Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

🇭🇹 FREE YOUR MIND. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. CHANGE THE WORLD.On this episode of Purpose Over Popularity, presented by Smith Says International LLC, Smith François sits down with fellow Haitian-American Philly Phil (Uncle Phil) at the 2026 New American Book Fair in Columbus, Ohio, for a powerful conversation about Haitian identity, unity, history, freedom of expression, and the importance of speaking your truth.This conversation goes beyond books. We discuss the challenges facing the Haitian diaspora, the importance of understanding history, breaking free from societal expectations, and why our communities must work together instead of remaining divided.Uncle Phil shares his personal experiences growing up Haitian-American, the cultural pressures surrounding language and identity, and how the book Free Your Mind by Chris Tsunami inspired him to think differently about life and society.Topics We Discuss:🇭🇹 Haitian-American identity, culture, and generational experiences🌎 Why the Haitian diaspora needs unity and collaboration📚 The New American Book Fair and the importance of supporting authors🧠 Free Your Mind changing your perspective and challenging limitations🗣️ Speaking your truth instead of trying to fit into society✊🏿 Black history, systemic barriers, and community empowerment🎥 Why storytelling, books, podcasts, and video are essential for preserving our history🤖 Artificial intelligence, technology, and the next generation🏙️ Why Columbus, Ohio, matters to the Haitian-American community🙏 Faith, purpose, and understanding your identityOne message from this conversation stood out:"The revolution is only going to happen for those who participate."We cannot expect change if we are unwilling to participate, educate ourselves, support one another, and make our voices heard.As I continue building Smith Says International and preparing my upcoming book, The Church Cameraman to the CEO, conversations like this remind me why I started.Purpose Over Popularity isn't just a podcast. It's about documenting our reality, preserving our stories, and building a legacy for the next generation.📖 Book Discussed:Free Your Mind — Chris Tsunami🎤 Connect with Uncle Phil:Instagram: @UnclePhill2026🎙️ FOLLOW SMITH SAYSSubscribe to @SmithSays1 on all platforms for more conversations about entrepreneurship, culture, community development, faith, and personal growth.🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one📩 Interested in sharing your story, starting a podcast, or building your brand? Connect with Smith Says International LLC.JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What does "Free Your Mind" mean to you?Do you believe the Haitian diaspora needs more unity, collaboration, and ownership of our stories?Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let's have a real conversation.👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode.Purpose Over Popularity.I capture your reality so you can own your story.🎙️ SMITH SAYS: PURPOSE OVER POPULARITYReal conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. No fluff. No filters. Just purpose.

Are there really no more excuses for success in America now that we have artificial intelligence?In this powerful conversation, I sit down again with Mr. James A. White Sr. to discuss racism, education, technology, financial survival, and what it takes to build a better future.Mr. White shares his personal journey, from becoming a father at 17 and giving up basketball opportunities to joining the military, facing housing discrimination, pursuing higher education, and building a career helping others develop their potential.But I had to push back on one statement: “There are no excuses today.”What about young people without parents, financial resources, or strong support systems? Can AI really help close the opportunity gap?🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:🔹 Facing racism and housing discrimination at 18🔹 Choosing fatherhood and responsibility over basketball scholarships🔹 How the military opened doors to education and homeownership🔹 Why your smartphone could be your greatest educational tool🔹 AI, racial bias, and representation in technology🔹 Why we should stop judging people before knowing them🔹 Credit scores, economic inequality, and financial opportunity🔹 Jamaica's tourism industry and questions about economic exploitation🔹 Building stronger Black communities through communication and cooperation🔹 Preparing young people for careers in an AI-driven economy🔹 The importance of developing skills before opportunities arrive🔹 Knowing when to leave your comfort zone💡 ONE MESSAGE THAT STOOD OUT:“When the paradigm shifts, the game starts over.”Technology is changing the world. The question is whether we're preparing ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities.Mr. White also challenges us to increase our consciousness, question our assumptions, and continue learning throughout our lives.🎯 LET'S HAVE A CONVERSATION!Do you agree that AI has eliminated excuses for not getting an education?Or do racism, poverty, and unequal access to resources still create barriers?👇🏾 DROP YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS!I want to hear your perspective. Agree, disagree, or challenge something we discussed.📺 SUBSCRIBE TO SMITH SAYS 1https://www.youtube.com/@smithsays1One voice. One step. One purpose.🎙️ 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#SmithSays #PurposeOverPopularity #Podcast

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 through faith, and turning her personal experiences into a mission to uplift women and children.As an author and founder of CG Women's Empowerment, a nonprofit organization, Mimi is using storytelling, education, and community support to help women and children in rural communities achieve economic self-sufficiency.📚 Books Featured:Resilience: Turning Persecution Into PurposeThe Courage to Say Yes (Co-author)In This Conversation:🎙️ Turning persecution and painful experiences into purpose🌍 Her journey from Oromia, Ethiopia, to Columbus, Ohio📖 Why she decided to share her story through books❤️ Empowering women and children through nonprofit work🙏 How her faith in Jesus Christ influences her mission🎤 Overcoming introversion to become a voice for the voiceless🤖 Artificial intelligence, creativity, and the future of authorship🏙️ Why Columbus became the place where she achieved her dreamsPurpose Over Popularity isn't just about being seen. It's about making sure the voices that have been overlooked are finally heard.Mimi reminds us that your story can become someone else's source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration.📚 Find Mimi's books through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major booksellers.🎥 FOLLOW SMITH SAYSSubscribe for more authentic conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, community leaders, and everyday people making an impact.Follow @SmithSays1 on all platforms.🌐 Website: https://smithsays.one🎙️ Interested in sharing your story or recording your own podcast? Visit our website to connect and explore our media production services in Columbus, Ohio.👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this conversation!Question for you: Have you ever experienced something difficult that later helped you discover your purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments.Purpose Over Popularity. I capture your reality so you can own your story.

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 futureOne 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

🎙️ PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY SMITH SAYS 1 PODCASTDo 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 areThe difference between God and religionBlack history, slavery, racism, and historical injusticeFaith, fear, truth, and personal freedomThe importance of studying history and thinking independentlyWhy Black communities must move from being tolerated to being celebratedThe 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.oneSmith Says 1 Podcast Purpose Over Popularity.