What happens when life forces you to grieve, parent through uncertainty, and rebuild your faith at the same time? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with author and autism mom Alicia Lorde for a powerful conversation about grief, faith, motherhood, and resilience on the For Good Podcast.

Life doesn't always unfold the way we imagine ? and for Alicia Lorde, survival became a daily act of faith. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Alicia, author of True Survivor, for a raw and deeply honest conversation about grief, autism parenting, healing, and purpose.

Alicia opens up about losing her husband, raising a child on the autism spectrum, and confronting generational trauma while learning how to lean fully into her faith. Together, JoJo and Alicia explore what it means to heal when life feels overwhelming, how honesty and vulnerability become tools for growth, and why survival isn't meant to be the final destination.

The conversation also dives into the realities autism parents face ? from emotional exhaustion to unseen fears ? and the strength it takes to keep showing up, even when you're the village.

They dive into:

Navigating grief while raising a child with autism

How faith evolves when life doesn't meet expectations

Breaking generational trauma through honesty and healing

What resilience really looks like on the hardest days

Moving from survival mode into purpose and hope

This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, faith doesn't require perfection, and your story can become a lifeline for someone else.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

What does success really cost when your mental health isn't protected? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons reflects on MJBizCon and sits down with Vic Mensa for an honest conversation about leadership pressure, mental health, and how fatherhood reshapes purpose, priorities, and legacy on the For Good Podcast.

MJBizCon brought together founders, leaders, and visionaries building real businesses ? but some of the most impactful moments happened offstage. Joseph "JoJo" Simmons revisits MJBizCon with a powerful, reflective conversation alongside Vic Mensa on the For Good Podcast, diving into what success looks like when mental health and purpose come first.

In this episode, JoJo and Vic talk openly about the pressure of leadership, the expectation to always be "on," and the importance of protecting your mental health while navigating business, creativity, and life. The conversation naturally shifts into fatherhood, as Vic shares how becoming a dad has changed the way he moves, thinks, and defines success ? not just as a parent, but as a man and leader.

They dive into:
The mental health challenges that come with leadership and visibility
Why success means nothing without emotional wellness
How fatherhood realigns priorities and purpose
Building legacy through intention, growth, and presence

This episode is a reminder that the real work happens within ? and that healing, growth, and leadership go hand in hand.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this solo episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons reflects on gratitude as more than a holiday tradition ? but a daily practice that reshapes how we move through stress, pressure, and life itself. From slowing down to appreciating the small wins, JoJo shares why gratitude has become one of his most important tools for mental clarity, peace, and growth.

In this special solo episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons takes a moment to slow things down and speak directly to the listener about gratitude ? not as something tied to gifts, success, or milestones, but as a mindset that changes how we experience life.

JoJo reflects on a realization that stopped him in his tracks: how much stress quietly shapes our health, our decisions, and our sense of peace. From that moment, he began shifting his focus toward gratitude ? especially for the small, often overlooked things we tend to take for granted.

Throughout the episode, JoJo shares honest thoughts on moving at your own pace, resisting comparison, and understanding that your journey doesn't need to match anyone else's timeline. He emphasizes the importance of honoring small steps, trusting the process, and recognizing that consistency ? not speed ? leads to real growth.

This episode touches on:

Why stress can quietly run our lives if we let it

Learning to move at your own pace without comparison

Practicing gratitude for the small, everyday wins

How slowing down can create clarity and peace

Why small steps often lead to the biggest breakthroughs

Rooted in reflection and intention, this episode is a reminder that gratitude isn't just something we practice during the holidays ? it's something that can ground us, protect our mental health, and reshape how we show up every day.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on TikTok, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

From grief and growth to balance and burnout ? every guest we've had on The For Good Podcast has shared one common truth: healing starts from within.

In this special "For Good Reflections" episode, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons brings together powerful moments from past conversations, featuring guests opening up about how they care for their mental health, protect their peace, and stay grounded when life gets heavy.

You'll hear wisdom from voices like Dreka Gates, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Lil Eazy E, Corvain Cooper, and more ? each revealing their personal tools for healing, reflection, and self-preservation.

Whether it's therapy, faith, fitness, mindfulness, or simply slowing down, these stories remind us that mental health isn't just maintenance ? it's movement. It's how we stay aligned with our purpose, break cycles, and live For Good.

In this For Good Reflections episode, JoJo Simmons revisits powerful moments from past guests as they open up about how they care for their mental health, protect their peace, and find balance in the middle of life's chaos.

From therapy and faith to fitness and mindfulness, these reflections reveal what healing really looks like behind the scenes ? unfiltered, honest, and deeply human. Because taking care of yourself isn't selfish ? it's For Good.

The daily practices that protect our peace and mental clarity

How therapy, faith, and fitness help us stay grounded

The importance of slowing down and creating boundaries

What healing looks like when life gets heavy

Why mental health is more than maintenance ? it's movement

How are psychedelics reshaping mental health, spirituality, and healing? Journalist and author Madison Margolin joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to explore the intersection of plant medicine, faith, and emotional wellness. She opens up about growing up between traditional Judaism and counterculture, how psychedelics helped her understand her inner world, and why healing often feels messy, sacred, and nonlinear.

Madison Margolin is a journalist, author, and spiritual storyteller who has spent years exploring the intersection of psychedelics, Judaism, and healing. She joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast for an eye-opening conversation about how plant medicine can open doors to self-awareness, emotional growth, and spiritual connection.

Madison shares how being raised between traditional Jewish practice and the counterculture movement shaped the way she sees the world. She breaks down the role psychedelics can play in confronting trauma, understanding your inner child, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose.

JoJo and Madison also discuss her personal practices ? from meditation to prayer to psychedelic exploration ? and how these tools can support mental health when approached with intention. She explains why healing doesn't always look peaceful, how spirituality has guided her through difficult seasons, and what most people misunderstand about psychedelics today.

Together, they dive into:

How psychedelics can support trauma healing and emotional clarity

The connection between Judaism, mysticism, and plant medicine

What it really means to integrate spiritual experiences into everyday life

Why intention, guidance, and mental preparation matter in any healing journey

How storytelling can help destigmatize conversations around mental health and psychedelics

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

McKenzi Brooke has spent most of her life in front of a camera ? but who is she outside the viral videos? The TikTok star, dancer, actor, and storyteller joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about growing up online, separating her real identity from her internet persona, navigating pressure at a young age, and turning criticism into fuel.

From her close bond with her family to the creative honesty behind her music, McKenzi opens up about the parts of her life people don't see ? and what it really means to stay grounded when millions are watching.

McKenzi Brooke is one of TikTok's biggest breakout creators ? a dancer, actor, musician, and storyteller who built a massive following by being relatable, creative, and unapologetically herself. But behind the viral moments is someone who has been performing since childhood, learning how to grow up while the internet watched.

In this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with McKenzi for a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, pressure, confidence, and the power of knowing who you are beyond the screen.

McKenzi opens up about what it's really like to grow up in the public eye, how she separates her real personality from the one people assume she has online, and why she still considers herself "just a normal girl with weird quirks" despite millions of fans. 

They go deep into:

Growing up online and learning to stay authentic while the world watches

Finding her voice beyond dance ? from acting to storytelling to writing music

Using heartbreak and friendships as creative fuel in her songwriting
(yes? she thanks her exes for the inspiration) 

The support system that keeps her grounded ? especially her brother and her mom 

How to handle comparison, hate, and pressure as a young creator ("Haterade is Powerade" might be the best quote of the episode) 

Why being underestimated became her superpower

McKenzi also shares the moment she was invited to the United Nations for women's empowerment ? and what it felt like to be the youngest person in the room. 

This episode is a reminder that the internet doesn't always show the full story ? and that staying grounded starts with knowing yourself first.

Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on TikTok, Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you listen.

What happens when a lifetime journalist turns the camera inward? Award-winning CNN editor and author John DeDakis joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about truth, grief, mental health, and the painful losses that shaped him as a man, husband, and writer. He opens up about losing his sister and son, why men need to cry more, and how storytelling became his path toward healing.

John DeDakis spent decades shaping the news at CNN ? but the stories that shaped him were the ones rooted in personal loss, truth, and resilience. The award-winning journalist, novelist, and writing coach sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast for one of the most heartfelt, emotionally open conversations of the season.

John opens up about losing both his sister and his youngest son, how grief never truly ends, and why he believes men must learn to feel instead of suppress. He and JoJo dive into how journaling, mindfulness, and honest emotional expression saved him from breaking ? and how those same tools can help others heal, too.

They explore:

What CNN's fast-paced newsroom taught him about truth, storytelling, and integrity

How grief changes a man, a marriage, and the way you show up in the world

Why tears are necessary, not weak ? and how "your tears become bullets" when you hold them in

The evolution of journalism, misinformation, and the responsibility of telling real, human stories

How he used fiction to process pain and why writing from a woman's perspective changed his life

The sixth stage of grief ? and how finding meaning rebuilt his purpose

In one of the most powerful moments of the episode, John shares that the proudest accomplishment of his entire career isn't CNN, his books, or the awards ? it's the choice to fight for his marriage after losing his son. A raw, honest, deeply human conversation about love, loss, truth, and living "for good."

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dreka Gates didn't set out to build a wellness empire ? it found her. When COVID forced her into isolation on 60 acres of Mississippi land, just miles from where her great-grandmother once farmed, everything shifted. One day, while working the soil, she fell to her knees in tears ? not because she bought the land, but because she realized: "This really belongs to me."

In this powerful conversation at Black Week, Dreka sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons to share how she transformed her healing journey into a seven-figure empire ? from Love's Harvest, her cannabis company, and the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Mississippi (built with a $2 million investment into a 100-year-old building), to Dreka Rose emotional wellness eyewear, a 60-acre regenerative farm, and even an AI avatar that connects with people one-on-one.

But this episode isn't just about success ? it's about the spiritual, emotional, and mental work it takes to sustain it all. Dreka opens up about the practices that keep her grounded, from burning negative energy each morning to breaking generational cycles while building generational wealth.

What You'll Hear:

Why self-mastery is the foundation of every business move she makes

The $2M lesson she learned investing in experience, not just space

Why cannabis could've been a trillion-dollar industry for Black and Brown communities

The "sandwich method" she uses for tough negotiations ? firm, but rooted in love

How she uses AI and gaming to meet people where they are

Why she left the church at 13 to find her own spiritual path

Her healing journey to the Amazon jungle with shamans

What she'd tell her 13-year-old self who bet on herself before she had proof

This is a story of alignment, ownership, and audacity ? and what it means to truly build For Good.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What really goes into writing the stories that define hip hop? Journalist, author, and NYU professor Kathy Iandoli joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about her new book The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane, the pressure of documenting cultural icons, and how storytelling can save lives. She opens up about vulnerability in hip hop, the role of mental health in the industry, and what it means to find purpose through pain.

Kathy Iandoli has spent nearly three decades shaping how the world sees hip hop ? from writing God Save the Queens and Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah to co-authoring Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane. But behind the bylines and book deals is a story about healing, resilience, and the power of truth.

In this episode of the For Good Podcast, Kathy sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons to talk about the emotional weight of telling other people's stories, the responsibility that comes with documenting hip hop's biggest voices, and how vulnerability has redefined her career. She opens up about her own journey through grief and burnout, what it means to evolve alongside the culture, and why storytelling is a form of therapy ? not just for artists, but for the writer too.

They dive into:

The making of The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane

The intersection of mental health and hip hop culture

How Kathy's writing helped her process personal loss and identity

What the next generation of storytellers can learn about truth, empathy, and legacy

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Transformation coach and author Alechia Reese joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the for good podcast to share how she went from surviving domestic violence and suicidal thoughts to discovering her purpose ? helping others create lives that not only look good, but feel good.

On the outside, Alechia Reese had everything ? a successful career, a beautiful home, and a loving family. But behind the image of success, she was silently struggling, planning to take her own life. What happened next changed everything.

Alechia joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the for good podcast to talk about how hitting rock bottom led her to find her purpose, heal from abuse, and rebuild her life with intention. Now a transformation coach, author, and host of the Triggered AF and Got Value podcasts, Alechia helps people align their success with fulfillment ? proving that no matter what you've been through, you still got value.

In this powerful conversation, they dive into:

The moment that saved her life and redefined her purpose

Surviving and breaking free from domestic violence

How low self-worth keeps people trapped in painful cycles

The power of intention and emotional healing

Why effort, readiness, and self-truth are key to transformation

"Everything that glitters isn't gold ? and sometimes the 'no' you fear is the 'yes' you need."

Subscribe to the for good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Short Description
Turning 36 isn't just another year?it's a checkpoint. In this special birthday edition, JoJo Simmons opens up about growth, fatherhood, and redefining what legacy means beyond fame. From faith and family to business and purpose, he reflects on how far he's come and the lessons that keep him grounded.

Full Description
In this Just JoJo: Birthday Edition, JoJo Simmons steps into his 36th year with gratitude, growth, and a new perspective on what really matters.

He reflects on life beyond the spotlight?what it means to come from a legendary family yet still build your own name, purpose, and peace. From lessons learned as a husband and father to the mindset shifts that helped him find calm and clarity, JoJo shares how he's learned to "worry less and do his best."

Through honesty and reflection, JoJo opens up about carving out his own identity, choosing faith over fear, and redefining legacy as impact rather than image.

They dive into:

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when your childhood best friend also becomes your partner in music, TV, and life? For JoJo Simmons and his day one, Zach, the answer is a journey that spans from first grade classrooms to middle school rap battles, to forming Team Blackout and appearing together on Run's House. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, JoJo and Zach revisit the funny, heartfelt, and sometimes wild stories that shaped their brotherhood ? including the infamous Rapstyle Mondays battles that got so big they were banned by the school, and the moment JoJo realized he'd rather team up with Zach than risk losing to him in a battle.

Zach reflects on the surreal experience of living a "double life" in high school, riding the bus with classmates one moment and being picked up by MTV producers the next. He opens up about the pressures of perception ? what it was like to be recognized on the street, receive fan letters, and even adjust how Team Blackout parked their car just to "protect the brand." JoJo and Zach share memories of recording endless tracks in the basement on cassette tapes, chasing record deals, and the lessons they learned from dreaming big as teenagers in the spotlight.

But this conversation isn't just about nostalgia. JoJo asks Zach what it meant to become godfather to his daughter Mia, and Zach opens up about why he takes that role so seriously. They talk about opposites attracting in friendship, how family support kept their bond strong, and how music gave Zach both an outlet and an alter ego that built his confidence. Today, Zach has transitioned into life as a music educator, carrying forward the same passion that started in those freestyle circles. This episode is a celebration of friendship, growth, and the bonds that stand the test of time.

JoJo and Zach also discuss:

The moment JoJo asked Zach to be godfather to his daughter Mia

How Team Blackout formed and the lessons they learned chasing their rap dreams

The realities of being young, on TV, and navigating fame in the MySpace/TMZ era

Why music became Zach's therapy and gave him confidence as a quiet kid

A heartfelt message for Reggie

This episode is a celebration of friendship, growth, and the bonds that stand the test of time.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bryant McKinnie spent over a decade dominating the NFL, becoming a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler. But after the game, he discovered that true strength has nothing to do with size or speed?it's about being vulnerable, telling your story, and creating safe spaces for others to share theirs.

Now, through his B Major Foundation and events like Cocktails and Conversations, Bryant is changing how men?especially athletes and men of color?approach mental health. He sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on The For Good Podcast to share his journey from the locker room to community leadership, and why trusted voices like his are critical for shifting the conversation.

In this episode, they talk about:

The hidden struggles athletes face after retiring from professional sports

Why the locker room was more than just a place to prepare for the game?it was a safe space for brotherhood and honesty

How to push past the "tough it out" mentality that keeps so many men silent

Why self-care is just as necessary as training your body, and how to start putting yourself first

The lessons losing teaches us that winning never could

? Subscribe to The For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Angela Simmons sits down with her brother Joseph "JoJo" Simmons for Part 2 of their conversation on the For Good Podcast, and this time they're getting into the real?relationships, dating, and navigating life in the public eye. Angela addresses why she's attracted to "protectors," explaining that she sees people past their reputation and judges them by their character, not street gossip.

She opens up about the pressure of dating publicly since she was 17, from Bow Wow's music video to now, and why her love life became a "thing" that overshadows her other work. Angela gets honest about her recent situation with Yo Gotti and why she didn't immediately tell JoJo when things ended, plus how she handles being constantly dragged into drama she wants no parts of.

The siblings also dive into:

? Why Angela dates "protectors" and how she sees past people's reputations to their hearts 

? The viral picture collage that had the internet making assumptions about her dating history

? Her breakup with Yo Gotti and why she went quiet during that time

 ? That viral Nicki Minaj challenge in stilettos and why she brought heels to the gym

? Angela's Angels and her Christmas toy drive - the philanthropic work people don't talk about

? Her wellness world she's building and why everyone needs a one-stop shop for health

? Mental health routine - 15-20 minutes of phone-free prayer and grounding every morning

JoJo gives Angela her flowers, telling her she's "the definition of a strong Black single woman" and that if people really knew her, they'd watch their tongues. He acknowledges how she's figuring it out daily in an industry that's not easy to survive, always doing it with dignity and pride.

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

When Jay-Z rapped "in the kitchen like a Simmons whipping Pastry" about their family business in "Empire State of Mind" Angela Simmons knew she made it. She sits down with her brother Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast to reveal what really happened behind the scenes of Run's House, how she and Vanessa Simmons built the Pastry empire that got Jay-Z's attention, and why Rev Run saying "no" became her biggest motivation.

In this unfiltered sibling conversation, Angela opens up about her breakup with Yo Gotti and why she's drawn to certain kinds of men. JoJo hints that she has a type, leading to honest talk about dating patterns and relationships. She also gets real about the unique challenges of raising her son as a single mother and the childhood body image insecurities that JoJo admits he contributed to by calling her "fat" during arguments.

Angela also recalls the exact moment she realized she was famous - standing in Times Square after Run's House aired when someone asked for her picture. She and JoJo also break down the pressures of being from a successful family and why having famous parents actually makes it harder, not easier.

Also:

Sometimes our biggest mistakes become our greatest teachers. For singer and performer Loomis, a nervous National Anthem performance that went viral became the catalyst for a conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and refusing to let one moment define your entire story.

In this deeply personal episode, Loomis shares her journey from an abusive relationship to finding the courage to pursue her dreams in music. "When I left that really abusive relationship, I said, what I'm gonna do? What I love to do. I love to sing," she tells JoJo, describing how reconnecting with her passion became her path to healing.

The conversation takes an emotional turn as Loomis recounts the morning of her viral performance - how she looked for signs from her recently deceased mother and grandmother, found butterflies circling her, and still felt terrified to perform. When technical difficulties disrupted her performance, leading to the viral moment, Loomis reveals how it actually opened unexpected doors and became part of her larger story of resilience.

Key topics covered:

? Escaping an abusive relationship and reclaiming her voice through music 

? Why she refuses to be a "content creator" and prefers authentic connection over social media fame 

? Her philosophy on overcoming fear: "All you got to do is two minutes... imagine how you're going to feel doing something you're so scared to do"

Dr. Jay Barnett's story could have ended tragically twice. The former NFL player survived two suicide attempts, left an abusive home at 16, and found healing through an unexpected white family who showed him what unconditional love looked like. Now a mental health therapist, author, and speaker, he's dedicated his life to helping Black men break free from trauma and build healthy relationships.

On this powerful episode of the For Good podcast, Dr. Jay opens up to Joseph "JoJo" Simmons about the moment Woody Marr became the first man to hug him, how that experience taught him boys need emotional connection to become emotionally available men, and why the dating pool is "screwed up" because people think they have to perform to be loved.

Dr. Jay shares a moving story about a 76-year-old man who'd been carrying guilt about his Black teammate for over 70 years. He also explains how to know when you've truly moved beyond your past:

"You know you're free when you can step back into that thing and it doesn't have the same influence."

He and Joseph "JoJo" Simmons also dive into:

At one point, Freeway Rick Ross was making at least $1 million every day. From tennis player to drug kingpin to prisoner to mentor, his story is one of transformation, education, and second chances. He joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about how he went from being a "square" athlete who'd never touched drugs to making millions in the crack era, serving 20+ years in prison, and finding redemption through reading over 300 books behind bars.

Key Topics:

Rick's story proves that transformation is possible at any moment?that with discipline, education, and intention, anyone can rewrite their story and help others do the same.

Darnell Lamont Walker is an Emmy nominated writer, filmmaker, and death doula whose storytelling spans continents, genres, and generations.

He's written for children's shows like Karma's World, Blues Clues & You, and Rubble & Crew ? using imagination and heart to help young people understand life's biggest lessons. But behind the scenes, Darnell has also answered a deeper calling: guiding others through grief, loss, and healing.

On this episode of the For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Darnell for a powerful conversation about what it means to create safe spaces ? especially for Black men and children ? through storytelling, vulnerability, and community care. From the creative breakthroughs of the Sesame Workshop Writers Room to his deeply personal work as a death doula, Darnell opens up about how loss shaped his mission, and why his upcoming book Never Can Say Goodbye is his most meaningful work yet.

Together, they explore: How kids' shows can introduce emotional literacy in accessible, joyful ways What it means to be a death doula ? and how the role helps people live more fully Why safe spaces and creative courage are essential for Black mental health The importance of community, self-care, and the audacity to keep going This one's for anyone navigating loss, chasing creative freedom, or building softer worlds for the next generation.

Follow Darnell's journey at: https://www.darnellwalker.com/ Instagram: [@hello.darnell](https://www.instagram.com/hello.darnell/)

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Dr. Jay Barnett is a former NFL player turned mental health therapist, author, and speaker?on a mission to help Black men and communities heal. After a three-year, 36-city Just Heal Bro tour that reached over 18,000 men, Jay found himself burnt out and battling depression, suicide ideation, and hormonal collapse.

In this episode, he joins host Joseph "JoJo" Simmons to talk about nervous system regulation, the burden of being a giver, and how he rebuilt from the inside out. From morning routines and putting the phone in the kitchen, to redefining what it means to be a provider in a partnership, Jay breaks down what real emotional wellness looks like for Black men.

He shares:

Eric Kussin had what most people would call a dream life: a high-profile career in pro sports (NBA, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Suns), a luxury car parked outside his South Beach apartment, and a rising trajectory with the Florida Panthers. But beneath the surface, Eric was silently spiraling. When a mental health crisis hit, it nearly ended everything ? and forced him to completely rethink what wellness, success, and self-awareness really look like.

On this episode of the For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Eric for a raw conversation about how sports culture, high-pressure environments, and emotional suppression can collide in dangerous ways. Eric opens up about his breakdown, his search for healing beyond traditional treatments, and how it all led to the creation of the Same Here movement, a global campaign rooted in storytelling ? and beyond that, the launch of 5in5 Inc. and Regional Psychiatry. Together, they form a growing ecosystem of mental health advocacy, education, and care that goes far beyond a nonprofit model. Eric shares how he's building real infrastructure for healing across communities, schools, and businesses.

Together, they explore:

This one's for anyone who's ever looked like they had it all together ? while falling apart inside.

Follow Eric's Mission at: https://samehereglobal.org/ or on Instagram @samehere_global, https://5in5inc.com/, SameHereScale on Google Play

SameHereScale on Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/samehere-scale/id1564682569

? Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jesce Horton's story proves that setbacks can be the setup for something greater. He lost a scholarship and corporate job opportunities because of cannabis. But instead of being defeated, he accepted rejection as redirection and found a career working with the plant. Now, as the founder of LOWD, he's a leading advocate for Black ownership, representation, and real equity in the cannabis industry.

Jesce shares how quitting his lucrative job to grow weed in his basement led to a thriving career in cannabis. His industrial engineering background gave him the tools to develop smart, sustainable systems, helping him scale LOWD into an award-winning cannabis production company. He also opens up about his partnership with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to develop Stay Melo and launch Grand National Agency, a platform designed to uplift others in the space.

On this episode of For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Jesce dive into:

Links and Resources:

Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Timestamps:

Corvain Cooper was sentenced to life in prison without parole for conspiracy to distribute 40 tons of cannabis. But even behind bars, he refused to give up hope. As the bookie in prison, he stayed busy, found ways to support his family, and never stopped believing that he would one day be free. In 2021, after years of fighting for justice and an outpouring of public support, he was granted clemency by President Donald Trump.

On this episode of For Good podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Corvain to unpack his incredible journey from incarceration to co-founding 40 Tons, a Black-owned, justice-focused cannabis brand that's advocating for equity in the industry. Corvain opens up about the harsh realities of prison, how he adjusted to life after a life sentence, and the ongoing struggles formerly incarcerated people face, even after release.

They also get into:

Links and Resources:

Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Timestamps:

Tai Ceme was supposed to be just another virtual assistant. Instead, she became the backbone of 3isFor's production team and one of their most trusted leaders. In this special "Tai's Light" segment, she sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons in the Yurt to share her remarkable journey from cleaning Kris Karl's inbox to directing complex productions for values-driven clients.

Tai opens up about how accidentally moving back to New York led her to a virtual assistant platform where she stood out immediately - landing eight clients in her first month when most people struggle to find steady work. She shares the moment she first met JoJo and how the team's belief in her vision unlocked leadership skills she always knew she had: "I've always been a natural born leader. In high school, I was captain of the cheerleading team and I couldn't do a cartwheel."

From her beauty brand Tai-Lite to working across PR and fashion, Tai explains how wearing every hat in her own business prepared her to step up at 3isFor. She breaks down the difference between transactional projects and heart-driven work, and why values-driven productions unlock creativity beyond just logistics.

Tai and JoJo dive into:

What happens when your own viewers give you tough love? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons addresses the elephant in the room after viewers criticized him for talking over his sister Vanessa Simmons in a recent episode. Instead of getting defensive, JoJo breaks down why he's grateful for the feedback and how it's made him a better leader.

Fresh off missing a major client event in Detroit due to airlines delays, JoJo reflects on his team's success with the BOMESI Summit (Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute).

He gets vulnerable about his growth as an entrepreneur, co-founder of 3isFor, and why treating criticism like market research has changed his approach to business and life.

JoJo also dives into:

Few people have been in the rooms that Steve Lobel has. From managing legends like Run-DMC, Nipsey Hussle, Fat Joe, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Scott Storch, Steve has spent decades shaping the culture. In this candid and emotional interview, he sits down with his "nephew" Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast to reflect on his journey, sharing untold stories, personal struggles, and the hard lessons that come with life in the industry.

As a longtime friend of the Simmons family - often called "the White Russell Simmons" - Steve has been connected to hip-hop royalty for years. But despite his success, he's experienced devastating losses, both personally and professionally. In this episode, he gets real about the sacrifices no one talks about, the mental and emotional toll of the business, and how he's managed to stay consistent without selling his soul. He also explains why he diversified into cannabis and tells the wild story of how Berner almost turned down the Cookies empire.

JoJo & Steve break down:

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Timestamps:

Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Kris Karl return for another episode of the For Good Podcast from the Yurrrrt, the farm headquarters of their creative studio 3isFor, for a deep dive into sustainability, impact, and building a regenerative business.

Kris shares his perspective on sustainability and why long-term thinking is crucial in both farming and storytelling. JoJo and Kris break down how 3isFor became a member of 1% for the Planet, what it really means to run a values-driven creative studio, and why their mission is bigger than just content ? it's about creating lasting change.

They dive deep into how storytelling helps brands build authentic customer loyalty by showcasing their giveback efforts, not in a bragging way, but in an inspirational way that motivates others to do the same. The conversation explores the balance between making money and giving back, revealing how showing up with good intentions has consistently brought business opportunities back tenfold for 3isFor.

JoJo & Kris also discuss:

Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

00:00 Welcome to the For Good Podcast
02:25 The Yurt and Community Values
03:03 1% for the Planet Membership
04:55 Importance of Storytelling in Branding
13:09 Balancing Profit and Giving Back
14:41 Inviting Listeners to Join the Community
17:36 Highlighting 1% Brands and Community Impact
18:32 Balancing Profit and Giving Back
19:30 Building Authentic Brand Loyalty
20:44 The Power of Charitable Actions
22:17 Sustainability in Business and Life
24:53 The Importance of Long-Term Planning
29:16 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Was Run's House really reality? Or was it just for TV? Vanessa Simmons joins her brother Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast for a rare conversation about growing up in the spotlight, setting boundaries, and balancing fame with real life.

As children of Rev Run of Run-DMC, Vanessa and JoJo have had a unique journey from Run's House to Growing Up Hip Hop, learning how to navigate the industry while protecting their peace. Vanessa opens up about why she keeps her relationship private, the inspiration behind her self-care brand, U4IA, and how she's helping others prioritize wellness. They reflect on their tight-knit relationships with all of their siblings and what it means to raise the next generation of Simmons with intention.

Vanessa and JoJo also discuss:

Links and Resources:

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Timestamps:

At just 20 years old, Dontrell "Trell the Trainer" Britton was leading 30 to 40 of the toughest men in prison through intense yard workouts. Surrounded by lifers and hardened criminals, he learned that self-mastery is the only way out, whether behind bars or in the real world. He breaks down how his childhood forced him into survival mode, how he manages the PTSD from his arrest and imprisonment, and the habits he built to truly change his life.

Now a fitness entrepreneur and influencer, Trell shares how structure, discipline, and financial literacy helped him transition from incarceration to making a lasting impact. On this episode of the For Good podcast he and Joseph "JoJo" Simmons discuss how fitness builds mental strength, why Black men need safe spaces to heal, and why we need to stop celebrating surviving prison and start creating systems that prevent incarceration in the first place.

Trell also opens up about:

Links and Resources:

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00:00 Welcome to the For Good Podcast w/ Trell the Trainer
02:42 Survival Mode - Growing Up in a Tough Environment
06:42 PTSD from Prison & Surviving an FBI Home Raid
14:00 Why Black Men Suffer in Silence & How to Break the Cycle
18:00 Opening Up About Emotions Blew Up My Social Media
23:33 Finding an Emotion Deeper Than Anger - Real Healing Starts Here
26:35 Becoming the Unofficial Prison Fitness Coach at 20
30:32 The Power of Keeping Small Promises to Yourself
35:13 Wealth Isn't Fast Money - Why Long-Term Thinking Wins
42:58 Why I Invested in Glizzy's Vegan Food Truck
49:18 Don't Want to Be a Player - Ready for Real Love
01:00:59 What Every Man Needs Before Dating
01:04:31 The One Shift That Changed My Life Forever
01:07:42 Wrapping Up - Thanks for Tuning In!

Fatherhood, emotional intelligence, and men's mental health shaped their bond?now JoJo and Kris are using storytelling to build something bigger.

In this episode of For Good, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and his co-founder Kris Karl take you inside the yurt on Karl Family Farms?the creative HQ of their values-driven studio, 3isFor. JoJo and Kris first crossed paths as teenagers in North Jersey, but it took decades, fatherhood, and a shift in priorities to turn a surface-level friendship into something much deeper.

Now leading a values-driven company rooted in storytelling, they reflect on how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and values helped them build a creative studio on a working regenerative farm in New York's Hudson Valley. This episode lays the foundation for the For Good podcast ? a space where mental health, legacy, and purpose-driven work take center stage.

In this episode:

Meet your hosts:

Joseph "JoJo" Simmons is best known for Run's House and Growing Up Hip Hop, but his real evolution began off-camera. A husband, father, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate, JoJo received the Phoenix Arising Award from the Black Mental Health Alliance for his work promoting emotional intelligence and men's mental health?especially in Black communities.

Kris Karl is a regenerative farmer, investor, creative thinker and co-founder of 3isFor. With a background in public service, Kris brings a deeply rooted perspective to storytelling and sustainable business. As a husband and father, he's committed to doing work that aligns with his values?from the soil to the studio.

Links and Resources:

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Timestamps:

Did the world get the full truth about Eazy-E's death?

Eric "Eazy-E" Wright changed hip-hop forever, but 30 years later, questions about his death still remain. His son, Lil Eazy-E, sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast to discuss his father's impact, the pressure of carrying his name, and the unanswered questions surrounding his passing. While honoring Eazy-E's legacy through music and advocacy, he's also focused on fatherhood and building something bigger than rap.

Lil Eazy-E shares that while he questions the official cause of his father's death he still used his platform to push HIV/AIDS awareness. He also tells a funny story about life with JoJo on the Sons of Legends Tour, performing alongside Ice Cube, and what it is like hitting the road with DJ Yella to bring his father's music back to fans around the world.

The conversation shifts to fatherhood, relationships, and Black men's mental health as JoJo and Lil Eazy-E open up about:

Links and Resources:

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Dr. Cheyenne Bryant went viral overnight after her deep, unfiltered insights on love, relationships, and healing struck a chord with millions -  including Nick Cannon and Cam Newton. She joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast to talk about how that moment transformed her career and the responsibility that comes with being a public truth-teller in mental health.

In this episode, Dr. Bryant unpacks how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships, explaining why so many people sabotage love without realizing it. She delivers some hard-hitting truth to JoJo about his trauma responses in his own marriage, telling him: "The husband has left the conversation, and the little boy has stepped in. There's no space for a child in an adult relationship."

They dive into: 

Links and Resources:

Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Healing isn't just personal?it's powerful. What if taking care of yourself was the first step to changing the world? 

This is the trailer for For Good, a one-of-a-kind podcast rooted in grounded, soul-level conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and what it means to live with intention. Here, healing isn't a trend?it's a lifelong commitment. Through vulnerable storytelling and honest reflection, For Good helps us reconnect with purpose, reimagine legacy, and choose growth?for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

At the heart of it all is Joseph "JoJo" Simmons?son of hip hop royalty Rev Run of Run DMC?and a multi-faceted entertainer, entrepreneur, husband, father, and mental health advocate. From MTV's Run's House to Growing Up Hip Hop, JoJo's journey has been public?but his evolution has been deeply personal.

After facing public scrutiny in his teens, JoJo stepped away from the spotlight to prioritize his mental health. He reemerged as an advocate, determined to use his platform for good. In 2023, he received the Phoenix Arising Award from the Black Mental Health Alliance, honoring his commitment to wellness and emotional literacy in the Black community.

JoJo brings a rare mix of humility, humor, and heart to every episode. Whether he's solo or joined by a guest, he creates a space for listeners to reflect, reset, and rise together.

Expect episodes that explore the power of emotional intelligence in real life, mental health beyond buzzwords?especially for Black men and fathers?breaking generational cycles through inner work and intention, and what legacy looks like when it's built on love, not ego. You'll also hear honest, unfiltered stories that inspire growth, healing, and a deeper connection to purpose.

Notable guests include: