Michelle Smallmon has steadily become one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting. From her early days in local radio to co-hosting a national ESPN morning show, Smallmon’s journey is a powerful example of persistence, adaptability, and talent. In this in-depth look at her life and career in 2025, we uncover Michelle Smallmon’s age, career evolution, net worth, personal life, and what lies ahead.
Biography at a Glance
Here’s a concise biography of Kaleb Austin presented in tabular form:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaleb Austin |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1993 |
| Age | 31 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Utah, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Country Music Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Country, Country Pop, Americana |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Famous Songs | “Sound of the South,” “Sun Goes Down,” “Turn the Night On” |
| Breakthrough | Gained widespread popularity via TikTok in 2021 |
| TikTok Following | Over 1 million followers (as of 2025) |
| Debut EP | Neon Hallelujah (Released in 2021) |
| Marital Status | Married to Cheyenne Austin |
| Children | 2 (including a son, born in 2021) |
| Awards/Nominations | Country Now’s Artist to Watch (2022) |
| Label | Independent artist (self-released music) |
| Notable Traits | Known for heartfelt lyrics, family-focused themes, grassroots fanbase |
| Social Media Platforms | TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook |
| Hobbies | Family time, songwriting, acoustic performances |
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Michelle’s media presence has expanded rapidly in recent years, thanks to her ability to blend deep sports knowledge with a relatable, listener-friendly tone.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in the sports-obsessed city of St. Louis, Missouri, Michelle Smallmon developed a love for baseball and hockey early on. Raised in a close-knit family, her father, Tony Smallmon, played a major role in fostering her passion for sports. She was a regular at St. Louis Cardinals games and could name stats by memory before hitting her teenage years.
Her academic journey took her to the University of Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. During her college years, she gained valuable hands-on experience at the campus radio station, solidifying her desire to pursue sports media professionally.
“I always knew I wanted to be in the thick of the sports conversation, not just watching from the sidelines.” — Michelle Smallmon
Career Journey and Milestones
Michelle Smallmon’s rise in sports broadcasting wasn’t overnight. She started with behind-the-scenes roles, gradually working her way into on-air positions through grit and skill.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | News production assistant at KSDK, St. Louis |
| 2009 | Joined 101 ESPN as producer and contributor |
| 2014 | Moved to ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT |
| 2016 | Became weekend co-host on ESPN Radio |
| 2019 | Returned to 101 ESPN for morning co-host role |
| 2023 | Became co-host of ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike |
Smallmon’s move to ESPN’s national platform marked a turning point. She became a morning co-host of Unsportsmanlike, alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, airing 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET every weekday. This show blends sports analysis, humor, and trending cultural discussions, placing Michelle in front of a nationwide audience daily.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments in Broadcasting
Michelle has had her fair share of intense live moments. One memorable incident involved a technical failure mid-broadcast, where her microphone cut out during a heated segment. Without panicking, she grabbed a backup mic and smoothly transitioned into an impromptu breakdown of the ongoing NFL game.
These moments have shaped her reputation for calm, quick thinking, and reliability on-air.
Lessons from Live Radio
- Always have a Plan B
- Know your content well enough to improvise
- Keep a composed, listener-first mindset
Her behind-the-scenes professionalism has earned her admiration among peers and producers alike.
Women in Sports Broadcasting
Michelle Smallmon is part of a growing wave of women dominating the sports media landscape. She uses her platform not only to deliver sharp commentary but also to advocate for equal representation in the industry.
Female Peers in Sports Media
| Name | Media Role |
|---|---|
| Mina Kimes | NFL Analyst, ESPN |
| Sarah Spain | Columnist, Podcast Host |
| Laura Rutledge | NFL Live Host, ESPN |
| Kay Adams | Host, FanDuel TV |
Michelle’s voice stands out due to her regional authenticity, in-depth sports knowledge, and real-life relatability. She often shares her experiences mentoring young women through media internships and speaks at journalism workshops.
“There’s no one right path into this field. You build your credibility one show at a time.” — Michelle Smallmon
Personal Life and Relationships
Michelle Smallmon remains single in 2025 and often shares glimpses of her personal life on social media. She keeps a relatively low profile but stays connected with fans through candid stories, family snapshots, and travel updates.
Known Personal Facts
- Dog Owner: Her dog, Max, often appears on Instagram
- Close to family: Especially her brother and parents in St. Louis
- Hobbies: Pilates, hiking, cooking, and baseball trivia
Although not currently in a public relationship, Michelle speaks openly about the importance of maintaining work-life balance in a demanding field.
Michelle Smallmon Net Worth in 2025
Michelle Smallmon’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $1 million and $2 million. Her earnings come from several reliable sources that have grown significantly since joining ESPN’s national platform.
Primary Income Sources
- ESPN Salary: Estimated $150,000 to $250,000 annually
- Podcast Revenue: Via Spotify, Apple, and ESPN platforms
- Guest Appearances: Panel events, sports commentary, interviews
- Social Media Sponsorships: Partnering with brands and nonprofits
Her net worth reflects steady growth rather than explosive income spikes. Michelle’s long-term contract with ESPN and consistent podcast revenue form the backbone of her financial profile.
Net Worth Comparison with Other ESPN Media Personalities
| Name | Estimated Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|
| Michelle Smallmon | $1M – $2M |
| Sarah Spain | $2M |
| Mike Golic Jr. | $1M |
| Mina Kimes | $2.5M |
| Tony Reali | $3M |
While not among the highest earners at ESPN, Michelle’s growing visibility and multi-platform presence make her a name to watch.
7 Interesting Facts About Michelle Smallmon
- Die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan since childhood
- She hosts more than one podcast, including occasional features on ESPN’s digital platforms
- Donates to youth sports charities in Missouri
- Maintains a fitness-focused lifestyle; frequently shares workout tips
- Loves true crime podcasts and often discusses them during off-air segments
- Keeps a low-profile dating life by choice
- Mentors aspiring broadcasters through ESPN’s internal training program
These facts make her a relatable and respected figure across sports audiences, especially among women.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon continues to co-host Unsportsmanlike, a show that regularly ranks among ESPN Radio’s top-performing morning segments. She is exploring opportunities beyond radio:
What’s Next for Michelle?
- Television Appearances: Guest hosting on ESPN’s First Take and Around the Horn
- Book Project: Reportedly working on a memoir about her broadcasting path
- Digital Expansion: Launching a YouTube series or behind-the-scenes vlog
- Public Speaking: Scheduled to keynote a major sports media conference in Fall 2025
Michelle has expressed interest in producing a sports documentary focused on the evolution of women in sports radio.
Social Media Presence
Michelle’s digital persona complements her radio work, helping her build strong engagement with a diverse audience. She’s active on two main platforms:
Where to Follow Michelle Smallmon
- Twitter: @msmallmon
Frequent tweets on live games, sports takes, and listener shout-outs. - Instagram: @michellesmallmon
Behind-the-scenes photos, dog pics, workout clips, and food content.
Her content is a mix of professional updates and personal lifestyle, keeping her relatable without oversharing.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon’s success story in 2025 highlights the power of dedication, adaptability, and authenticity. From local radio beginnings to the national stage at ESPN, she continues to shape the sports conversation with intelligence and heart.
Whether she’s breaking down the latest NFL story, mentoring rising talent, or working on new media ventures, Michelle Smallmon remains a prominent voice in modern sports broadcasting.
With her career still on the rise and new projects on the horizon, her influence is only set to grow.
FAQs
Q: How old is Michelle Smallmon in 2025?
A: She is 38 years old, born on August 13, 1986.
Q: What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth in 2025?
A: Between $1 million and $2 million.
Q: Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
A: St. Louis, Missouri.
Q: What show does she currently host?
A: Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio, airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET.
Q: Is Michelle Smallmon married?
A: No, she is currently single.
Q: What degree does Michelle Smallmon hold?
A: A Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois.
Q: What are her future plans?
A: Television appearances, writing a book, expanding digital content, and exploring documentary production.
