Gary With Da Tea Shares Radio Secrets, Cancer Battle, Meeting Rickey Smiley, and MORE

Gary With Da Tea pulled up to On The Spot with Rickey Smiley for one of the FUNNIEST and most honest conversations we’ve had yet. From getting chased home as a kid, surviving cancer, working at Wendy’s, getting confronted by T.I., mental health, radio beginnings, celebrity gossip, and the chaos of life behind the scenes — Gary gave us EVERYTHING. The two longtime friends share hilarious untold stories from The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, emotional moments from Gary’s personal life, and nonstop laughs that only they could deliver. Gary also opens up about living with bipolar disorder, surviving colon cancer, and the journey that turned him into one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. If you thought Gary was funny on the radio… this episode takes it to another level.  CHAPTERS  (00:00) Intro + Walgreens Story (01:05) Rickey Introduces Gary With Da Tea (03:23) Gary Talks 30 Years In Radio (04:08) Why Gary Originally Wanted To Be A Nurse (05:11) Gary’s First Job At Wendy’s (06:27) The Wendy’s Chili Incident (09:02) How Gary Met Rickey Smiley (11:00) Gary’s Start On The Rickey Smiley Morning Show (12:16) Gary Talks Mental Health + Bipolar Disorder (14:13) Growing Up In Port Arthur, Texas (16:41) Gary Opens Up About Surviving Colon Cancer (18:50) Why Gary Cries In The Car (21:23) The Origin Of “Color of the Day” (22:05) T.I. Confronts Gary In Beverly Hills (24:00) Gary Talks Being Bullied Growing Up (25:52) Gary Discusses His Podcasts + Tea Parties (26:34) Rickey Calls Out Gary’s Bills Constantly Being Late (28:46) Fire Department Kicks Gary’s Door Down (32:31) Gary’s Shopping Addiction + Zara Confession (34:22) Walgreens Story Gets Worse (35:59) Final Thoughts + Social Handles   ABOUT THE PODCAST Rickey Smiley On The Spot is Rickey in his truest form — Authentic. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Each episode brings audiences up close with one of comedy’s most trusted voices as he dives into real conversations that mix humor with humanity. From laugh-out-loud stories to deeply personal moments, Rickey creates a space where guests can let their guard down, share their truth, and reflect on life, faith, family, and growth. Whether he’s trading jokes with celebrity friends, offering unexpected wisdom, or exploring the issues shaping our culture, Rickey reminds listeners why he’s been a voice they can laugh with — and learn from — for decades. Blending comedy, culture, and conversation, On The Spot delivers the authenticity and energy that only Rickey Smiley can bring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.