Podcast Summary: In Search Of Excellence - Episode E137
Guest: Amanza Smith
Host: Randall Kaplan
Title: Hardships, Defying the Odds, and Selling Sunset
Introduction
In this profoundly emotional and inspirational episode of In Search Of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan delves deep into the life of Amanza Smith, a multifaceted entrepreneur, model, and star of the hit Netflix reality show Selling Sunset. Amanza shares her journey from a challenging childhood marked by racism and abuse to achieving success in the competitive world of high-end real estate and reality television.
Early Life and Background
Amanza's Heritage and Upbringing
Amanza opens up about her diverse heritage, being raised by a white mother in a rural town in southern Indiana. Her biological father, of Nigerian and Asian descent, entered her life much later at the age of 36 following her divorce. She describes her childhood as unique, being the only black child in a predominantly white community.
- Notable Quote:
"I was the only little black kid in the whole community. My big Afro running around with a white stepdad and a white mom in a very rural community." [03:48]
Experiences with Racism and Abuse
Facing Racism
Growing up, Amanza encountered racism from an early age, starting with being called derogatory names on the school bus. She recounts specific incidents, such as being teased for her choice of milkshake flavors during a field trip, which left her feeling isolated and hurt.
- Notable Quote:
"The first time I remember really feeling it, I think I was in second grade... It really bothered me. It really hurt." [05:43]
Parental Abuse
Amanza bravely discusses the physical and sexual abuse she endured from her mother and stepfather. Her mother often displayed anger specifically towards her, while her stepgrandfather and stepfather sexually abused her from a young age. These traumatic experiences led her to seek therapy later in life.
- Notable Quote:
"She was just always mad at me... I was being sexually abused by my mom." [10:21]
Career Path and Reality Television
Modeling and Early Careers
Amanza's ambition led her to various roles, including modeling for luxury brands and working as a cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts. Her passion for hosting propelled her to audition for the popular game show Deal or No Deal, where she landed a role that marked her entry into reality television.
- Notable Quote:
"I always wanted to be a dealer. No Deal girl. That was like the thing." [00:00]
Transition to Selling Sunset
Building on her experience from Deal or No Deal, Amanza joined the cast of Selling Sunset, which significantly elevated her profile. She discusses the process of joining the show, the dynamics of reality TV, and how it has provided her with a powerful platform to share her story and inspire others.
- Notable Quote:
"It's given me a platform. I have a voice. People actually will listen to what I have to say." [90:13]
Personal Life and Challenges
Marriage and Divorce
Amanza shares her relationship with Ralph Brown, a football player she met while working as a waitress. Their marriage lasted two years before Ralph abruptly left, leaving Amanza to navigate single motherhood amidst financial struggles.
- Notable Quote:
"He paid child support for a year and a half, but it wasn't... just a month. So I didn't ask for it for four years." [63:54]
Health Scare
In June 2023, Amanza experienced a severe health crisis involving a blood infection that almost cost her life. She details her ordeal, the misdiagnosis, and the subsequent surgeries that left her with a titanium spine. This experience reinforced her determination to live life fully and use her voice to help others.
- Notable Quote:
"I was admitted... They thought at first I had a tumor, but it was an infection... I almost died, but I didn't." [92:48]
Overcoming Addiction
Amanza candidly discusses her battle with addiction during her early years in Los Angeles. Through the support of a compassionate partner and personal resolve, she overcame substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help.
- Notable Quote:
"It took me walking into a hotel room and... I sobbed and prayed out loud for like, I mean, it could have been five minutes." [102:01]
Overcoming Adversity and Current Endeavors
Embracing Success
Despite the numerous challenges she faced, Amanza has built a successful career in real estate with the Oppenheimer Group and leveraged her reality TV fame to inspire others. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and using one's platform for positive change.
- Notable Quote:
"I really believe that if you just envision yourself... and make it happen or try and if it doesn't happen, it wasn't meant for you." [57:53]
Future Goals
Amanza outlines her aspirations, including hosting her own design show, launching a furniture and home goods line, winning an Emmy, and possibly adopting children. Her vision is driven by a desire to give back and inspire others through her experiences.
- Notable Quote:
"I want to see millions of people, you know, maybe to speak up sooner and know that they can get help and it'll just help them feel so much better." [19:18]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"I always wanted to be a dealer. No Deal girl. That was like the thing."
[00:00] - Amanza Smith -
"The first time I remember really feeling it... It really bothered me. It really hurt."
[05:43] - Amanza Smith -
"She was just always mad at me... I was being sexually abused by my mom."
[10:21] - Amanza Smith -
"It's given me a platform. I have a voice. People actually will listen to what I have to say."
[90:13] - Amanza Smith -
"I want to see millions of people, you know, maybe to speak up sooner and know that they can get help and it'll just help them feel so much better."
[19:18] - Amanza Smith -
"I did Deal or no Deal twice. Like, it came back around like 11 years later. I did it. I was the oldest one on the podium."
[58:35] - Amanza Smith -
"I want to keep all the kindness and gratitude because they really help."
[78:35] - Amanza Smith
Conclusion
Amanza Smith's story is a testament to resilience and the unwavering pursuit of excellence despite facing significant personal and professional hurdles. From enduring a tumultuous childhood to finding success in the limelight of reality television, Amanza leverages her experiences to inspire and motivate others. Her candid discussions about abuse, addiction, and survival highlight the importance of seeking help and using one's platform for meaningful change. As she continues to build her career and personal endeavors, Amanza embodies the essence of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.
Note: This summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from episode E137 of In Search Of Excellence featuring Amanza Smith. It includes notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps to provide depth and authenticity to Amanza's compelling narrative.