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 tour

This 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 advocate
Follow: @SamRidleyComedy on all platforms
Illegal Opinions Podcast — Spotify, Apple 
Music & YouTube every Friday

HOST:
Nyomi Banks — Da Goddess of Self Love
Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap
asknyomi.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/WyjAne
If 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 #988


Become 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.

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Until Thursday – stay curious, stay open, stay authentic.

This is your girl Nyomi Banks. Keep bridging that gap." Always keep it Simply Sexy"