Rickey Smiley Gets Real About Life After Losing His Son, His Father, and Finding New Purpose

On this episode of The Table with Anthony ONeal, comedian, radio host, and author Rickey Smiley joins us to share his deeply personal journey of healing after the heartbreaking loss of his son and father. Rickey opens up about the impact of addiction, grief, and how he is navigating life after tragedy. But this conversation is not just about pain—it's also about hope, resilience, and finding strength in difficult times. Rickey also shares valuable lessons from his new book, offering inspiration for those facing their own struggles. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful discussion you won’t want to miss.

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Hey, fam! I’m Anthony and I’m here to help you discover your authentic self and achieve spiritual, financial, and mental freedom. I know what it’s like to be in debt and homeless - I’ve been there. But with the grace of God, I was able to turn my life around and I’m now helping others to do the same.

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[She_is_Chris]

Man, I grew up with Brandon and we went to college together. His death was a hard one for many of us. Brandon presented quiet & reserved but his presence often commanded a room. He was one of the absolute most funniest people I knew. I pray for Mr. Rickey and his family often. 🥺💔🕊️

[robertthompson]

Man this interview had me 🤧😔🙌🏿🫶🏾. Praying for you Mr. Smiley!!!!. This is a strong black man.

[Kristalwalker]

My 2nd brother passed on 7/29/23. It was untimely and it hurt my family to the core. If it was not for the Lord, I wouldn’t have made it. Grief felt like someone ripped out my heart and left me bleeding. I had to get on meds, go to therapy, and I developed a relationship with God that I never had. I still exist because of God.

[tracy]

I can't add their names, but my adult kids are all dealing with addictions as well. I lost both of my parents to addictions. Rickey, thank you for your transparency in-spite-of your celebrity. We loved your reality show. You are such a wonderful father. God's got you brother. Jesus is the best Comforter in our trials. Thanks for speaking on therapy b/c yes, it helps.

[EbonyLPorter]

I was in the other room crying so hard while watching that my godmother came in and asked if I was ok. I have a sister in recovery and I lost my brother to suicide in 2009. Sometimes the pain resurfaces but I thank God for how he has kept my family.
Praying that the chains of addiction be broken of my family members. In Jesus name, AMEN

[belindaealy]

Please pray for my sons Lance and Lilarry who are going through addictions. Thank you so much and God bless you

[scorpiowilliams]

I can't even imagine the loss of a child. My Mom lost two of her children. My brother passed away when he was 38 and my sister passed away at 45. My Mom had already lost my father. I grew up in Birmingham as well. When Ricky lost his son, I couldn't imagine the pain and hurt that he felt.

[sharonroseman]

Rickey Smiley has always been a man of God & integrity. I cried watching the funeral as he praised and grieved at the same time

[chandrabeamon]

This episode is going to be so deep on so many levels. I can't wait to watch and read the book. Super happy Rickey Smiley decided write this book to not only help himself but others as well.

[Tryagain]

Rickey is indeed a man of grace and an excellent father! I admire him and I am a huge fan! May God keep him 💕

[meeshascuisine]

This touched me. We are standing in faith with you and praying Mr. Smiley

[sherrywarren]

I love Rickey Smiley so much!! He has been through a lot . He has a beautiful heart ♥️ always looking out for others.. even through his grief. Bless him always.
Thank you for this.. ❤

[pctekgrl]

Rickey Thank you for coming on THE TABLE. Your last name was meant for you, the best at this, My King, to make us SMILE despite your grief, and brokenheart. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please pray for my one and only child, my son. He is a great kid, but just got my old car and started driving again. I am terribly afraid for his life because I do not want to be that parent where their child is a statistic for driving fast, being distracted. I love you son, please don't let me go through this what can happen to you. I will not survive.. I pray that your mindset and maturity advance so fast right now. There was someone in our neighborhood that lost a daughter, I don't want that to be me and family. My parents are already sensitive being as old as they are.

[keshadavis-sanders]

I’m praying for you Rickey. Anthony, I am praying for your cousin. Thank you Rickey for sharing your story with us.

[Callista_Amara]

Walter 🙏🏽

thank you Anthony for taking the time out to pray

[yvrosecharles]

“When you roll your ankle, you don’t go to the Bible.” Thank you Rickey Smiley and Anthony for this amazing interview that is needed especially in our community. As a mental health therapist and one that is still healing through from the passing of my mother, I commend you for being an advocate and using your platform to shed light on this matter. May God continue to bless you and your family as you all go through your healing journey. Can’t wait to read your book! 🙌🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

[jerradiggs]

Prayers for my children, Danielle and Trevon. Trichina from another mother.

[ladicali]

Never lost any children “Thank God” their still young babies but losing my mother and my motherNLove while having my own babies has taken everything out of my husband and I… Losing and giving life at the same time is HARD!!! I cannot wait to read this book. I’ve never been to therapy because I was always taught to PRAY about it and the lord will see us through. I definitely have to try therapy one day!!! Thank you for your vulnerability, it’s helping so many of us. ❤❤❤

[bernadetteteague]

I can't cry Mr Ricky. It just won't come out. It's been almost 3yrs. I hope to see you in Jacksonville next month. Thank you. I'm gonna see Angie to get your book Friday. You and I did what we could do with what we had. Amen and Shalom.

[shannonsaunders]

Prayers for complete healing for my husband Ricky. He is such a great guy. God knew he could make it through this. I hold you up in prayers for strength. Peace and blessings to you