Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

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...

🎙️  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...

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 goa...

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 com...

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 en...

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...

🎮 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...

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, tra...

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...

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...

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....

🎙️  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 s...

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-ma...

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. S...

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 B...

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 journ...

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 tr...

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 share...

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 arrivin...

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...

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,...

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, c...

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 traj...

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 experience...

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 accountab...