Podcast
For Good
Hosted by Joseph "JoJo" Simmons · EN
What if healing yourself was the first step to changing the world?
This is a space for 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, the 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 took a step back 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 speaking solo or sitting with a guest, he creates 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:
Dr. Cheyenne Bryant: Life coach and psychology expert dropping truth bombs on relationships and accountability
Lil Eazy-E: Reflecting on his father's legacy and the controversy surrounding his death
Trell the Trainer: From prison to purpose: using fitness and emotional vulnerability to help Black men heal
Vanessa Simmons: On protecting her personal life while growing up in a public family
Steve Lobel: Behind the music industry grind: on hip-hop success, grief, and staying grounded
Corvain Cooper: From life in prison to presidential pardon: a story of transformation, justice, and second chances
Jesce Horton: Building one of the most respected Black-owned cannabis brands with Carmelo Anthony
For Good is a production of 3isFor, a values-driven creative studio founded by childhood friends JoJo Simmons, Kris Karl, and David Dow. The three co-founders come from vastly different backgrounds — hip hop royalty, regenerative farming, and media production — but their values are the same. Together, they build with purpose, tell stories that matter, and champion regenerative business as a model for healing industries, communities, and the planet.
Listen if you care about:
- Growing from the inside out
- Breaking cycles and red...
52episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Real Attacker Found Him In Prison... Then Everything Changed | Korey Wise
Yesterday00:36:31Summary readyMost 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
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Lecrae Gets Real About Fame, Depression & Finding God
1w ago00:57:18Summary readyIn 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."
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How Desmond Meade Changed 1.4 Million Lives
2w ago01:23:14Summary readyOn 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.
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JoJo & Vanessa Simmons On Healing, Family, Gratitude & Growing Up In The Spotlight
3w ago00:45:15Summary readyJoJo Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down for a real conversation about growth, healing, family, and the unexpected ways the For Good podcast has changed both of their lives. In this episode, the siblings open up about what they've learned from recent guests, how gratitude and self-awareness have shifted their mindset, and why intentional conversations have become such an important part of their personal growth journeys. Vanessa shares how the podcast helped her become more open again after years of feeling scrutinized in the public eye, while JoJo reflects on creating the platform as a space not only to help others—but to help himself heal too. The conversation also dives into sibling relationships, staying grounded through family, balancing faith and business, protecting your mental health online, and the importance of doing a "timeline refresh" on social media to become more intentional about what you consume every day. Want to refresh your social media feed with more positivity and purpose? Follow:https://www.instagram.com/romeobartleyjr/ https://www.instagram.com/mdmotivator/ Of course, the episode also brings plenty of laughs and nostalgia as JoJo and Vanessa revisit old family memories, growing up in the spotlight, and the hilarious story behind one unforgettable Jet Magazine outfit. This episode is a reminder that growth isn't always loud. Sometimes it starts with being willing to open up, reflect, and have better conversations.
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Life, Parenting & Confidence Lessons From Our Mother | Dr. Valerie Vaughn
4w ago01:01:24Summary readyWhat do you realize about your parents… once you become one? In this special episode, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down with their mother, Dr. Valerie Vaughn, for a deeply personal conversation about family, parenting, and the lessons that shape who we become. As both now navigate parenthood themselves, they reflect on the structure, discipline, and values they were raised with—and the wisdom they understand on a deeper level today. Dr. Vaughn also opens up about being married to Rev Run of Run-DMC, navigating early fame, and raising children in the public eye. She shares how they maintained strong family values through it all, and how they've continued to build a healthy, supportive blended family after divorce. With decades of experience as an educator, she breaks down what it really takes to raise confident, grounded children—from consistency and accountability to emotional awareness and leading by example. JoJo and Vanessa open up about how those lessons continue to shape their lives, relationships, and parenting today. The conversation also explores raising kids in today's world and why being intentional about what you consume—especially on social media—matters more than ever. If you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers real insight into the lifelong impact of family.
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The Loneliness Epidemic: Dr. Marisa G. Franco on Loneliness, Belonging & Connection
Apr 2800:55:03Summary readyJoseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco to dig into why adult friendships are so hard to maintain — and why loneliness is now a public health crisis. Drawing from the science of attachment and her book Platonic, Dr. Franco breaks down how connection shapes your mental health, how long you live, and why showing up for each other matters more than we think. Loneliness isn't just a feeling — it's a threat to your health, your mindset, and even your lifespan. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons welcomes Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends, for a conversation about one of the most overlooked topics in mental health: friendship. Dr. Franco unpacks why making friends felt so natural as kids but becomes increasingly difficult as adults, why loneliness rewires the way we see the world, and how the people around us can actually catch loneliness like a contagion. JoJo also gets personal, sharing how founding 3isFor with his high school friends and his own journey of learning to be a better initiator shaped his understanding of real connection. JoJo & Dr. Franco break down: Why loneliness predicts how long you live more than diet and exercise combined The three ingredients you need to build friendships — and why adult life strips them away How to overcome "covert avoidance" and actually connect when you show up 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Therapy Won't Fix You & That's the Point: Kati Morton on Trauma, Healing & Mental Health
Apr 2100:44:09Summary readyJoJo Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down with licensed therapist, mental health educator, and author Kati Morton for a raw and real conversation about trauma, stigma, and what healing actually looks like. With over 1 million YouTube subscribers, Kati has made mental health education accessible to millions — and today she's dropping gems on anxiety, PTSD, therapy myths, and why healing is a privilege, not a finish line. Mental health impacts how we show up every single day — but most of us were never taught how to talk about it, let alone heal from it. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, JoJo Simmons and Vanessa Simmons welcome Kati Morton, licensed marriage and family therapist, YouTube mental health educator, and author of You Okay? and Traumatized, for one of the most honest conversations the podcast has had yet. Kati opens up about why she took her therapy practice to YouTube in 2011 — long before mental health content was trending — and how she's helped millions of people put language to experiences they never had words for. She also gets real about her own struggles, admitting she's not immune to the same patterns she educates others about. JoJo, Vanessa & Kati break down: The biggest misconception people have about therapy — and why it's holding them back from healing How to audit your social media diet and protect your mental health online Why healing isn't linear, and why that's actually a good thing 🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT: We're giving away 25 copies of Kati's newest book! Here's how to enter: Step 1: Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and screenshot it Step 2: Drop your email and upload your screenshot at 👉 https://theshopforgood.com/password Step 3 (Bonus Entry): Follow us on IG @ForGoodPodcast, tag two friends who need to hear this episode, and share it to your stories You've got 10 days! 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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From Sleeping in His Car to Dressing the World | Manny Jackson on Resilience, Creativity & Purpose
Apr 1400:43:30Summary readyManny Jackson shares how resilience, creativity, and purpose helped him turn struggle into impact. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, JoJo Simmons sits down with designer, stylist, and cultural innovator Manny Jackson for a powerful conversation on resilience, creativity, and purpose. From hand-painting clothes in his mom's garage and selling t-shirts in the subway to building Thread House and launching impactful initiatives like Street Sleeper, Manny's journey is a testament to what happens when you bet on yourself. Manny opens up about overcoming homelessness, mental health challenges, and rejection, and how he turned those experiences into fuel for his creativity and mission. He shares how no one handed him success, he went out and got it, and why staying authentic and intentional has been key to his growth. The conversation also dives into community impact, upcycling fashion, and his belief that before you can dress the world, you have to address the world. This episode is about more than fashion. It's about purpose, perseverance, and using your gifts to create opportunities for others. Tap in for a conversation that will leave you inspired to take action and believe in your vision.
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Breaking Generational Trauma: Why You've Never Felt Peace | Dr. Mariel Buqué
Apr 701:01:42Summary readyWhy do so many people feel anxious, reactive, or unsettled—even when life seems "fine"? Dr. Mariel Buqué joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast to break down intergenerational trauma, how it's passed down, and what it really takes to heal it. For many of us, trauma didn't start with us—but it lives in us. Dr. Mariel Buqué, licensed psychologist and author of Break the Cycle, joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast for a powerful conversation on intergenerational trauma, emotional inheritance, and what it truly means to heal. Together, they unpack how trauma is passed down through families—not just through behavior, but biologically—and why so many people grow up feeling anxious, hyper-aware, or emotionally overwhelmed without understanding why. Dr. Buqué explains how what we often label as "rebellious," "difficult," or "too much" in childhood is often just unprocessed pain showing up the only way it knows how. JoJo and Vanessa open up about their own upbringing, parenting choices, and the responsibility of breaking cycles in real time—choosing communication, awareness, and intention over repeating what was normalized. In this episode, they explore: • What intergenerational trauma actually is—and how it gets passed down • Signs you're carrying trauma that isn't originally yours • Why some people have "never known peace" and what that really means • How cultural norms can hide or normalize harmful patterns • The shift from punishment to intentional parenting and emotional awareness • Why avoiding the past keeps you stuck—and how to start healing This is a conversation about compassion—for where we come from—and accountability for where we're going. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts
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The Work You Don't See: Mike T on Physical Health, Consistency & Mental Strength
Mar 3100:33:01Summary readyWhat does it really take to stay disciplined when no one is watching? Mike T joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast for a raw conversation in the gym about fitness, mental toughness, and building a lifestyle rooted in consistency, not motivation. Discipline isn't just about the gym—it's a mindset. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down with Mike T for an unfiltered conversation straight from the workout floor, where fitness meets mental resilience. Mike T breaks down what it really means to commit to growth, sharing how consistency, structure, and self-accountability have shaped his journey. From pushing past excuses to building habits that last, this conversation goes beyond physical fitness and taps into the mental strength required to evolve. JoJo Vanessa and Mike T dive into the connection between physical health and emotional well-being, exploring how showing up for yourself daily can transform every area of your life. In this episode, they discuss: Why discipline matters more than motivation How fitness builds mental toughness and resilience The importance of routine, structure, and self-accountability Letting go of excuses and committing to real growth 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts
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