Shows
Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFrom Russia to Columbus: Reinvention, Media & Healing at 50In this episode, we sit down with Irina Perry, a Columbus-based media producer, herbalist, and immigrant entrepreneur whose journey spans continents, careers, and reinvention.Born in St. Petersburg, Russia and arriving in Columbus in 1994, Irina shares her path from working in a donut shop to finance, technology, and eventually media production — all while building a parallel business in herbal and alternative healing.We talk about:• Adjusting to American culture and language• Why Columbus is a strong city for small businesses• Leaving a long tech career to follow purpose• Media, storytelling, and collaborati...
2026-01-2015 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFind Your Mission: Why Purpose Brings ClaritySmithsonians, welcome back! Today we’re not in the studio — we’re in the doctor’s office getting a wellness check on purpose, mission, identity, and AI. We talk clarity, contribution, and why your visual resume matters for the future of communication and civility.In this conversation with Mr. James A. White Sr, we break down:⭐ Why everyone should have a personal mission & purpose⭐ How clarity shows up once your mission is written⭐ Why AI is just a tool — and why we must contribute to it⭐ How identity + technology shape the future of legacy⭐ The idea of the “Visual Resume” & video avatar...
2026-01-1329 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityHaiti Is Not a Trend: Culture, History & Representation in ColumbusIn this episode, Smith Francois sits down with Nadia Jean Jacque, the first Commissioner for Refugee & Immigration Affairs in Columbus, for a raw and necessary conversation about the Haitian experience.Together, they unpack:What it truly means to grow up HaitianThe values of Lakay • Lekòl • Legliz and respectWhy Haitian culture is celebrated while Haitian struggles are ignoredLanguage, identity, and the impact of colonizationWhy representation in Columbus matters now more than everThis episode goes beyond politics. It’s about history, dignity...
2026-01-0643 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityI Didn’t Take My Health Seriously… Until This Conversation | Dr. Ekele InterviewIn this powerful Part 1 conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ekele, a health educator and medical missionary based in Columbus, Ohio, to talk about natural healing, plant-based living, and faith-driven wellness.What started as a simple juice delivery turned into a deep conversation about:Healing the body without dependency on medicationHow food choices affect inflammation, mucus, and gut healthWhy plant-based living changed her life after illnessBiblical foundations for health and stewardship of the bodyPractical first steps you can take today (even if you’re procrastinating like me)Dr. Ekele shares her personal journey—from being a “wounded healer” to walking...
2025-12-3018 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityPodcast & Mic Basics Explained by a Touring Sound EngineerSmithsonians, welcome back 🎙️Smith Francois here, founder of the 4S Program, and today’s episode is special.Before we get technical, we pause to honor Brother Rogers—a mentor, teacher, and sound engineer who shaped how many of us understand audio, professionalism, and purpose. One of his greatest lessons still stands:“Serve the church—but outside the church, charge your proper fee.”In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with J-Rick Wise, a seasoned sound engineer with roots in live bands, reggae culture, and decades of real-world experience—from cassette tape splicing to full PA systems and touring nationwide.In thi...
2025-12-2327 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityThe Visual Resume: Seeing Yourself ClearlyY’all might be working on vision boards — but in this episode, we do something deeper.This is a live, unscripted conversation about defining purpose, vision, and mission in real time.After years of working behind the camera—capturing other people’s stories—I reached a moment where I had to pause and ask:Who am I when the lens turns toward me?Joined by Dr. James White, we unpack:Why clarity matters more than motivationThe difference between vision boards and real alignmentHow video has become...
2025-12-161h 25Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityMy Untold Story: Faith, Identity & How God Carried Me This FarSmithsonians, welcome back. 🙏It’s Smith Francois, founder of the Forest Program and the voice behind Purpose Over Popularity.Today’s episode is different — it’s personal. This should’ve been Episode 1, but God’s timing is always better than mine.Before anything else:Thank you God for protecting me, watching over me, and carrying me through every trial I’ve never spoken about.Thank you to my family and friends for the 3 Ls — Lekòl, Legliz, Lakay — the foundation that shaped me.In this episode, I finally share who I am, where I come from, and wh...
2025-12-0913 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityBefore You Choose Trade or College: Watch This w/ Mr. James A. White SrSmithsonians, welcome back! 👋It’s Smith Francois here, and at this point I can’t even call him a “guest” anymore — Mr. JJames A. White Sr is basically a co-host. 🙌In this episode, we get real about work, purpose, and the future:Growing up Black in the 50s & 60s and watching his mom build a business as a Black woman entrepreneurThe difference between trades vs college in today’s worldUnions, “at-will” jobs, and why companies should share the wealthWhat it really means to be a “good candidate” in the modern...
2025-12-021h 12Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFrom Refugee to Immigration Attorney: Gatekeepers, Haitians & the Fight for Real HelpSmithsonians, welcome back. In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with immigration attorney Ina Simakovsky for one of the realest conversations I’ve ever had about immigration, community gatekeeping, and what “help” can look like when it actually hurts.Ina came to the U.S. as a religious refugee from Russia in 1976. Today she’s an immigration attorney in Columbus, Ohio, serving communities from Haiti, Somalia, the Congo, Latin America, and beyond. We talk about:Why going to the “guy in the basement” or just a notary can literally destroy your immigration caseHow Haitian and other im...
2025-11-2558 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFrom Ghana to Columbus: Education, Immigration & Building a One-Stop Shop ft. Edward SumailaWelcome back, Smithsonians! 🎙️ In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith Francois, Founder of the 4S Program, sits down with Edward Sumaila—a Ghanaian-born scholar, entrepreneur, and community advocate who turned a “small beginnings” story into a powerhouse portfolio of degrees and businesses.Edward shares his journey from a village in Ghana with no electricity or running water, to earning multiple master’s degrees and pursuing a PhD in Information Systems Management, to building a one-stop shop of services in Columbus, Ohio—from insurance and logistics to shipping, taxes, and investment projects. He breaks down how immigrants can...
2025-11-1841 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityMr. James A. White Sr (Pt. 2): Own It, Build the Pipeline — “Don’t Expect What You Don’t Inspect”From Pittsburgh roots to Air Force, college ball, Xerox/DEC, and 33 years as an entrepreneur—Mr. James A. White Sr keeps it real on owning your choices, filling your pipeline, and using AI as a tool, not a crutch.Highlights:• Dropping out → GED → Air Force → scholarship → two master’s starts• Sales to training, then launching his firm (and keeping it alive with consistency)• The pipeline rule: never stop prospecting—even when you’re busy• Coaching > classroom: customize for outcomes, not buzzwords• Learning with dyslexia: audiobooks, relentless study, zero excuses• Quote to live by: “Don’t expect what...
2025-11-041h 03Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityColumbus Connects: Inside the 2nd Annual Business Resource FairHey Smithsonians! 👋Smith Francois here — founder of the Forests Program (Start, Shoot, Systemize & Scale). This episode is proudly sponsored by the Greater Linden Business Network (GLBN), right here in Columbus, Ohio 🌆Each month, GLBN hosts workshops and networking events that help entrepreneurs grow, collaborate, and brand together. A small yearly fee connects you to major benefits — from exclusive business resources to the year-end gala. If you live in or around the Linden area, I highly recommend joining. 💼✨Today’s episode captures the Second Annual Business Resource Fair at the Ohio History Center, where community partners came together to empower local business ow...
2025-10-2817 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityEntrepreneurship Tips: Mr. James A. White Sr on How to Unlock Your PotentialIn this powerful conversation, Smith Francois sits down with James A. White Sr to discuss the journey of unlocking your full potential — from mindset and purpose to practical business growth. Discover how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and use your gifts to impact your community.🌟 Watch till the end for key insights on consistency, faith, and leadership.📘 About the Guest:James A. White Sr.CEO, Performance Consulting Services📧 Jwhite2@columbus.rr.com☎️ 614-252-3266 (office)📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement Need insurance that grows with you? Meet Courtney...
2025-10-2133 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFinance, Leadership & Breaking Records (feat. Dean Smith)Welcome back, Smithsonians! 👋 It’s been a while, but we’re back with another powerful and purpose-filled conversation. This time, Smith François is joined by another Smith — Dean Smith (no relation 😅).Dean is breaking barriers as the youngest Certified Public Finance Officer in Ohio and currently serves as an Assistant City Auditor for Columbus, helping manage the city’s $5+ billion debt portfolio. At just 28 years old, he’s also a 2024 NALA Cohort graduate, Hilltop Area Commissioner, Treasurer of Hilltop Rise Economic Development, and a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 honoree.💡 In this episode, we dive deep into:Dean’s entrepre...
2025-10-2032 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityAre You “Chosen”? Hannah Komedja’s Spiritual Journey RevealedIn this captivating episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Hannah Komedja to explore her remarkable journey of faith, purpose, and divine alignment.Hannah opens up about how the seemingly random events in her life were all part of a greater plan — a divine design that led her to discover what it truly means to be chosen. From her early experiences to her spiritual awakening, every moment reveals the unseen hand of God guiding her steps.✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:How faith shapes life’s unexpected tur...
2025-10-2025 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityEXPECTATIONS?! (feat. Mr. Iris)In this thought-provoking episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Mr. Iristo unpack the weight of expectations — from family, faith, and society — and how they shape who we become.Together, they explore what it means to rise above pressure, redefine success, and pursue purpose even when others expect something different. This real and reflective conversation challenges you to live authentically, lead with faith, and never lose sight of who you are called to be.🎧 Host: Smith François🎙️ Guest: Mr. Iris
2025-10-2012 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityTwo Face Mask: Living Authentically in a World of Pretenders (feat. El-ROI)In this kickoff episode of the Smith Says One Podcast, host Smith François opens up about the journey behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a platform that gives voice to purpose-driven professionals and community leaders.Alongside guest Elroi Wieck, Smith explores the theme of “Two Face Mask” — a deep conversation about identity, authenticity, and faith in a world that pressures us to wear masks. Together, they uncover how purpose and truth can lead to freedom, clarity, and growth.🎧 Host: Smith François🎵 Background Music: Elroi Wieck🎙️ Special Guest: Elroi W...
2025-10-2024 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityTwo Face Mask (feat. EL-ROI)In this kickoff episode, host Smith François shares the story behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a media platform that helps purpose-driven professionals and community leaders share their voice.This conversation dives into the meaning behind “Two Face Mask,” featuring special guest Elroi Wieck, as they explore authenticity, purpose, and the tension between who we are and who the world expects us to be.Learn why purpose matters more than popularity, and how this podcast will inspire you to climb higher, live intentionally, and never settle.🎧 Host: Smith...
2025-10-2001 min