In this powerful episode of Great Men with Shane Sams, Shane sits down with James Smith — a dynamic speaker, mentor, and storyteller whose life journey embodies resilience, authenticity, and faith.

James opens up about his childhood, the significance of names, and how his upbringing shaped his passion for helping others. He and Shane dive into the fears that hold people back — including the universal fear of public speaking — and how James overcame his own to build a career inspiring audiences around the world.

Listeners will hear about James’s time as a lobbyist and real estate investor, and how those experiences reinforced his belief that authenticity is the key to true connection. The conversation turns deeply motivational as James shares stories of redemption, including his work mentoring veterans and former felons, proving that hope and second chances can transform lives.

Shane and James also discuss mindset, adversity, and the role of faith when life gets tough. They share personal experiences of setbacks, health scares, and the lessons learned along the way. James’s stories — from encounters with figures like Nick Vujicic and the late Charlie Kirk to hilarious and unpredictable onstage moments — will inspire you to find meaning, courage, and laughter even in life’s toughest seasons.

The episode wraps with James encouraging listeners to embrace their purpose, chase greatness, and live boldly. Learn more about his work at jamessmithseries.com and tune into his podcast for more wisdom and inspiration.

Frameworks and community at greatmen.org.