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 allCLOSING 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 LoveDogg Pound Mike MikeDr. Will Washington — Washington Wellness InstituteSPECIAL GUEST LIVE:Sam Ridley III — comedian, Air Force veteran, mental health advocateFollow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platformsIllegal Opinions Podcast — every Friday on Spotify, Apple Music & YouTubeTHIS 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-neuroblastomaOUR SPONSOR:🔍 Social Catfish:social-catfish.pxf.io/WyjAneCONNECT:Email: [email protected]: asknyomi.comInstagram: @therealnyomibanks @asknyomiYouTube: youtube.com/@nyomisworldIf 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 #SeriesFinaleBecome 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.ComUntil 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 GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/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 & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love