Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

Smith Says International
  • 5.0 (179)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

Smith Says is a weekly podcast hosted by Smith François, founder of Smith Says International. Each episode empowers entrepreneurs, community leaders, and believers to live with purpose, faith, and passion. From real stories to practical insights, Smith Says helps you build a purposeful life one Monday at a time.

  1. 6d ago

    6 Books Published, 7th on the Way! Author Jay Barfield on Creativity, Writing & Success

    📚 EVERYBODY HAS A STORY, BUT HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY START WRITING IT?On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, presented by Smith Says International LLC, Smith François sits down with Columbus, Ohio, author, illustrator, and creative entrepreneur Jay Barfield (Jeremy Barfield) at the 2026 New American Book Fair.With six completed books and a seventh in development, Jay shares his journey from creating characters and drawing illustrations to publishing his own stories and building a creative brand.From superhero adventures and mystery stories to faith-inspired fiction, music production, and entrepreneurship, Jay proves that creativity doesn't have to fit into one category.His biggest advice for aspiring authors?"Just start."You don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. Start with your idea, develop your story, refine your work, and keep improving.🎙️ In This Conversation:📚 How Jay started writing and completed six books✍🏾 His creative writing process, from handwritten drafts to finished manuscripts🎨 Creating original characters, illustrations, and book covers🙏 Exploring faith and biblical storytelling through God and the Devil📖 Self-publishing, editing, printing, and getting books into stores💡 Common mistakes first-time authors should avoid🎵 Balancing writing, music production, and other creative projects🏙️ Why Columbus, Ohio, is a growing community for artists and creators🚀 His upcoming seventh book, Utopia, and its vision of a society operating outside traditional money systems🎯 What Purpose Over Popularity means to a working creativeOne of my favorite takeaways from this conversation:"Move with a purpose. You're not moving to be popular. You're moving to get your work done."As I continue working toward the release of my own book, The Church Cameraman to the CEO, on February 16, 2027, conversations like this remind me that the most important step is getting started and staying committed to finishing.📚 SUPPORT JAY BARFIELDFind his books on Amazon by searching Jay Barfield.🌐 Website: https://melike.net📘 Facebook: Jeremy Barfield📸 Instagram: UpTop Entertainment GroupSelected books are also available through local bookstores in the Columbus area.🎙️ FOLLOW SMITH SAYSSubscribe to @SmithSays1 on all platforms.🌐 Website: https://smithsays.oneSmith Says International LLC provides podcast recording, video production, content strategy, brand building, and opportunities for creators to connect in Columbus, Ohio.Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, artist, or someone with a story worth sharing, your voice matters.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONIf you had to write a book about your life, what would the title be?And for aspiring authors, what's stopping you from writing your first book?Drop your answers in the comments! 👇🏾👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this conversation.Purpose Over Popularity.I capture your reality so you can own your story.🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.

  2. Nov 3

    The Seasoned Rat Poison in the Black Community: Why Are We Divided? Mayo Makinde

    🐀 SEASONED RAT POISONING: WHAT'S DIVIDING THE BLACK COMMUNITY?Why are Black Americans, African immigrants, and the African diaspora fighting each other when we have so much more in common?🎙️ Welcome back, Smithsozians! On this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith Francois sits down with Mayo Makinde, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, builder, community organizer, and former political candidate from Columbus, Ohio.Mayo introduces a powerful concept he calls "The Seasoned Rat Poison in Our Black Community" the division, jealousy, superiority complexes, and misinformation that keep us separated.From Nigeria to Columbus, politics to construction, and college football to entrepreneurship, Mayo shares his experiences and challenges us to rethink what unity, opportunity, and community leadership really mean.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:🇳🇬 AFRICA & THE DIASPORA: Why do African immigrants and multigenerational Black Americans sometimes see each other as competitors instead of family?🐀 THE SEASONED RAT POISON: How division, misinformation, and the desire to feel superior weaken our communities.🏛️ POLITICS & LEADERSHIP: Mayo's journey into Ohio politics, the mentors who shaped him, and why community service matters.🏈 MODERN-DAY SHARECROPPING: Mayo compares the NCAA's treatment of college athletes before NIL to historical sharecropping.🏗️ BUILDING THE FUTURE: His involvement in Columbus's first permitted 3D-printed house and the opportunities available in construction and skilled trades.🌍 BLACK UNITY & PAN-AFRICANISM: What can we learn from Malcolm X about connecting African Americans with Africa?💰 REPARATIONS & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Mayo shares his perspective on education, international travel, and economic empowerment.💡 ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION: Why volunteering, mentorship, professionalism, and developing practical skills can open doors.💬 LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION!Do you believe division within the Black community is one of our greatest obstacles?What will it take for Black Americans, Haitians, Nigerians, Jamaicans, and the entire African diaspora to work together?👇🏾 DROP YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!🔔 JOIN THE SMITHSOZIANS!✅ SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about entrepreneurship, culture, leadership, and community.👍🏾 LIKE this episode if you believe our stories deserve to be heard.💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway.🔁 SHARE this conversation with someone who needs to hear it.🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYEveryone Seen. Everyone Heard.🌐 Website: SMITHSAYS.ONE📱 Follow: @smithsays1🎥 New podcast episodes every Monday at 7 PM ET.PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY. WE'RE BUILDING LEGACY, NOT JUST VIEWS!#SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #MayoMakinde #BlackUnity #AfricanDiaspora #PanAfricanism #BlackEntrepreneurship #BlackCommunity #Nigeria #ColumbusOhio #BlackHistory #Podcast🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.New episodes every Monday at 7PM EST.👉 All episodes & platforms: smithsays.one/podcast🎧 Listen everywhere: https://linktr.ee/smithsays1Want to be a guest? smithsays.one/guest.htmlWant to sponsor the show? smithsays.one/sponsorship.html#SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #Podcast🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.New episodes every Monday at 7PM EST.👉 All episodes & platforms: smithsays.one/podcast🎧 Listen everywhere: https://linktr.ee/smithsays1Want to be a guest? smithsays.one/guest.htmlWant to sponsor the show? smithsays.one/sponsorship.htmL

  3. Oct 30

    Free Your Mind: Haitian Identity, Unity & Speaking Your Truth

    🇭🇹 FREE YOUR MIND. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. CHANGE THE WORLD.On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, presented by Smith Says International LLC, Smith François sits down with fellow Haitian-American Philly Phil (Uncle Phil) at the 2026 New American Book Fair in Columbus, Ohio, for a powerful conversation about Haitian identity, unity, history, freedom of expression, and the importance of speaking your truth.This conversation goes beyond books. We discuss the challenges facing the Haitian diaspora, the importance of understanding history, breaking free from societal expectations, and why our communities must work together instead of remaining divided.Uncle Phil shares his personal experiences growing up Haitian-American, the cultural pressures surrounding language and identity, and how the book Free Your Mind by Chris Tsunami inspired him to think differently about life and society.Topics We Discuss:🇭🇹 Haitian-American identity, culture, and generational experiences🌎 Why the Haitian diaspora needs unity and collaboration📚 The New American Book Fair and the importance of supporting authors🧠 Free Your Mind changing your perspective and challenging limitations🗣️ Speaking your truth instead of trying to fit into society✊🏿 Black history, systemic barriers, and community empowerment🎥 Why storytelling, books, podcasts, and video are essential for preserving our history🤖 Artificial intelligence, technology, and the next generation🏙️ Why Columbus, Ohio, matters to the Haitian-American community🙏 Faith, purpose, and understanding your identityOne message from this conversation stood out:"The revolution is only going to happen for those who participate."We cannot expect change if we are unwilling to participate, educate ourselves, support one another, and make our voices heard.As I continue building Smith Says International and preparing my upcoming book, The Church Cameraman to the CEO, conversations like this remind me why I started.Purpose Over Popularity isn't just a podcast. It's about documenting our reality, preserving our stories, and building a legacy for the next generation.📖 Book Discussed:Free Your Mind — Chris Tsunami🎤 Connect with Uncle Phil:Instagram: @UnclePhill2026🎙️ FOLLOW SMITH SAYSSubscribe to @SmithSays1 on all platforms for more conversations about entrepreneurship, culture, community development, faith, and personal growth.🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one📩 Interested in sharing your story, starting a podcast, or building your brand? Connect with Smith Says International LLC.JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What does "Free Your Mind" mean to you?Do you believe the Haitian diaspora needs more unity, collaboration, and ownership of our stories?Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let's have a real conversation.👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode.Purpose Over Popularity.I capture your reality so you can own your story.🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.

  4. Oct 26

    AI, Racism & Survival in America: No More Excuses? Mr. James White

    Are there really no more excuses for success in America now that we have artificial intelligence?In this powerful conversation, I sit down again with Mr. James A. White Sr. to discuss racism, education, technology, financial survival, and what it takes to build a better future.Mr. White shares his personal journey, from becoming a father at 17 and giving up basketball opportunities to joining the military, facing housing discrimination, pursuing higher education, and building a career helping others develop their potential.But I had to push back on one statement: “There are no excuses today.”What about young people without parents, financial resources, or strong support systems? Can AI really help close the opportunity gap?🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:🔹 Facing racism and housing discrimination at 18🔹 Choosing fatherhood and responsibility over basketball scholarships🔹 How the military opened doors to education and homeownership🔹 Why your smartphone could be your greatest educational tool🔹 AI, racial bias, and representation in technology🔹 Why we should stop judging people before knowing them🔹 Credit scores, economic inequality, and financial opportunity🔹 Jamaica's tourism industry and questions about economic exploitation🔹 Building stronger Black communities through communication and cooperation🔹 Preparing young people for careers in an AI-driven economy🔹 The importance of developing skills before opportunities arrive🔹 Knowing when to leave your comfort zone💡 ONE MESSAGE THAT STOOD OUT:“When the paradigm shifts, the game starts over.”Technology is changing the world. The question is whether we're preparing ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities.Mr. White also challenges us to increase our consciousness, question our assumptions, and continue learning throughout our lives.🎯 LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION!Do you agree that AI has eliminated excuses for not getting an education?Or do racism, poverty, and unequal access to resources still create barriers?👇🏾 DROP YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!I want to hear your perspective. Agree, disagree, or challenge something we discussed.📺 SUBSCRIBE TO SMITH SAYS 1https://www.youtube.com/@smithsays1One voice. One step. One purpose.🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.New episodes every Monday at 7PM EST.👉 All episodes & platforms: smithsays.one/podcast🎧 Listen everywhere: https://linktr.ee/smithsays1Want to be a guest? smithsays.one/guest.htmlWant to sponsor the show? smithsays.one/sponsorship.html#SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #Podcast

  5. Oct 23

    From Persecution to Purpose: Mimi’s Journey of Faith, Resilience & Empowering Women

    What happens when you turn your painful experiences into a purpose that empowers others?On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, presented by Smith Says International LLC, Smith François sits down with Di Tadesa, also known as Mimi, at the New American Book Fair in Columbus, Ohio.Originally from Oromia, Ethiopia, Mimi shares her journey of seeking political asylum in the United States, overcoming persecution, finding strength through faith, and turning her personal experiences into a mission to uplift women and children.As an author and founder of CG Women's Empowerment, a nonprofit organization, Mimi is using storytelling, education, and community support to help women and children in rural communities achieve economic self-sufficiency.📚 Books Featured:Resilience: Turning Persecution Into PurposeThe Courage to Say Yes (Co-author)In This Conversation:🎙️ Turning persecution and painful experiences into purpose🌍 Her journey from Oromia, Ethiopia, to Columbus, Ohio📖 Why she decided to share her story through books❤️ Empowering women and children through nonprofit work🙏 How her faith in Jesus Christ influences her mission🎤 Overcoming introversion to become a voice for the voiceless🤖 Artificial intelligence, creativity, and the future of authorship🏙️ Why Columbus became the place where she achieved her dreamsPurpose Over Popularity isn't just about being seen. It's about making sure the voices that have been overlooked are finally heard.Mimi reminds us that your story can become someone else's source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration.📚 Find Mimi's books through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers.🎥 FOLLOW SMITH SAYSSubscribe for more authentic conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, community leaders, and everyday people making an impact.Follow @SmithSays1 on all platforms.🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one🎙️ Interested in sharing your story or recording your own podcast? Visit our website to connect and explore our media production services in Columbus, Ohio.👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this conversation!Question for you: Have you ever experienced something difficult that later helped you discover your purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments.Purpose Over Popularity. I capture your reality so you can own your story.

  6. Oct 19

    84 Years of Racism: Dr. White on Black History, Haiti, Jamaica & the Fight for Justice

    At 84 years old, Dr. White has witnessed decades of racism, inequality, and the struggle for justice. But one question continues to challenge him: How do we move forward as Black people and build a better future for the next generation? 🎙️ In this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with Dr. White for a powerful intergenerational conversation about Black history, economic empowerment, education, leadership, and the responsibility we all have to create change. From his recent trip to Jamaica to our discussion about Haiti, American history, and the film By Any Means, we examine how the past continues to shape our present. In this conversation, we discuss: 🇯🇲 Jamaica's tourism industry, poverty, and economic inequality 🇭🇹 Haiti's history, resources, independence, and ongoing challenges ✊🏾 Racism, slavery, Black identity, and generational trauma 🗳️ Voting rights, civic education, and political accountability 🎥 How cameras, technology, and AI can empower our communities 👨🏾‍👦🏾 The responsibility of elders to prepare the next generation 🏘️ Strengthening families, creating opportunities, and investing in young people 💡 Why recognizing our history is essential to building our future One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that we cannot keep waiting for someone else to create the change we want to see. Our elders have laid the foundation. What are we doing with what they've given us? This is more than a conversation about racism. It's about ownership, responsibility, education, and understanding our value. Purpose Over Popularity! 🎙️ Subscribe to Smith Says 1 for real conversations, real stories, and different perspectives. 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smithsays1 🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one 📲 Follow @SmithSays1 on all platforms. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: What should the next generation of Black leaders focus on first: education, economic ownership, political involvement, or community unity? Drop your thoughts in the comments! One voice. One step. One purpose. #SmithSays1 #PurposeOverPopularity #BlackHistory #BlackEmpowerment #Haiti #Jamaica #GenerationalWealth

  7. Oct 12

    Identity Crisis: Know Who You Are! Mr. Bob Cross

    🎙️ PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY SMITH SAYS 1 PODCAST Do you really know who you are, or have you allowed society, history, and religion to define your identity? Mr. Bob Cross returns to the Smith Says 1 Podcast for another powerful, thought-provoking conversation about identity, faith, Black history, racism, freedom, and the importance of knowing your purpose. In this episode, Mr. Cross challenges us to examine what we've been taught, question the narratives we've accepted, and recognize the power of knowing our history. Topics discussed include: Identity crisis and understanding who you really are The difference between God and religion Black history, slavery, racism, and historical injustice Faith, fear, truth, and personal freedom The importance of studying history and thinking independently Why Black communities must move from being tolerated to being celebrated The power of self-love, faith, and loving others 💡 Powerful message from Mr. Bob Cross:"Don't tolerate. Celebrate." This conversation isn't just about looking backward. It's about understanding where we came from so we can move forward with confidence, purpose, and conviction. 💬 Question for listeners: Do you know who you are beyond what society has taught you? Listen, reflect, and share your perspective! 📲 Follow @SmithSays1 on all platforms. 🌐 www.smithsays.one Smith Says 1 Podcast Purpose Over Popularity.

  8. Oct 5

    Are We Afraid to Correct the Next Generation? Dress Codes, Respect & the Village

    Are we so afraid of being called judgmental that we’ve stopped correcting the next generation? In this conversation, we get into dress codes, pajamas at school, sagging pants, church attire, hygiene, self-respect, confidence, parenting, education, and the role the entire community plays in preparing young people for adulthood. There’s a difference between judgment and healthy correction. The goal shouldn’t be to embarrass or tear someone down. It should be to help them understand how the way they present themselves, communicate, and carry themselves can affect their opportunities, relationships, education, and future. We also talk about the responsibility of schools, parents, teachers, elders, and the larger community. The village cannot just watch from the sidelines. If we see something that could hold a young person back, how do we correct them with love while still respecting their individuality? This conversation goes beyond clothes. It’s about preparing the next generation for life. Topics discussed:Dress codes and appropriate attireJudgment vs. healthy correctionPajamas and casual clothing at schoolSelf-respect, confidence, and hygieneParents vs. schools: Who is responsible?Preparing children for careers and adulthoodThrifting, materialism, and financial responsibilityThe role of elders and the Black communityWhy the village still matters Question for you: Have we become too afraid to correct young people because we don’t want to be seen as judgmental? Smith Says One PodcastFollow @SmithSays1 on all platforms

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Smith Says is a weekly podcast hosted by Smith François, founder of Smith Says International. Each episode empowers entrepreneurs, community leaders, and believers to live with purpose, faith, and passion. From real stories to practical insights, Smith Says helps you build a purposeful life one Monday at a time.

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