Laughing Through It: Mental Health, Stigma & the Healing Power of Comedy (LIVE Series Finale)

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"