Podcast Title: From Prison to 6 Figures: Trell the Trainer on Mindset & Entrepreneurship
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Joseph "JoJo" Simmons
Guest: Trell Britton, AKA Trell the Trainer

Introduction

In this impactful episode of For Good, host Joseph "JoJo" Simmons engages in a heartfelt and honest conversation with Trell Britton, known as Trell the Trainer. Trell shares his transformative journey from serving time in federal prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mental health advocate. The discussion delves into themes of survival, mental health, personal growth, and the power of intentional living.

Trell’s Early Life and Survival Mode (00:00 - 06:33)

Trell begins by recounting his challenging upbringing. Growing up in a single-parent household with his father incarcerated until he was about five, Trell faced a tumultuous environment. His father's tragic murder when Trell was 15 intensified his need to provide for his family, leading him into a life of crime at a young age.

Trell (00:50): "I thought that was normal, but when I got older and went to federal prison, I realized that there's a different world, and that wasn't normal."

He reflects on how early experiences shaped his perception of masculinity and survival, emphasizing the commonality of absent fathers and the pressures he felt to step up as the sole male figure in his family.

The Reality of PTSD and Mental Health (06:33 - 23:34)

Trell opens up about his struggles with PTSD stemming from a traumatic FBI raid and solitary confinement during his time in prison. Even seven years after his release, triggers like loud noises can cause intense anxiety reminiscent of his incarceration.

Trell (07:09): "When I'm in my bedroom and I'm asleep, if I hear a loud noise, I just wake up. And I remind myself, 'You’re not in jail, bro. You’re good.'"

He discusses the stigma around mental health in the Black community, particularly among men, and the importance of breaking the cycle of silent suffering. Trell advocates for vulnerability and expressing emotions as acts of true masculinity.

Trell (15:13): "It's manly to hold space. It's manly to embrace how you feel."

Fitness as a Tool for Discipline and Growth (26:37 - 35:07)

Transitioning to his passion for fitness, Trell describes how physical training became a mental reset for him during his imprisonment. Leading workouts in prison not only provided structure but also earned him the respect of seasoned inmates.

Trell (28:44): "The toughest dudes in the world, serving time longer than I've been alive, trusted me to lead workouts. That was monumental."

After his release, Trell pursued personal training, leveraging fitness to build discipline, confidence, and self-belief. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotional, physical, and mental health.

Trell (30:31): "Confidence is built on self-belief, which is built on promises you keep with yourself."

Entrepreneurship and Giving Back (35:12 - 46:21)

Trell discusses his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges of shifting from fast money schemes to sustainable, long-term investments. He co-founded a plant-based food truck, Blizzy’s, which not only offers healthy food options but also employs ex-felons and at-risk youth, providing them with second chances.

Trell (43:26): "My entire staff is composed of ex-felons and at-risk youth. It’s about giving them a second chance at life."

He shares the biggest lesson learned as an entrepreneur: managing people. Establishing systems and motivating employees beyond monetary incentives are crucial for business success and societal impact.

Trell (46:21): "People want to be lazy, call out, leave early. Learning to manage that is stressful but essential."

Financial Wisdom: Living Below Your Means (35:12 - 43:00)

Trell offers practical financial advice, urging young men to live below their means and start investing early. He advocates for minimizing unnecessary expenses and maximizing savings to build financial stability.

Trell (38:31): "Start a Roth IRA or investment account ASAP. Compound interest is powerful."

He emphasizes viewing money as time, encouraging deliberate spending to ensure that financial decisions align with personal goals and long-term well-being.

Trell (42:58): "Look at money as your time. Is this purchase worth the hours it took to earn it?"

Relationships and Dating: Choosing the Right Partner (46:21 - 59:36)

Trell addresses the complexities of dating and relationships, advocating for purposeful and intentional partnerships. He warns against superficial relationships driven by societal pressures and emphasizes the importance of emotional and financial stability before committing.

Trell (53:35): "We lie when we go into boyfriend mode, pretending to be the perfect partner. It's unsustainable."

He highlights the significance of choosing a partner who aligns with one’s values and supports mutual growth, rather than seeking validation through external achievements.

Trell (58:18): "The right woman multiplies whatever that is she takes, and she helps you to multiply whatever that is."

Conclusion: Empowering Through Purpose and Responsibility (64:39 - 69:41)

As the conversation concludes, Trell shares one last piece of advice: adopt maximal responsibility by finding ways to lift societal burdens daily. He emphasizes that fulfillment comes from giving back and finding meaning beyond personal happiness.

Trell (64:39): "Find a way to lift a load in society. It's your duty to find that meaning that sustains you."

JoJo and Trell reinforce the podcast’s mission to inspire and empower listeners to reconnect with their purpose, break generational cycles, and build legacies rooted in love and intentional growth.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Vulnerability: Breaking the stigma around mental health and expressing emotions is crucial for personal growth and true masculinity.
• Fitness for Discipline: Physical discipline through fitness can lead to mental resilience and confidence.
• Entrepreneurial Responsibility: Building businesses that give back to the community can create sustainable impact and personal fulfillment.
• Financial Literacy: Living below your means and investing early are essential steps toward financial stability.
• Intentional Relationships: Choosing the right partner involves aligning values, supporting mutual growth, and fostering accountability.
• Purpose-Driven Life: Finding and fulfilling your purpose through responsibility and community upliftment leads to lasting fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

• Trell at 07:09: "When I'm in my bedroom and I'm asleep, if I hear a loud noise, I just wake up. And I remind myself, 'You’re not in jail, bro. You’re good.'"
• Trell at 15:13: "It's manly to hold space. It's manly to embrace how you feel."
• Trell at 30:31: "Confidence is built on self-belief, which is built on promises you keep with yourself."
• Trell at 38:31: "Start a Roth IRA or investment account ASAP. Compound interest is powerful."
• Trell at 53:35: "We lie when we go into boyfriend mode, pretending to be the perfect partner. It's unsustainable."
• Trell at 64:39: "Find a way to lift a load in society. It's your duty to find that meaning that sustains you."

This episode of For Good serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of purpose-driven living. Trell Britton’s journey from adversity to entrepreneurship offers invaluable insights and inspiration for listeners seeking to make meaningful changes in their own lives and communities.