Rickey Smiley On The Spot

Urban One Podcast Network

Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Yandy Smith on Love & Hop Hop Origins, Jim Jones, HARSH Business Lessons, Working w/ 50 Cent +MORE

    Yandy Smith sits down with Rickey Smiley on Rickey Smiley On The Spot for an unfiltered, hilarious, and eye-opening conversation about her life, career, and rise in the entertainment industry. Yandy breaks down the true origins of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, revealing how managing Jim Jones and documenting his family dynamic led to a project that reshaped reality television. She gets candid about the high-stakes music business, sharing wild survival stories from her days at Violator Management—including narrowly missing an office shooting during the 50 Cent era and outsmarting a dangerous setup on tour. Beyond the drama, Yandy shares invaluable business lessons on contracts, missed royalties, and why understanding entertainment ownership early on is vital for creators. Plus, the conversation takes a hilarious turn when family takes precedence over everything—watch Rickey pause the entire show to make sure Yandy’s son gets his lunch money and a popsicle. From reality TV triumphs to heartfelt life advice, this is a deep dive with Yandy Smith you don't want to miss! CHAPTERS(00:00) - Introduction & Welcome Yandy Smith(04:02) - How Love & Hip Hop Really Started(08:03) - Interning at Violator & Linking with Mona Scott-Young(11:15) - Growing Up in Harlem & The Power of HBCUs(16:19) - Advice for Women Executives in Entertainment(17:34) - Reality TV vs. Real Life & Handling Online Hate(21:14) - What Her Kids Really Think of Her Fame(25:25) - Building YELLE Skincare & Bloomingdale's Success(27:50) - Opening Novo Miami & Her Favorite Dishes(32:00) - Saying Goodbye to Love & Hip Hop & Mama Dee Stories(37:21) - The Harsh Business Lesson on Contracts & Ownership(44:32) - Executive Producing Indie Bosses (Featuring Coach Trina)(50:00) - Surviving the Violator Office Shooting(52:45) - Uncle Rickey Pauses the Show for Lunch Money(59:04) - Outsmarting a Hotel Setup & Managing Jim Jones on the Road See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 6 ·  Video

    Keri Hilson on Leaving Music, Pretty Girl Rock, Losing Her Father, Michael Jackson Story + MORE

    Keri Hilson sits down with Rickey Smiley for an honest conversation about the highs, heartbreaks, and lessons behind her journey in music. She opens up about going from writing hits for some of the biggest names in the industry to becoming a star herself, the impact of “Pretty Girl Rock,” and why she ultimately stepped away from music at the height of her career. Keri also gets personal about losing her father, navigating grief, and reaching a point where she felt “scorned” by the dream she once loved. Plus, she shares the unbelievable story of being scheduled to meet Michael Jackson the very day he passed away, the song she gave to Kehlani that she almost kept for herself, and what it took to finally rediscover her love for music. Now, Keri Hilson is entering a new chapter with "We Need to Talk" and a renewed perspective on life, love, and the industry that shaped her. CHAPTERS(00:00) - Intro & Welcoming Keri Hilson(04:44) - Writing Hits for Britney Spears, Ludacris & Mary J. Blige(11:14) - Singing in Church & Early Roots(17:50) - Creating the Anthem "Pretty Girl Rock"(19:53) - Losing Her Father, Grief & The Healing Power of Therapy(24:22) - Lessons in Tenacity from Competitive Sports(29:21) - The $30,000 Late-Night Basketball Bet Story(37:15) - Navigating Industry Pressure & Feeling Like a "Human Robot"(40:37) - "If Music Can Heal, Music Can Harm": Art & Influence(43:32) - Stepping Away & Falling Back in Love with the Craft(48:04) - Advice for Rising Artists & Navigating the Business(55:07) - Island Living in the Bahamas & Finding Peace(1:04:18) - Lightning Round: Influences, André 3000 & Lauryn Hill(1:12:30) - The Story of Almost Meeting Michael Jackson & Outro See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Keri Hilson on Leaving Music, Pretty Girl Rock, Losing Her Father, Michael Jackson Story + MORE

  3. Sep 29 ·  Video

    Kandi Burruss on Walking Away from RHOA, Dating & Divorce, Walking Away From a BIG BAG + MORE

    In this episode of Rickey Smiley On The Spot, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, entrepreneur, and entertainment powerhouse Kandi Burruss pulls up for an unfiltered, hilarious, and insightful conversation. Kandi opens up about the real reason she walked away from Real Housewives of Atlanta, reality TV, and leaving a massive bag on the table. Plus, navigating single life and her dating non-negotiables after divorce, celebrating 15 years of Bedroom Candy, and what it takes to build lasting business longevity. Plus, she shares stories from her Xscape days, mentoring rising star Jada, breaking records on Broadway, and why protecting her peace comes first. CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome & Opening Banter04:15 – Serial Entrepreneurship & Broadway Ambitions07:00 – Building Bedroom Candy & 15 Years of Business Longevity14:45 – Life After Divorce & Modern Co-Parenting22:30 – Single Life & Dating Standards: Financial Stability vs. Communication30:00 – Xscape History, Girl Group Lessons & Mentoring Jada41:00 – Navigating Reality TV & The Real Reason Behind Walking Away58:00 – Money Lessons, Splurges & Giving Flowers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kandi Burruss on Walking Away from RHOA, Dating & Divorce, Walking Away From a BIG BAG + MORE

  4. Sep 22 ·  Video

    Claressa Shields on 19 World Titles, Papoose Love Story, Being The G.W.O.A.T, Faith + MORE

    In this episode of On The Spot, Rickey Smiley sits down with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, four-time Undisputed World Champion, and the self-proclaimed G.W.O.A.T, Claressa Shields. Claressa gets candid about her journey growing up in Flint, Michigan, overcoming childhood trauma, and rising to the top of the boxing world. She dives into her high-profile relationship with Papoose, shares her honest perspective on transgender athletes in women's sports, and reflects on celebrity boxing matchups. Plus, she discusses the making of her biopic The Fire Inside, her deep-rooted faith, pre-fight rituals, and what continues to fuel her greatness both inside and outside the ring. CHAPTERS00:00 - Preview & Welcome to On The Spot02:00 - Claressa Shields Joins Rickey Smiley04:15 - 19 World Titles & 4-Time Undisputed Champion05:37 - How Her Dad Inspired Her to Start Boxing08:10 - Learning From Her First Loss & Olympic Gold11:32 - Flint Roots, Childhood Hardships & Family Drive14:07 - In the Ring: Fighting Danielle Perkins17:32 - What Fighters Actually Look At During a Bout18:40 - Corner Realities & Hilarious Pre-Fight Rituals21:38 - Trash Talk, Savannah Marshall & Ring Beef24:15 - Are a Boxer’s Hands Really "Lethal Weapons"?27:03 - Work Ethic, Camp Diet & Soul Food Cravings29:32 - Rickey & Claressa Plan a Home-Cooked Meal32:40 - Dealing with Trolls & Being the "Beyoncé of Sports"36:30 - Overcoming Insecurities & Creating Her Own Blueprint39:50 - Meeting Papoose & Keeping the Romance Secret43:20 - Who Made the First Move?47:05 - Claressa on Writing Her Song "Faithful" for Papoose54:25 - How Papoose Brings Out Her Soft Side & Future Plans55:55 - The Rise of Celebrity & Influencer Boxing59:15 - Perspective on Transgender Athletes in Combat Sports01:01:18 - Making Her Biopic The Fire Inside01:06:30 - Rapid Fire Questions, Oxtail Recipe & Gospel Favorites See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Claressa Shields on 19 World Titles, Papoose Love Story, Being The G.W.O.A.T, Faith + MORE

  5. Sep 15 ·  Video

    Master P on Selling CDs From His Trunk, Made Millions Independent, Mental Health + MORE

    Master P sits down with Rickey Smiley for a conversation about ownership, legacy, music and the mindset that helped him turn No Limit into an empire. From opening his first record store at 19 and selling CDs out of his trunk to negotiating the groundbreaking 85/15 distribution deal, Master P breaks down why ownership has always mattered more than looking successful. He also talks about investing in the next generation, why artists need to learn the business before it’s too late and bringing No Limit and Cash Money together for a tour rooted in peace, mental health and celebrating their legacy while they’re still here. This is Master P beyond the music! The businessman, mentor and one of hip-hop’s original architects of independence. CHAPTERS00:00 – Highlights & Teaser01:28 – Welcome Master P to On The Spot03:12 – Selling Music Out the Trunk & The Historic 85/15 Deal07:34 – No Limit & Cash Money Tour & Uniting for Mental Health10:43 – Why "The Turtle Always Wins" in Business12:20 – Faith, Family & The Power of Grandparents' Love15:35 – Lessons in Ownership & Making Tough Boss Decisions17:01 – Financial Literacy & Common Mistakes Entertainers Make20:30 – Building New Empires: Footwear, Foods & Rap Snacks21:28 – Update on C-Murder & Family Resilience23:08 – Fatherhood, Discipline & Raising Student-Athletes29:38 – Overcoming Grief, Loss & Protecting Mental Strength35:51 – The Truth Behind "How Ya Do Dat" & The Bass Player41:33 – Only God Can Judge Me Movie & Life Journey45:49 – Rapid Fire Questions & Consistency Advice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Master P on Selling CDs From His Trunk, Made Millions Independent, Mental Health + MORE

  6. Sep 8 ·  Video

    Rita Brent on SNL Rejection, Cedric the Entertainer's Influence, Coming Out On Stage +MORE

    Comedian, writer, musician and radio personality Rita Brent sits down with Rickey Smiley for a conversation filled with laughs, honesty and a few stories only these two could tell. Rita opens up about growing up in Mississippi, her journey from Army musician to stand-up comedian, coming out and navigating her relationship with the church. She also talks about learning from Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer, writing for major award shows and turning rejection from opportunities like Saturday Night Live and Netflix into motivation to create her own late-night show. From cancel culture and the state of comedy to divorce, faith, HBCU pride and betting on yourself, Rita proves there’s a lot more behind the laughs. CHAPTERS(00:00) - Welcome to Rickey Smiley On The Spot(02:34) - Raised by Three Generations of Women in "Jacktown" (Jackson, MS)(04:51) - Music & Serving in the Army Band(06:33) - From Basketball "Sharpshooter" to Class Laugher(08:40) - Church Antics & The "Jesus Calling" Prank(13:13) - Getting Started in Stand-up(14:58) - Learning from Cedric the Entertainer(17:37) - Coming Out On Stage(24:21) - Jackson State University & The Sonic Boom of the South(28:33) - Pledging Delta Sigma Theta(31:10) - Rickey and Rita's First Meeting(33:55) - The Magic of "Fix It Jesus"(35:32) - Cancel Culture & Policing Comedy(37:24) - Mental Health & Finding Grace in the Industry(39:31) - Late Night with Rita Brent: Choosing Yourself(44:50) - Lightning Round See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Rita Brent on SNL Rejection, Cedric the Entertainer's Influence, Coming Out On Stage +MORE

  7. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Dr. Tartt on Why Men Suffer in Silence, Trauma, Anxiety & the Pressure to Perform + MORE

    Dr. Alduan Tartt sits down with Rickey Smiley for a powerful conversation about mental health, faith, trauma and the pressure so many people, especially men, carry in silence. Dr. Tartt breaks down why men struggle to identify and express their emotions, how unresolved trauma can show up as anxiety, hypervigilance and even physical pain, and why getting help doesn’t make you weak. Rickey also opens up about his own grief following the loss of his son, the memory issues he’s experienced since, and the pressure of having to make people laugh while carrying unimaginable pain behind the scenes. From grief and depression to therapy, faith, rest and healing, this is a conversation about giving yourself permission to be human. CHAPTERS(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Alduan Tartt(01:21) - Bridging the Gap: Faith-Based Clinical Psychology(03:43) - Dr. Tartt’s Journey into Psychology(05:11) - Why Pastors Face a Higher Risk of Suicide(08:22) - Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in the Church(09:47) - The Danger of Keeping Deep Family Secrets(12:05) - Hurt People Hurt People: The Cycle of Trauma(14:18) - Overcoming Alexithymia: How to Name Your Emotions(16:58) - Understanding Anxiety & Social Media Scrutiny(19:22) - The "Lizard Brain" & How Trauma Impacts Safety(21:14) - Hyper-Vigilance: Surviving Flight, Fight, or Freeze(24:41) - Grief & Memory Loss: Rickey’s Personal Journey(28:10) - The Critical Link Between Sleep & Mental Health(31:02) - The Hidden Cost of Performative Masculinity(42:13) - Vital Resources: 988 Helpline & Finding Help See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dr. Tartt on Why Men Suffer in Silence, Trauma, Anxiety & the Pressure to Perform + MORE

  8. Aug 25 ·  Video

    Toya Johnson Tells All! Co-parenting with Lil Wayne, Leaving Reality TV, Finding Love w/ Red + MORE

    Toya Johnson Rushing joins Rickey Smiley for a deeply personal conversation about her journey from the spotlight of reality TV to a life centered on "protecting her peace." Toya opens up about the evolution of her motherhood, the distinct differences in how she raised Reginae versus Reign, and the importance of having a partner like Robert "Red" Rushing who truly makes her feel "seen and heard." This episode goes beyond the headlines, offering a rare look at the woman behind the entrepreneur and the strength it took to navigate fame while building a legacy of her own. The conversation takes a raw and emotional turn as Toya discusses the profound loss of her two brothers and her ongoing journey through grief. She shares how she turned her pain into purpose through her "Weight No More" health initiative and gives a transparent look at her co-parenting relationship with Lil Wayne. From hilarious stories about "giving the eyes" in Vegas to powerful insights on faith and resilience, this episode is a masterclass in growth, grace, and knowing your worth. CHAPTERS(0:00) - Introduction: Toya Johnson on Growth and Peace(4:46) - New Orleans Roots: Family Recipes and Mother Nita’s Gumbo(5:44) - Leaving Reality TV: Why Toya Prioritizes Her Peace(10:06) - Parenting Journey: Differences in Raising Reginae vs. Reign(12:00) - The Reality of TV Editing: Protecting Your Narrative(18:14) - Finding True Love: The Story of Toya and Red(27:40) - Overcoming Grief: Healing After the Loss of Her Brothers(35:11) - Co-Parenting with Lil Wayne: Respect and Maturity(38:45) - Health & Wellness: The Weight No More Initiative(50:14) - Lightning Round: Fun Facts and Toya’s Favorites See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Toya Johnson Tells All! Co-parenting with Lil Wayne, Leaving Reality TV, Finding Love w/ Red + MORE
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About

Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.

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