Ricky Smiley, the comedian, radio personality, and now author, has turned his grief into a message of hope in his book, “Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith.” Smiley described the book as his way of helping others navigate their own journeys through loss.
“The book is called ‘Sideshow,'” Smiley said. “It deals with grief, going through the grieving process. It’s to help people that’s grieving with a great story about my son.” Nearly two years after losing his son, Smiley said the experience inspired him to channel his pain into something meaningful.
Writing the book provided Smiley with perspective. He shared that “Sideshow” allowed him to meet others who had endured even more tragic losses.
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“Some people’s kids were murdered at 18 or 19 years old, while my son was 32,” he said. “It just gives you some perspective.” Comedy became a source of healing for Smiley as he worked through his grief.
“Comedy puts gas back in the tank,” he said. “It brings joy and laughter to your body. It’s good for your mind, your spirit, and your soul.” Returning to work shortly after his loss, Smiley explained that performing helped him move forward, even when it felt difficult. Smiley hoped that sharing his story in “Sideshow” would resonate with others.
“God has just used me as a vessel to go out here and help people,” he reflected. “Some have to die in order for others to live.” The book, already a bestseller on Amazon, has drawn large crowds to Smiley’s book signings and events. He believed the book would help readers open up, grow closer to God, and seek therapy.
Smiley emphasized the importance of therapy in processing grief. He likened it to understanding turbulence on a plane.
“When you’re scared of turbulence, it’s because you don’t know what’s happening. But once you understand what’s going on in the cockpit, it’s easier to stay calm. Therapy helps you understand what’s happening in your mind,” he said.
Reflecting on gratitude, Smiley spoke about parents he had met who lost children at a very young age.
“When I think about parents who lost their two-year-old, I think about the 30 years I had with my son,” he said. “It makes me realize how much grace God has given me.”
Smiley also addressed the challenges of grieving in the public eye, noting that his son’s story wasn’t unique.
“Sharing it made others feel less alone,” he said. Storytelling, he believed, had been a cornerstone of his career and allowed him to connect deeply with his audience.
“Meeting parents who’ve experienced similar losses gives me appreciation for the time I had with my son,” Smiley said. “Even amidst the pain, it’s a reminder of the importance of sharing these experiences.” He saw his work as a way to provide comfort and connection for others.
As a father and grandfather, Smiley credited his values to lessons taught by his grandparents. “They taught me discipline, structure, and faith,” he said. “That’s what I try to pass down to my kids and grandkids.”
Smiley also spoke about the challenges faced by today’s youth, saying many lacked conflict resolution skills and respect.
“Charity begins at home,” he said, emphasizing the role of parenting in shaping children’s futures.
For Smiley, comedy remained a refuge throughout his 35-year career.
“When you’ve been doing comedy this long, it’s not about performing for an audience,” he said. “It’s about having a conversation with them. That connection is what keeps me going.”
Looking ahead, Smiley shared details about a Netflix special set to debut in 2025. He described it as some of his best work and said it would revisit earlier material with a fresh perspective.
“I’m really excited for fans to see it,” he said.
Despite his professional success, Smiley’s focus remained on using his platform to inspire others.
“God has blessed me with this opportunity,” he said. “I have to use it to see how much good I can do.”
Ricky Smiley’s “Sideshow” is available now wherever books are sold, including Amazon and rickysmiley.com. “It’s helping so many people,” Smiley said. “I just thank God for the opportunity to bless others.”
