Michelle Smallmon is a well-known sports radio host. She works with ESPN and speaks on national morning shows. Her voice is calm, direct, and easy to follow. Listeners trust her for smart opinions and clear insights. She began her media career in St. Louis after studying journalism. At first, she worked off-air. Later, she became a co-host on local radio. Her role in St. Louis helped her move to ESPN.
Today, Michelle reaches sports fans across the country. She covers major leagues, joins podcasts, and appears in live events. She also stays active on social media. Outside of broadcasting, she supports charity work and promotes fitness through long-distance running. Her life and career reflect hard work, focus, and steady growth in sports media.
Who Is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon is a sports radio host who works with ESPN. She is known for her calm voice and thoughtful analysis on national radio shows. In 2025, she is a co-host of ESPN Radio’s morning program “Unsportsmanlike.” Many sports fans know her for her clear opinions, deep knowledge of football and baseball, and easy way of talking on air.
She built her career step by step, starting in local radio before reaching a national audience. Her success comes from many years of hard work in sports broadcasting. Today, she is one of the more respected voices in ESPN’s radio division.
Early Life and Hometown
Michelle was born on August 13, 1986. She grew up in Belleville, Illinois, a small city near St. Louis. Her childhood was filled with sports, school, and strong family ties. She has said in interviews that her love for sports started when she was young.
Her family often watched games together, and local teams were a big part of her life. This early exposure helped shape her career goals. Michelle’s hometown gave her a strong foundation and close community values, which still show in her work and public appearances.
Educational Background
Michelle went to the University of Illinois. She studied Broadcast Journalism and earned her degree around 2008. During college, she worked with student media. She joined student radio programs and covered sports events. These early experiences helped her develop her speaking style and learn how sports reporting works.
She also did internships with local radio stations. These gave her real-world practice and connections in the industry. Her time at university played a big role in preparing her for a career in sports broadcasting.
Athletic Involvement
Michelle played both soccer and volleyball in high school. She continued playing soccer while in college. These sports helped her understand the mindset of athletes. Her experience as a player made her more confident when talking about games on the radio. She uses her athletic background to explain what athletes go through, both physically and mentally. This helps her connect better with listeners who play or follow sports. Her sports background is a key part of her identity as a broadcaster.
Michelle Smallmon’s Rise in Sports Media
Michelle started in local radio and worked her way into national broadcasting. Her early jobs helped her build real skills. She learned how to manage shows, prepare interviews, and speak with confidence. Over time, her role changed from behind-the-scenes to behind the mic. These years built the foundation for the career she has today.
First Steps into Broadcasting
After graduating, Michelle Smallmon began her career in media in St. Louis. Her first job was at KSDK-TV, where she worked as a production assistant. It was a behind-the-scenes role. She helped with research, scripts, and planning segments. This gave her basic knowledge of how broadcasting works. She did not speak on air during this time. But she used this job to learn how radio and television stations operate every day.
Later, she moved to 101 ESPN in St. Louis. At first, she worked as a producer. Her main job was organizing content for radio hosts. She scheduled interviews, created show outlines, and helped manage live broadcasts. This role gave her a strong start in sports radio. It also helped her build trust with others in the industry.
Growth at 101 ESPN St. Louis
Michelle became one of the founding team members when 101 ESPN launched in 2009. This was an important moment in her career. She took on more responsibility as she grew with the station. Over time, she moved from producing to hosting shows. Her talent for live discussion and listener engagement made her a good fit for a front-facing role.
She later co-hosted the morning program “Karraker & Smallmon.” The show became popular in St. Louis. It focused on local teams, player news, and fan opinions. Her chemistry with Randy Karraker helped the show attract a strong and loyal audience. She became one of the first women in St. Louis to have her name on a sports radio show. This was a major achievement and earned her recognition within the city’s sports media circle.
Breakthrough into National Media
Michelle’s success at 101 ESPN led to national opportunities. In 2020, she began working regularly with ESPN Radio. She contributed to shows like “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin” and other morning programming. These roles gave her experience with larger audiences and high-pressure formats.
In 2022, she became a full-time co-host on ESPN Radio’s national morning show, “Unsportsmanlike.” This role marked her official move from local to national broadcasting. She now speaks to listeners across the country. She works with top ESPN talent and appears on digital platforms. Her content includes football, baseball, and other sports. Michelle is now a respected voice on ESPN, thanks to her years of experience and strong communication style.
Michelle Smallmon’s Current Role at ESPN
Michelle is now a national figure in ESPN Radio. She speaks to large audiences each day and works with well-known co-hosts. Her voice is part of ESPN’s daily coverage, reaching fans across the country. Her current position reflects years of experience and her ability to lead live conversations with ease.
Hosting and Broadcasting Duties
Michelle Smallmon is a national radio host at ESPN. She currently co-hosts the morning program “Unsportsmanlike,” which airs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. This is one of ESPN Radio’s main shows. She works live on air with co-hosts and producers. Together, they talk about current sports news, big games, and trending topics. Michelle also helps behind the scenes with planning and segment development. Her role includes both speaking and preparing content. She sometimes records digital segments and short videos for ESPN’s website and social media.
Signature Style and Sports Focus
Michelle is known for her calm and clear delivery. She does not speak too fast or use complex language. Her tone is steady, and her points are easy to follow. This makes her voice familiar to regular listeners. Her main focus is football and baseball. She often gives analysis on the NFL, college football, and Major League Baseball. When she discusses games or players, she uses facts and keeps emotion low. This helps build trust with fans who want clear and balanced opinions.
Collaborations and Guest Roles
At ESPN, Michelle works closely with several well-known broadcasters. Her current co-hosts on “Unsportsmanlike” include Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams. She has also appeared on segments with Zubin Mehenti in earlier shows. These hosts come from different sports backgrounds, which adds variety to the program. Michelle balances the group by offering thoughtful takes and asking sharp questions.
In addition to live shows, she has filled in on other ESPN programs when regular hosts are away. She joins panel discussions and sometimes contributes to ESPN podcasts. Her ability to work in many formats shows her flexibility and skill in radio broadcasting.
Career Milestones and Achievements of Michelle Smallmon
Over the years, Michelle has reached important career goals. From key interviews to major radio roles, each step added to her profile. She earned recognition for her steady growth and clear voice in sports talk. Her achievements come from focus, timing, and strong communication skills.
Noteworthy Interviews and Coverage
Michelle Smallmon has interviewed many athletes and coaches during her time on air. At 101 ESPN, she spoke with both local and national sports figures. These included players from the St. Louis Cardinals, college football stars, and team executives. Her questions were direct and easy to understand. This made interviews useful for fans who wanted clear answers.
When covering live sports events, Michelle has worked on-site for leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) and the XFL. Her event coverage includes pre-game and post-game commentary. She has also joined ESPN broadcasts that cover college sports, especially football and basketball.
Recognition Within the Industry
Michelle has received strong support from listeners and colleagues. She was one of the first women to co-host a sports show with her name in the title at 101 ESPN. This helped open doors for more women in local sports radio.
Although she has not won major national awards, her work has been recognized in other ways. She has been invited to speak on sports media panels and workshops. Inside ESPN, she is known for strong listener engagement and steady ratings.
Selected Recognition Timeline:
| Year | Recognition Type | Organization |
| 2022 | Local Radio Veteran Feature | St. Louis Sports Media |
| 2023 | Listener Engagement Citation | ESPN Radio |
| 2024 | Guest Panel Speaker | National Sports Broadcasting Forum |
Michelle’s career shows consistent progress. She is respected not only for her hosting skills but also for her work ethic and reliability.
Michelle Smallmon’s Podcasting and Digital Presence
Michelle’s work goes beyond live radio. She has created podcast content and joined other digital shows. These platforms give her a chance to speak in different ways and reach new listeners. She also shares updates and interacts with fans online.
Original Podcast Work
Michelle Smallmon co-created and co-hosted the “Small Talk” podcast. It was a personal project started during her time at 101 ESPN. The podcast covered sports, pop culture, and life topics. Episodes often included interviews with athletes, media guests, and local influencers. Her style on the podcast was casual but informed. It gave her audience a new way to connect with her voice outside live radio.
The podcast gained a steady following because of its consistent tone and balanced mix of humor and insight. It was available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This show added to Michelle’s reputation as a well-rounded media voice.
Guest Appearances and Cross-Network Features
Outside her own podcast, Michelle has been a guest on many sports shows and digital series. She has appeared on other ESPN podcasts as a commentator. She also joined independent sports programs as a special guest. In each appearance, she gave clear views on trending games, media topics, or athlete performances.
These guest roles helped her stay active in digital content. They also allowed her to speak to new audiences outside of traditional radio. Her voice became more visible across podcast networks and online channels.
Social Media and Online Brand
Michelle is active on Instagram. She shares moments from her work, travel, and day-to-day life. Her posts often show what happens behind the mic, at events, or during ESPN shoots. The content feels personal but professional.
She also uses her platforms to support causes she cares about. From podcast episodes to charity runs, her feed gives followers a closer look at what she does off air. During big games, she’s active on Twitter. Her posts often include reactions, commentary, or quick updates.
Michelle Smallmon’s Social Presence:
- Instagram: Behind-the-scenes, travel, and media highlights
- Twitter/X: Live game chats, show clips, and sports opinions
Her digital presence builds stronger ties with her audience. It also expands her voice beyond radio.
Michelle Smallmon’s ESPN Contract, Salary, and Net Worth
Michelle’s contract with ESPN reflects her value in the network. Her income comes from radio work, special appearances, and side projects. Over the years, her net worth has grown. Her financial progress matches her rise in sports media.
ESPN Contract Timeline
Michelle Smallmon signed her first national contract with ESPN in 2021. It covered a two-year term, ending in 2022. In late 2022, her contract was renewed. This renewal allowed her to continue as a key voice on ESPN Radio. As of 2025, her deal remains active. The new contract likely extends through at least 2024. ESPN has not released exact dates or terms. However, insider reports suggest the renewal came after strong performance on air.
Estimated Compensation
Michelle’s estimated salary at ESPN ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 per year. Her income depends on her role, airtime, and special segments. She may also earn bonuses for high ratings or participation in network campaigns. In 2021, reports listed her base salary around $250,000. After the 2022 contract update, her earnings likely reached the upper end of her range.
Salary Overview by Year:
| Year | Estimated Salary |
| 2021 | $250,000 |
| 2022 | $150,000 |
| 2024 | Up to $250,000 |
This pay level matches what experienced ESPN radio hosts often receive.
Net Worth Insights
Michelle Smallmon’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1 million to $2 million. This figure includes her salary, podcast income, guest appearances, and past earnings from 101 ESPN. Her finances have grown steadily over time. She has kept her work consistent, which helps maintain financial stability.
Net Worth Progression:
| Year | Net Worth Estimate |
| 2023 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $1 to 2 million |
Michelle is not among the top-paid TV anchors. Still, she ranks well among national radio personalities in her age group.
Other Income Sources
While ESPN is her main employer, Michelle earns money from outside work too. This includes guest roles on podcasts, public speaking events, and paid appearances. She also receives income from ads in her own podcast and brand events. These extra roles allow her to stay visible in the media industry and build additional revenue.
Michelle does not have known endorsement deals or business ventures at this time. Her focus remains on broadcasting and content creation.
Personal Life and Interests of Michelle Smallmon
Michelle lives a private but active life outside of work. She enjoys music, travel, and time with friends and family. Her hobbies show a mix of fun and focus. These personal interests help balance her work in media.
Lifestyle and Hobbies
Michelle Smallmon enjoys a balanced life outside her work. She often attends live music events and is known to travel for major concerts and festivals. Her music taste includes classic rock, pop, and indie styles. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring local food in different cities. When she travels, she shares photos of meals, places, and events through social media.
Reading is another interest she follows in her free time. She prefers nonfiction books, especially ones about media, sports, or personal growth. Her daily life often includes running or walking, which supports her active lifestyle. These habits help her stay focused and energized for work.
Family and Values
Michelle grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where she built strong family ties. Her family remains important to her, and she visits home when possible. She often mentions her parents and upbringing in interviews, giving credit to their support during her early career. She keeps most of her family life private but clearly values personal time with close relatives and friends.
She does not speak much about her relationship status in public. There is no confirmed information about her being married or having children. Michelle prefers to keep her private life separate from her media work, focusing public attention on her career and community efforts.
Key Personal Details:
| Detail | Information |
| Hometown | Belleville, Illinois |
| College | University of Illinois |
| Main Interests | Music, travel, reading |
| Known For | Private personal life |
Michelle’s personal lifestyle reflects her calm and steady approach to both work and public life. Her focus remains on quality broadcasting and personal growth.
Michelle Smallmon’s Community Engagement and Charity Work
Michelle supports causes that matter to her. She joins health-related fundraisers, youth programs, and running events for charity. Her work in the community is steady and sincere. She uses her platform to give back in simple but meaningful ways.
Philanthropic Involvement
Michelle Smallmon is active in supporting nonprofit causes. One of the key organizations she works with is the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This group focuses on funding medical research and helping cancer patients. Michelle has taken part in fundraising events to support the foundation’s mission. Her involvement includes public awareness, participation in charity programs, and social media promotion of events.
In addition to national efforts, Michelle also supports causes in her hometown. She has been involved with The Little Bit Foundation, which works to support under-resourced students in the St. Louis area. She has helped raise awareness and funding for their school-based programs. These efforts show her interest in youth education and community health.
Personal Fitness Goals
Michelle set a personal challenge to run 50 half-marathons in 50 states. She started this goal to support both her own fitness and to help charities through each race. Every time she runs, she chooses a different nonprofit or cause to support. This includes local hospitals, food programs, or youth organizations.
Her races are not for competition. They are part of a long-term effort to give back and inspire others to stay active. She often shares updates about her training and races on social media. This campaign also connects her to new communities across the country.
Charity and Fitness Highlights:
| Initiative | Role | Purpose |
| V Foundation | Fundraiser | Cancer research support |
| Little Bit Foundation | Advocate | Education for underprivileged youth |
| 50 Half-Marathons, 50 States | Participant, Donor | Fitness and nonprofit support |
Michelle uses her platform to support meaningful work. Her community engagement is steady, personal, and focused on long-term impact.
Final Thoughts on Michelle Smallmon
Michelle’s journey in sports media shows what can happen with skill and patience. She stays grounded, keeps growing, and remains a trusted voice. Her work stands out in radio, and her future looks strong. Fans and peers continue to value what she brings to the mic.
Standing in the Sports Broadcasting World
Michelle Smallmon has built a strong place in national sports radio. She works in a space where few women hold lead positions on daily shows. Her presence as a consistent co-host on ESPN Radio shows that she has earned the trust of both networks and audiences. Her work reflects a steady rise rather than sudden fame. This makes her career path relatable and respected in the media world.
Listeners often describe her as smart, direct, and easy to understand. She does not try to dominate conversations. Instead, she adds value through her steady voice and clear thinking. These qualities help her stand out in a fast-paced industry that often rewards bold or loud personalities.
What’s Next?
Michelle has not publicly shared her next career move. However, her current role keeps growing. She continues to be placed in national roles with wide audience reach. If her career continues at this pace, she may expand into hosting solo programs, leading special projects, or mentoring new radio talent.
She is also well-positioned for more leadership in podcasting, digital shows, or network initiatives. Michelle’s range of experience, from local to national platforms, gives her the tools to lead larger projects within ESPN or beyond. Her future is likely to include even more influence in shaping how sports content is delivered on radio and digital platforms.
Career Outlook Summary:
- National presence is growing
- Trusted host for high-reach shows
- Strong candidate for solo roles or editorial leadership
- Potential future in talent development or digital production
Michelle Smallmon is a clear example of steady progress in sports media. Her career shows that growth can come from skill, clarity, and long-term commitment to quality broadcasting.
Marcus Avery is a sports writer based in Atlanta. He creates detailed profiles of athletes, coaches, and media professionals. His work focuses on facts, timelines, and career insights across all major sports. Marcus writes full-time and updates this blog weekly.