie’s best game yet through three NFL starts, the crew unpacks the pre-draft disrespect, the media double standard with Baker Mayfield & Johnny Manziel, and why they believe the backlash is more about Deion than football.

Plus, Max unloads on what he sees as a system built to stunt Shedeur’s growth.

Also in this episode of ATS Unplugged:

• Is Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs run slipping?

• LeBron’s Lakers surge and real title chances

• Chris Paul’s messy Clippers exit and the NBA’s respect problem

• Sparks or Fire: Kuminga trade rumors, Warriors ceiling & more

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Candace Parker sits down with ALL THE SMOKE for a rare and honest conversation about her legendary career and the future she's helping build. She takes us from dunking in high school to learning under Pat Summitt at Tennessee, linking with Kobe in LA, and her Finals battles with Maya Moore. She opens up about giving birth mid-career and still dominating, winning that 2016 WNBA championship for Coach Summitt, and what it means watching A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers carry the torch. Now running Adidas Women's Basketball, Candace breaks down the WNBA's evolution, Unrivaled, and why this generation is different. This is one of the greatest to ever do it, unfiltered and all in on the future of the game.

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Mad Max and Stak pull up for an unfiltered breakdown of the NBA’s most unexpected beefs: from Kenyon Martin vs Draymond Green, to K-Mart’s clashes with Swaggy P, IG Live moments, and the “STRAITJACKET CRAZY” stories.

They also react to the Klay vs. Ja Morant/Myron Gardner situation, Caron Butler stepping in, and what Ja needs mentally to get back to form.

Plus: Lakers surging, Jazz banning signs, Max leaving $25M on the table, and a new Stoner 60 reaction.

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Women’s basketball is exploding and we linked up with three of the best coaches in the country to break it all down: Dawn Staley, Cori Close, and Vic Shaefer. Matt and Stak get a real inside look at how South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas operate at the highest level and how NIL has reshaped recruiting across the board. Dawn also opens up about her interview with the Knicks and what really happened behind the scenes. The future of the women’s game is shining brighter than ever and this roundtable is a full masterclass on where the sport is headed.

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