Jess Ask
Ready to uncover the secrets of success and self-discovery? Welcome to "Jess Ask"! Host Jessica S. Smith invites you on a journey of exploration and inspiration as she dives deep into the lives of influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. What does it take to overcome challenges and thrive in today's world? Join Jessica and her guests as they share candid stories, valuable insights, and laughter-filled moments. From career transitions to personal growth, "Jess Ask" is your go-to destination for genuine conversations that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. Tune in and embark on a journey of discovery with "Jess Ask"!
The Woman Behind the Title: Lashunda Scales on Faith, Family, and Leadership | EP146
She grew up on Section 8, dropped out of college at 19, and almost lost her life. Today she makes the laws. Commissioner LaShunda Scales' story has never been told like this.  EPISODE DESCRIPTION Jefferson County Commissioner LaShunda Scales — known in her district as 'Mama Scales' — sits down with host Jessica S. Smith for the most personal conversation of her career. She opens up about growing up in West End Birmingham, being raised by a single mother across multiple schools, dropping out of college, a near-death experience at 19, and the moment she surrendered her life t...
Boundaries vs. Walls: How to Protect Yourself Without Shutting Down | EP145
Description:
Jessica and Desiree get honest about boundaries—why they’re necessary, why they can feel like bondage, and how pain can push us into building walls instead of healthy guardrails. Jessica opens up about repeated relationship patterns, what therapy has revealed, and the struggle of protecting your heart without shutting people out. Together, they break down what boundaries actually are, how to be proactive instead of reactive, and how discernment helps you show up as yourself without giving everyone full access. If you’ve ever asked, “Why does this keep happening to me?” this conversati...
Joseph’s Destination Wasn’t the Palace… It Was the Famine | FT Joy Pittman | EP144
Jess sits down with Joy Pittman to unpack Joseph in a way that shifts everything.
What if the destination was never the palace… but the famine? What if elevation wasn’t about validation, but positioning?
This episode challenges labels, reframes calling, and reminds you to occupy your seat wherever you’re placed. If you’ve been shrinking or questioning your assignment, this conversation will give you language — and the prayer at the end will seal it.
Share it. Review it. And let’s keep building.
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Joy Pi...
When Creating Feels Like Warfare: Desiree Danielle’s Story + New Book | EP143
Description:
Jess and Desiree Danielle have an honest conversation about what it means to be “created to create” — and why your obedience still counts even when the response is quiet. Desiree shares how her new book was birthed through prayer, the fear of opinions, and the vulnerable shift from producing others to releasing her own voice. Together, they talk excellence vs. perfection, using what’s in your hands, and why God can trust you with more when you’re faithful with what you already have.
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Why I Stopped Having Sex (And What God Showed Me) | EP142
Description:
This episode is about intimacy — the real kind. Jessica and Desiree discuss abstinence, shame, dating God, and learning self-intimacy in singleness. If you’ve struggled silently in this area, this conversation is for you.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone? The Safe Space is for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Inside this Patreon-only community, you’ll find accountability, biblical wisdom, and encouragement to keep going when it gets hard. This isn’t just content—it’s connection. A reminder that your voice matters, your gifts have p...
“When You’re Out of Season, It Costs More” — Janice Coleman Breaks It Down | EP141
Description:
Warning: this episode might get slippery—because the oil showed up. Jess and Desiree sit down with Janice Coleman for a wisdom-packed conversation on seasons (dispensations), purpose-driven obedience, leadership transitions, and building structure without burning out. If you’ve been trying to figure out what God is doing in your life—or you’ve been frustrated while building—this episode will give you language, direction, and confirmation.
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Janice has over 30 years of stilettos-on-the-ground experience in the marketplace, helping leaders and organizations maintain relevance in this dynamic, un...
Stop Treating Your Assignment Like a Sneaky Link (5 Builder Mistakes) | EP140
Description:
Jess and Desiree break down 5 mistakes builders make starting out—from treating your assignment like a “sneaky link” to waiting on the “right time” and dishonoring what’s already in your hand. This episode is a push from idea mode to execution, with real examples of partnership, stewardship, and what it looks like to be fully persuaded about what God told you to build.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone? The Safe Space is for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Inside this Patreon-only community, you’ll...
Building with a Partner Without Getting Offended | with Desiree Danielle | EP139
Description:
Building with a partner is beautiful… and frustrating. Jessica and Desiree talk about real partnership: different personalities, different communication styles, and how offense can derail the assignment if you don’t know the heart of who you’re building with. They break down “iron sharpens iron,” healing through the process, and how to stay focused on the purpose instead of the irritation.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone?
The Safe Space is for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Inside this Patreon-only co...
Who Are You When the Mic Is Off? | Real Talk with Dr. Dee Fomby | EP138
Dr. Dee Fomby joins Jess Ask the Podcast for an impromptu conversation, interviewing Jessica S. Smith and Desiree Danielle about identity, pressure, and what it really looks like when the mic is off. They discuss being “the strong friend,” learning to receive, singleness, finances, and the way God proves Himself as Jehovah Jireh in real time.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone? The Safe Space is for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Inside this Patreon-only community, you’ll find accountability, biblical wisdom, and encoura...
Birmingham Built Me: LaDarrius Hutcherson on Therapy, Identity, and Purpose | EP137
Description:
Jessica S. Smith and Desiree welcome LaDarrius Hutcherson to the Safe Space for a thoughtful conversation on therapy, identity, and purpose. LaDarrius shares how Birmingham helped shape who he is today, how therapy challenged old patterns, and what it’s like balancing personal growth while building a public platform. He also introduces his book, Bloom Where You’re Planted, unpacking the deeper meaning behind honoring your roots and recognizing that your environment may be more valuable than you once believed. If you’ve ever felt torn between leaving and staying, evolving and resting, or becoming and rememb...
Are You a Builder, Dreamer, or Visionary? How to Know Your Season | FT JD Fomby | EP136
Description:
Are you a builder, a dreamer, or a visionary—and do you know what season you’re in?
In this episode, Desiree and I sit down with Coach JD Fomby for a real conversation about what it means to build on purpose in 2026. We talk delegation, emotional bandwidth, protecting your circle, and why “doing the work” matters more than chasing a moment.
If you’re navigating growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, ministry, or a brand you’re trying to build—this one is for you.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone? The Safe Spa...
The Year of the Builder: Trusting God’s Plan When Life Shifts | with Desiree Danielle | EP135
Description:
Are you ready for a thought-provoking, honest conversation about building in uncomfortable places? What about trusting God’s timing and releasing shame before stepping into a new season?
Using Jeremiah 29 as our foundation, Desiree and I unpack what it really means to build, plant, and multiply—even when you’re not where you thought you’d be. This episode speaks directly to leaders, builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating transition, relocation, or starting over.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why obedience matters more than clarity
Building structure in unfamili...
Sisterhood, Seasons & Starting Over | FT Kendal Smith | EP134
Description:
Jessica and her sister Kendal (Kendal Tried It) open up about divorce, co-parenting, and what it means to choose yourself without abandoning the people you love. They talk about growing up with divorced parents, breaking generational patterns, single motherhood, and how Kendal went from loctician to content creator while raising three kids.
This one is for the woman who feels unseen, overworked, and still trying to figure out who she is beyond her roles.
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🎙️ Need a place to be re...
Becoming Her: Healing, Motherhood & Rewriting Your Story | ft. Tiffany N. White | EP133
Description:
In this powerful and deeply transparent episode, Jess sits with Tiffany N. White for one of the most honest and transformative conversations yet. Tiffany opens up about everything:Â her journey to earning her GED in five days, navigating motherhood as a young single mom, attending an HBCU as a white woman, dealing with online assumptions, rebuilding self-worth, and learning how to flourish after years of survival mode.
They talk identity, healing, boundaries, womanhood, friendships, influence, generational cycles, and what it really takes to become the woman God intended.
If you’ve ever que...
Don’t Fail in Fear: Faith, Femininity & Finding Yourself | FT Britta Tabor | EP132
Description:
In this honest and healing conversation, Jess sits down with Britta Tabor for a transparent look at confidence, calling, femininity, divorce, and the fear of stepping into what God is asking you to do. Britta opens up about rebuilding life after 30+ years of marriage, navigating loneliness, finding herself again, and learning how to show up authentically — online and in real life.
They also dive into fashion identity, dating as an alpha woman, and what it really means to trust God in a waiting season. If you’ve ever struggled with being “too strong...
When Worship Hurts: Homelessness, Healing & Hearing God | ft. Ricka Riley | EP131
Description:
In this deeply transparent episode, Jess sits down with Ricka Riley — worship leader, psalmist, intercessor, and survivor — for one of the most powerful conversations of the season. Ricka opens up about worship beyond the microphone: sacrifice, surrender, dying to self, and learning that real worship begins where comfort ends.
She shares her story of living homeless for three years, surviving verbal and physical abuse at home, navigating church hurt, and wrestling with anger toward God — all while serving, leading worship, and trying to stay faithful. Ricka also discusses her deliverance from 13 years of pornography addict...
Understanding the Supernatural: How to Discern What God Is Showing You | ft. Brianca Hardy | EP130
Description:
Jess is joined by her best friend and prophetic voice Brianca E. Hardy to discuss the supernatural, the prophetic, the 5 (and 6) spiritual senses, and how believers can learn to hear God clearly. This episode breaks down warfare, discernment, spiritual language, angel numbers, Hebrew years, generational gifts, and how to avoid counterfeits while following the Holy Spirit. If you’ve ever sensed things, seen things, or “just known” things but didn’t have language for it — this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. Life could be much more simple… if you just ask.
Conn...
Funnels, Freedom, and Healing: How Alyssa Pitts Turned Pain Into Profit | EP129
Description:
Jess sits down with Funnel Queen Alyssa “Curlyssa” Pitts to talk funnels, offers, and the real-life story behind the systems. They unpack what a funnel actually is, why every creator already has one, and how to turn your podcast and content into simple, profitable offers—especially going into the holiday season. Alyssa also shares her powerful testimony of surviving domestic violence while building her business, how she rebuilt her life, and why she’s passionate about helping Black and brown entrepreneurs create structure, safety, and freedom through funnels. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelme...
You’re Not Behind: Trusting God’s Timing, Seasons & Process | with Desiree Danielle | EP128
Description:
In this episode, Jess and Desiree remind you: you are not behind. They open up about burnout, rest, and learning to slow down enough to hear God clearly. From Genesis and Habakkuk 2:2–3, they break down how to write the vision, make it legible, and recognize the season you’re in. This is your reminder to stop rushing the process and stop calling yourself behind — you’re right on time. In this conversation:What “write it legibly” really means ✍🏾The difference between process and progressHow rest gives clarity“Partial vision = partial blessing”Why you must identify your season...
Hurt to Covered : Safe Love, Faith & Content Creation | FT Brittani Monique | EP127
Description:
What does safe love feel like when you’re healing in public? Educator & creator Brittani Monique shares how prayer with her partner became the most intimate step of her healing, why boundaries saved her peace, and how she uses influence to serve students—poppy machines, clothes, books, all of it. We dive into church that still feels like church, online safety, content batching, and choosing faith over optics.
Comment what hit you most • Join our community & extras on Patreon.
Topics: godly relationships, healing after breakup, special education, creator life, online safety...
Grace to Grow: Rest, Transitions & Starting Your Podcast | With Desiree Danielle | EP126
Description:
Transitions aren’t easy—but they’re necessary. In this episode, Jess and Desiree get real about moving seasons, why rest is Biblical, and how to steward both partnership and podcasting. From recording in borrowed spaces to learning batch recording and celebrating milestones, they share how God’s grace makes room for growth. If you’ve ever delayed starting because you thought you didn’t have the “right” equipment, this conversation will free you to start with what you already have.
🎙️ Need a place to be reminded you're not alone? The Safe Space is for cre...
Why Your Community Isn't Growing (and How to Fix It) | FT Nella Coleman | EP125
Description:
What does real community building look like beyond likes and monthly dues? Entrepreneur and coach Nella Coleman shares how to price with integrity, lead with value, and serve without burning out—while navigating motherhood, faith, and being truly multifaceted. We talk confidence before followers, seasons and pivots, guilt around church/work balance, and why builders need community too. If you’ve felt overlooked or unsure how to monetize without losing your heart, this episode is your blueprint.
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🎙️ Need a pl...
Building Healthy Friendships (Not Codependent Ones) | FT Pauletta Brown & Andrea Gates | EP124
Description:
What does it really mean to build a healthy Christian friendship—one that uplifts without falling into codependency? In this episode, Pastor Andrea Gates and Dr. Pauletta Brown share how godly friends cover you, not coddle you, and why boundaries, grace, and honesty are essential for lasting relationships. We get real about grief, healing abandonment and rejection, and navigating friendships when your best friend is also your pastor. If you’ve been praying for authentic Christian friendships that sharpen and support you, this conversation is your blueprint.
Connect With Our...
Foster Care to Freedom: How God Rewrote My Adoption Story | FT Stephanie Byrd | EP123
Description:
Mom of five and author Stephanie Byrd shares how God carried her from foster care and rejection to healing, marriage, and motherhood. She opens up about being born drug-exposed, discovering her adoption, and the moment God marked her with “destiny”—then walks us through trusting God beyond faith, breaking generational curses, and letting joy lead. We dig into marriage when both partners are healing, learning to hear the Holy Spirit in everyday choices, and turning pain into purpose. If you’ve battled trauma, identity, or feeling “unwanted,” this conversation will meet you with hope and strategy.
...
How God Heals Trauma and Restores Your Voice | FT Yolanda Lewis | EP122
Description:
In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with Yolanda Lewis, author, coach, and advocate for healing, to talk about trauma, recovery, and God’s grace. Yolanda opens up about her journey through childhood abuse, parenting a child on the autism spectrum, and learning to embrace healing in both body and soul. Together, we unpack how trauma affects our voice, our authority, and our relationship with God — and how His grace restores what was broken. This conversation will remind you that healing is possible, and your voice still matters.
Connect With Our Gues...
Balancing Business and Ministry Through God’s Grace | FT Omar Eltakrori | EP121
Description:
Jess sits down with Omar Eltakrori to unpack how Christian entrepreneurs can balance business and ministry through God’s grace—not hustle. They dig into why compartmentalizing faith hurts effectiveness, how to follow the Holy Spirit in everyday decisions, and why “rhythm over balance” keeps you healthy. Omar shares practical habits (Word-first, church-first) and creator wisdom that make space for both the marketplace and ministry. If you’re building a business and serving your church, this conversation is a roadmap to doing both—by grace.
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Omar El-Ta...
YouTube Growth Secrets Every Creator Needs to Hear | FT Omar Eltakrori | EP120
Description:
In this week's episode, Jess and Desiree sit down with Omar Eltakrori to unpack what it really takes to succeed on YouTube. From choosing one platform to focus on, to mastering the art of titles, thumbnails, and data analysis, Omar shares practical steps every creator should know. They discuss common misconceptions, balancing strategy with authenticity, and how to monetize your content by sponsoring your own videos. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your channel, this conversation is full of actionable insight that could change the way you create forever.
Co...
The Race to Freedom: Our Woman Evolve Experience | FT Pat & Stacy Doss | EP119
Description:
Jess and Desiree are back with a special recap from Woman Evolve 2025, themed “The Race to Freedom.” Joined by mother-daughter duo Pat and Stacy Doss, this episode unpacks the beauty of spiritual evolution, generational healing, and what freedom really means. With this being their third year attending Woman Evolve, Pat and Stacy offer a powerful perspective on how the experience continues to grow and challenge them. From legacy to liberation, this conversation is a continuation of the freedom theme from EP118 and a reminder that freedom is not just a feeling—it’s a pursuit.
Yes365 Collecti...
True Freedom in God: Letting Go of Your Past | with Desiree Danielle | EP118
Description:
In this powerful episode, Jess and Desiree dive into the difference between fake freedom and true freedom found in Christ, reflecting on John 8:36: “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” Jess shares her personal testimony of overcoming adultery and the transformative benefits of testifying versus simply confessing. Together, they explore why God calls us to not only accept freedom but to steward it—because He is the true owner of it. This conversation will challenge you to release your past and walk boldly in the freedom God has already given you.
Y...
How Obedience Heals: YES365 Mid-Year Check-In | with Desiree Danielle | EP117
Description:
In this honest mid-year check-in, Jess and Desiree reflect on their YES365 commitment and the unexpected ways obedience has shaped their year. From wrestling with tough moments to witnessing God’s grace in real time, they share how consistent obedience brought emotional healing and spiritual growth. Desiree even opens up about how it helped her heal father wounds she didn’t know still existed. This episode will encourage you to keep going—your healing could be on the other side of your yes.
Yes365 Collective is a community dedicated to saying “yes” to...
Finding Your Identity Through God | FT Aisha Sanders | EP116
Jessica sits down with Aisha Sanders, founder of Krowned Academy, to talk about the journey of becoming the woman God called her to be. Aisha opens up about how abandonment, rejection, and rebellion shaped her path—and how a single question, “God, who am I?” changed everything. This episode unpacks identity, faith, and freedom while also highlighting how Aisha empowers young girls by teaching them braiding skills and entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever questioned your worth or struggled to understand your purpose, this conversation is for you.
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...
Trusting God Through Your Child’s Diagnosis | FT Krystal Boman | EP115
Description:
In this powerful episode, Jess sits down with Krystal Boman, the mother of Krystalyn Boman, who is currently battling brain cancer. Krystal shares her emotional journey—from the miraculous moment of conception to navigating her daughter’s diagnosis with faith and resolve. She opens up about the strength it takes to trust God when answers don’t come easy and how St. Jude has played a vital role in their journey. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder to listen to our children, trust God more, and never underestimate the support that community can bring.
Connect With Our Gu...
How to Steward Your Yes to God | with Desiree Danielle | EP114
Description:
Jess and Desiree keep it real about what happens after you say yes to God. This episode explores the weight of obedience and what it means to actually manage your yes with your mind, body, and spirit. From personal convictions to practical steps, they walk through what stewardship really looks like. They also introduce the YES365 Stewardship Challenge, a 30-day journey on WhatsApp for those ready to honor their commitment and grow.
Yes365 Collective is a community dedicated to saying “yes” to God every day.Each month, we focus on a sp...
Why the Church Needs PR | FT Sarah Busby | EP113
Description:
Jess sits down with PR professional Sarah Busby, owner of B The Buzz Agency, to unpack the power of public relations and its overlooked role in the church. Sarah opens up about her own faith-led transition from Atlanta to Dallas and how obedience positioned her for greater impact. Together, they explore why storytelling, strategy, and media management are just as critical in ministry as they are in business. This episode challenges leaders to see PR as a kingdom tool—not a worldly tactic.
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...
From Laughter to Legacy | FT Floss the Mack | EP112
Description:
In this special fan-powered episode, comedian and actor Floss the Mack returns to Jess Ask the Podcast for a raw, real, and unforgettable conversation. While laughter brought him to the spotlight, Floss opens up about what’s behind the jokes—his journey into comedy, navigating a strained relationship with his father, and being present for his kids. He shares how humor became his healing, and why legacy matters more than likes. This episode is a reminder that behind every joke is a deeper story—and sometimes, healing starts when the laughter fades.
Worship, Work, and Worth: Is It Ministry or a Job? | FT Enrique Holmes | EP111
Description:
Jess is joined by gospel artist, educator, and father Enrique Holmes for a powerful conversation on worship, identity, and balance. Enrique opens up about how teaching grounds him and prevents him from being exploited for his musical gift. He shares how becoming a father has reshaped his view of presence, healing, and worth. From navigating rejection from his own father to realizing he used to spend time with God only when preparing for an engagement—this episode peels back the layers of performance, faith, and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re called or just b...
Yes, No, Maybe: Finding Clarity in Boundaries | with Desiree Danielle | EP110
Description:
Jess and Desiree sit down for an honest conversation about the power behind the word “no.” They explore what it means to give a firm no without guilt, why sometimes a no is actually protection, and how to handle situations where your boundaries need clarity. Using the “yes, no, maybe” formula, this episode breaks down how to navigate tough decisions and improve communication. For anyone learning to honor their capacity and stand in confidence, this one’s for you.
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The Journey of a Healed Wife | FT SunRay | EP109
Description:
Jess sits down with Sun'Ray, founder of The Healed Wife Community, for a powerful conversation on surrender, healing, and God’s perfect timing. From sleeping in her car and living out of a suitcase to relocating with nothing but faith, SunRay opens up about what it truly means to walk as the bride of Christ. This episode is a reminder that even when things feel uncertain, God is still writing the story.
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Sun’Ray is the founder of The Healed Wife, a ministry-based movement dedicated to helping wome...
Navigating Jealousy as a Christian Content Creator | FT Lish Speaks | EP108
Description:
In this episode of Jess Ask the Podcast, Jess and Lish Speaks talk about the parts of content creation people don’t always admit—especially when it comes to jealousy, comparison, and waiting on your moment. As Christian content creators, they unpack how faith and feelings collide, and what it looks like to stay consistent when you don’t feel seen.
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Lish Speaks is a Brooklyn-born, Atlanta-based media personality, podcast host, public speaker, and leader in women's and youth ministry. Renowned for her insightful commentary on curren...
Transitions & Friendships: Inspired by Insecure |with Desiree Danielle | EP107
In this episode of Jess Ask the Podcast, Jess and Desiree get real about how friendships evolve during life’s transitions. From grief to personal growth, they reflect on how the show Insecure mirrors their own experiences and the layers of change that impact relationships. This one’s honest, a little raw, and definitely relatable if you’ve ever asked, “Why doesn’t this friendship feel the same anymore?” Let’s talk about what happens when seasons shift—and how to navigate it with grace.
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