5 Reasons Why 'All The Smoke' Podcast Is The Most Essential NBA Listen Right Now (December 2025)
The "All The Smoke" podcast, hosted by former NBA champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, continues to dominate the sports media landscape, especially as of December 19, 2025. What started as a raw, unfiltered conversation between two outspoken ex-players has exploded into a full-fledged multimedia production powerhouse, driven by their willingness to tackle the latest NBA news, controversial topics, and personal stories with a level of authenticity rarely found in mainstream sports journalism. The show’s current success is intrinsically linked to its ability to secure A-list guests and its hosts' commitment to speaking their minds, regardless of the backlash.
The show's recent episodes, featuring major names like Candace Parker and Kendrick Perkins, demonstrate its unparalleled reach and relevance in the current basketball season. Beyond the main podcast, the expansion of All The Smoke Productions (ATSP) signals a strategic move to build a media empire, cementing Barnes and Jackson not just as hosts, but as influential media executives. This deep dive explores the core elements, recent developments, and the growing ecosystem that makes All The Smoke the most essential NBA podcast to listen to right now.
The Architects of Authenticity: Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson Biography
The foundation of the All The Smoke podcast's success lies in the tumultuous, championship-winning, and often controversial careers of its two hosts. Their shared history as intense competitors and their reputation for "wanting all the smoke" on and off the court translate directly into their hosting style.
- Matt Barnes
- Born: March 9, 1980 (Age 45 as of December 2025).
- NBA Career: Played for nine teams over 14 seasons (2002–2017), including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
- Championship: Won an NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
- Reputation: Known for his fierce defense, intensity, and being one of the most outspoken players in the league, often involved in on-court altercations.
- Media Role: Co-host of All The Smoke and Co-founder of All The Smoke Productions.
- Stephen "Captain Jack" Jackson
- Born: April 5, 1978 (Age 47 as of December 2025).
- NBA Career: Played for eight teams over 14 seasons (1997–2014), including the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors.
- Championship: Won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
- Reputation: Famous for his fiery personality, leadership, and his involvement in the infamous "Malice at the Palace" incident in 2004. He is a prominent voice on social justice and cultural issues.
- Media Role: Co-host of All The Smoke and Co-founder of All The Smoke Productions.
Unfiltered Conversations: The Latest Must-Watch Episodes of Late 2025
The show’s ability to consistently secure elite guests and discuss the most pressing issues is its main draw. Unlike traditional sports interviews, Barnes and Jackson create an environment where former players and current athletes feel comfortable sharing truly untold stories. The latest run of episodes in late 2025 exemplifies this fresh, news-breaking content.
The Candace Parker Interview and GOAT Debates
One of the most talked-about episodes of December 2025 was the appearance of WNBA legend and analyst Candace Parker (December 9, 2025). The conversation went deep into the history of women's basketball, discussing the 'GOAT' women's hoopers, her lessons learned from Kobe Bryant, and the intense rivalries, including her 'wars' with former WNBA star Maya Moore. This episode was a masterclass in expanding the show's topical authority beyond the men's game, appealing to a broader, more sophisticated sports audience.
Kendrick Perkins and the Untold OKC Stories
Another high-profile guest was former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins (December 15, 2025). Perkins, known for his strong opinions, delivered untold stories from his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, specifically shedding light on the dynamic between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook during the OKC era. He also offered candid details about the 'HOF Hazing' that rookies endure, providing a rare glimpse into the locker room culture that fans rarely get to see. These types of insider accounts are what set All The Smoke apart from competitors like *The Big Podcast with Shaq* or *KG Certified*.
Addressing the Current NBA Landscape
Barnes and Jackson are not just retrospective; they are also highly current. Recent episodes have focused on the immediate events of the 2025-2026 NBA season. The "Behind the Scenes of NBA Cup" episode (December 13, 2025) dissected the new in-season tournament, offering player-perspective analysis on its impact and future. Furthermore, their segment on the "NBA's Most UNEXPECTED Beefs" (December 3, 2025), which often features their collaborator 'Mad Max,' keeps the show relevant by diving into the latest drama and rivalries, satisfying the audience's curiosity for conflict and hot takes.
The Media Empire: All The Smoke Productions (ATSP) Expansion
The most significant development of late 2025 is the rapid growth of the parent company, All The Smoke Productions (ATSP). Launched in partnership with The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts, and in collaboration with Dan Le Batard's Meadowlark Media, ATSP is quickly becoming a major force in sports media.
New Executive and Leadership
In a major business move announced on December 17, 2025, ATSP formally announced the appointment of former NBA player and ATSP co-founder Jelani McCoy as an executive. This move signals a serious commitment to scaling the business and bringing more authentic, player-driven voices into executive roles. This structure allows the company to operate beyond just the main podcast, creating a true ecosystem of sports content.
The All-Star Talent Roster
ATSP’s expansion has brought a massive influx of top-tier talent, creating a network of shows that significantly boosts the topical authority of the entire brand. The new roster of personalities and contributors includes:
- Rachel Nichols (Journalist/Host)
- DeMarcus Cousins (Former NBA Player)
- Paul Pierce (NBA Champion/Hall of Famer)
- Rajon Rondo (NBA Champion)
The addition of these names, particularly respected journalist Rachel Nichols and controversial, outspoken players like DeMarcus Cousins and Paul Pierce, ensures that ATSP's content covers a wider spectrum of basketball analysis, from hard-hitting journalism to the most raw and unfiltered player perspectives. This collective of entities allows the brand to cover topics ranging from current NBA news to historical basketball moments and even social justice issues, which Stephen Jackson frequently champions.
Why 'All The Smoke' Continues to Generate Controversy
The podcast’s name is a promise: Barnes and Jackson are known for their willingness to invite and engage in conflict, or "wanting all the smoke." This commitment to authenticity often leads to viral, and sometimes controversial, moments that drive massive engagement and listenership.
Internal and External Clashes
The hosts themselves are not immune to friction. Jackson has publicly clashed with Barnes over the inclusion of political discussions on the show, notably regarding former Vice President Kamala Harris, with Jackson preferring to keep politics separate from their basketball focus. This on-air disagreement, rather than being edited out, highlights the genuine, unscripted nature of their partnership. Externally, Barnes has recently made headlines by slamming an ex-employee who was allegedly pretending to be connected to the podcast, demonstrating their protective nature over the brand. They have also been known to "stand up" to comedians who make jokes about their associates, showing their readiness for confrontation.
The Power of Unfiltered Opinions
The show thrives on LSI keywords and topics like 'NBA Beefs,' 'Untold Stories,' 'Locker Room Drama,' and 'Player Perspectives.' The hosts’ willingness to call out players, coaches, or media figures—or even hilariously roast each other, as Barnes often does to Jackson—is the core engine of their success. They represent the voice of the players: raw, often emotional, and always entertaining, making All The Smoke a vital platform for both current events and basketball history.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sydney Klein
- Username : cayla64
- Email : russel.francis@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1976-08-22
- Address : 63099 Wilson Burgs Suite 651 Lake Jadenborough, NY 29790
- Phone : 223.597.6567
- Company : Raynor-Hudson
- Job : Bartender
- Bio : Sequi non quis tenetur suscipit et fugiat earum. Ducimus ipsa nam quasi quia. Aut ut ut modi.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/cali_dev
- username : cali_dev
- bio : Dolore accusantium dolorem voluptatem explicabo sit. In quaerat sed modi sed nostrum culpa. Sequi autem omnis quasi earum.
- followers : 6468
- following : 2944
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/caltenwerth
- username : caltenwerth
- bio : Iusto quas in animi labore consequatur asperiores corrupti amet.
- followers : 2361
- following : 2241
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/caltenwerth
- username : caltenwerth
- bio : Repellat sit ratione dolor voluptas.
- followers : 3368
- following : 2663
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/cali3194
- username : cali3194
- bio : Dicta vitae corrupti quae. Officia quod ea autem vel ducimus.
- followers : 1485
- following : 1102
