Jodie Smith of Gwinnett on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Jodie Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jodie , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
God brings me joy. I have been working on my relationship with God and studying the word brings me peace. I think growing spiritually helps us have the opportunity to enjoy the human experience.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jodie Smith and I am the CEO and Founder of The Heart Helper. The Heart Helper is a holistic brand that helps people manage the mind, strengthen the spirit, and honor the heart through our podcast, self-help books, and health insurance agency. Our podcast strives to inspire in a world of influence, sharing stories from extraordinary people about the complexities and beauty of the human experience. Most recently, I published my first Christian book called Out of Comfort Into Calling, which is a 40-day devotional that helps people go from being to becoming so they grow into what God has destined and designed. As of now, I am focused on assisting people with accessing quality healthcare at an affordable cost through our health insurance agency Heart Helper Health. The marketplace open enrollment starts 11/01/2025-1/15/2025, and I am being present in the community to let people know about their health, dental, vision, and supplemental options with plans starting as low as $5 a month. People are losing Medicaid coverage, and the marketplace is a great option to access care.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I used to always play small because I was around people that weren’t confident in who and what they were. I would often have people ask me to dress down because they didn’t like to dress up. I have always been vibrant and fun, fully aware of who I was and free in that. Now, I release playing small and show up as the ocean I am, even if others want to stay a stream. I walk more boldly and confidently, recognizing that my light does not dim others, and I need to surround myself with people who are confident with their shine. I release smallness, I release minimizing my accomplishments, and will only surround myself with people who genuinely love themselves.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I was once arrested for a DUI and I was so ashamed to tell anyone about my experience. I felt like a hypocrite on my podcast asking my guests about their life stories, many of which were vulnerable, and I wasn’t being vulnerable. I decided to share my DUI experience with my listeners and that freed me of the shame and made me feel powerful in being authentic. We live in a world that isn’t authentic and I don’t want to contribute to that problem. Sharing my story also helped others experiencing similar situations find relief and solace, knowing that they could overcome it and become better as a result.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to being a fisher of men. I want to bring people back to God and I strive to do that through my company The Heart Helper. Our podcast, books, and insurance agency move from a place inspired by the spirit and not the flesh. In all areas of my life I try to be obedient to what God has called me to do, and creating this company is one of them. As many know, being an entrepreneur is not easy and many days you want to quit, many days you wonder if you are doing the right thing, if you heard from God clearly, but I always remember the mission which is to serve others and specifically with my company, help people heal mentally, spiritually, and physically. I have to always remind myself that this life is not my own and I have to let God get the glory from my life, and I am deeply committed to that.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I am a firm believer that we are meant to be an instrument for God and not an influencer in the world. I do not do things for praise; I do it for purpose. We sadly live in a generation that seeks praise and instant gratification. Likes make people feel loved, but I know God and the love of God keeps me fulfilled, so I am not hungry for the praise of the world. I pray that I always die to my flesh and live fully in my spirit. The flesh wants the ego to thrive, but the spirit wants God to be the biggest thing in our life. I strive to never let praise go to my head or rejection go to my heart. I am focused on pleasing God.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehearthelper.com
• Instagram: @iamjodieshannon, @thehearthelperpodcast, @hearthelperhealth
• Twitter: @thehearthelper
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thehearthelperpodcast?si=0W1Pd4Y7v-febG5w

Image Credits
Yassy Smith