Eric Bellinger Opens Up About Grief, Writing Hits for Beyoncé, Chris Brown & Usher, Going Independent + MORE

Da’Vinchi On BMF, Escaping Poverty, Refusing to Glorify Drugs, Faith & Acting + MORE

Da’Vinchi sits down with Rickey Smiley for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, mental health, purpose and the decisions that shaped his journey from poverty to Hollywood. Best known for his roles as Terry Flenory on BMF and Darnell Hayes on All American, Da’Vinchi opens up about starting his career in music, transitioning into acting and why he ultimately became uncomfortable with the messages he was being encouraged to promote through his songs. Da’Vinchi reveals that although he has experienced arrests and sold drugs in his past, that lifestyle did not create his success. Changing his life, strengthening his faith and educating himself are what helped him move forward. He explains why he refuses to glorify the very circumstances he had to overcome and why portraying a character is different from personally promoting a destructive lifestyle. The actor also discusses the intentional thought behind the roles he accepts, landing his breakthrough opportunities on Jessica Jones, All American and BMF, and the responsibility he feels to tell stories without losing himself in the characters. Da’Vinchi and Rickey also dive deeply into mental health, emotional discipline, technology, depression and the importance of preparing your mind to handle loss, change and life’s inevitable challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Momma Dee Opens Up About Scrappy, Love & Hip Hop, Viral Catch Phrase, Her New Food Truck + MORE

Momma Dee joins Rickey Smiley On The Spot for one of her most candid and entertaining interviews yet. From the phone call that launched her reality TV career to the real meaning behind her iconic phrase "In That Order," Mama Dee reflects on motherhood, fame, music, faith, and her unwavering love for her son, Scrappy. She also shares the inspiration behind her new food truck, her favorite family recipes, and why she believes protecting your children never stops, no matter how old they become. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction to Mama Dee The Queen of Reality TV (02:12) - Family Update: Grandkids and Lil Scrappy (03:22) - Cooking Secrets: Momma Dee’s Famous Recipes (07:35) - Momma Dee’s New Purple Food Truck (10:44) - How Reality TV Fame Started: The Soulja Boy Drama (16:22) - The Rocky but Loving Relationship with Scrappy (19:12) - Unforgettable "Love & Hip Hop" Moments & Catchphrases (27:31) - Rapid Fire Questions: Late Nights and Pet Peeves (33:39) - The Secret Kool-Aid Ingredient See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From R&B Superstar to Pastor: Montell Jordan Tells His Story + More

This week on Rickey Smiley On The Spot, Rickey sits down with legendary R&B artist Montell Jordan for one of his most transparent conversations yet. Known worldwide for creating one of the biggest party anthems of all time, "This Is How We Do It," Montell reflects on the highs of superstardom, the pressures that came with early success, and why he believes fame didn't prepare him for the responsibilities of being a husband and father. Montell also shares the emotional story behind his prostate cancer diagnosis, how he broke the news to his wife, and why he's now committed to encouraging men to prioritize their health. From music and ministry to marriage and purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom, laughter, and unforgettable moments including a hilarious conversation about bringing back the original church communion crackers. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Introduction & The Impact of "This Is How We Do It" (06:42) - Fame, Family, and Early Lessons (10:03) - Church Roots & Musical Foundation (13:43) - The Turmoil of Two Worlds: R&B vs. Ministry (18:24) - Musical Inspirations: From Stevie Wonder to Prince (22:54) - Bringing "Light" to the World: Faith on Stage (31:40) - The Love Story of Montell and Kristin Jordan (45:09) - A Journey Through Prostate Cancer (01:00:46) - A Mandate for Health: Advocacy & Early Detection (01:02:18) - New Chapters: Books, Movies, and Rapid Fire See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Eric Bellinger Opens Up About Grief, Writing Hits for Beyoncé, Chris Brown & Usher, Going Independent + MORE

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Bellinger joins Rickey Smiley for an honest conversation about the realities of songwriting, balancing artistry with business, navigating grief, and building a career on his own terms. From writing chart-topping records for some of the biggest names in music to opening up about losing his mother and embracing a new chapter with a major label partnership, Eric shares the experiences that shaped both the artist and the man behind the hits.   CHAPTERS (00:00) - Intro & Eric Bellinger Welcome (00:00) - Intro & welcome to Grammy award-winning Eric Bellinger. (02:40) - Eric’s Songwriting Catalog for icons like Brandy, Justin Bieber, and Chris Brown. (05:31) - Musical beginnings in the church and early R&B influences. (11:45) - Visiting the Jackson family home and its impact. (20:09) - Working with Beyoncé and the lessons learned about being himself. (24:28) - Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence in music. (26:34) - Family life, fatherhood, marriage, and being present (32:11) - Dealing with the loss of his mother and the therapeutic power of music. (38:58) - Starting his own label, All Wins Entertainment, and finding new talent. (43:15) - His upcoming self-titled album. (44:54) - Fan pet peeves and wild experiences. (47:55) - Rapid-fire questions: Tour riders, go-to vocal songs, and food preferences.   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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sean Garrett on Working With Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Usher’s Yeah! + Jay Z Naming Him "The Pen"

Legendary songwriter and producer Sean Garrett joins Rickey Smiley for an unforgettable conversation about creating some of the biggest hits in music history. Known as "The Pen," Sean has written and produced chart-topping records for Beyoncé, Usher, Ciara, Chris Brown, Fergie, and countless others. From the making of "Yeah!," "Goodies," and "Run It!" to sharing his unique creative process, Sean gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to consistently create timeless music. Sean opens up about earning his iconic nickname from Jay-Z, the responsibility that comes with shaping the sound of a generation, and the importance of collaboration in the music industry. In one of the episode's most memorable moments, he shares what it was like working with Michael Jackson during the final year of his life and reveals that the King of Pop called him every morning to talk about creating "the biggest song in the world."The two also discuss fatherhood, Atlanta's influence on music, vocal production, and why songwriters deserve more recognition. CHAPTERS (00:00) - Intro & Sean Garrett Welcome (01:34) - Introducing the Legend: Sean "The Pen" Garrett (03:26) - Do Songwriters Get Enough Recognition? (04:02) - Sean's Early Career and Atlanta Roots, Military Upbringing (05:32) - The Creative Process: Creating vs. Writing (06:51) - Natural Gift: 56 Number Ones and "Super Friend" Status (07:40) - Making a Name Before Social Media (09:51) - The Story Behind Usher's "Yeah!" (13:52) - Transition to Solo Artist: New Music "Girlfriend" (14:26) - Cooking Memories with Plies and Pinto Beans (15:44) - How Jay-Z Gave Him the Nickname "The Pen" (16:57) - Working with Michael Jackson: The Final Year (21:03) - Vocal Producing: Pushing Usher, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and MORE (24:02) - Atlanta's Impact on Hip-Hop & R&B (24:56) - Dating in ATL and Finding "The One" (25:56) - Free Time: Bowling, Top Golf, and Family (28:40) - Game Time: "The Spot" Rapid Fire Questions   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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.