Podcast Summary: For Good
Episode: Vanessa Simmons Gets Personal: Family, Fame & Keeping Her Life Private
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of For Good, host Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with his eldest sister, Vanessa Simmons, to delve deep into their shared upbringing, experiences in the spotlight, and the delicate balance between family life and personal privacy. The conversation offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the Simmons family's dynamics, Vanessa's journey as a mother and entrepreneur, and their collective approach to mental health and personal growth.

Family Dynamics and Upbringing

JoJo and Vanessa reminisce about their childhood, highlighting the contrasting experiences of growing up between their mother's house in Queens and their father's residence, famously showcased in MTV’s Run's House. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of their parents' consistent communication and the strong work ethic instilled in them.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [04:25]: "My mom made sure that she was able to be independent. And that was a powerful image to see as a young woman growing up."

JoJo adds that despite their privileged upbringing, both siblings worked hard for their own achievements, debunking misconceptions about their life being effortlessly comfortable.

Notable Quote:

• JoJo Simmons [05:09]: "We all work for our own money, and we've all worked extremely hard."

Experiences in Reality TV

The sisters discuss their time on reality TV shows like Run's House and Growing Up Hip Hop. Vanessa reflects on the lessons learned from reality TV, emphasizing authenticity and the value of showcasing one's true self.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [11:46]: "The best thing I realized is being your authentic self as much as possible to really give people something to relate to."

JoJo contrasts the controlled narrative of Run's House with the more unpredictable nature of Growing Up Hip Hop, expressing gratitude for being able to rebrand and share his authentic self through the latter.

Notable Quote:

• JoJo Simmons [12:14]: "In Run's House, it was family, it was togetherness. That's what sold Run's House. It was authenticity."

Balancing Career and Motherhood

Vanessa opens up about her transition into motherhood and how it intertwined with her acting career. She shares strategies for maintaining balance, such as selecting passionate projects and relying on a supportive "village" to manage responsibilities.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [26:53]: "Being a mom has been a journey that taught me a lot about patience, being present, and serving as the best example I can be."

JoJo echoes the importance of not losing oneself amidst the responsibilities of parenthood, reinforcing the idea of chasing personal dreams while nurturing one's family.

Notable Quote:

• JoJo Simmons [29:21]: "Don't ever lose yourself as a mother."

Vanessa’s Brand and Wellness Advocacy

Vanessa introduces her new wellness brand, Euphoria, which focuses on educating and empowering women to live vibrant, balanced lives. She discusses various wellness practices, such as somatic workouts and breathing exercises, aimed at addressing mental health and emotional well-being.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [32:03]: "Euphoria is all about educating people on things they can do to live a more vibrant, euphoric way of living."

She emphasizes the importance of passing down these wellness tools to her daughter, Ava, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to handle life's challenges healthily.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [35:04]: "I want her to have tools that she can use to thrive in life."

Mental Health and Therapy

The conversation shifts to the significance of mental health and the role of therapy. Vanessa advocates for removing the stigma surrounding therapy, highlighting its benefits in processing emotions and fostering personal growth.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [60:19]: "Therapy is so important because we need to connect and express ourselves freely without being judged."

JoJo aligns with this perspective, underscoring the importance of fostering environments where individuals feel supported and empowered to seek mental health care.

Sibling Relationships and Support

JoJo expresses deep gratitude for Vanessa's unwavering support during his darkest times, particularly her role in advocating for his participation in Growing Up Hip Hop. Vanessa shares her feelings of protecting her siblings from negativity while recognizing the necessity of personal growth through challenging experiences.

Notable Quote:

• Vanessa Simmons [47:53]: "It's never fun to see your sibling go through a dark time, but it's part of life that helps us grow."

JoJo praises Vanessa for her role in helping him rebrand his image and regain confidence, highlighting the profound impact of sibling support.

Personal Memories and Legacy

The siblings reminisce about cherished family moments, such as vacations and gatherings, emphasizing the importance of legacy and familial bonds. They discuss the legacy of their father, Rev Run of Run DMC, and its influence on their lives and careers.

Notable Quote:

• JoJo Simmons [53:18]: "I feel so much closer to my father knowing who he was before becoming my father."

Vanessa shares her admiration for the forthcoming Run DMC documentary, reflecting on the insights it provided into her father's life and legacy.

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Vanessa shares updates on her ongoing projects, including her work in television and film, as well as the continued development of her wellness brand, Euphoria. Both sisters express their commitment to using their platforms to inspire and uplift others, reinforcing the podcast's core message of healing and personal growth.

Notable Quote:

• JoJo Simmons [62:31]: "I want people to come out of watching this with quotables and feel inspired."

Vanessa concludes by reiterating the importance of community and support systems in achieving mental and emotional well-being, leaving listeners with a powerful message of empowerment and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Matters: Embracing one's true self fosters genuine connections and personal growth.
• Balancing Roles: Successfully managing career aspirations alongside family responsibilities requires dedication and support.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Removing stigma around therapy and prioritizing mental well-being are crucial for thriving in today's world.
• Legacy and Family: Understanding and honoring family legacy can provide strength and direction in one's personal and professional life.
• Empowerment Through Wellness: Educating and empowering individuals with wellness tools can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

This episode of For Good offers an enriching narrative on navigating fame, maintaining personal integrity, and fostering strong familial bonds, all while advocating for mental health and wellness. Vanessa Simmons' candid storytelling serves as an inspiration for listeners to prioritize their well-being and embrace their authentic selves.