Rickey Smiley on Adult Kids with Addiction, Losing His Son, and Kamala Harris

Today’s episode is one you absolutely don't want to miss. We’re joined by the one and only Rickey Smiley! You know Rickey as the man who has been making us laugh for decades, but today, he brings even more to the table. Rickey opens up about the pain of losing his son to addiction, the journey through grief, and the importance of embracing therapy and self-care in difficult times. He reminds us that even in our darkest hours, there’s healing in laughter and strength in community.
We also dive into Rickey's experiences with the wisdom of older generations, his dedication to supporting and raising children, and his thoughts on the upcoming presidential election - including what Kamala Harris’ candidacy represents for our future. And, of course, we lighten things up with some classic Rickey Smiley humor, talking about everything from hymns to the unique role of comedy as a form of ministry. It’s an episode filled with deep conversations, laughter, and life lessons you won’t want to miss!
#RickeySmiley #ParentingChallenges #AddictionAwareness #LosingASon #KamalaHarris #AdultChildrenStruggles #MentalHealth #SubstanceAbuse #InspirationalStories #HealingJourney
Order Ricky Smiley's Book "Side Show": www.thomasnels...
The Jamal Bryant Podcast "Let’s Be Clear" is a conversation that rips off the bandaid to serious relevant issues in the community and around the country. It assesses the wounds and offers prescriptions of insight, understanding and direction. No punches are pulled, but jabs are thrown to hit right between the eyes of every listener.
New Episode Drops every Thursday at 12pm est. at jamalbryant.org
Follow or Subscribe on our socials ~
/ jamalbryantpodcast
/ jamalbryantpodcast
/ jamalbryantpodcast
/ jamalbryantpod

[@joycecoleman4286]

These are heartfelt stories and are real life, nothing fake about them. Jamal Bryant, thanks for having Rickey Smiley on your podcast and bringing these stories to the forefront. America needs to hear all of them. May Rickey Smiley’s son rest in eternal peace! Apparently, he was searching for an internal peace while alive, and I pray that he has finally found it! 🙏👏🙌🕊️

[@cedricbrown6766]

Ricky is the most humblest celebrity it is, that’s why he going to be so blessed. Why so many celebrities buying super expensive watches,cars and jewelry this man been sending so many kids to school

[@lynnwebler7041]

God is so strategic. I chose to listen to this show after leaving the VA emergency room feeling frustrated with the type of care I received, again. But, this conversation is such an uplifting and empowering reminder of how I intend to live my life! As Rickey said: it’s not about me. #atmosphereshift

[@Tubbsmuzik]

Pastor Jamal and Dr. Ricky are hilarious together. I laughed out loud at so many parts. 🤣😅😂 that was great to have rich parts about grief and pain and then be uplifted with comedy and triumph.

[@anthonyfloyd2662]

@@Tubbsmuzik Amen

[@kimberlypettis4682]

This was a wake up call. My son is dealing with drugs and Im afraid for him. He is 35 and a good kid. Thank you for sharing what to do and how to get through it. Please pray for me and my son.

[@wiseguy3954]

I decree and declare he will be delivered in Jesus name!! He will live and not die to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ!! Stand on Psalms 91

[@charlenenurse1880]

As I listened to Mr. Smiley talk about his prayer to God about getting him from the apartment to the elevator, I saw where God did exceedingly more than he asked for. He shared about the lady who prayed with him before he boarded the plane and how her prayer strengthened him. He talked about the man who shared his family pictures who helped to keep him distracted. This is the God we serve. He knows the depth of what loss feels like and what it can do to us and He, our Jehovah Jireh, provides us with what we need to take each step as we walk in the place of loss. My prayer is that Mr. Smiley keeps looking for these sacred moments of God's provision to keep him on this journey going forward. I also pray that we as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord will see God's hand and heart in the seemingly small things because they each make a world of difference in our own unique situation. Praise God from who all blessings flow!!

[@soniahoward923]

I appreciate this podcast! Thank you Bryant. Thank you Ricky for pouring out your heart. Praying for strength, peace and healing. ❤️‍🩹

[@rachealgill7780]

Ricky I'm with you I love elderly people ❤ I learned so much from my grandparents, great grandparents uncles and aunts ❤

[@laconiadunn2920]

This is my story. My son too, was 32 years old and died of a fentanyl overdose. I share Ricky’s thoughts and emotion.

[@ericamiller3585]

My family had to suffer the same with my brother. I'm so sorry for your loss and Y'all are part of the club that I've coined, "Family Members Left Behind. "

[@laconiadunn2920]

@ thanks for your kind words and for sharing. So sorry to hear about your brother. Lord have mercy! 🙏🏽

[@tinarice4372]

Pastor Jamal Byrant and Rickey Smiley, I thank you for sharing ❤

[@bernicecameron2263]

This is a Phenomenal Interview with Jamal and Rickey. I learning more about Rickey Smiley ❤❤Love It!

[@chevellawilson]

I love Rickey

[@sherrywarren616]

Thank you so much. This was such a great conversation between yourself and Rickey Smiley. I agree with you that Rickey has a beautiful kind heart ♥️ He loves and cares for people, he gives so much of himself. I love him dearly and I follow and support him. Thank you for sharing Pastor Bryant and may God Bless you.🙏🏻

[@Kristalwalker1972]

My brother passed last year. Died on his sleep and we had no idea. Grief hurts.i commend anyone that continue to fight after losing a loved one. We can make or because we can do all things through Christ .

[@tonistaton1854]

Yesssuh! I recently lost my Son, whewww lord it's hard. But I keep pressing my way every day. God Bless you Dear!🕊🌹🙏🏾

[@Vil-qp6xl]

@@tonistaton1854 💐💜

[@razoraikens5567]

SENDING YOU MY CONDOLENCES @Kristlwalker1972

[@annacastillo4792]

🙏

[@cheryllee8941]

Very good interview, and was very informative. From grief, to addiction to the election. Love to see smart black men be well informed and try to give us the same information.

[@indigenous_by_blood8953]

Shows how misinformed you really are

[@nitraharris746]

This was by far one of the best Pod Cast I’ve listened to. I laughed made you want to cry it was an all around beautiful story.

[@jaleahjordan2959]

Lunch at 9:30AM is crazzy! Rickey you are a fool!!!

[@jadat4944]

Love Rickey Smiley! Another great podcast! You two are HILARIOUS!!!

[@blackqueen67]

I'm on this Podcast circuit with Rickey Smiley and it has to be tough retelling the trauma. Praying for you Sir 🙏🏾❤

[@MrPoppy513]

I am 23 Years drug free as of February 14th, 2024. I almost died from 1 Kilo of cocaine Sniffing and smoking I asked God to save me on my death bed and I promised to not touch it again and I have not AMEN

[@blackqueen67]

God's continued Blessings on You!!🙏🏾

[@ingridphillip5367]

Pray the Lord

[@browndkim01]

May your sobriety never end

[@tonistaton1854]

Hallelujah! God will keep you drug free if you trust him....🙏🏾💕 Good luck, God Bless!🙌🏾

[@DanaLinsey]

@@browndkim01wow love that comment people always say god bless but that’s profound

[@dionnelyde4739]

Prayers up for Rickey Smiley and his family 🙏🏾

[@jalenfitzhugh1665]

I listened to this whole podcast,but I have to say that I am still devastated the most by Kamala Harris losing this election 😢😥. Out of all they talked about that is still sending me to the mourners bench 😩😩

[@KayeParris]

This is heartbreaking now that his his mother is gone. 😢

[@LalaCDavis]

Ricky you’re the man sending kids to college I really respect you my brother. Can’t wait until God presents your Queen! Blessings

[@Msdon833]

He didn’t cry in front of his kids because he didn’t want to give them the same bad memory of seeing his grandparents crying- but I wonder if that experience actually benefited him in ways he has yet to uncover. Seeing a love one breakdown and recover and push through is an amazing lesson.

[@rachealgill7780]

Rickey Smiley I feel your pain I have buried my oldest son 9 days ago. Prayers for strength in the days ahead 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@cottoncandy1004]

Praying for you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Very sorry for your loss.😢

[@anthonyfloyd2662]

Older people pave the way for us to have it Good, Honor your mother and father for your days be long on the earth that's older people too

[@melb1126]

Good looking out Pastor! Rickey Smiley is about to be married after this podcast🎉🎉

[@shirleyconnor1595]

I've watched 3 Rickey Smiley interviews and this one by far is the best! Thanks for bringing the best of the best in interviewing podcasts!

[@ZoniaC-e9k]

@@shirleyconnor1595 TOTALLY! 😃

[@sheilastanley9278]

First thank you praying for you my daughter is 54 I raised her daughter she has people waiting to help her but she won’t except it I too had to distance myself for my granddaughter tough love is hard but you have to do it my granddaughter is a teacher back in school for her masters I just pray before I pass she gets herself together thank you again 🙏

[@ZoniaC-e9k]

Ohhh God. My stomach is hurting listening to y'all kings!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sheritamitchell1036]

I'm 70 and y'all had me crying with laughter at the end, yet Rickey's information on addiction and grief spoke to me. Best conversation since you and Dr. Thema. Thank you!

[@brenda7758]

I LOVE YALL BOTH. PASTOR YOUR LAUGH WOULD CHEER ANYBODY 😂. RICKEY, YOU ARE VERY FUNNY TO ME.

[@adrianjohnson3435]

This was an awesome interview. Rickey I admire your tenacity to keep standing when you could have caved in. ❤

[@fleeflee22]

Love this episode! Exceptional job!

[@adabrooksconsultant1943]

God bless you both. Thank you for your candor in sharing your heart. God bless you, Rickey, and may God continue to bless you and your family.

[@beverlyjones263]

Thank you Ricky for freeing me of issues of my adult son. I did. the very best I could and I'm at peace. Thanks so much. May God bless you real good

[@amirahgood8033]

This was a good one! Love me some Ricky Smiley. ❤ I'm a grandma's baby, and I see so many parallels between how we were raised. I laughed, cried and got informed - all in one lol. Sending love from the A. ❤

[@DeSeanPower2025]

GOD Bless You, Dr. Bryant And Ricky Smiley. I Needed To Hear This Podcast.

[@Joyclyn]

Rickey Smiley.. my celebrity crush

[@bettybooker6770]

Thank you for your book and for sharing your heart. The ending of this podcast-thank you for the laugh!! When I tell you I needed that like another breath - I needed that laugh😂. Pastor was barely holding on but he pulled it off😂 Thank you Rickey for who you are and all you do. More blessings and Favor...and may the Lord descend to show you your wife 😂 💕

[@ValarieGast]

AMEN🙏✌️

[@taunyacooper1731]

I am in awe of You, Rickey Nothing but the best for you my 🧡

[@taunyacooper1731]

Friend

[@taunyacooper1731]

Only The Strong Will Survive🤗🥰

[@lanikabryant]

The general hospital Luke & Laura convo had me weak 😂😂😂😂

[@1sexcchef]

So happy this interview ended in laughter. Rickey is blessing to all...family, friends, global audiences...and especially the least of us. Reminds me of my Daddy who looked after not only us, but his brother's only drug addicted son. Even paid for his burial before he passed away because he knew one day his life would end and no one else would see him through eternal rest. He took security guards and housekeeping staff and their children to sit in the corporate suite seats frequently at games in all sports arenas because he wanted everyone to be at the top of the mountain. Kudos and Coleman Love to this good Brother Rickey Smiley who continues to lift others 🔺️💜

[@ronylyoung3931]

Mannnnnnn I’m in here hollering!!!!!😂😂😂

[@gwendolyndees-hughleyphd6210]

Thank you, Pastor Jamal, for your emphasis on our community’s mental health awareness. You're the “voice crying in the wilderness” of the world-in this moment. Pastor, This is your cue… and it is marvelous in our eyes. Thank you Rickey, enjoying my signed copy of your book and my “Rickey Smiley glasses.” (Alma’s mom❤) you are my homeboy and my son… I love you both! Godspeed

[@feliciaharveyfh]

Love, humbleness and meekness goes a long way. God bless him and anyone else who is suffering with the grief of a long and deceased loved one.

[@sheretablackmon6444]

This interview was so fun and entertaining, they are both comedians with an anointing. 😊

[@MischelleBattle]

this here touch me all around 😢😅😂❤🙏🏿

[@gretabrooks5790]

Thank you for your honesty

[@ritar.ritabowles8646]

I so love this: I love the Elderly so much wisdom.

[@spiritledpoetess394]

36:20 the people in the background at that “Uncle Ro” made my wig loose!😂😂😂Lol

[@sharonroseman5918]

That rust brown suit is 🔥

[@adamstonya7266]

God bless both of you men of God...... I pray God will continue to allow you to ministry to others through laughter and preaching his word. I realize through trials and tribulations, All Things Are Working Together For The Good of those who love the Lord according to his riches and glory. In my experience of life....I can appreciate the differences in all of us. We all belong to God, and used for his purpose, and glory. Thank you

[@JaniceBallardDean-xy6ou]

My 💜💜💜 Best friend did this she raised 10 and own her last one now this is Amazing

[@jackierobinson3836]

Thanks for this message this is so true you guys are talking truth lo🎉very you from Seattle via Chicago

[@taranazare2633]

Thank you!!

[@soniahoward923]

Dr.Jamal had me crying…he said this is it!!! This ends the interview 😅

[@laurasmith854]

This is an amazing podcast, Pastor Jamal, with your amazing guest. I almost lost my son to an overdose. He was 30 years old at the time, and it was during one of the worst seasons of our lives losing the only home they ever knew was devastating. Having to make transitions into unfamiliar places, both of my sons went through trauma. With God, my prayers and constantly encouraging them have freed them, and my son addiction is no more. God is so amazing!

[@tonistaton1854]

Amen!🙏🏾

[@DanaLinsey]

Glad he is free from drugs

[@MBINGATATI]

Very grounded man; love the “giving” part

[@TONEBONE55]

Ricky drunk the kool-aid plus the whole pitcher 😂😮🤣😂

[@miyoshistallings6562]

Great in site to Mr Smiley's humor, and personal drama, Diffidently an overcomer in life various Stage's .

[@JaniceBallardDean-xy6ou]

This is so Powerful what I would say about it is we just have to keep our family in Prayer 🙏🙏🙏

[@stephaniedonald109]

Prayers for Ricky's family as well as Pastor Jamal's family in this sad time and moment in their lives. Trust god, he will never leave you or forsake you.

[@CherylVaughn-p2v]

Pastor Jamal Bryant thank you for this invitation. It was a pleasure to see you and Ricky Smiley and to know that he has a book that’s out. I will be purchasing it. I’m sorry to hear about his loss. I send my condolences to him and his family. I’ve used drugs for many many years. Today I’m free. I’m interested in becoming an author. I have a lot of stories. I seem to attract people who are in need and the elderly. I’m also interested in becoming a Coach for young women and married couples. I would like to help the mentally ill as well. 😊 The biggest thing is I do not know where to start. 😢 I had fear, but I’ve gotten over it. Now I must do the work. I love you both and take care.

[@justcathi427]

Thanks for this interview. It ran the emotional spectrum from one end to the other. 😢😂... held my attention from beginning to end.

[@melissastevens7525]

Thank You Both! "Oh What Blessings!"❤

[@melb1126]

Kamala called him about his son. ❤❤

[@janisthomas7114]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@katrinaevans7588]

Really???

[@ValarieGast]

RICKEY 😊, YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS THAT JESUS BRINGS YOU YOUR COMPATIBLE, PEACEFUL, KIND AND ATTRACTIVE LADY THAT YOU REQUEST 😊... GOOD GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS 🙏✌️❣️ AND HIS GOODNESS IS UPON YA 🤗🙏✌️

[@blkyogi999]

😂😂…. These two are hilarious 🤣🤣

[@waverlyalstonintheco.offri2412]

Those last 5 minutes had me in tears😂😂😂

[@JoyceAustin-p7q]

Congratulations to our contribution to your children’s education

[@marshallwilliams8646]

I totally understand what Rickey Smiley went through with the emotions you deal with your love ones on drugs. My brother was addicted to crack, living with our mom. He would get high, spend his entire check on drugs, and didn't have money to help her with bills and never showed the highness around our mom, always being respectful and quiet. I knew the fool was high and I would tease him about it. I would tell him in front of mom that if she closes her eyes, he gets nothing from me other than TOUGH LOVE, bc I owe him nothing and he betta pull his head out his butt bc he can't stay with me and I cut him off. Shortly after Mom's death, the fool got his life together and he's actually doing better than I am. I'm so proud of the heffa. You have to use tough love bc their issues will actually kill you and they will still be doing drugs....😂😂😂

[@msbrianna82]

The lady who prayed with him is without doubt, Sandra Turner of Friendship West Baptist Church.

[@kpw12002]

Signs and symbolism 😂😂😂 . I’m going to miss that train . Hell who travels by train anymore anyway .

[@shenitaboone6412]

In The Heat Of The Night was the show as well!! Indeed. My Gammy had us watching all of the stories.

[@lynj0hn]

💓💓💓💓💓🎶🎶🎶🎶 Somebody Please Ask Rickey Smiley to Go Live And Play The Piano again! I keep re-playing the same old one over&over! I love it💓💓💓💓💓🎹

[@roslynblackmon9934]

❤my two favorite people.❤ God bless 🙏

[@NetworkingQueen1]

Excellent interview.

[@Dr.LeilaniScott]

One of my favorite interviews. Good ebb and flow!

[@awomansview8635]

I am not feeling well today but I have lmho😅 this how a podcast suppose to be. Pastor Bryant we need a Part Ii with focus on the grief. God bless you both. The best one I seen in a long time😅😅😅

[@karenthomas2641]

Awesome podcast! God bless you Ricky Smiley 🙏

[@JaniceBallardDean-xy6ou]

That's Beautiful 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ZoniaC-e9k]

Good morning Pastor Jamal from Chicago! I've been waiting for this! You and Ricky, I love y'all together!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@pamfetherson128]

God Bless Ricky,always a Fan

[@olivebowers2774]

Amen 🙏 I been there Ricky my son was on drugs stealing lying and not knowing were he was but I thank God he know longer is on drugs married to a beautiful woman and doing good he lost his first wife because she couldn’t take it his wife now didn’t take no mess from him he tried it but she put her foot down

[@DanaLinsey]

Wow that’s a blessing and he wanted to do right by her and too stay drug free

[@UppityZeta]

Great conversation.

[@paulamartin9507]

They have great man-chemistry! ❤

[@alissaaugustin9897]

THIS WAS A GREAT MEETUP, THANK YOU!

[@bettyburr5427]

So.glsd the.pidcast is.back! We missed Dr. Bryant. Rickey, as always, you're the best❤🎉

[@nicolemcintosh2403]

Listening to the audible now!❤

[@altheaford3647]

Bless your heart, ❤

[@zvibessolo]

I enjoyed this interview

[@dacijshow214]

This was a great interview. I needed to hear this. ❤

[@tiabanks5585]

Rickey i hollered anout lavells jacket, hilarious

[@adriennehankton4963]

The Blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary.....Whew- my favorite! It is well with my soul- 2nd place.

[@kimr5479]

Hey Rickey Smiley, enjoyed this interview as always, Hello Pastor Jamal Bryant!😊👍

[@JaniceBallardDean-xy6ou]

Now that Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JaniceBallardDean-xy6ou]

Good morning Pastor Jamal Bryant and Ricky

[@miyoshistallings6562]

Born resembling our parents and die looking like our decision🤔 This is deep you need boots for it. ( let this marinate).