Sideshow

Now available in trade paper!

How do you live with the pain of watching someone you love suffer from addiction How do you cope with the grief of losing them especially when your job is to make people laugh every day

Comedian Rickey Smiley has dealt with these immensely difficult questions for years—first with his father, then with his son. Both battled drug addictions. Both died from overdoses. Both left Rickey weary and wounded.

Far from healed, Rickey has learned how to find moments of peace. He’s practicing how to hold the good with the grief, the past gifts with the present heartache, the hope with the hurt. It’s the “sideshow” he’s living. It’s anything but a smooth path, but he’s on it, and he’s moving forward. And he invites you to come with him.

Join a fellow hurting soul as he sits with his trauma, leans into therapy, and relies heavily on his faith and Scripture, which give him solace and strength. Rickey and his story will help you:

Feel seen and know you are not alone
Process your pain and manage weariness and grief
Invite God’s strength into your weakness
Find a way forward and move toward peace

Our pain may take hold of us in ways that are crippling, out of nowhere, and impossible to control. But there is One who can hold us tighter and keep us grounded, who gives the gift of peace that goes beyond understanding and guides us through each day.

Author Biography

Rickey Smiley is a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host, and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show for which he won the Marconi Award (radio equivalent of the Oscar) for Best Radio Personality. A comedian for more than thirty years, Rickey is constantly performing across the country on his own theater tour and also makes special appearances on the REAL TALK Comedy Tour as well as the Martin Lawrence-hosted, LIT AF Tour. Rickey’s tours often include a live band, which Rickey accompanies as an accomplished pianist and organist. Some of Rickey’s fan favorite characters include “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie,” and “Beauford.” Rickey starred in the stand-up specials, Rickey Smiley: Open Casket Sharp and Comedy Central Presents: Rickey Smiley and released eight bestselling albums including the number one comedy album, Rickey Smiley: Prank Calls 6. Rickey also starred in the Nick Cannon film, Miracles Across 125th Street, which premiered on VH1, and in urban classics including All About The Benjamins, Friday After Next, and Baggage Claim.