We recently connected with Ricky Bartlett and have shared our conversation below.
Ricky, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As a disabled (double-leg amputee) actor and radio host, taking risks has become a source of comfort.
I lost my left-leg in 2014, due to Necrotizing Fasciitis, or commonly called ‘flesh-eating disease’ I obtained from a hiking trip to Wyoming/South Dakota. While at the time I didn’t realize what was happening to me, I truly thought I could handle the situation. Even after having a toe break off, I simply wrapped it up and flushed it down the toilet, then simply rejoined my family for dinner and went on with my day without telling anyone.
Having now lived as an amputee and feeling fearless, I decided to take the risk and reach out to talent agencies for voice over roles. Despite the lack of voiceover work in my area, a SAG-AFTRA franchised agency decided to audition me for representation. I did a monologue and was signed on September 9, 2019. The next day, I auditioned for a principal role on NBCUniversal’s ‘Chicago P.D.’ and landed the role. Within a ten-day span, I went from signing with an agency to filming a hit TV show just by stepping outside my comfort zone and disability and taking a risk.
Then, in May 2022, I decided to have my right-leg amputated (bone disease associated with the flesh-eating disease) rather than live in pain. Before the scheduled surgery, I went out and purchased a motorcycle as a post-chop-chop gift to myself. I even signed up for classes after I healed. Yes, it was a risk, but one I needed to take.
I also signed up to participate in the ‘Rickshaw Run,’ an international race where You and two others are squashed into a lawnmower-powered rolling cage, tackling thousands of miles of old school adventure—the least sensible thing to do with two weeks.
So, taking risks is invigorating and allows you to LIVE instead of sitting as a bystander. Despite the hard work and pain, I now have a normal walking gait and have continued acting.
The lesson I learned…… never allow adversity to stop you from taking risks.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have now been in broadcasting for roughly 30 years, and it all started with being hired for the wrong job.
I was working as a technical guy for a local news television station in my hometown of Columbus, Georgia, back in the mid-1990s. I heard the radio station across the street was hiring in their sales department. I applied and got the job. I was going through training and actually liked the job until I was pulled to the side and told I was being moved out of the sales department. Not only that, but I was confused and went to the owner of the station. He simply told me to be at the station by 5:30 a.m. the next day.
I arrived at the station and met with one of the DJ’s. By this time I was still in sales training and hadn’t met all the jocks yet. She took me into the studio, as she was going on the air at 6am. She sat me behind a microphone, across from her, and then started talking.
“Good Morning and welcome to the Morning Show with Remi Daniels! Sitting here with me is Rick Hunter, your NEW Late Night Show Host!”
I was shocked! I wasn’t told anything!
The Program Director came in and told me I was being moved from the sales department to become an on-air radio talent because I was hired for the wrong job. I asked what happened and was told my personality was too big for sales and they thought I would be a great fit for the Late Night Show from Midnight to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. I have been in radio ever since.
I recently celebrated my 9th year as the Morning Show Host at CBS Radio KMRY 93.1FM, One aspect of my career I truly enjoy is the interaction with our listeners, but especially our clients. Meeting their needs is vital to the success of their business and ours.
I was also recently in the feature film, ‘Intent Unknown,’ with Academy Award & Golden Globe actor, Eric Roberts. The interesting aspect about this film is that my character is disabled and a leading role. This is rare in the industry and one I’m proud of!
– for more information, you can go to: http://imdb.me/ricky
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I feel the arts in general co-mingles with the sciences.
I remember being in band with better math skills than non-band students who were struggling. I have seen when school districts take art programs away, especially music, and it hinders math and science scores.
So, supporting the arts and building the creative mind can actually produce a future engineer, chemist, doctor and more. But it all starts at home with a nurturing environment.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As a radio broadcaster, you learn to have a thick skin early into your career.
When I first started in radio I was very timid; everything hurt my feelings. It stemmed from trying to please others instead of focusing on the job and myself.
One day, I was pulled to the side after getting a negative comment from a listener and was given very sound advice:
“It’s better to have a thick skin than a pierced heart”
I have kept this advice throughout my career and focus on doing the best I can for myself, which seems to please others. WIN-WIN situation!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kmryradio.com/ricky-bartlett
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickybartlet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickybartlettofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickybartlett
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ricky_Bartlett_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rickybartlet
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ricky_bartlett
- Other: http://imdb.me/ricky
Image Credits
StudioU