Podcast Summary: The Commercial Break – TCB Infomercial: Rickey Smiley Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction to Ricky Smiley

In this episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Greene and Krissy Hoadley engage in an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Ricky Smiley, a renowned radio legend with over three decades in the industry. The interview delves into Ricky's illustrious career, personal struggles, and his approach to comedy and radio broadcasting.

Ricky Smiley’s Journey in Radio

Ricky Smiley shares his journey from starting on a local radio station in Birmingham to becoming a syndicated morning show host across nearly 100 radio stations nationwide. He recounts pivotal moments, including a transformative phone call from his mentor, Steve Harvey, which propelled him into the Dallas radio scene.

Ricky Smiley [26:43]: "I was sitting on the back of Southwest Airlines with tears in my eyes because I felt like I never lived anywhere outside of Birmingham. I knew I was gonna probably get that job and end up there. I didn't wanna disappoint them."

Ricky highlights the challenges and triumphs of expanding his reach, emphasizing his adaptability and dedication to connecting with diverse audiences.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Ricky's personal life, particularly the profound impact of losing his son to an overdose. He candidly discusses his grief and how it shaped his outlook on life and his career.

Ricky Smiley [47:51]: "I lost my son on a Sunday. Wednesday I was back on the air. I was doing the morning show, and I was back on the air on Wednesday. That's why I've had a lot of success in radio because I had to realize that I'm not the only one that lost a son."

Ricky underscores the importance of using his platform to support others facing similar tragedies, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive difference through his experiences.

Approach to Comedy and Audience Engagement

Ricky elaborates on his comedic philosophy, which balances humor with meaningful conversations. He explains how understanding his audience's preferences and staying attuned to their feedback has been crucial to his sustained success.

Ricky Smiley [20:39]: "Being funny. People want to laugh. They want to be entertained in the morning; they want to be uplifted. You have to have a good balance on the show."

He also discusses the dynamics of performing live versus broadcasting from a studio, highlighting the unique pressures and freedoms each medium presents.

Influences and Mentorship

Ricky pays homage to influential figures like D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey, who have mentored him and inspired his growth both personally and professionally. He reflects on how these relationships have propelled him to refine his craft and embrace continual improvement.

Ricky Smiley [36:21]: "D.L. Hughley is a mentor. He challenges you to be better and make you uncomfortable; that's where the growth happens."

These mentors have played a pivotal role in shaping Ricky's approach to comedy and his commitment to authenticity in his work.

Upcoming Projects and Personal Endeavors

Towards the end of the interview, Ricky discusses his recent Hulu special and the release of his book, Sideshow. He provides insights into the themes of grief and forgiveness explored in his work, aiming to inspire and comfort his audience.

Ricky Smiley [47:09]: "The name of the book is called Sideshow. It's about a clown that's sad. Our job is to make people laugh while we're crying on the inside."

Ricky also mentions ongoing tours and his dedication to engaging with fans across various platforms, reinforcing his role as not just a radio personality but a multifaceted entertainer.

Closing Reflections

Bryan Greene and Krissy Hoadley conclude the interview by expressing their admiration for Ricky's resilience and his ability to transform personal pain into a source of inspiration for others. They emphasize the profound impact of Ricky's transparency and authenticity on his loyal listener base.

Brian Greene [62:20]: "It's inspiring. There is, we do often find purpose in the depths of darkness. Right. That is, you know, I used to say this very simple phrase... there is no light without the darkness."

The episode ends on a note of gratitude, celebrating Ricky Smiley's contributions to radio and comedy, while acknowledging the deep connection he fosters with his audience.

Notable Quotes

1. Ricky Smiley [20:39]: "Being funny. People want to laugh. They want to be entertained in the morning; they want to be uplifted. You have to have a good balance on the show."

2. Ricky Smiley [26:43]: "I was sitting on the back of Southwest Airlines with tears in my eyes because I felt like I never lived anywhere outside of Birmingham. I knew I was gonna probably get that job and end up there. I didn't wanna disappoint them."

3. Ricky Smiley [47:51]: "I lost my son on a Sunday. Wednesday I was back on the air..."

4. Ricky Smiley [36:21]: "D.L. Hughley is a mentor. He challenges you to be better and makes you uncomfortable; that's where the growth happens."

5. Ricky Smiley [47:09]: "The name of the book is called Sideshow. It's about a clown that's sad. Our job is to make people laugh while we're crying on the inside."

Conclusion

This episode of The Commercial Break offers a compelling glimpse into Ricky Smiley's life, blending humor with profound personal insights. Ricky's story is one of resilience, dedication, and the enduring power of using one's platform to uplift others. Listeners gain not only an appreciation for Ricky's professional achievements but also a deeper understanding of the man behind the microphone.