Rickey Smiley Speaks on Grief, Faith, and Being Dragged Online

This episode of The Love You Moore Show is one of the most honest conversations I’ve ever had.

I sat down with my brother Rickey Smiley, and we talked about the grief people didn’t see… the pain the internet joked about… and what it really looks like to keep showing up when your heart is broken.

Rickey opens up about losing his son, navigating therapy, setting boundaries, and how faith doesn’t cancel pain, it helps you survive it. We talk about fatherhood, discipline, protecting your peace, and why “no” is a full sentence when your mental health is on the line.

If you’ve ever felt judged while grieving…
If you’ve ever had to be strong when you were exhausted…
If you’re learning how to love yourself without guilt…

This conversation is for you.

Watch the full episode, take your time with it, and share it with somebody who needs to hear it.

0:00 – Rickey Smiley on grief, being dragged online, and surviving it
0:28 – Willie’s intro + bringing Rickey Smiley on the show
1:44 – Icebreaker + laughs (setting the tone)
6:07 – Marriage, counseling, and relationship truth
9:00 – What Rickey learned from 12 years of marriage
9:40 – Balancing career, family, and structure
11:17 – Companionship, friendship, and what he wants now
13:42 – Willie on adoption + discipline and upbringing
14:37 – Rickey’s grandfather taught him discipline (no alarm clock mindset)
16:12 – “Help me help you” + boundaries in relationships
18:52 – “You haven’t subscribed…” (classic Willie moment)
19:12 – The career shift + pressure that comes with opportunity
21:19 – “No is a sentence” + teaching people how to treat you
23:01 – Why Rickey stopped running every weekend (rest + peace)
27:01 – Why Rickey loves children + raising his grandson
29:18 – Willie’s adoption story: “You chose me”
33:08 – The bond + respect + learning from each other
35:23 – Grief after losing his son: “I’m not the same person”
36:38 – Crying backstage then performing anyway (purpose over pain)
39:00 – The call that changed everything (Dallas + devastating news)
41:29 – Back on radio days later + carrying the family as a leader
43:00 – Serving the homeless while grieving
45:16 – “I didn’t start grieving until a year later”
48:01 – Why therapy matters (faith + tools + healing)
50:14 – “Don’t stab me in the bullet hole” (insult to injury)
51:33 – Fraternity pain + boundaries with culture
57:04 – Recognizing other parents who’ve lost children
58:06 – Willie’s final challenge: therapy + healing + “Love You Moore”

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