Legendary songwriter and producer Sean Garrett joins Rickey Smiley for an unforgettable conversation about creating some of the biggest hits in music history.

Known as "The Pen," Sean has written and produced chart-topping records for Beyoncé, Usher, Ciara, Chris Brown, Fergie, and countless others. From the making of "Yeah!," "Goodies," and "Run It!" to sharing his unique creative process, Sean gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to consistently create timeless music.

Sean opens up about earning his iconic nickname from Jay-Z, the responsibility that comes with shaping the sound of a generation, and the importance of collaboration in the music industry. In one of the episode's most memorable moments, he shares what it was like working with Michael Jackson during the final year of his life and reveals that the King of Pop called him every morning to talk about creating "the biggest song in the world."The two also discuss fatherhood, Atlanta's influence on music, vocal production, and why songwriters deserve more recognition.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro & Sean Garrett Welcome
(01:34) - Introducing the Legend: Sean "The Pen" Garrett
(03:26) - Do Songwriters Get Enough Recognition?
(04:02) - Sean's Early Career and Atlanta Roots, Military Upbringing
(05:32) - The Creative Process: Creating vs. Writing
(06:51) - Natural Gift: 56 Number Ones and "Super Friend" Status
(07:40) - Making a Name Before Social Media
(09:51) - The Story Behind Usher's "Yeah!"
(13:52) - Transition to Solo Artist: New Music "Girlfriend"
(14:26) - Cooking Memories with Plies and Pinto Beans
(15:44) - How Jay-Z Gave Him the Nickname "The Pen"
(16:57) - Working with Michael Jackson: The Final Year
(21:03) - Vocal Producing: Pushing Usher, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, and MORE
(24:02) - Atlanta's Impact on Hip-Hop & R&B
(24:56) - Dating in ATL and Finding "The One"
(25:56) - Free Time: Bowling, Top Golf, and Family
(28:40) - Game Time: "The Spot" Rapid Fire Questions

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.

Five-time Grammy Award-winning artist CeeLo Green joins Rickey Smiley On The Spot for one of the most entertaining and insightful conversations yet.

CeeLo opens up about losing his parents at a young age, how music became his therapy, and the gospel roots that shaped his legendary career. He also reveals the truth about nearly joining OutKast, reflects on Goodie Mob's final chapter, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with Kanye West on Bully.

The conversation dives into Atlanta's influence on music, the rise of Dungeon Family, AI's impact on creativity, his experience as an original coach on The Voice, and the lessons he's learned throughout his incredible journey.

From heartfelt moments to hilarious stories only Rickey and CeeLo can tell, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and unforgettable Atlanta history.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) - Intro & CeeLo Green Welcome

(02:50) - Church Roots & Gospel Background

(04:18) - New Gnarls Barkley Album "Atlanta"

(05:48) - Discovering His Unique Voice

(08:23) - Losing His Parents & Healing Through Music

(09:55) - Growing Up on Atlanta's Southside

(10:03) - The Formation of Goodie Mob

(13:31) - Why Goodie Mob Decided To End

(15:15) - CeeLo's Secret Love For Comedy

(17:12) - The Truth About Almost Joining OutKast

(19:21) - How Gnarls Barkley Was Created

(21:47) - Working With Kanye West On Bully

(26:54) - AI & The Future of Music

(29:20) - What He'd Do If He Wasn't A Musician

(30:00) - Fashion Influences & Style

(34:24) - The Voice & Becoming An Original Coach

(37:04) - Would He Return To The Voice?

(38:27) - Dream Verzuz Matchup

(40:40) - Quick Fire Questions

(46:45) - Final Thoughts & New Music

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.

Kwame Johnson joins Rickey Smiley for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about redemption, mentorship, and the urgent need to invest in young people. As President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Johnson has dedicated his life to helping young people reach their full potential, but his path to leadership was anything but conventional.

From spending time in solitary confinement as a teenager to graduating from college and later attending Harvard, Johnson shares how mentorship, faith, and second chances transformed his life. The conversation explores the challenges facing youth in Atlanta, including poverty, homelessness, mental health struggles, and the growing need for positive role models.

Johnson also discusses the innovative Level Up mentoring program, which places paid mentors directly inside schools, and explains why mentorship should be viewed as a community responsibility rather than simply a nonprofit initiative.

CHAPTERS

00:45 Rickey Introduces Kwame Johnson

01:00 The Impact Of Big Brothers Big Sisters In Atlanta

(01:42) Kwame's Journey From Trouble To Purpose

(03:06) Why Young People Need Access More Than Talent

(05:03) Faith, Hope & Second Chances

(06:17) Why Today's Youth Want To "See" The Sermon

(07:01) The History Of Big Brothers Big Sisters

(08:14) Creating Mentors Inside Schools

(09:36) Poverty, Education & Opportunity In Atlanta

(10:49) The Reality Of Students Living In Hotels

(12:23) How Mentorship Changes Outcomes

(13:51) The Origin Of The Level Up Program

(16:05) Rickey's Plea For More Mentors

(18:43) How To Get Involved With Big Brothers Big Sisters

(19:20) Why Mentorship Should Be A Community Responsibility

(21:09) Why Men Often Hesitate To Mentor

(22:23) "You're Enough" Kwame's Message To Men

(23:32) Turning Pain Into Purpose

(24:27) The Hope Inside & Final Thoughts

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.