The Mikey Show set off a storm of criticism when, in 2004,  Esparza jokingly gave kidnapping tips to listeners following the kidnapping and subsequent escape of 7-year-old Erica Pratt.
The Mikey Show sparked a wave of criticism in 2004 when Esparza, playfully offering kidnapping advice to listeners after Erica Pratt's abduction and escape at age seven.