
Hosted by Joseph "JoJo" Simmons · EN

For decades, psychedelics were dismissed as dangerous drugs with no place in medicine. But what if some of the most controversial substances in modern history could help people heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and emotional pain in ways traditional treatments often can't? In this episode, Rick Doblin joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain how MDMA-assisted therapy moved from the underground into clinical research, why trauma can keep people trapped for years, and what the future of mental health treatment could look like. From personal healing and PTSD recovery to drug policy reform and the science behind psychedelics, this conversation challenges many of the assumptions we've been taught about healing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Rick Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:50) The Surprising Origin Story of MDMA (16:22) The Hidden Power of Mystical Experiences (27:57) The Safest Way to Use Psychedelics (36:49) Healing Beyond Talk Therapy (43:55) The Psychedelic Revolution (59:50) The Drug War's Real Victims (01:08:23) Rick's Vision for Net-Zero Trauma Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and president of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), a nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics. His work has helped advance clinical research into MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and has played a major role in bringing psychedelic science into mainstream healthcare discussions. Resources Mentioned: Rick’s Paper, Pahnke's "GOOD FRIDAY EXPERIMENT": A Long-term Follow-up and Methodological Critique: https://www.atpweb.org/jtparchive/trps-23-91-01-001.pdf Realms of the Human Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research by Stanislav Grof: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1788163710 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451163966 Connect with Rick: Rick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdoblin Rick’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickdoblin/ Rick’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickdoblinphd/ Rick’s X: https://x.com/RickDoblin MAPS Website: https://maps.org/ Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Mental Health, PTSD, Healing Trauma, Psychedelics, MDMA Therapy, MAPS, Personal Growth, Mental Wellness, Psychology, Self Healing, Emotional Health, Trauma Recovery, Therapy, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

We all experience heartbreak, rejection, loneliness, and failure, yet most of us were never taught how to respond to them. Guy Winch believes that's one of the biggest gaps in modern life. As a psychologist, bestselling author, and leading advocate for emotional and mental health, he has spent years helping people understand why emotional wounds deserve the same attention as physical ones. In this conversation, he joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain what rejection does to the brain, why heartbreak can feel like withdrawal from an addiction, how loneliness quietly impacts our health, and why self-compassion is often the first step toward healing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Guy Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:23) Emotional First Aid for Everyday Life (12:22) The Loneliness Effect of Social Media (17:55) Why Heartbreak Feels So Devastating (26:48) The Communication Habit That Keeps Couples Stuck (30:32) The Hidden Patterns Behind Your Failures (34:34) Why Self-Compassion Beats Self-Criticism Guy Winch is a licensed psychologist, author, and one of the leading voices in emotional health and psychological resilience. Through his bestselling books, TED Talks, and clinical work, he has helped millions better understand rejection, heartbreak, loneliness, self-esteem, and emotional recovery. His practical approach to emotional well-being has made him a trusted resource for people navigating life's most difficult moments, and his latest work explores how to build healthier relationships with work, achievement, and personal fulfillment. Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Book, Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668069334 Connect with Guy: Guy’s Website: https://www.guywinch.com/ Guy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guywinch Guy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guywinch/ Guy’s X: https://x.com/GuyWinch Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Mental Health, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Growth, Impact, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

One of the biggest myths we carry is that self-criticism is the price of success. As the pioneering researcher behind self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff has spent decades studying how people respond to failure, shame, stress, and setbacks. In this conversation, Kristin joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain why being kinder to yourself doesn't lower your standards, how self-compassion can improve performance, and why real strength comes from supporting yourself through life's hardest moments instead of tearing yourself down. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Kristin Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:55) Why Being Hard on Yourself Doesn't Work (07:45) The Part of Self-Compassion Most People Miss (14:48) The Mindset That Helps You Perform Better (23:24) The Hidden Desire Behind Shame (31:14) Self-Compassion Starts at Home (36:23) The Power of Fierce Self-Compassion (41:57) The Strongest Men Ask What They Need (46:37) The 20-Second Practice That Changes Everything (51:01) Why Your Worth Isn't Up for Debate Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneering researcher, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and one of the world's leading experts on self-compassion. She is the bestselling author of Self-Compassion and Fierce Self-Compassion, and her work has helped millions develop healthier ways to navigate failure, stress, shame, and personal growth. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Kristin Neff's Book, Fierce Self-Compassion: How to Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Your Power, and Thrive – A Personal Development Guide for Women Seeking Balance and Motivation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006299106X Dr. Kristin Neff's Book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JN1DBO Connect with Dr. Kristin: Dr. Kristin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinneff Dr. Kristin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassion/ Dr. Kristin’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeffKristin Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

What if the traits we've been taught to admire are the same ones preventing us from healing? Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett has spent nearly four decades researching anxiety in Black communities, particularly among Black women and girls. In this conversation, she joins JoJo to discuss the hidden ways anxiety shows up in everyday life, the pressure of always having to be strong, the difference between panic attacks and stress, Black maternal mental health, generational patterns of coping, and why healing begins with telling yourself the truth about what you're carrying. In This Episode, JoJo and Dr. Neal-Barnett Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:56) How Anxiety in Black Communities Is Overlooked (09:14) The “What If” Thinking That Fuels Anxiety (14:41) The Hidden Cost of Always Being Strong (26:24) How to Change the Recipe for Anxiety (33:54) The Maternal Mental Health Crisis We Don't Talk About (48:07) Why Asking for Help Is a Form of Strength (51:43) Trust Your Intuition and Tell the Truth Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a clinical psychologist, professor at Kent State University, and one of the country's leading experts on anxiety in Black communities. She is the founder of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders Among African Americans (PRADAA) and the author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Neal-Barnett’s Book, Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743225384 Connect with Dr. Neal-Barnett: Dr. Neal-Barnett's Website: https://www.drangelanealbarnett.com Dr. Neal-Barnett’s Research Program, PRADAA: https://sites.google.com/view/pradaalab/home?authuser=0 Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Mental Health, Anxiety, Black Mental Health, Black Women, Panic Attacks, Therapy, Emotional Wellness, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Resilience, Personal Growth, Psychology, Healing, Self-Care, Community Health

In a culture that celebrates busyness, choosing to slow down can feel almost impossible. Tricia Hersey believes that's exactly why it matters. As the founder of The Nap Ministry, she has built a movement around the idea that rest isn't a reward for hard work but a vital part of being human. In this episode, Tricia joins JoJo and Vanessa to unpack the roots of burnout, challenge our assumptions about productivity, and explain how rest can help us reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and the lives we actually want to build. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Tricia discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:24) The Movement That Started With a Nap (07:35) Why So Many People Feel Guilty Resting (14:48) The Hidden Cost of Constant Exhaustion (23:16) Small Ways to Reclaim Your Time (29:08) Returning to Your Humanity Through Rest (34:46) What Burnout Looks Like in Real Life (40:34) Why Healing Requires Imagination (50:22) Rest Is Not Something You Earn Tricia Hersey is an artist, theologian, author, and the founder of The Nap Ministry, a movement dedicated to reclaiming rest as a human right. Drawing from her background in spirituality, community organizing, and cultural trauma studies, Tricia challenges the cultural obsession with busyness and advocates for rest as a pathway to healing, imagination, and liberation. Through her bestselling book Rest Is Resistance, speaking engagements, and community work, she has helped spark a global conversation about burnout, wellness, and what it means to live beyond grind culture. Resources Mentioned: Tricia’s Book, Rest Is Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316365211 Connect with Tricia: Tricia’s Website: http://www.triciahersey.com Tricia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-hersey-15919b3b/ The Nap Ministry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenapministry The Nap Ministry’s X: https://x.com/thenapministry The Nap Ministry’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thenapministry/ The Nap Ministry’s Website: https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/ Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

Most people think confidence comes after success. Nicole Kalil believes the opposite. As a leadership coach, speaker, and bestselling author, she teaches that confidence isn't built on achievements or external validation but on trusting yourself. In this episode, Nicole joins JoJo and Vanessa to break down the psychology behind real confidence, explain why action matters more than positive thinking, and share practical tools to overcome comparison, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and self-doubt. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Nicole Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (06:47) Confidence Starts With Self-Trust (10:30) Escaping the External Validation Trap (15:56) The Truth About Imposter Syndrome (21:01) Owning Your Power Without People-Pleasing (24:59) Why Action Builds Real Confidence (35:28) Why Even Great Leaders Lack Confidence (41:53) Boundaries That Build Self-Confidence (46:25) Raising Confident Kids Without Perfectionism (50:57) The Daily Habit That Builds Confidence Nicole Kalil is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and confidence expert. She is the author of Validation Is For Parking and the host of the This Is Woman's Work podcast, where she explores leadership, ambition, confidence, and personal growth. Through her coaching, speaking, and workshops, Nicole helps individuals and organizations develop stronger leaders by building confidence from the inside out. Resources Mentioned: Nicole’s Book, Validation Is For Parking: How Women Can Beat the Confidence Con: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544532695 Connect with Nicole: Nicole’s Website: https://nicolekalil.com Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemkalil/ Nicole’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsWomansWork Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

As the daughter of a pastor in Baltimore, Dr. Thema Bryant witnessed firsthand how people carried pain, grief, trauma, and unanswered questions before they ever sought professional help. Prior to becoming a psychologist, she was answering crisis calls and listening to people navigate some of life's hardest moments. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong mission to help people heal. Today, as a psychologist, ordained minister, author, and former president of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Thema helps individuals move beyond survival and into wholeness. In this episode, she joins JoJo and Vanessa to explore trauma, mental health, cultural identity, spirituality, and the courage it takes to tell yourself the truth about how you're really doing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Thema Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:05) The Power of Acknowledging Your Pain (06:14) Cultural Misunderstandings and Misconceptions (09:12) Why We Hide Our True Selves (11:14) Why Authenticity Beats People-Pleasing (16:04) Building Small Wins Into Your Routine (20:31) From Surviving to Thriving Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, ordained minister, author, professor, and former president of the American Psychological Association. Known for her work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and trauma recovery, she has dedicated her career to helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her therapy practice, books, speaking, and The Homecoming Podcast, Dr. Thema empowers individuals to move beyond survival mode and create lives grounded in wholeness, resilience, and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Thema's Book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059371914X Dr. Thema's Book, Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0593418328 Dr. Thema's Book, Reclaim Yourself: The Homecoming Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Yourself-Thema-Bryant-Ph-D/dp/0593715292 Connect with Dr. Thema: Dr. Thema's Website: https://drthema.com/ Dr. Thema's X: https://x.com/drthema Dr. Thema's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thema-bryant-8105ba89/ Dr. Thema's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.thema/ Dr. Thema's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHomecomingPodcastwithDrThem Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

Most people know the headline. Few know what Korey Wise lived through. At just 16 years old, Korey Wise was wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case and sentenced to years in prison for a crime he did not commit. While the world debated the case, Korey was fighting to survive inside some of New York's toughest prisons. In this powerful conversation, Korey sits down with Vanessa and JoJo Simmons to share the story behind the headlines. He reflects on his childhood dreams, the reality of being sent to adult prison as a teenager, the daily fight for survival, and the moment the real perpetrator, Matias Reyes, unexpectedly approached him behind bars years later. Korey also opens up about life after exoneration, the challenges of rebuilding, the struggle to heal from unimaginable trauma, his faith, his daughter, and what keeps him moving forward today. This episode is not just about injustice. It's about resilience, survival, purpose, and the strength to keep going when everything has been taken from you. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #forgoodpodcast #koreywise #exoneratedfive#centralparkfive

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Lecrae sits down to talk about far more than music. From growing up caught between hip hop culture and faith, to building Christian rap on his own terms, he shares the challenges of navigating identity, purpose, and public perception while carving out a lane that didn't fully exist before him. Lecrae opens up about the highs of fame and success, the internal battles that came with it, and how depression, anxiety, therapy, and vulnerability became part of his healing journey. He also speaks on activism, family, fatherhood in the social media era, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations matters now more than ever. Throughout the episode, Lecrae drops powerful reflections on faith, mental health, self-worth, and learning how to separate who you are from what you achieve. This is a real conversation about healing, growth, identity, and what it means to "move like you're already loved."

On this episode of the For Good podcast, JoJo Simmons sits down with civil rights activist, organizer, and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Executive Director, Desmond Meade. Desmond's story is one of the most powerful journeys of redemption, healing, and purpose you'll ever hear. From homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to becoming one of the leading voices behind Florida's Amendment 4 — restoring voting rights to more than 1.4 million returning citizens — Desmond opens up about what it truly means to rebuild your life and dedicate it to serving others. Throughout the conversation, Desmond reflects on the untreated trauma that often shapes incarceration, the importance of second chances, and the life-changing moment in rehab that helped him discover his purpose through helping others. He also shares emotional stories about voting rights, dignity, humanity, and why love and community are ultimately stronger than division.