Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

Smith Says International
  • 5.0 (179)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated 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. 17h ago

    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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. Sep 28

    The Future of Bronzeville: Community, Black Wealth & Development | Purpose Over Popularity

    What does the future of Bronzeville, Columbus look like and how do we make sure the people, history, and culture of the community remain part of its growth? On this episode of the Purpose Over Popularity Podcast, presented by Smith Says International LLC, Smith François sits down with Willis Brown for an in-depth conversation about Bronzeville’s past, present, and future. We talk about community development, Black economic power, education, homeownership, entrepreneurship, local leadership, and the importance of understanding the history of Bronzeville. The conversation also explores how highways, urban renewal, desegregation, and changing economic patterns affected historically Black communities. Willis Brown also shares his personal journey from agriculture and international consulting to cycling and community advocacy and how those experiences prepared him to serve his community. Topics include Bronzeville development and housing, supporting Black businesses, building generational wealth, getting young people involved, skilled trades and education, the role of churches, community accountability, mentorship, family, and preventing burnout while serving others. Brown emphasizes the importance of knowing when to say “not right now”so community leaders can recharge and continue the work.  The question for you:How can we welcome new investment into historically Black communities without losing the people, culture, businesses, and history that made those communities valuable in the first place? Share your thoughts in the comments. Purpose Over Popularity PodcastPresented by Smith Says International LLC Follow @SmithSays1 on all platforms.

  5. Sep 22

    Why Is It So Hard to Choose Yourself? Raw Fasting, Health & Consistency

    This conversation started with raw fasting, food, and healthy living but it turned into something much deeper. Why do we know what’s good for us but still struggle to stay consistent? We talk about raw and plant-based eating, stress, weight loss, strength training, discipline, self-care, and what happens when you spend so much time pouring into other people that you don't give yourself the same energy. We also get into her journey with henna, entrepreneurship, her book “A Birth Journey and How We Got Here,” and how she has learned to turn her natural gifts into opportunities. One of the biggest challenges for me personally is not necessarily knowing what to do it's staying consistent with what I already know. So I want to ask you: What is one thing you KNOW you should be doing for yourself, but you haven't been consistent with yet? Drop it in the comments. Subscribe and follow @smithsays1 on all platforms.

  6. Sep 21

    How Do You Build Wealth in a Broken System? James A. White Sr. on Business & Legacy

    How do you build something sustainable when the system wasn’t designed with you in mind? James A. White Sr. returns to Purpose Over Popularity for a real conversation about entrepreneurship, Black economic progress, generational wealth, family, leadership, and what it actually takes to build a successful business. With more than 30 years of experience running his own company, Mr. White breaks down lessons from corporate America and entrepreneurship including why knowing your product, delivering quality service, engaging your customers, and building a strong reputation matter. We also discuss an important question about generational wealth: What happens when you build a business for the next generation, but the next generation doesn’t want to take it over? This conversation goes beyond money. It’s about creating opportunity, strengthening families, transferring knowledge, and building something that can outlive you. 🎙️ Purpose Over Popularity📲 Follow @smithsays1 on all platforms🔔 Subscribe and join the conversation. What does generational wealth mean to you: money, business ownership, education, knowledge or all of the above?

  7. Sep 14

    From Nintendo to Twitch: Keisha Go Crazy on Gaming, Streaming & Building a Brand

    🎮 Gaming is more than entertainment it can become a community, career, business, and movement. On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with Keisha Go Crazy to talk about her journey from growing up on Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation and Xbox to stepping into streaming, content creation, tech, and cybersecurity. We get into the evolution of gaming, Twitch vs. YouTube vs. Kick, PC vs. console, GTA 5M, building an online community, branding yourself across platforms, and where she believes the gaming industry is headed. Keisha also introduces the vision behind Go Crazy Gaming building beyond gaming into events, merchandise, competition, collaborations, and opportunities for other gaming content creators. We even discuss AI’s impact on creatives, cybersecurity, education vs. certifications, and why creators have to learn how to adapt as technology changes. Her message is simple: Go Crazy means giving 100% to whatever your purpose is. 🎙️ Purpose Over PopularityPurpose over views. Legacy over popularity. Follow @smithsays1 on all platforms. Follow Keisha Go Crazy on her platforms and stay tuned for what’s next from Go Crazy Gaming. Topics: Gaming, Twitch, YouTube, Kick, Go Crazy Gaming, PC Gaming, Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation, GTA 5M, Streaming, Cybersecurity, AI, Content Creation, Entrepreneurship, Gaming Community,

  8. Sep 11

    🇭🇹 Raised Haitian in Chicago: Family, Faith & Finding Your Purpose | Family Edition

    What does it mean to grow up Haitian-American in Chicago while carrying the lessons of family, faith, culture, and community into adulthood?On this Smith Says Family Edition, I sit down with my cousin Astrid “Kenny” for a conversation about our family history and the experiences that shaped her life.We talk about growing up surrounded by a Haitian family village, our grandmother’s influence, traveling to Haiti, learning French before English, navigating Haitian-American identity, and why Chicago will always be home.Astrid also shares her journey through more than 20 years of leadership and higher education, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the leap of faith that led her away from her career and into coaching and consulting.One of the biggest lessons from this conversation:Your network matters. Your relationships matter. Your faith matters. And your purpose doesn’t have to look like everybody else’s.As Astrid explains, Purpose Over Popularity means going against the grain, accepting your assignment, and walking in what God has for you even when your path looks different.📍 Chicago, Illinois🇭🇹 Haitian-American Family Edition🎙️ Smith Says📲 Follow @SmithSays1Want early access, raw conversations, and behind-the-scenes content from upcoming podcasts? Join the community through the link in the description.Topics: Haitian American, Chicago, Haitian family, faith, family legacy, career transition, leadership, professional development, entrepreneurship, community, networking, travel, Purpose Over Popularity🎙️ 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

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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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