Sam Ridley III — The Complete Unedited Interview (Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap)

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 tourThis 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 advocateFollow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platformsIllegal Opinions Podcast — Spotify, Apple Music & YouTube every FridayHOST:Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self LoveAsk Nyomi: Bridging the Gapasknyomi.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/WyjAneIf 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 #988Become 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"