In this episode of the BrandStack Podcast,
and I are thrilled to sit down with Benedria “Bee” Smith, Ph.D—a mental health counselor, social media personality, and the author of #BeeInspired: Practical Steps for Living a Life Full of Joy. Bee’s journey has touched countless lives, from young people in classrooms to audiences worldwide through live streaming and media appearances. In this conversation, she shares insights on forgiveness, resilience, and her mission to help others find joy in their unique path.Key Takeaways from Bee Smith's Journey and Message
Embrace Your Unique Journey
Bee’s book, #BeeInspired, speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt out of place. Reflecting on her own experiences of feeling different from a young age, she found that embracing her individuality led to a life of joy. With her book, Bee encourages readers to be fully themselves, understanding that authenticity attracts the right people into our lives. Her message of embracing our unique paths serves as a reminder that we don’t need to “fit in” to find happiness.
The Power of Forgiveness
One of Bee’s core lessons is “forgive and let live.” In her book, she shares how holding onto past hurt affected her mental health, and how forgiveness became a key to her own healing. By forgiving others, Bee says, we free ourselves to move forward. She believes that by letting go, we find peace—a message that resonates strongly with readers working to overcome personal struggles.
Making an Impact Globally
In addition to mental health agencies and youth groups. Bee’s work has even made its way into classrooms at the University of Reykjavik in Iceland, ”where students study her book as part of their curriculum on resilience and motivation. “The professor told me how students take notes and turn in the book at the end of the semester. He sees the change in his students from the time they come in to the time the semester is over and they’ve been getting this book,” Bee shared. “It’s been there since 2017...and they’re still using it. It works, it’s practical, it’s easy.”
Lessons for Authors on Reaching International Readers
Bee’s experience in Iceland offers an inspiring lesson for authors interested in reaching international readers. By reaching out to the library in Reykjavik and offering a few copies of her book, Bee opened an unexpected door, and #BeeInspired became part of the university’s English department reading list. Her story reminds authors that simple, direct outreach can lead to meaningful connections far beyond their local audiences.
Connecting with Young Audiences
In addition to reaching students in Iceland, Bee’s book has also resonated with a younger audience back home, spanning middle school to high school readers. Her story and practical guidance encourage these young readers to overcome challenges and find joy in their own journeys. Whether through social media or public speaking, Bee’s message of resilience and self-acceptance resonates deeply with youth navigating the complexities of today’s world.
Why Bee Wrote #BeeInspired
Bee’s journey to writing #BeeInspired was as much about personal healing as it was a calling to help others. Originally live-streamed on Periscope while she was still working toward her Ph.D, Bee’s honest reflections on life and resilience drew a publisher’s interest, ultimately leading to the book. For Bee, creating #BeeInspired was both therapeutic and practical—she poured her experiences into a guide that is accessible for anyone looking to make positive changes. The book’s impact has since reached readers worldwide, empowering them to find joy and live with purpose.
Final Thoughts
Bee Smith’s message is clear: joy is a choice, and each of us has the power to build a life that reflects our true selves. Through her book, social media presence, and advocacy work, Bee inspires readers to take practical steps toward happiness and self-fulfillment. Her journey, from Oklahoma to Iceland, is a testament to the impact of authentic connection and a reminder that our stories can travel further than we might ever expect.
🎬 StreamYard 🦆
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Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
📚 Bee’s book: #BeeInspired: Practical Steps for Living a Life Full of Joy: https://amzn.to/3Cek7qb
➡️ Bee Smith on Instagram: https://instagram.com/BeeInspiredTalk
➡️ Bee Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beeinspired/
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts
🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale
📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa
📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI
📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt
📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bee Smith’s Book Inspires Students Overseas