CLASSIC CONVOZ: LAUGHS, LIFE & LESSONS WITH MICHAEL COLYAR
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In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of the Madd Hatta Show Podcast, host Madd Hatta sits down with the legendary Michael Collier, a 69-year-old comedy icon, storyteller, and spiritual man whose life spans decades of entertainment, addiction, recovery, and profound joy. Collier reflects on his journey from performing on Venice Beach for nine years to winning Star Search in 1984 as the first Black man to win $100,000 in a comedy competition. He shares the story behind his now-iconic decision to give half his winnings to the homeless—a moment that sparked a lifelong commitment to giving. Collier also opens up about his 18 years of sobriety after 23 years of crack addiction, his transformative one-man play *Michael Collier's Mama*, and the deep spiritual and emotional fulfillment he’s found in his third marriage to Sonia Powers Collier, whose kindness and Southern hospitality changed his life. He speaks passionately about the importance of gratitude, prayer, youth empowerment, and staying true to one’s purpose, all while maintaining a joyful, energetic presence that defies age. The conversation is interwoven with humor, wisdom, and a deep sense of divine purpose. Collier’s energy is contagious as he discusses his upcoming projects: a new 30-minute stand-up special called *All New SHIT* with no recycled material, a follow-up special titled *The King of Venice Beach*, and a nationwide tour including six shows in Houston. He also promotes his children’s book *Little Bobby White*, which teaches moral responsibility through storytelling, and his book signing event at the G-I-T-E Gallery in Houston. With a spirit unshaken by time, Collier embodies the idea that joy, purpose, and service are not reserved for youth—but are the birthright of anyone who chooses to live with intention, gratitude, and love. His message is clear: keep God first, stay humble, and never stop growing.
Start your day with gratitude and prayer—your day begins the way it ends.
True joy comes from purpose, service, and a deep spiritual connection, not just success.
Youth must be encouraged early—white families often invest in their children's talents sooner than Black families.
Giving is not just charity—it’s a spiritual practice that transforms both giver and receiver.
Your energy and presence can uplift a room—lead with love, not ego.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Wisdom and Correction
“Wisdom will pull your coattail and check you sometimes, and it needs that. And I mean this in a very positive way. I want y'all to think it was nothing bad. It was something very beautiful.”
The Star Search Moment That Changed Everything
“He killed himself. So that was good. Then they left me down to the finals, and the finals were me and this guy named Anthony Griffin. You know him? No, you wouldn't recognize him if he stood up in your soup.”
The Birth of a Giving Legacy
“Instead of writing some big, goofy plastic check, we took the money from that set directly to them and poured it on the table. You'll see in the special, I'm pouring the money on the table. And they stagnant.”
From Addiction to Sobriety: The Journey of Michael Collier's Mama
Collier opens up about his 23-year crack addiction and his 18 years of sobriety. He discusses his one-man play, *Michael Collier's Mama*, which portrays his upbringing, struggles, and redemption through 17 characters, including his mother and himself at different ages.
The Woman Who Changed His Life: Sonia Powers Collier
“She treated me so lovely and so kind. I mean, she really is that Southern hospitality. She's that for real. I went to the restaurant that next day. I haven't left her since, brother.”
“Keep God first. Please, if you keep God first, man, you're going to watch your life reveal things to you that you didn't even know were there, and they're all going to be beautiful and powerful and pleasant.”
“One with God is a majority. So if you remember one with God is majority and his God is always with you, no matter who steps to you, ain't nothing they can do to you because you have a shield of armor.”
“She treated me so lovely and so kind. I mean, she really is that Southern hospitality. She's that for real. I went to the restaurant that next day. I haven't left her since, brother.”
Host
Guest
Michael Collier
person
Madd Hatta
person
Sonia Powers Collier
person
Star Search
media
Venice Beach
place
Michael Collier's Mama
other
Midnight Mission Shelter
organization
Ben Vereen
person
National Black Theater Festival
organization
Erykah Badu
person
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