We made it. The series finale of Loved, Lost
& Reclaimed.
We closed out Mental Health Awareness Month
the way healing actually feels when you have
made it to the other side — with laughter.
Real, hard-earned, honest laughter.
In this episode Nyomi Banks, Dogg Pound Mike
Mike and Dr. Will Washington are joined LIVE
by comedian, United States Air Force veteran
and mental health advocate Sam Ridley III
for the most powerful finale we have ever
produced.
We played key clips from Nyomi's exclusive
pre-recorded interview with Sam — and reacted
to them live as a full panel in real time.
What unfolded was television.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Sam reveals that his military brother Isaac
— the first person he told when he found
out he was having a son — died by suicide.
And how that changed everything for him.
- The moment Sam broke down at Universal
Studios on a water ride — and his family
formed a circle around him and said
"we got him"
- Why Sam deliberately added Black men's
mental health to his comedy — and what
he wants Black men to know
- Mike Mike on the simple power of just
talking to another brother
- Dr. Will's final clinical note for the
series: "Be kind to yourself and heal
always"
- Nyomi's full series close — reading from
the letter that started it all
CLOSING WORDS from the letter that became
our heartbeat this month:
"Even with stones that are put in your way —
you can still build something beautiful.
Keep growing, pretty flower."
YOUR HOSTS:
Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love
Dogg Pound Mike Mike
Dr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness
Institute
SPECIAL GUEST LIVE:
Sam Ridley III — comedian, Air Force veteran,
mental health advocate
Follow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platforms
Illegal Opinions Podcast — every Friday on
Spotify, Apple Music & YouTube
THIS MONTH WE SUPPORTED TWO CAUSES:
💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign:
give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth
💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma:
gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma
OUR SPONSOR:
🔍 Social Catfish:
social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne
CONNECT:
Email: asknyomi@gmail.com
Website: asknyomi.com
Instagram: @therealnyomibanks @asknyomi
YouTube: youtube.com/@nyomisworld
If you or someone you know is struggling
please call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline. You are not alone.
#AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #LaughingThroughIt
#LovedLostReclaimed #SamRidleyIII
#BlackMensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
#DrWillWashington #SeriesFinale
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-nyomi-bridging-the-gap-podcast--5343726/support.
"Thank you for joining me on Ask Nyomi: Bridging The Gap. Remember, your sexuality is sacred, your desires are valid, and honest conversations create deeper connections.
If today's episode helped you see things differently, share it with someone who needs this conversation. And please rate and review the show.
Follow me on Instagram @TheRealNyomiBanks and @AskNyomi send your questions – this show exists because of YOU. Visit us at AskNyomi.Com
Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic.
This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy"
ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAP
Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)
Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike Mike
Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community
📧 HAVE A QUESTION?
Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:
Email: info@asknyomi.com
Subject line: Your question or topic
🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:
Website: AskNyomi.com
Personality Quiz: Discover your coaching path
📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:
Instagram: @asknyomi
Facebook:@asknyomi
Twitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG
💻 EXPLORE MORE:
Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)
Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)
The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms)
2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & Unashamed
Be good to one another and yourselves.
Always keep it sexy.
— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love
