This is the full conversation. Before the series finale aired, Nyomi Banks sat down with comedian, Air Force veteran and mental health advocate Sam Ridley III for one of the most honest interviews ever recorded on this platform. Nothing cut. Nothing edited. Every word.
This is the interview that became the heartbeat of our series finale — Laughing Through It. But what you hear in this full version goes deeper and wider than what aired on the live show.
IN THIS COMPLETE INTERVIEW: - How Sam and Nyomi first met at an AVN weekend comedy show — and how they only saw each other one way until they looked closer
- Sam's 20 years in the United States Air Force — and how military culture shaped how he processed pain
- The car accident that left him with years of unprocessed trauma he could not name - His military brother Isaac — the first person Sam told when he found out he was going to be a father — who later died by suicide - The breakdown at Universal Studios on a water ride — crying about a car accident from years before — his family forming a circle saying "we got him" — and the joke that came out of it - How therapy saved his marriage when it was almost over - What healing actually looks like — not the hashtag version. The real version. - Why Sam deliberately added Black men's mental health to his comedy — and what he needs Black men to hear - Laughter as purpose: "Come to a show when you are having a hard time getting to the laughter. I promise you are leaving with something." - Maverick — the little boy fighting neuroblastoma that Sam has been raising awareness for throughout his national tour
This interview is raw, real, funny, heavy and ultimately full of hope. It is everything a conversation about healing should be.
GUEST: Sam Ridley III — comedian, Air Force veteran, mental health advocate Follow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platforms Illegal Opinions Podcast — Spotify, Apple Music & YouTube every Friday
HOST: Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap asknyomi.com 💙 Help Maverick Fight Neuroblastoma: gofundme.com/f/help-maverick-fight-his-fight-against-neuroblastoma 💜 Love & Mental Health Campaign: give.gofundme.com/give-classy-org-LoveAndMentalHealth 🔍 Social Catfish: social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAne If you or someone you know is struggling please call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone. #AskNyomi #SamRidleyIII #BlackMensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #HealingThroughLaughter #LovedLostReclaimed #UnedtedInterview #VeteranMentalHealth #988
"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"
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Nyomi Banks. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Nyomi Banks och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
