I would say, cumulative effects. I am one of those idiots that has the Chief and Shawn show podcasts on a loop out in the garage. Although it has been “shut down”(all podcast episodes are pretty old now) it’s still entertaining.
It’s pretty funny and gives some insight into some behind the scenes situations. Chief makes no secret of his animosity for the production company, openly talks about being late all the time, drug use, leaking yet to be seen episode topics, and last but not least, bashing other Discovery shows/ characters. Being the narrator and organizer, I think he felt pretty secure in his position. His help with JJ& Ryan Martin weakened his leverage. I believe the James Goad diatribe is mostly correct.