Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

Smith Says International
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Dr. Tracy Robinson: Why Fathers Must Read to Their Children The Literacy Crisis No One Is Talking About

    In this episode of Smith Says, I sit down with Dr. Tracy Robinson, educator, community leader, and literacy advocate, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing families today: literacy, fatherhood, and leadership. Dr. Robinson recently completed his Ph.D. and shares lessons on sacrifice, faith, perseverance, and why reading with your child for just 20 minutes a day can change the trajectory of their life. In this conversation, we discuss: 📚 Why literacy starts at home👨🏾‍👧 The evolving role of fathers🙏 Faith, prayer, and leadership in the family🎓 What earning a Ph.D. really teaches you🌱 Removing the "weeds" from your life❤️ The sacrifices required for long-term success🏡 Building stronger families and stronger communitiesWhether you're a parent, educator, mentor, or community leader, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the impact you have on the next generation. 👇 What was your biggest takeaway from this conversation? Leave a comment below. Subscribe for more conversations that help people grow in purpose, leadership, and community. 🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one #SmithSays #DrTracyRobinson #Fatherhood #Literacy #Parenting #Education #Leadership #Reading #ColumbusOhio #PurposeOverPopularity #BlackExcellence #CommunityLeadership

    1h 8m

  2. Jun 23

    Mr. Brown's Untold Story of Malcolm X, Cycling, and Community Leadership

    What happens when a young boy grows up in Harlem during the Civil Rights era, learns discipline through competitive cycling in Barbados, and later helps shape the future of Bronzeville in Columbus, Ohio?In this powerful conversation, Willis Brown shares stories from his childhood in Harlem, his family's connection to Malcolm X, the lessons he learned from his parents, and how those experiences prepared him for a lifetime of community leadership.Topics include:• Growing up in Harlem during the 1960s and 1970s• Family ties to activism and community service• Personal memories connected to Malcolm X• Moving to Barbados as a child• Becoming a competitive cyclist and learning discipline• Leadership, mentorship, and success• The history and future of Bronzeville ColumbusThis is more than a history lesson. It's a conversation about purpose, identity, resilience, and the responsibility of building stronger communities.Subscribe for more conversations that put Purpose Over Popularity.

    1h 58m

  3. Jun 16

    James A. White Sr. Why Most People Never Act on Their Dreams

    What separates dreamers from builders?In this powerful conversation, James A. White Sr. shares lessons from more than 80 years of life, leadership, military service, business ownership, and personal growth.We discuss:• Why some people stay stuck while others move forward• The difference between surviving and healing• How environment shapes identity• The importance of self-awareness and accountability• Why fear stops people from acting on great ideas• AI and the future of learning• The mindset needed to build a meaningful lifeOne of the biggest takeaways: your future is not determined by where you start, but by your willingness to take action.If you've ever struggled with confidence, purpose, identity, or turning your ideas into reality, this conversation is for you.🎙️ Guest: James A. White Sr.🎥 Hosted by Smith FrancoisInterviewer to be named later. 👤 Connect with James A. White Sr.CEO of Performance Consulting Services📧 Email: jWhite2@columbus.rr.com📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and EngagementSubscribe for more conversations about purpose, leadership, faith, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.🌐 Website: SmithSays.one📧 Contact: info@smithsays.one#PurposeOverPopularity #SmithSays #JamesWhiteSr #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #SelfAwareness #Accountability #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #AI #Purpose

    1h 54m

  4. Jun 8

    From Community Advocate to Healing After Loss: Becca Namaste Powerful Story

    What makes Columbus, Ohio unique?In this powerful episode of Purpose Over Popularity, Smith Francois sits down with lifelong Columbus resident, community advocate, and healthcare professional Becca Namaste for an honest conversation about the city's history, growth, diversity, and the importance of community.Becca shares her perspective on:✅ Growing up in Columbus, Ohio✅ How neighborhoods have changed over the years✅ Gentrification and community development✅ Immigration and diversity in Columbus✅ Advocacy and serving others✅ Healing after the tragic loss of her son, Donovan Lewis✅ Mental health, yoga, and personal wellness✅ Hidden gems and opportunities throughout ColumbusThis conversation is bigger than politics. It's about people, purpose, healing, and building stronger communities together.👇 COMMENT BELOW:What is one thing you love about Columbus, Ohio?👍 Like📲 Share🔔 Subscribe to @smithsays1 for more conversations that inspire purpose over popularity.Follow Smith Says International:Instagram: @smithsays1#PurposeOverPopularity #ColumbusOhio #RebeccaDoran #DonovanLewis #CommunityAdvocate #OhioPodcast #SmithSays #ColumbusHistory #CommunityLeadership #MentalHealth #Gentrification #Diversity #Healing #OhioStories

    47 min

  5. Jun 8

    From Haiti to Ohio: The Rise of a 4 Language International Singer

    In this powerful conversation, we sit down with international Haitian artist and vocalist Shega Haiti right here in Columbus, Ohio. 🇭🇹🎤She shares her journey from Haiti to America, singing in FOUR languages, traveling internationally, and using music to connect cultures, inspire kindness, and represent the Haitian community with pride.We talk about:• Haitian culture and unity• Life in Ohio as an immigrant artist• Music, faith, and purpose• Singing in English, French, Spanish & Haitian Creole• The importance of staying connected to your roots• Building an international brand from the MidwestThis is bigger than music this is legacy, culture, and purpose over popularity.👇 COMMENT BELOW:What part of the interview stood out to you the most?👍 Like📲 Share🔔 Subscribe to @smithsays1 for more real conversations and community stories.🎤 BOOK SHEGA HAITI FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT• Weddings & Private Galas• Festivals & Concerts• Corporate Branding Events• Passport Ready Available for Global Travel 🌎📧 Booking Email: shegasheg13@gmail.com📞 Phone: 567-360-1312📲 Instagram: @shegahaitiFollow Shega Haiti:Instagram: @shegahaitiYouTube: Shega Haiti#HaitianArtist #ColumbusOhio #SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #HaitianCommunity #Interview #InternationalArtist #OhioCreators #HaitianDiaspora #musicinterview

    12 min

  6. Jun 8

    Father and Son Conversations That Can Heal a Generation Reclaim Our Children

    What happens when fathers and sons finally sit down and tell the truth?In this powerful conversation, and speak openly about fatherhood, forgiveness, abandonment, healing, rebuilding relationships, and the importance of reclaiming our children and families.From handwritten letters between a father and son to difficult conversations about pain, absence, responsibility, and healing this episode goes deeper than surface-level motivation.This is about:Rebuilding family connectionsHealing generational traumaThe importance of fathers being presentAccountability and forgivenessBlack family unity and community healingCreating stronger futures for sons and daughtersOne of the biggest messages from this conversation:“Fathers have to reclaim their children.”If this conversation impacted you, share it with another father, son, mentor, or family member. These are the conversations our communities need more of.🎥 Subscribe for more purpose-driven conversations📍 Columbus, Ohio🔥 Purpose Over Popularity👤 Connect with James A. White Sr.CEO of Performance Consulting Services📧 Email: jWhite2@columbus.rr.com📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement#FatherAndSon #BlackFathers #FamilyHealing #PurposeOverPopularity #SmithSays #Community #Fatherhood #Healing #BlackFamilies #Podcast #ColumbusOhio #Leadership #Mentorship #FamilyLegacy

    1h 5m

  7. Jun 8

    From East Side Columbus to California Dreams Richard Lundy’s Story of Survival, Fatherhood & Legacy

    In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Richard Lundy educator, mentor, author, military veteran, and lifelong advocate for fathers and young men in the Black community.Raised on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, Richard shares stories about growing up during the era when Mount Vernon and Long Street were thriving centers of Black business, culture, and community. From surviving a difficult childhood to serving in the military, working across California, battling discrimination, navigating fatherhood, and mentoring young men for decades this interview is filled with wisdom, pain, history, and purpose.We also dive deep into:• The history of Black Columbus and the “Black Wall Street” of the East Side• Lessons from California and community networking• Fatherhood and reconciliation• Why mentorship matters• The education system and young Black men• Building legacy through purpose and storytellingRichard also discusses his book: Father Son Connection: From Abandonment to Reconciliation and his mission to continue helping fathers and sons reconnect and heal.This is more than an interview.This is a visual resume.This is history.This is purpose over popularity.📍 Columbus, Ohio🎙️ Smith Says International LLC#ColumbusOhio #BlackHistory #Fatherhood #Mentorship #RichardLundy #SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #Podcast #BlackCommunity #AfricanAmericanHistory #LongStreet #MountVernon #OhioPodcast #VisualResume #BlackExcellenceSMITH

    58 min

  8. Jun 7

    Mr. James A. White: The #1 Skill Holding You Back Isn't Talent, It's Self-Awareness

    DISCLAIMER: Dr. James White is a performance consultant, trainer, and leadership development professional. He is not presenting medical, psychological, or mental health treatment advice. The views expressed in this conversation are educational and based on personal and professional experience.In this powerful conversation, Mr. James A. White shares lessons on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, personal growth, leadership, colorism, feedback, and overcoming obstacles.Topics discussed include:• Why self-awareness is the foundation of success• The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership• How to seek and use 360-degree feedback• Personal responsibility vs. systemic challenges• Colorism and identity in the Black community• Building confidence and self-management skills• The power of empathy in relationships and business• Why feedback is essential for growth• How successful people continuously improve themselvesWhether you're an entrepreneur, leader, professional, student, or someone working on personal development, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.Subscribe for more conversations focused on Purpose Over Popularity.🌐 Website: smithsays.one📱 Follow: @smithsays1 👤 Connect with James A. White Sr.CEO of Performance Consulting Services📧 Email: jWhite2@columbus.rr.com📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement#EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #PurposeOverPopularity #SmithSays #JamesWhite

    1h 20m
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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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