The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast | Podcast on RSS.com

The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast

The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast

by Michael A. Stephens

Society & Culture Sports

Season 4

🚨 Bayley LEAVING WWE?! Triple H's Women's Division Is A COMPLETE MESS

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 Review | The Greatest Rivalry in Tennis History?

🎾 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

NBA Offseason CHAOS! Jaylen Brown, Giannis, LeBron & Knicks Changed Everything

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<sid=933261ac-38a9-4399-9e69-f396103d6fb8 19mediagroup channel: https://youtube.com/@19mediagroup?si=EEfvX7d7ZlGojW7- All things 19mediagroup: https://linktr.ee/19mgroup?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5b2b0ba5-940d-43e6-8129-bbb43667d99a 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 Ceremonies Have Changed! From Pre-K to High School

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

The Life & Times of Mike Steph Episode 1 | Childhood Memories & Life Lessons

Welcome back to the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast! With the NBA season officially in the books, the New York Knicks still basking in championship glory, NFL Training Camp still a few weeks away, and the New York Mets doing everything possible to test Mike Steph's patience, it felt like the perfect time to switch gears and do something a little different. Introducing the first installment of "The Life and Times of Mike Steph." In this deeply personal episode, Mike Steph takes a trip down memory lane and reflects on the experiences that helped shape the man he is today. From growing up in a different city and navigating life's challenges alongside his parent, to learning creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness during difficult times, this episode is all about appreciating the journey. Sometimes the struggles we face in life don't make sense in the moment. But with time, those same struggles become lessons, memories, and ultimately sources of strength. Mike shares stories from his formative years, discusses how gratitude can create confidence, and explains why he's now comfortable opening up about experiences that once seemed ordinary but ultimately became defining moments. This episode is a reminder that where you've been is just as important as where you're going. 🔹 Childhood memories and life lessons 🔹 Learning ingenuity through adversity 🔹 Appreciating the sacrifices made by parents 🔹 The value of gratitude and self-reflection 🔹 How life's struggles can become your greatest teachers 🔹 The first chapter of "The Life and Times of Mike Steph" If you've ever looked back on your life and realized that your toughest moments helped build your character, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more episodes of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast! #MikeSteph #SaltyThoughtsPodcast #LifeAndTimesOfMikeSteph #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons #Storytelling #Podcast #Motivation #Gratitude #Reflection #ChildhoodMemories #NYKnicks #SportsPodcast #SelfImprovement #inspiration #nba #giannisantetokounmpo #basketball Intro- 0:00 Life and Times of Mike Steph- 16:02 Outro (BREAKING NBA TRADE NEWS)- 58:31

Knicks vs Spurs NBA Finals Preview: Who Has the Edge & Who Wins It All?

The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the FIRST TIME since 1999 and the energy around the city feels like a subway car powered by pure destiny 🗽🏀 On this special edition of the Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast, Mike Steph is joined by Desmond Powell aka “The Young OG” from the Mid Post Podcast on the 19 Media Group to break down the upcoming NBA Finals showdown between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The fellas dive deep into the historic playoff run that brought the Knicks back to the Finals after 27 long years of heartbreak, chaos, memes, and basketball purgatory. Is this finally the team that restores championship glory to the Mecca of Basketball? Topics discussed include: 🏀 Mike Brown’s impact on the Knicks turnaround 🏀 Has Mike Brown unlocked the full potential of this Knicks roster? 🏀 How much credit does he deserve for bringing New York to the brink of a championship after decades of frustration? 🏀 Is Karl-Anthony Towns writing the ultimate redemption story in New York? 🏀 The emotional significance of KAT coming home to play for the Knicks 🏀 The heartbreaking loss of his mother and his father’s dream of seeing him wear Knicks colors 🏀 Could this become one of the most poetic championship stories in NBA history? 🏀 Jalen Brunson’s rise from second-round pick in Dallas to New York icon 🏀 Would a championship officially cement Brunson as a true NBA superstar? 🏀 Breaking down the Knicks vs Spurs NBA Finals matchup 🏀 Which team has the edge offensively, defensively, and mentally? 🏀 Overall thoughts on the 2026 NBA Playoffs 🏀 If the Knicks fall short, will this team still be remembered as one of the most beloved Knicks teams ever? This episode is packed with passionate NBA analysis, Knicks basketball discussion, NBA Finals predictions, playoff reactions, and raw basketball talk from two lifelong hoops minds. If you love: 🔥 New York Knicks content 🔥 NBA Finals coverage 🔥 Jalen Brunson analysis 🔥 Karl-Anthony Towns discussion 🔥 NBA playoff talk 🔥 Sports podcasts 🔥 Basketball storytelling 🔥 Emotional sports moments 🔥 NY sports culture …then this episode is for you. #NewYorkKnicks #Knicks #NBAFinals #JalenBrunson #KarlAnthonyTowns #NBAPlayoffs #NBA #KnicksNation #SanAntonioSpurs #MikeBrown #BasketballPodcast #NYKnicks #SaltyThoughtsOfMikeStephPodcast #19MediaGroup #NBAPlayoffs #KnicksBasketball

Hidden Gems Football: 200 Episodes Later… What This Show Really Means To Mike Steph

The Salty Thoughts of Mike Steph Podcast takes a personal and reflective turn as Mike Steph discusses the 200th episode milestone of Hidden Gems Football, the NFL podcast from the 19 Media Group family. Co-hosted by Mike Steph and The Mojo King since 2022, Hidden Gems Football has become a weekly destination for NFL betting tips, NFL survivor pool advice, game predictions, and breakdowns of the biggest marquee matchups across the NFL season. But this episode goes deeper than football. Mike Steph opens up about the creative journey behind building the show, the challenges of transitioning from being a solo content creator into a true co-host dynamic, and how Hidden Gems Football helped him grow both professionally and personally. From developing chemistry on-air to strengthening a friendship that spans over a decade, this episode gives listeners an honest behind-the-scenes perspective on what it really takes to build a successful sports podcast. This is more than just a celebration of 200 episodes. It’s a look into the mindset, evolution, and passion behind independent sports content creation. Topics include: 🏈 Hidden Gems Football 200th episode reaction 🎙️ Working alongside The Mojo King 📈 Growth as a podcaster and content creator 🤝 Friendship, chemistry, and collaboration 💰 NFL betting picks and survivor pool strategy 🔥 Building a sports podcast from the ground up 🧠 Mike Steph’s personal reflections on the journey #NFL #NFLPodcast #SportsPodcast #FootballPodcast #NFLBetting #SurvivorPool #MikeSteph #TheMojoKing #19MediaGroup #HiddenGemsFootball #SportsTalk #PodcastLife #NFLPredictions

KNICKS COMPLETE THE SWEEP 🧹 144-114 DESTRUCTION of Sixers | RECORD 3PT SHOOTING

The New York Knicks are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals after absolutely DESTROYING the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 with a historic shooting performance 🔥🏀 The Knicks completed the sweep with a jaw-dropping 144-114 victory, turning this rivalry matchup into a full-on avalanche from beyond the arc. This wasn’t just a win… this was target practice 😳 The Knicks came out FIRING: 🎯 Started the game shooting 11-for-13 from three as a team 🎯 Went 18-for-29 from deep by halftime 🎯 Completely buried the Sixers before the second half even settled in Miles McBride was unconscious early, going 6-for-7 from three in the first half with 20 points. Meanwhile: Jalen Brunson finished with 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting 6-for-10 from deep Josh Hart added 17 points and 9 rebounds while hitting 4 triples Landry Shamet gave the Knicks huge bench production with 12 points and four made threes The Knicks didn’t just beat Philadelphia… they overwhelmed them with pace, spacing, depth, and confidence. Are the Knicks now the favorites in the East? Is this the best Knicks playoff team in decades? Brunson’s leadership and playoff dominance Can anybody stop this offense right now? What matchup do Knicks fans want in the Eastern Conference Finals? #NewYorkKnicks #NBAPlayoffs #KnicksWin #KnicksVsSixers #JalenBrunson #MilesMcBride #NBAReaction #BasketballTalk #easternconferencefinals #wwe #wrestling #romanreigns #johncena #jacobfatu #wwebacklash Knicks sweep Sixers- 0:00 Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu- 38:50 Outro (NY METS)- 1:03:14 Audio platforms Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-salty-thoughts-of-mike-steph-podcast/id1812364742 Spotify https://bit.ly/43kA2MS Social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikestephens__ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donnie.oohh Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mike__steph/ Email Donnie.oohh@gmail.com

EPISODE 114:WWE After WrestleMania CHAOS! Cody Rhodes Booking FAILING? Brock Lesnar Done?!

🔥 IWA Heavyweight Champion Larry Anderson Interview (Part 2) 🔥 The conversation gets even deeper in Part 2 of my exclusive interview with IWA Heavyweight Champion Larry Anderson. We break down the biggest stories coming out of WrestleMania and the RAW after Mania, diving into the moments that have the wrestling world buzzing. 💥 Topics covered in this interview: Is WWE booking failing Cody Rhodes? The truth behind Brock Lesnar’s “retirement” – was it planned or legit? Oba Femi’s breakout, star-making moment The brilliance of the Roman Reigns vs CM Punk main event How social media is becoming a dangerous weapon for wrestlers Did online drama hurt the Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill WrestleMania build? Is Tiffany Stratton built for the long haul in WWE? This is an unfiltered, real discussion with a champion who knows the business inside and out. If you’re a fan of deep wrestling analysis, backstage insight, and honest takes on today’s product, this is one you don’t want to miss. 🎯 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like the video 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more wrestling interviews, breakdowns, and content #WWE #WrestleMania #WWERaw #CodyRhodes #RomanReigns #CMPunk #BrockLesnar #RheaRipley #JadeCargill #TiffanyStratton #ObaFemi #WrestlingInterview #IWA

EPISODE 113:Heavyweight Champion Larry Anderson Interview | La Corporacion RISING + HUGE NJ Events Announced

IWA Heavyweight Champion Larry Anderson Interview | La Corporacion RISING + HUGE NJ Events Announced I sat down with Intense Wrestling Action (IWA) Heavyweight Champion Larry Anderson for an exclusive interview — and this one dives deep into the power shift happening right now in New Jersey independent wrestling. La Corporacion isn’t just growing… it’s taking over. Larry Anderson breaks down the continued rise of his faction, including the key additions of Walter Diaz and Big Nick Thompson, and what that means for the future of IWA. With momentum building and tensions rising, all roads lead to one explosive showdown. We also preview the HUGE upcoming event: 📍 “Fighting for the Wolfpack” – April 26th (Nutley, NJ – The Nuthouse) Main Event: 5-on-5 Tag Team War La Corporacion vs The Soldiers of Justice This isn’t just another match — this is a battle for control of IWA. And that’s not all… 🚨 Next Event Announced: “Extortion” – May 30th A landmark show centered entirely around La Corporacion, inspired by iconic faction-driven events like nWo Souled Out and D-Generation X PPVs. This could reshape the entire company moving forward. In this interview, we cover: Larry Anderson’s reign as IWA Heavyweight Champion The expansion and dominance of La Corporacion Walter Diaz & Big Nick Thompson joining the faction Full preview of “Fighting for the Wolfpack” What to expect from “Extortion” on May 30th The future of IWA and this red-hot storyline Intro- 0:00 The Growth of La Corporacion- 2:14 Larry Anderson and his faction speak out- 14:10 Origins of the catchphrase- 23:44 Fighting for the Wolfpack- 31:29 IWA Extortion- 38:56 IWA Action experience- 48:53 #wwe #wrestling #iwa #champion #larryanderson #indywrestling #nutleynj #factions #podcast

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