Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

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...

What does it take to preserve a culture, build a community, and stay true to your purpose?

In this special Purpose Over Popularity: Family & Friends Edition, Smith Francois sits down with his uncle, King Louis (Louis Douyon) a legendary Chicago radio broadcaster, DJ, music curator, and Haitian community leader whose influence helped shape Haitian culture throughout the Midwest.

From arriving in Chicago during one of the...

What will it take to restore security, stability, and democratic leadership in Haiti?

In this powerful conversation, international electoral and political expert Mr. Sidi Mohamed Diawara shares his experience serving in Haiti as a senior elections adviser connected to the Office of former Prime Minister Garry Conille.

Originally from Mali, West Africa, Mr. Diawara brings nearly 30 years of international exper...

What happened to Black media, and what can today's creators learn from it?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mr. James A. White Sr. and Dr. Kevin Dixon go beyond broadcasting to discuss the legacy of Black journalism, community leadership, mentorship, and preserving history for future generations.

From interviewing cultural icons like James Brown to building community programs, mentoring...

What can decades in radio teach today's content creators?

In this episode of the Smith Says Podcast, we sit down with a veteran broadcaster, educator, and community leader whose journey spans Hawaii, Philadelphia, and Columbus, Ohio.

From growing up in a military family to working at one of America's most influential Black radio stations, he shares firsthand stories about journalism, civil rights, media ownership, community...

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...

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 communi...

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 act...

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...

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, a...

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 motivati...

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 militar...

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, colo...

In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into purpose, leadership, AI, relationships, resilience, economics, and community growth.

From celebrating 10K followers organically to discussing the future of work and the importance of self-development, this episode is about building legacy over clout.

We discuss:
• The Resilience Triad
• AI & the changing workforce
• Relationships and communication
• Economic awareness

In this powerful episode of Purpose Over Popularity, we go deep into real conversations that most people avoid:Why do people hate others they don’t even know?The difference between competition vs. hatredHow society, history, and mindset shape behaviorThe truth about growth, self-awareness, and legacy buildingWhy YOU must focus on becoming your best self in today’s worldThis conversation is more than talk it’s stra...

From Columbus to the world, this is the anthem behind the movement. Built on faith, vision, and storytelling, this record represents the mission of Smith Says International LLC: turning real stories into impact.

This isn’t about chasing clout.
This is about calling.

Through podcasting, media, and community, we’re giving voices a platform and documenting purpose in real time. Every frame, every word, every moment i...

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Mr. Cross a military veteran and former paratrooper to explore what it truly means to live beyond fear.

From intense military training to life lessons on identity, faith, and personal growth, this episode challenges the mental limits that hold many people back.

We discuss:

• How fear shapes decision making and growth
• The “mental ceiling” that keeps people playing small
• Lesson...