
Hosted by Joseph "JoJo" Simmons · EN
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: Pastry outselling Jordan Brand at Foot Locker Body transformation from insecurity to fitness obsession Plant-based lifestyle and wellness routines for mental health Why Simmons kids don't get handouts despite the famous name
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: How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships and why boys need more emotional connection The difference between accepting what happened and taking it on as your identity Why creating safe spaces is about being safe with yourself first His upcoming book on pace and nervous system regulation with Penguin Random House
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: From Tennis Court to Streets: How Rick went from playing tennis to making millions selling drugs because he "was looking for a way to get out the ghetto" Learning to Read at 28: The moment in prison when Rick realized only he could save himself and taught himself to read The Three Life-Changing Books: Rick shares the essential reads that gave him "all the principles to do whatever you want to do in the world" Coming Home with Nothing: Being essentially homeless with $200 and building a t-shirt empire from a Joe Rogan suggestion Mentoring the Next Generation: His current work speaking at schools, supporting reentry programs, and breaking cycles of violence 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 Award–winning 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 Sesame Street — 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/) 🔔 Don't forget to hit the Subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated on all our latest videos! 🎥 🌐 Learn more about 3isFor and our mission to uplift the plant, the people and the planet: https://www.3isfor.com ✨ Follow us on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive content: https://www.instagram.com/3isfor/
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: Why emotional stability—not money—is the true foundation of a successful home How he recovered from burnout and vertigo after the tour The role of testosterone, holistic healing, and Black men’s health in his journey Why rest isn't a luxury, and how to start reclaiming your peace today The deeper meaning of “control the pace”—in business, relationships, and life
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: Why gut health, trauma, and stress are major mental health factors How sports culture teaches men to hide pain until it explodes Why the “1 in 5” mental health stat is harmful and outdated 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: The first time he smoked and how it changed his path forever. The book that shifted his mindset and set him on the road to success. Why it's important for celebs like Carmelo Anthony to form strategic, intentional partnerships when entering the cannabis business. Links and Resources: Follow @jescehorton on Instagram Follow @thelowd on Instagram Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to For Good 01:45 Why the Cannabis Industry Needs More Black Leaders 02:47 My First Smoke: A Life-Changing Connection 03:34 Sneaking Weed: My Parents Found Out 06:20 How Cannabis Helped Me Ace School 07:44 Failed the Drug Test and Lost It All 09:26 Amsterdam Changed Everything 11:47 From Engineer to Weed Grower: Taking the Leap 14:10 What If I Worked on Something I Loved? 16:31 How Engineering Made Me a Better Grower 20:26 The Biggest Misconception About The Business 19:54 Founding the Minority Cannabis Business Association 22:33 The Three Pillars of Equity in Cannabis 23:32 Using Cannabis to Create Real Change 27:27 Teaming up with Carmelo Anthony 31:36 Corporate Cannabis Doesn’t Get the Culture 31:54 The Industry’s Biggest Problem Today 35:04 Managing Mental Health as a Cannabis Entrepreneur
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: How Corvain maintained his love life while locked up and the reality of relationships in prison. Valuable insights on mindset and mental health. Fatherhood and how they set the bar high for their daughters' future boyfriends. Links and Resources: Follow @corvaincooper on Instagram Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome to For Good 00:00:59 Cannabis “Kingpin” Sentenced to Life 00:03:41 From One Ounce to 40 Tons 00:05:13 Building the 40 Tons Brand 00:05:42 Breaking Down the Three Strikes Rule 00:06:22 Granted Clemency by President Trump 00:07:24 Understanding Conspiracy Charges 00:09:14 Supporting Families of Incarcerated Individuals 00:12:37 Creating Opportunities for Black and Brown Cannabis Entrepreneurs 00:14:42 Stock Trading from Prison: Hustling Behind Bars 00:15:53 “I Never Believed I’d Die in Jail” 00:17:57 Parenting from Prison: Staying Connected 00:19:05 Reclaiming Fatherhood Post Prison 00:21:04 Setting Standards for Men in Your Daughter’s Life 00:21:38 Do My Kids Think I’m Cool? 00:23:31 Holding Onto Faith: Surviving and Thriving 00:27:43 Maintaining a Romantic Relationship While Incarcerated 00:30:25 TikTok Influencers Behind Bars: A New Trend 00:32:04 What’s Next for 40 Tons: Future Projects 00:34:46 Managing Mental Health by Talking to God
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: Why "production is just organizing" - whether it's beauty, film, or experiential work Working remotely from Paris and the benefits of European scheduling What's coming next with For Good Fashion, 3isFor's regenerative streetwear brand