Stand by Your Truth: And Then Run for Your Life!

by Rickey Smiley

“I’m very passionate about everything that I do and I don’t play any games. I just keep it honest. I don’t put on airs. That’s the only way you can be. If you tell one lie, you’ve got to tell another lie. I’m cool with who I am. What you see is what you get.”

Stand-up comic. Single dad. Radio personality. TV star. Prankster. Producer. Community activist. Man of faith.

Visit a church, comedy club, college campus, or barber shop, and you’ll find few people who aren’t familiar with, or fans of, Rickey Smiley. At least four million listeners in over eighty markets tune in every weekday morning to hear him banter with his radio show crew, hilariously prank call an unsuspecting listener, and perform skits etched by his one-man cast of characters including “Lil’ Darryl,” “Beauford,” and “Joe Willie.”

But in between the rapid-fire jokes, hip-hop beats, and celebrity dish are flashes of how Rickey views the world, from the challenges of raising children, to the importance of education, to the need to always stand in your own truth. After more than two decades in the spotlight, Rickey is finally ready to delve more deeply into the opinions he voices ever-so-briefly on the air, riffing on those issues that his listeners, viewers, and fans find most important. Stand by Your Truth is part memoir, part testimonial, and part life guide, mixing Rickey’s down-home humor with the values he learned from being raised by three generations of elders, steeped in the Baptist church, and mentored by some of the most celebrated comics in the entertainment industry today.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2017

About the author

Broderick Dornell Smiley is an American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality known for his prank phone calls. The calls feature Smiley disguising his voice carrying a conversation with the recipient of the call.

Reviews

[Dre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying I'm a big fan of Rickey Smiley. Not only is he a talented man, he does a lot for the community and for that I admire him a lot. So when I found out he had a book, I could not wait to read it. Based on the title and the cover, I went into this book believing I would be receiving a large dose of wisdom with a side of laughs. I had high hopes for this read. But Stand by Your Truth was not what I expected at all. While Rickey shared a lot about his experiences with parenting, offering advice to both parents and children alike, I thought his words were a bit preachy and judgmental. I love that he is a stand-up guy that works hard for his family. I respect that he's so philanthropic and gives much to the community, but those shining parts of his personality I've seen at his live shows and on his comedy specials just did not translate in this book. I would have loved to have seen more insight and humor in this read.

**Thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.**

[Amber S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Rickey Smiley seems like a great guy. This was my first autobiography and it kept me entertained and wanting to know what happened next. I believe this a good book for a young audience to show how to treat people and how you can succeed if you stay focus and put in work.

[Tiffany Spencer]

Stand By Your Truth and Then Run For Your Life
Rickey Smiley is one of our hometown heroes and someone I’ve taken quite an interest in this year. It all started with a simple phone call between my aunt and mom. I don’t know how the subject came up but they were talking about his son’s death this year (2023). I was curious which son. I had slight memories of watching Rickey Smiley Foreal (but as I do with a lot of things I started the show and then didn’t finish it. I’m trying to get better!).

So, I found all the seasons on Tubi and started to watch it from Season 1 and I became really engaged in it. So much so that I’d be up until 2 in the morning watching the episodes back to back to back. I usually don’t really care about reality shows but this one was really good! Rickey’s (I a call these solo segments. It’s where it cuts from the scene with them with other people to just them commenting) were funny. (I’ll just comment on the others).

Brandon (may he RIP) but I wanted to shake a whole lot because he kept f’in up with Bianca. (Can’t you just DELETE the numbers? REALLY!?) But then Bianca made me frustrated because she didn’t just LEAVE and kept coming back. (Maybe she will for good. It seems like it. I’m on Season 5). But I liked that Brandon seemed to be a hard worker. He reminded me a lot of Ricky wanting to follow in his footsteps and the first thing Rickey says when the show opens is “I have a lot of jobs.” If you watch the show Brandon goes through several throughout the seasons. He really did also seem to be a great big brother to his siblings. I kinda envy that. I have a brother but.. we kist aren’t as close as I’d like us to be.

Craig and Malik just seemed like goofball city (particularly Craig) In a lovable way but how you gone start a lawn mower business and don’t bring a lawn mower? Or go to a modeling agency without a portfolio. YEEEAH!. But Craig was also so mannerable that he was kind of charming in a way. Did the military seem just a little off for his personality? It fit Malik’s more.

“Miss Juicy” rubbed me ALL the way wrong because her ego was OFF THE CHARTS and I really didn’t see FOR WHAT?! Does anyone even watch “The Little House Wives of Atlanta,”? I’ve heard people talking about “The Housewives of Atlanta” but not ONE person I’ve tal

ked to has mentioned her show. Toward this season she’s taken it down so she’s a little more palatable. D’Essence seems cool. I wanna tell her tho, girl you deserve way better than these CLOWNS. I didn’t see what she saw in Landon who sat there like a dumb dumb while she cried her eyes out. AGAIN WHY do men do the dumb ish they do? HELLO! So many people have IG. And your posting half-naked pictures of other chicks. Did you really think she’d be stupid enough to fall for “Oh she’s just a *friend*. I’d rather she have stayed with the 35 year old. Then there was “Cornbread” who was cute and all but so so indecisive. But those were just my little thoughts on the show.

So, I found out Brandon was the son who’d died. (I did find out more about his struggle here to get custody of Brandon after finding out he really was his). After this, I got even more invested. I think I went on IG next and started to go to his official website. And when I did…. When I tell you I REALLY saw Rickey Smiley Foreal. I was watching these videos and the more I watched the more *intense* they got. He’d documented his grief process from the time he got the call his son had died and on the way back to Birmingham practically up until getting ready to go to the funeral (and many occasions after this when he had anxiety and would be up on LIVE until 3 in the morning just talking to cyberspace). I honestly can not tell you a time compared to this I’ve seen a celebrity reveal so much to the public. Honestly, I felt GUTTED because when you listened he seemed to want to keep going and going and going and going because he had to for other people who were going through losing someone, and I just felt like “yeah but you can’t..” He kept talking about putting off therapy and when he did go he just needed “a few days”. I was thinking NOOO! You need way more than that. You need to just be still a minute. If you need to take some time off from the morning show then just play repeats. Then he lost an uncle and I could relate to that because I lost two uncles this year.

Then as I was watching these videos on IG which were disturbingly interesting to me somehow I came across something (rather someone) that turned my heart inside out. Denver. And my heart just melted into a puddle (his seven-month-old granddaughter). I swear to you, I never considered myself a “baby person” but if seeing this adorable, precious, little doll doesn’t make you feel something then you must be made of stone. So then I'd watch the videos he posted of her. He doesn't post near as many in my opinion as I wished he would.

If I couldn’t sleep I’d also check out the podcast. Now while I was watching the Standing Ovation (which is what Rickey named his homecoming ceremony as in Brandon was following in his footsteps and wanted to be a comedian)., the mayor of Birmingham spoke R Mayor Woodfin and he mentioned the book so I looked it up and found it. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. It really is different from the usual autobiography because it starts off giving parents and kids advice. Then it gives bits and pieces of his life. Actually you’d get more about his life if you watched the reality show and followed him on IG. He may “claim” he’s a “private person” but he REALLY REALLY likes to share. ALOT!

But I did learn some things. For one, I learned the relationships of his kids to him. I knew that Craig wasn’t his (that was made clear on the show) but the others were always “fuzzy”. From reading this I found out of all the ones he claims only Malik and Brandon were his biological kids. I found out he worked at Showbiz. This was interesting because I’ve been doing a little writing about Showbiz. I found out about all the things he’s done to help his old teacher and two boys in his neighborhood that didn’t have a lot of food to eat at their homes (and countless others). I found out that Steve Harvey was his mentor.

There was also good advice (and if you go to YouTube you can also see this). Some of it II brushed off because I’m not a parent. Some I brushed off because it was for the kids that don’t show respect *for* their parents.I’d like to think that even as an adult daughter, I always try to be mindful of showing my parents and giving them the respect they deserve. I think I slipped up a few times as we do in life but it’s not been that many. But he gave some good advice about how to let go of people when their “season” is over. There’s a really good video on YouTube of him talking about how the older we get our circle is gonna get smaller and I’ve found that to be VERY true!

There’s also a part where he talks about standing for something and Birmingham Alabama’s part in the Civil Rights Movement. A lot of times I wanted to call this SPEAK YUR TURTH AND THEN RUN LIKE HELL for some reason because it flowed better than STAND YOUR TRUTH AND RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. But some truths got spoken, I just wished it were a little bit more than he gave us but I guess that’s what social media is for.

Rating: 7

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Entitlement is a personality flaw that I see in so many people, and it's a characteristic that I resent more than any other. The only thing that someone owes you is basic courtesy, and if you don't know how to act, you don't deserve even that."

"It's easy to hold on to a grudge, to let resentment wrap around you like a protective blanket. You can use an old betrayal as an excuse to get out of doing the things that you are supposed to do, or as the reason you didn't achieve the goals you'd been talking about since you were eleven years old."

"It is important to be loyal, to have the back of those who've had yours. Sometimes, you have to fight for those who've helped you, and prop them up when they are embattled and may not have the strength to defend themselves."

"Not everything has to be a transaction. A gesture of kindness and camaraderie can be enough."

"People don't know what you went through to get what you got, and unfortunately, many do not care."

[Teresa Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book along with other books sometime ago. I do this often. When I am able to sit down and read I do that. I hate I took so long to read this book and I hated it to close it shut when I reached the end.
I am a very big fan of Rickey Smiley. I even put him in my book titled NO LIMIT. One of my characters love Rickey Smiley as much as I do. I have been to countless numbers of his comedy shows, I listen to the Morning Show everyday, and I follow all of his social media. He has liked and retweeted a few of my tweets....lol
Now on to the book....
A very pleasant read. It goes into deep details about some stories he has often shared and things he has not shared with his listening audience. I can say he has lived and he has learned. I can't wait to see what's up next because I know he's not done. One amazing read. I'm a true fan of Broderick....lol

[Shell (booksbythecup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Rickey Smiley's comedy for many years. I've even seen one of his comedy shows in person. I listen to his radio show and I've seen his reality TV show, Rickey Smiley for real and I always have a lot of good stomach hurting laughter. So when I saw this book at the library I jumped at the opportunity to read it, listening to the audio is especially funny because it's REAL. Smiley's approach to life reflects his southern values and beliefs as instilled in him by his grandparents and his mother. He gives us a window into his background and still he makes us laugh. Even though some might view his outlook and approach as politically incorrect, I found it authentic and refreshing to think about my own southern heritage and how some of the basics about training our young people have been lost. How many young kids feel entitled, like the world owes them something. You have to work hard, make sacrifices to get anything in this world. Your parents don't own you the latest gadgets, fashion, cars. They owe you love and when they give it, make it a priority to show some appreciation.

"That's unacceptable. I don't tolerate bad manners. Whatever your age, treating another person with respect is a matter of common decency. It's how we reinforce each other's inherent dignity. Each and every one of us is deserving of acknowledgement and courtesy." (20)

"I've never felt entitled. I've always expected that I would have to work hard and that my effort would ultimately be rewarded.

Being raised with such a strong work ethic has made me truly hate it when people feel that somebody owes them something undeserved, whether it's a pass for bad behavior, a professional break that they didn't earn, or an apology for some imaginary slight. Entitlement is a personality flaw that I see in so many people, and it's a characteristic that I resent more than any other. The only thing that someone owes you is basic courtesy, and if you don't know how to act, you don't deserve even that." (35)

In the chapter, Handle Your Business, I could relate to something Smiley says about the one of the simplest sentences in the English language. No. I'm sure as a person that's well to do, Smiley has learned this lesson and shares it's with readers. I'm not well to do by any chance, but apparently my personality is of the sort that I will say no to others for the sake of my own well being and sanity. I have had a few relatives tell me they've learned that lesson too. No doesn't need an explanation.

Smiley says:

No" is a complete sentence that requires no explanation.

Everyone needs to know how to say that word with confidence and power. People may hate to hear it, but they'll get over it. And the word "no" will save you a lot of headaches in the meantime. (181)

No. No. No. I did not stutter. (182)

Yes I laughed at is matter of fact but truthful approach even to something that's seemingly simple but sometimes hard to execute. No. No. No. I did not stutter. I think I need a tee-shirt or a mug for tea that says that.

But back to the laughter, Smiley recounts a blasphemous doughnut debate with a friend about Krispy Kreme donuts and Dunkin Donuts, the friend he threatened to put out of his car for such foolish talk. (I'm a Krispy Kreme girl). I knew EXACTLY how he felt when Smiley saw that H-O-T doughnut sign on at Krispy Kreme. As a kid I can remember my mom turning around to go back for some fresh glazed doughnuts. So when Smiley pulls over and buy a those doughnuts and his friend only opens his mouth to eat another doughnut. That's how you do it, show him better than you can tell him and let the doughnuts prove it!

When Smiley talks about hard topics he still manages to infuse some humor into the story. Getting a whuppin (southern who knows about that) and tough love, he had his sons sleep in the garage on mattress with some can goods since they couldn't behave and thought they were grown, it came to life because sometimes you have to show them better than you can tell them or taking the door off a bedroom door.

His old school but real approach to life is refreshing and in classic Rickey Smiley form, hilarious. Great book.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I loved the most about Rickey Smiley's book was that it read as if I were sitting down with him, having coffee and talking to an old friend. The memories are so descriptive in places, you could practically imagine yourself going back to that time with him. There were places in the book where I felt he was actually talking to me, encouraging me, and giving me advice about things. He seems to come across as very humble, and down-to-earth, while at the same time, no-nonsense and not letting people take advantage of him as often happens with celebrity status. The part about his former teacher brought tears to my eyes. (I won't tell you what happened, you'll have to read the book, but it was amazing, I will say that.) This book was well-written, easy to read, thought provoking, and brought a smile to my face or a good laugh in some parts. It's not bogged down with, "I'm rich, look at all the money I've got, and what I bought" type scenarios. The book provides good advice, and you don't even realize that you've learned something, until the light bulb in your head turns on. It also brought out heartfelt emotions, especially when he talks about his grandmothers. (I'm a Grandma's baby too.) I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Naeemah Huggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, fine. I finished it after I talked about him so bad... This was a pleasant memoir. I expected to laugh more because he's a comedian I guess. I laughed most when he was talking about getting into race fights or being scared when pulled over my the cops. Comedy comes from some really dark places, no matter how light hearted you've thought Rickey Smiley to be.

I especially loved when he talked about his relationship with Steve Harvey: Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty!! He made me dislike Steve a little less when he talks about how Steve helped him out throughout his career. I even went back and watched his first few specials, Steve was front and center.

I listened to the audio version, Rickey reads this book like he didn't right it himself then near the end he just reverts back to his normal radio vernacular. Not bad Rickey, Not bad at all.

[Kanese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rickey Smiley is an awesome person. This book gave so much insight on his personal life. At first I thought this book was going to be a funny one; however, I revealed a different side of him. He gives back to his community and started doing so at a young age. The way he raises his kids, the advice he gives about being an eagle, and how we should pass the baton is advice that should be instilled into many people. The only aspect of the book I didn't care for was the way the book flowed. He jumped back and forth retelling different moments of his life. I would have preferred the events being told in chronological order. Overall, good book though. Now when I listen to him on the radio, I will view him as more than a comedian but as a person who is a positive attribute to society.

[Petite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a slow start, picked up in different areas. Was not a page turner for me but found that the author shares many life values as I do. I read the entire book because once I start a book, I have to finish. Never know what the outcome will be. Wish the author would have opened up more about the man outside of the celebrity world. He has and still is doing plenty for the communities and those less fortunate and he is a great comedian. He has worked hard and earned his position in life. Some parts of the book could come across as bragging and others sincere, it was if the author was trying to hard to appease his audience. Overall, I believe him to be a good person.

[Nevada · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I was like, maaan I don’t want to hear Rickey, lecturing/ranting and gloating about the various punishments he imposed upon his children. I continued to read/listen. The book has inspired me to help someone. I always had the heart to help, but I like how Rickey did it. You see someone in need and you help without expectation. The only expectation is gratitude. I asked a friend if they thought his goal was to inspire. The book was funny, inspiring and a lesson on being a servant leader. My favorite part was how other people went out of their way to help the up and coming and how the payment was to return the favor. Delightfully refreshing.

[Cyndi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Honestly Love Rickey Smiley!

Let's face it, Rickey ain't an writer, but he Is a true man of God,, an honest person and from that generation, my genertion that has blessed to have 3 generations before
I loved this book because he was honest. Because I follow him, I know it wasn't bull!
I could relate to many of his stories, because I grew up with great grandparents from Mississippi although I was raised in the West coast and Chicago
Rickey is everything I hope one day my grandson will become.

Well done Rickey Smiley! Holla frat. Delta Sigma Theta till the day die!

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to really like this book. But, it fell flat for me. I respect Rickey Smiley for his beliefs and the way he is raising his family, but it just didn't come across in this book. The book was an ok read. Maybe I expected more about Rickey the man. The book comes across as a very honest book but it just didnt have that wow factor for me. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Venisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall 2.5 Stars. I am a fan of Ricky's and really wanted to love this book. There was a lot of redundancy throughout the book and I struggled to finish it.
I do believe the stories would have touched me more if I was in the 18 - 24 year old age range. I probably would have given it 3.5 stars when I was that age.

[Heather Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Rickey Smiley! I listen to “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” every morning. And really liked this book. I didn’t know all that happened in his life I was really surprised to learn of his life what he’d gone through. It was an awesome book.

[Munirat Odanyi]

A worthwhile book. I literally felt I knew Rickey Smiley on a personal level. So much to learn
from and apply to my life to make it fruitful.About Self love, good relations towards friends, family, strangers. e.t.c

This is a book for a lifetime. certainly reading over and over again

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book! I appreciated Rickey's authenticity and his passion for spreading the Gospel and helping others. He is definitely a no-nonsense kind of person and it felt like sitting and listening to an Uncle give all the old school advice he could give!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book. Not one thing that was said was wrong in my honest opinion.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly accounts of the nice things he has done for others and credits to those who have helped him.

[Robin RM · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was all over the place.

[April Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in 2 days. I enjoyed it.

[BMR, LCSW · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was aiight.

[Sarah Logan-Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not life changing

[Cynthia Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Quratulain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great audiobook

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter is great medicine 🙌🏾

[Katherine Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very enjoyable. It sends a great message to kids and other people reading it. The message he is trying to give is basically do not bite the hand that feeds you. He talks about his struggles and how people helped him get where he is now. He talks about how he is helped people who have hurt him because they have struggled through their own path. The message of the book is great for kids learning how they should treat others. He also talks about giving the people that helped you recognitions and not letting them down. I would recommend this to a lot of teenagers or kids my age because they could learn from this and really take in a lot. There is so much information that he lets people know this book is really mesmerizing. I took a lot out of this book. It is great for someone who doesn’t really treat people right or how they should. He tells you not to take people for granted. He talks about the people he has helped through his journey before fame and after. He talks about other famous people and how they help each other and bring people up for the community. He does a lot for his community and needy people. He is a wonderful person and his personality is amazing. I definitely recommend this book to a lot of people. I think it could teach people a lot and give them lots of knowledge about respecting others. He’s very successful and he’s got there because of the kind of person he is. This will also teach others how to be respectful and successful and not forget about the ones who have helped you succeed. This is definitely a book I could read over and over.

[Geoffrey Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricky Smiley’s book is the best kind of non-fiction: the story of a man who has truly lived and learned from everything that has happened to him while focusing on making people laugh, which is his greatest talent! A wonderful person, a great comedian, and a bright spot in an often dark world!

[Ericka Lawery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay but I felt like it was very preachy in some parts.

[Arlene G. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I saw a new side of the comedian. And didn't know how much a humanitarian he was.