Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

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 th...

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...

🎙️ 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...

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...

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 de...

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 journ...

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...

🎮 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, buildin...

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, le...

What happens when we truly stop and honor the role Black women have played in creating, protecting, nurturing, and carrying generations forward?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with James White and Monique Whipple, The Birth Plug, for an intergenerational discussion about Black women, birth, family, history, healing, education, and legacy.📚 James White introduces his upcoming book, She Birthed America, created to honor Bl...

What does it really mean to believe that it’s never too late to change your life?On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with Dr. Dwayne Dunbar, a Columbus native, community advocate, nonprofit leader, and formerly incarcerated man who turned some of the hardest chapters of his life into a mission of service.Dr. Dunbar opens up about serving multiple prison sentences, changing his mindset while incarcerated, st...

What happens when you take the challenges you've experienced and turn them into a reason to serve others?

On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with Renissa Bird Song, also known as Mama Chito, for a powerful conversation about her journey from growing up in Columbus' Linden community to entrepreneurship, education, law, community service, and discovering her purpose.

Mama Chito openly shares how she went f...

🎙️ A BIRTH JOURNEY | The Birth Plug

What if we approached birth with more education, preparation, advocacy, and community support instead of fear?

I sat down with Mon’nique Whipple, aka The Birth Plug birth worker, community health worker, mother of five, yoga instructor, and now published author.

Mon’nique shares her personal journey from having one hospital birth to four home births, why she beg...

This time, the interviewer becomes the interviewee.

In this conversation, Mr. White turns the questions on Smith Francois for a deeper look into the story behind Smith Says, his upbringing in Chicago, his Haitian roots, education, faith, technology, service, and the vision he has for the future.

Smith shares what it was like growing up on the South Side of Chicago, attending an all-Black, all-male high school, discovering A...

In this episode, Smith Francois sits down with Shega Haiti, an international Haitian singer, songwriter, nurse, and multilingual artist, for a conversation about music, Haiti, culture, faith, purpose, and her journey from Haiti to the United States.

Shega speaks four languages: Haitian Creole, English, French, and Spanish, and uses those languages to connect with audiences across cultures.

She also introduces her Spani...

What if we looked at birth as more than a medical event and started talking about it as a sacred journey?In this episode of the Purpose Over Popularity Podcast, I sit down with Monique Whipple, CDB, CHW, also known as The Birth Plug, for a wide ranging conversation about birth, motherhood, family, community, travel, faith, self-love, and finding your purpose.Monique also introduces her book, A Birth Journey: And How We Got Here, an...

What was it like to spend 26 years giving a voice to the Haitian community in Chicago?

In this special Purpose Over Popularity: Family & Friends Edition, host Smith Francois sits down with his uncle, Frantz Remy, a former Chicago Haitian radio host whose voice informed, connected, and inspired the Haitian community for more than two decades.

Originally from Haiti, Frantz shares his journey of immigrating to Ch...

What defines a meaningful life? Is it popularity or purpose?

In this episode of the Purpose Over Popularity Podcast, James A. White Sr. shares the life lessons that shaped his journey as an entrepreneur, author, Air Force veteran, and leadership consultant. From walking away from basketball opportunities to provide for his family, to building businesses, overcoming dyslexia, embracing AI, and traveling the world with intention,...

What does it take to transform your life from surviving to living with purpose?

In this episode of the Smith Says Podcast, Smith Francois sits down with Kurtis Foster, entrepreneur, personal development coach, and founder of Freqncy 36nyne a conscious lifestyle and streetwear brand centered on identity, discipline, and self-awareness.

Growing up in South Linden, Columbus, Ohio, Kurtis shares how adversity, fatherh...