Hey Scott, I have a question about the effectiveness of my workout. The gym I currently go to only has smith machines. I feel like I'm not getting the maximum benefits when deadlifting, bench pressing, ect.  Unfortunately, it's the only gym I have access to at the moment. What is your take on smith machines? I know a lot of experienced lifters make fun of people who use them. 

There are some good exercises used with the Smith, it's safer if you don't have a spotter but it does take away from your supporting muscles. Use dumbbells if possible. If the Smith is what you got it's better than not.

I agree with Aaron. If that's literally all you have, just use it and make the most of what you have. You can still overload on it and get a spotter in to do some forced reps (or do Cheat reps where you let the bar hit the pins, then get off the bench and reset it). But definitely use dumbbells over the smith machine if you have access to heavy enough dumbbells. For bench press anyway.. for squats and deadlifts you are probably stuck with the smith machine to still lift heavy.