Comedian, writer, musician and radio personality Rita Brent sits down with Rickey Smiley for a conversation filled with laughs, honesty and a few stories only these two could tell.

Rita opens up about growing up in Mississippi, her journey from Army musician to stand-up comedian, coming out and navigating her relationship with the church. She also talks about learning from Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer, writing for major award shows and turning rejection from opportunities like Saturday Night Live and Netflix into motivation to create her own late-night show.

From cancel culture and the state of comedy to divorce, faith, HBCU pride and betting on yourself, Rita proves there’s a lot more behind the laughs.

CHAPTERS
(00:00) - Welcome to Rickey Smiley On The Spot
(02:34) - Raised by Three Generations of Women in "Jacktown" (Jackson, MS)
(04:51) - Music & Serving in the Army Band
(06:33) - From Basketball "Sharpshooter" to Class Laugher
(08:40) - Church Antics & The "Jesus Calling" Prank
(13:13) - Getting Started in Stand-up
(14:58) - Learning from Cedric the Entertainer
(17:37) - Coming Out On Stage
(24:21) - Jackson State University & The Sonic Boom of the South
(28:33) - Pledging Delta Sigma Theta
(31:10) - Rickey and Rita's First Meeting
(33:55) - The Magic of "Fix It Jesus"
(35:32) - Cancel Culture & Policing Comedy
(37:24) - Mental Health & Finding Grace in the Industry
(39:31) - Late Night with Rita Brent: Choosing Yourself
(44:50) - Lightning Round

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a comedy OG sits down with one of the most viral comedians of this generation? On this episode of On The Spot, Rickey Smiley goes one-on-one with viral sensation and stand-up powerhouse Desi Banks for a conversation that’s hilarious, heartfelt, and unexpectedly deep. From locker room jokes to fatherhood lessons… from roach stories to purpose-driven success. This episode pulls back the curtain on the man behind the millions of views. Two generations of comedians. One powerful conversation.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) – Intro

(02:25) – How Desi Pulls His Content Together

(02:55) – What Made Him Get Into Comedy

(11:54) – Was He Funny in the Locker Room?

(12:57) – The “Security Stutter” Story

(17:28) – Fatherhood & Responsibility

(30:00) – The Roach Story

36:00 – “The Price Is Right” Moment

37:08 – The First Time Desi Hit the Stage

53:50 – Lightning Round

56:11 – Advice to the Younger Generation & Walking in Purpose

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 for privacy information.

Grammy Award-winning artist Tiny joins Rickey Smiley for a candid conversation that reveals the real story behind her rise with Xscape, her relationship with T.I., and the truth about TLC’s “No Scrubs.” From being told they would never make it to becoming one of the most iconic R&B groups, Tiny breaks down the early struggles, industry setbacks, and the moment everything changed. She also shares how one of the biggest songs in music history was originally theirs, and why it didn’t stay that way. Beyond the music, Tiny opens up about love, marriage, and what it really takes to build a lasting legacy while navigating fame, family, and success.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro

(02:59) – Life as a grandmother and family dynamics

(07:46) – Personal lifestyle and relatable moments

(10:02) – How Xscape was formed

(12:57) – Early rejection and industry challenges

(17:00) – The story behind “No Scrubs”

(19:24) – Will there be an Xscape reunion

(22:19) – Music preferences and current influences

(25:59) – How Tiny met T.I.

(31:50) – Recognizing T.I.’s future success

(33:07) – Keys to maintaining a successful marriage

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 for privacy information.