Is Stephen A. Smith Finally Getting What He Deserves… or Has the Criticism Gone Too Far?

Mike Steph is taking the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast LIVE for an unfiltered conversation about one of the most polarizing figures in sports media: Stephen A. Smith.

Over the past year, the criticism, backlash, and outright vitriol directed toward Stephen A. Smith have seemed to reach another level. But the question is: Has Stephen A. earned all of this criticism, or has the audience simply reached the point of viewer and listener fatigue?

With Stephen A. seemingly everywhere across sports media, television, podcasts, interviews, and other platforms, has he simply spread himself too thin? When you have that much airtime and rarely turn down an opportunity to appear on another platform, does your audience eventually become tired of hearing your opinions, regardless of whether the point you're making is actually valid?

Mike Steph breaks down Stephen A. Smith's increasingly complicated relationship with the media, fans, and even members of his own community.

From his public disagreements and clashes involving Jemele Hill, Cari Champion, Joy Reid, Jasmine Crockett, and others, to the recent NABJ conference controversy where Stephen A. received the infamous thumbs-down award, it seems like the backlash against SAS is coming from all directions.

But perhaps the biggest question isn't whether Stephen A. Smith is controversial.

It's this:

Has Stephen A. Smith sold out his own community in his pursuit of fame, success, and becoming one of the biggest personalities in sports media?

Is Stephen A. a victim of an increasingly hostile media environment?

Or is he simply a victim of his own success?

Has the constant exposure made audiences tune him out?

And has Stephen A. reached the point where people are no longer willing to hear what he has to say, even when he might actually have a legitimate point?

Mike Steph tackles all of that and more in this LIVE edition of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast.

🔥 Is Stephen A. Smith being unfairly targeted?

🔥 Has viewer fatigue finally set in?

🔥 Has Stephen A. overexposed himself?

🔥 Is the criticism justified?

🔥 Has SAS lost credibility with his own community?

🔥 Did Stephen A. Smith sell out in the pursuit of fame?

This is going to be a SALTY conversation, and as always, Mike Steph isn't afraid to say what he thinks.

👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Do you think Stephen A. Smith has earned the backlash he's receiving, or has the criticism gone way too far?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

LIKE 👍 | COMMENT 💬 | SUBSCRIBE 🔔 | SHARE 📲

#StephenASmith #StephenASmith #SAS #ESPN #SportsMedia #SaltyThoughts #MikeSteph #SportsTalk #SportsDebate #JemeleHill #CariChampion #JoyReid #JasmineCrockett #NABJ #MediaCriticism #SportsCommentary

On this special Audio Only edition of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast, Mike Steph discusses one of the greatest feelings of his life, sending another child to college. This time it's his youngest "Main Event Kay". Some would say that this is the continuation of a dynasty in the making? Also included are first hand recollections of the first day experience from his oldest daughter when she embarked on her journey 8 years prior!

This past Monday on WWE RAW, a couple of angles happened that left Mike Steph scratching his head! Oba Femi vs Bron BREAKKER was setup for Sunday Nights Main Event. Why is it happening so soon?

Lyra Valkyria turned heel a couple of months ago and they've done nothing to help her get her character over. Why? Is it on purpose or is it incompetence?

And finally, did Roman Reigns and the Bloodline turn heel officially? Is Solo Sikoa the next big babyface?

All that and more!

Intro-0:00

Main Event Kay/College - 14:14

Wwe- 1:08:00

Outro 1:42:45

Welcome back to the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast!

The Life & Times of Mike Steph continues with Episode 2, and this time we're talking about jobs, getting fired, walking away, and the moments in life when you absolutely did NOT see the writing on the wall.

Mike Steph has had plenty of jobs throughout his life. But despite all those different stops along the way, there's only one job he's actually been fired from. There's also another job he ultimately had to leave for the sake of his own self-preservation.

And here's the twist: both situations happened when Mike had a baby on the way.

In this personal and honest episode, Mike Steph looks back at those moments and the mindset he had at the time. He talks about the confidence that made him believe he was secure, while others might have viewed that same confidence as arrogance.

Looking back with the benefit of hindsight, Mike explores what he couldn't see coming, what those experiences taught him about work and life, and how sometimes getting knocked off the path you thought you were on can ultimately lead somewhere else.

This isn't just a story about getting fired.

It's about confidence, ego, fatherhood, career changes, self-preservation, and learning from the moments that catch you completely off guard.

Welcome to The Life & Times of Mike Steph: Episode 2.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Mike Steph's history of different jobs

• The ONE job he was actually fired from

• Why he had to leave another job for self-preservation

• Both situations happening while expecting a baby

• Confidence vs. arrogance

• Why Mike never saw either situation coming

• Looking back at career decisions with hindsight

• Lessons learned from difficult professional experiences

• How unexpected changes can reshape your life

• Another chapter in The Life & Times of Mike Steph

If you've ever been fired, quit a job, changed careers, or found yourself completely blindsided by a professional situation, you may find something familiar in this story.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast and more installments of The Life & Times of Mike Steph.

#MikeSteph #SaltyThoughtsOfMikeSteph #LifeAndTimesOfMikeSteph #Podcast #CareerStories #GettingFired #JobLoss #CareerChange #WorkplaceStories #Fatherhood #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #Confidence #SelfReflection #storytelling

Intro- 0:00

SMITTY'S KORNER (Mets on a hot streak) 17:44

Life and Times of Mike Steph (1997 Job)- 25:28

Life and Times of Mike Steph (2000 Job)- 48:41

Outro (Glenda's Baby Boy)- 1:23:24

Glenda's Baby Boy (Album)

https://donnieoooh.bandcamp.com/album/glendas-baby-boy

Locs of Love

https://www.instagram.com/locs_of_lovee?igsh=dXF3c3NkcXM4Z2Q=

19mediagroup Youtube channel:

https://youtube.com/@19mediagroup?si=GSPwDBWZ0LgFV0Zq

WWE SummerSlam 2026 is finally here, but where is the excitement? Despite featuring blockbuster matches like Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk for the WWE Undisputed Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the World Championship, and Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell, many wrestling fans feel that WWE has failed to build enough anticipation for its biggest event of the summer.

On this episode of The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast, Mike Steph breaks down why the road to SummerSlam has felt flat, why fan interest appears to be lower than expected, and whether WWE can still deliver an unforgettable premium live event despite the underwhelming build.

Topics discussed include:

* Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk: Who leaves as WWE Undisputed Champion?

* Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins: Can a 12-year rivalry still steal the show?

* Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi: Will Hell in a Cell finally settle the score?

* Why WWE's SummerSlam build has lacked urgency and excitement.

* Bold predictions, match analysis, and potential surprises.

Will SummerSlam exceed expectations, or is WWE heading into one of its most disappointing major events in years?

Leave your predictions in the comments below! Who walks out as champion, what match will steal the weekend, and do you agree that WWE dropped the ball with this year's build?

👍 If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss future episodes of The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast covering WWE, AEW, wrestling news, the NBA, NFL, MLB, and more!

#WWESummerSlam #SummerSlam2026 #WWE #CodyRhodes #CMPunk #RomanReigns #SethRollins #BrockLesnar #ObaFemi #HellInACell #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingNews #MikeSteph #SaltyThoughtsOfMikeSteph

INTRO-0:00

CM PUNK VS CODY RHODES- 7:52

OBA FEMI VS BROCK LESNAR- 20:54

LIV MORGAN VS IYO SKY- 29:10

GUNTHER VS NICK ALDIS- 36:06

USOS AND FATU VS KNIGHT, KEYS, SOLO SIKOA- 41:15

FATAL INFLUENCE VS BELLA TWINS AND PAIGE- 52:01

ROMAN REIGNS VS SETH ROLLINS- 54:24

SAMI ZAYN VS FINN BALOR- 1:03:57

TRICK WILLIAMS VS BARON CORBIN- 1:07:50

PENTA VS CHAD GABLE- 1:12:57

WWE WOMENS TITLE LADDER MATCH- 1:15:52

DANHAUSEN VS DIRTY DOM MYSTERIO- 1:19:19

PAUL "TRIPLE H "LEVESQUE BOOKING PROBLEMS- 1:20:42

OUTRO- 1:41:04

The shocking events from WWE Saturday Night's Main Event have the wrestling world asking one major question: Is Bayley's time in WWE coming to an end?

After a vicious assault at the hands of the newly heel Lyra Valkyria, Bayley was left completely decimated in a performance that felt far more significant than a simple loss. With rumors swirling about Bayley's WWE contract status and Mercedes Moné openly teasing the possibility of a reunion in AEW, Mike Steph dives into whether it's finally time for the former Grand Slam Champion to leave WWE behind.

But this conversation goes far beyond Bayley.

Mike Steph breaks down what he believes has become one of WWE's biggest creative problems under Paul "Triple H" Levesque: the inconsistent and often frustrating booking of the women's division. Despite having one of the deepest rosters in wrestling history, stars like Giulia, Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green, Roxanne Perez, IYO SKY, Raquel Rodriguez, Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Blake Monroe have all suffered from questionable creative decisions.

The discussion also tackles the controversy surrounding the Women's World Championship. Why has Rhea Ripley remained champion while injured, forcing WWE to introduce an interim champion instead of vacating the title? Is this another example of the favoritism that fans have speculated about for years?

Meanwhile, Liv Morgan has held championship gold for months with little to no meaningful title defenses. Why isn't WWE giving its champions opportunities to build credibility? Is the company failing its women's division despite having an incredible amount of talent?

If you're frustrated with WWE's creative direction, wondering about Bayley's future, or want an honest, unfiltered discussion about the current state of WWE's women's division, this is the video for you.

🔥 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss another episode from Mike Steph!

Intro- 0:00

Is Bayley leaving WWE?- 2:23

Rhea Ripley injured/ Interim championship?- 14:07

WWE’S booking of Women's division- 22:04

Outro- 51:56

#WWE #Bayley #LyraValkyria #TripleH #MercedesMone #AEW #RheaRipley #LivMorgan #WWERaw #SmackDown #WWENXT #WomensWrestling #IyoSky #Giulia #JordynneGrace #ChelseaGreen #RoxannePerez #JadeCargill #WrestlingNews #WWE2026 #MikeSteph

🎾 Chris & Martina: The Final Set is one of the most inspiring sports documentaries of 2026, telling the unforgettable story of two of the greatest tennis players in history, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Now streaming on Netflix, this emotional documentary goes far beyond championship trophies, exploring one of the fiercest rivalries and most remarkable friendships ever seen in professional sports.

For more than a decade, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova defined women's tennis, facing each other an incredible 80 times while combining for 36 Grand Slam singles titles. Their legendary battles elevated the sport to new heights, as each champion pushed the other to become even greater.

But Chris & Martina: The Final Set isn't just about tennis. The film offers an intimate look at the evolution of their relationship, from close friends and doubles partners to bitter rivals, before ultimately rediscovering a lifelong bond built on mutual respect and admiration.

The documentary becomes even more powerful as it follows both women through their courageous battles with cancer. Through personal interviews, emotional reflections, and unforgettable archival footage, viewers witness how two competitors who spent decades trying to defeat one another became each other's greatest source of strength during life's toughest moments.

We'll break down the biggest moments from the documentary, discuss the emotional impact of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova's incredible journey, examine what made their rivalry so legendary, and explain why this Netflix documentary is a must-watch for tennis fans and sports lovers alike.

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and leave a comment sharing your favorite Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova match or your thoughts on Chris & Martina: The Final Set.

Locs of Love/Whitney Paige:

https://mysite.vagaro.com/whitneypaige?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGngk1y0UNcyIHEhlobDpxdZfH2J-Y0cf36FgZ7OHYjhdeOc-D-aaMuFZVnr8E_aem_qFuz8fxZW9SrUkurSyjn2A

#ChrisAndMartina #ChrisEvert #MartinaNavratilova #Netflix #NetflixDocumentary #Tennis #WomensTennis #GrandSlam #SportsDocumentary #TennisHistory #SportsHistory #HallOfFame #DocumentaryReview #TennisLegends #tennisfans #thepolygamist

Intro- 0:00

Chris-Martina Netflix review- 18:56

The Polygamist- 52:12

Outro- 1:10:11

Welcome back to another episode of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast!

This week, Mike Steph is joined by 19 Media Group co-founder and The Baseline NBA Podcast co-host Warren Shaw for an in-depth discussion on one of the wildest NBA offseasons in recent memory. With blockbuster trades, free agency chaos, and the NBA landscape changing by the day, there's no shortage of hot topics to break down.

🏀 Topics discussed include:

• The shocking Jaylen Brown trade to the Philadelphia 76ers and why the story behind the deal continues to get stranger.

• Did Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to the Miami Heat actually make Miami a legitimate championship contender?

• Can Kawhi Leonard lead the Toronto Raptors back into the Eastern Conference's elite after his blockbuster trade?

• Have the New York Knicks, after winning their first NBA Championship in 53 years, completely changed how front offices will build championship teams?

• Will Ja Morant finally unlock his superstar potential in Portland?

• Where will LeBron James be when the new NBA season tips off, and what continues to motivate him to play at this stage of his legendary career?

From blockbuster trades to championship aspirations, free agency winners and losers, and the biggest storylines shaping the NBA, Mike Steph and Warren Shaw leave no stone unturned.

Be sure to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss future episodes of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast, NBA discussions, wrestling content, and much more!

What is the biggest move of the NBA offseason so far? Which team improved the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

All things Warren Shaw:

https://linktr.ee/warrenshaw?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

19mediagroup channel:

https://youtube.com/@19mediagroup?si=EEfvX7d7ZlGojW7-

All things 19mediagroup:

https://linktr.ee/19mgroup?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Locs of Love/Whitney Paige:

https://mysite.vagaro.com/whitneypaige?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGngk1y0UNcyIHEhlobDpxdZfH2J-Y0cf36FgZ7OHYjhdeOc-D-aaMuFZVnr8E_aem_qFuz8fxZW9SrUkurSyjn2A

#NBA #NBAFreeAgency #NBATrades #JaylenBrown #LeBronJames #Giannis #MiamiHeat #Philadelphia76ers #NewYorkKnicks #JaMorant #KawhiLeonard #TorontoRaptors #PortlandTrailBlazers #BasketballPodcast #SaltyThoughts #MikeSteph #WarrenShaw #19mediagroup

Intro- 0:00

NY KNICKS championship reshaped the NBA?- 5:01

Jaylen Brown traded to Sixers- 25:47

Ja Morant to Blazers- 44:10

Kawhi Leonard to Raptors- 51:50

Lebron James' free agency- 57:43

The journey of Warren Shaw- 1:13:30

19 media group- 1:22:18

Outro- 1:32:05

Graduation season is here, and after attending two graduation ceremonies in the past week, Mike Steph left with more than just memories... he left with some questions.

Have graduation ceremonies changed that much over the last 8 years? Are today's celebrations becoming too long, too over-the-top, or is this simply a case of nostalgia talking? Is Mike Steph being too critical, or are there legitimate concerns hiding beneath the surface?

On this special Sprinkle of Salt edition of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast, Mike shares his unfiltered thoughts after attending graduations ranging from Pre-K all the way through high school. From the speeches and performances to the overall experience, nothing is off limits.

As always, expect honest opinions, plenty of laughs, and enough salt to season a basket of Wingstop chicken.

What do YOU think about today's graduation ceremonies? Have they improved, or have they gotten out of hand? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss a new episode of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast.

#Graduation #GraduationSeason #HighSchoolGraduation #PreKGraduation #Graduation2026 #Podcast #SaltyThoughts #MikeSteph #Opinion #Commentary #Parenting #Education #LifePodcast #SprinkleOfSalt #graduationceremony

Intro- 0:00

Graduation ceremonies (High school)- 4:45

Pre-K graduation- 29:25

Dora the Explorer lives?- 44:36

Pancake Prejudice- 49:23

Outro- 1:02:40