Rickey Smiley on Gun Violence, Comedy Career, and Family

Comedy and Radio Beginnings

• 🎤 Rickey Smiley began his career in comedy, opening for George Wallace and later hosting BET's Comic View, which significantly boosted his career.
• 📻 Steve Harvey encouraged Smiley to pursue radio, leading him to a syndicated morning show that now reaches nearly 100 markets.
• 🎭 Stand-up comedy and radio complement each other, with Smiley noting that his radio experience enhances his quick wit on stage.

Career Evolution and Style

• 🌟 Smiley prefers a lighthearted and accommodating style for his radio show, focusing on humor and relatable content rather than controversial topics.
• 🎤 He has a vast repertoire of characters, with Joe Willie and the Deuteronomy being his favorite due to the fun and physical performance involved.
• 🎬 His acting career includes roles in "Friday After Next" and "First Sunday," with his role as Santa Claus in "Friday After Next" being a memorable experience.

Personal Experiences and Resilience

• 💔 Smiley shares harrowing experiences of being shot in 1995 and his daughter being shot during a road rage incident, highlighting the trauma and his ongoing therapy.
• 👨‍👧 He emphasizes the importance of being a present father and uncle, raising nieces, nephews, and his own children, with a focus on providing opportunities and discipline.
• ✈️ Beyond comedy and radio, Smiley is a licensed boat captain and is pursuing a pilot's license, showcasing his adventurous spirit.

Gun Violence and Self-Protection

• ⚠️ Given the prevalence of gun violence, Smiley advocates for self-protection and believes in the importance of being armed.
• 🛡️ He emphasizes situational awareness and tactical training as crucial for personal safety in today's world.
• 🙏 Smiley expresses a desire for community healing and an end to violence, but stresses the immediate need for individuals to protect themselves and their families.

Family and Legacy

• 🏡 Raised by influential grandparents, Smiley values home training, respect, and discipline, principles he now instills in his own grandchildren.
• 🎓 He is proud of his children and grandchildren achieving educational milestones, including college degrees and athletic accomplishments.
• 🌟 Smiley's goal is to provide opportunities and support for his family, ensuring they have a chance to succeed, mirroring the support he received growing up.