Vanessa Simmons officially joins JoJo Simmons as co-host of the For Good Podcast. In this powerful season premiere, they open up about Vanessa's first encounter with racism, the challenges of modern parenting, and why changing your mindset is the foundation for doing good — even on your hardest days.

It's a new season and a new chapter.

Vanessa Simmons joins her brother JoJo as the official co-host of the For Good Podcast — and the conversation starts with honesty.

Vanessa reflects on her first encounter with racism as a child and how that moment shaped her awareness of the world. Together, they unpack what it means to grow up, raise children, and navigate a world that feels more visible — and more dangerous — than ever before.

They also dive into:

• The pressure of being a "helicopter parent" in today's world • Wanting to protect your children without holding them too tight • The balance between safety and open communication • Why having a bad day doesn't mean losing a good mindset • What "focusing on the good" really looks like in real life

This episode sets the tone for the season: we're all facing obstacles, but it's about how we see through them. The For Good Podcast isn't about pretending life is perfect — it's about choosing perspective, growth, and intentional change.

New energy. Real conversations. Same mission.

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What if the real key to better relationships, stronger leadership, and personal growth isn't grinding harder — but understanding your emotions?

This week on the For Good Podcast, JoJo and Vanessa sit down with Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel, to unpack why emotional intelligence may be the most important skill we're not taught. From parenting and partnerships to business and brotherhood, Dr. Brackett explains how naming, understanding, and regulating our emotions can transform the way we show up in every area of life.

What if the key to better relationships, stronger leadership, and real personal growth starts with understanding your emotions?

This week on the For Good Podcast, JoJo and Vanessa sit down with Dr. Marc Brackett — founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, professor at Yale University, and author of Permission to Feel. Dr. Brackett has spent his career studying how emotions shape our decisions, performance, parenting, and purpose.

In this powerful conversation, they explore:

• Why emotional intelligence is more important than IQ

• How suppressing feelings can quietly damage our relationships

• The difference between reacting and responding

• How parents can raise emotionally intelligent children

• Why men especially struggle with emotional expression — and how to change that

• Practical tools to name, understand, and regulate your emotions

Dr. Brackett shares actionable strategies you can start using today — at home, in business, and in your community — to build healthier communication, stronger connections, and a legacy rooted in emotional awareness.

Because on the For Good Podcast, we focus on the good — and emotional intelligence might be one of the most powerful tools we have to create it.

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Are we truly supporting Black boys emotionally — or just expecting them to be "strong"? Psychologist and researcher Dr. Alvin Thomas joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to unpack the mental health crisis impacting young Black men, the critical role fathers play, and how we can break generational cycles before it's too late.

Dr. Alvin Thomas, nationally recognized psychologist and leading expert on Black fatherhood and youth development, joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast for a powerful and solution-focused conversation about the emotional well-being of Black boys.

In this episode, Dr. Thomas challenges the idea that strength means silence. He explains how emotional suppression, lack of safe spaces, and generational trauma are quietly shaping the lives of young Black men — and what fathers, parents, and communities must do differently.

JoJo opens up about his own experiences as a father, leading to an honest dialogue about vulnerability, discipline, and how to raise boys who are confident, emotionally intelligent, and secure in who they are.

They dive into: The silent mental health crisis impacting Black boys Why emotionally present fathers change everything How generational trauma shows up in parenting Practical tools for raising resilient, confident young men Breaking harmful stereotypes around masculinity

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts

Psychologist and mental health advocate Dr. Rheeda Walker joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast for an honest conversation about grief, trauma, and the cost of silence in Black communities. Together, they unpack why naming pain is essential to healing, how generational survival shapes emotional health, and what it truly takes to begin healing — individually and collectively.

Mental health is often discussed, but rarely addressed with honesty — especially in Black communities. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Dr. Rheeda Walker, psychologist, researcher, and leading voice in mental health advocacy, for a necessary conversation about grief, trauma, and emotional survival.

Dr. Walker shares how personal loss and lived experience shaped her work, why silence around mental health can be just as harmful as trauma itself, and how grief shows up in our bodies, relationships, and communities. Together, JoJo and Dr. Walker explore what healing actually looks like when people are taught to "stay strong" instead of processing pain.

The conversation expands into cultural expectations, emotional labor, and the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability — especially for Black men and women navigating grief without support.

They also discuss:

• Why grief doesn't have a timeline — and why rushing healing can be harmful

• The difference between surviving trauma and actually healing from it

• How stigma keeps people from seeking help

• What doing good looks like when it comes to mental health and community care

This episode is a reminder that healing isn't weakness — it's necessary, intentional, and deeply human.

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when the cannabis industry promises equity but delivers obstacles instead? Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCAN, joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to expose the hidden barriers Black and brown entrepreneurs face in legal cannabis—from predatory practices to impossible tax rates. He breaks down what real equity looks like and how he's creating pathways for communities locked out of an industry built on their backs.

The cannabis industry claims to be creating opportunities for communities harmed by the War on Drugs—but is it really? Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCAN (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Cannabis Network), sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to reveal the truth about cannabis equity programs and why so many BIPOC founders are being set up to fail.

Ernest shares his journey from working at MJBizCon to launching a mission-driven organization that's helped hundreds of entrepreneurs navigate one of the most heavily regulated industries in America. Growing up with a father who worked at a correctional facility, Ernest witnessed firsthand how cannabis prohibition tore apart Black and brown communities. Now, he's fighting to ensure those same communities have real access to the legal cannabis industry—not just licenses, but capital, mentorship, and sustainable business pathways.

In this powerful conversation, Ernest and JoJo dive into:

• Why cannabis equity programs offer licenses but not the resources to succeed

• How predatory practices exploit BIPOC founders desperate for capital

• The mental health toll of leading a mission-driven business through feast-or-famine cycles

• Finding hope when progress feels slow and building something that lasts

• The difference between access and true economic equity

Ernest gets real about the "valley of despair" every entrepreneur faces, the importance of community and mental health practices like running and reading, and why he refuses to be a leader who pleases everyone. He also shares practical advice for anyone feeling locked out of opportunity—in cannabis or any industry.

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when life forces you to grieve, parent through uncertainty, and rebuild your faith at the same time? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with author and autism mom Alicia Lorde for a powerful conversation about grief, faith, motherhood, and resilience on the For Good Podcast.

Life doesn't always unfold the way we imagine — and for Alicia Lorde, survival became a daily act of faith. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with Alicia, author of True Survivor, for a raw and deeply honest conversation about grief, autism parenting, healing, and purpose.

Alicia opens up about losing her husband, raising a child on the autism spectrum, and confronting generational trauma while learning how to lean fully into her faith. Together, JoJo and Alicia explore what it means to heal when life feels overwhelming, how honesty and vulnerability become tools for growth, and why survival isn't meant to be the final destination.

The conversation also dives into the realities autism parents face — from emotional exhaustion to unseen fears — and the strength it takes to keep showing up, even when you're the village.

They dive into:

• Navigating grief while raising a child with autism

• How faith evolves when life doesn't meet expectations

• Breaking generational trauma through honesty and healing

• What resilience really looks like on the hardest days

• Moving from survival mode into purpose and hope

This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, faith doesn't require perfection, and your story can become a lifeline for someone else.

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

What does success really cost when your mental health isn't protected? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons reflects on MJBizCon and sits down with Vic Mensa for an honest conversation about leadership pressure, mental health, and how fatherhood reshapes purpose, priorities, and legacy on the For Good Podcast.

MJBizCon brought together founders, leaders, and visionaries building real businesses — but some of the most impactful moments happened offstage. Joseph "JoJo" Simmons revisits MJBizCon with a powerful, reflective conversation alongside Vic Mensa on the For Good Podcast, diving into what success looks like when mental health and purpose come first.

In this episode, JoJo and Vic talk openly about the pressure of leadership, the expectation to always be "on," and the importance of protecting your mental health while navigating business, creativity, and life. The conversation naturally shifts into fatherhood, as Vic shares how becoming a dad has changed the way he moves, thinks, and defines success — not just as a parent, but as a man and leader.

They dive into: The mental health challenges that come with leadership and visibility Why success means nothing without emotional wellness How fatherhood realigns priorities and purpose Building legacy through intention, growth, and presence

This episode is a reminder that the real work happens within — and that healing, growth, and leadership go hand in hand.

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this solo episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons reflects on gratitude as more than a holiday tradition — but a daily practice that reshapes how we move through stress, pressure, and life itself. From slowing down to appreciating the small wins, JoJo shares why gratitude has become one of his most important tools for mental clarity, peace, and growth.

In this special solo episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons takes a moment to slow things down and speak directly to the listener about gratitude — not as something tied to gifts, success, or milestones, but as a mindset that changes how we experience life.

JoJo reflects on a realization that stopped him in his tracks: how much stress quietly shapes our health, our decisions, and our sense of peace. From that moment, he began shifting his focus toward gratitude — especially for the small, often overlooked things we tend to take for granted.

Throughout the episode, JoJo shares honest thoughts on moving at your own pace, resisting comparison, and understanding that your journey doesn't need to match anyone else's timeline. He emphasizes the importance of honoring small steps, trusting the process, and recognizing that consistency — not speed — leads to real growth.

This episode touches on:

• Why stress can quietly run our lives if we let it

• Learning to move at your own pace without comparison

• Practicing gratitude for the small, everyday wins

• How slowing down can create clarity and peace

• Why small steps often lead to the biggest breakthroughs

Rooted in reflection and intention, this episode is a reminder that gratitude isn't just something we practice during the holidays — it's something that can ground us, protect our mental health, and reshape how we show up every day.

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on TikTok, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

From grief and growth to balance and burnout — every guest we've had on The For Good Podcast has shared one common truth: healing starts from within.

In this special "For Good Reflections" episode, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons brings together powerful moments from past conversations, featuring guests opening up about how they care for their mental health, protect their peace, and stay grounded when life gets heavy.

You'll hear wisdom from voices like Dreka Gates, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Lil Eazy E, Corvain Cooper, and more — each revealing their personal tools for healing, reflection, and self-preservation.

Whether it's therapy, faith, fitness, mindfulness, or simply slowing down, these stories remind us that mental health isn't just maintenance — it's movement. It's how we stay aligned with our purpose, break cycles, and live For Good.

In this For Good Reflections episode, JoJo Simmons revisits powerful moments from past guests as they open up about how they care for their mental health, protect their peace, and find balance in the middle of life's chaos.

From therapy and faith to fitness and mindfulness, these reflections reveal what healing really looks like behind the scenes — unfiltered, honest, and deeply human. Because taking care of yourself isn't selfish — it's For Good.

In this episode, we reflect on:

• The daily practices that protect our peace and mental clarity

• How therapy, faith, and fitness help us stay grounded

• The importance of slowing down and creating boundaries

• What healing looks like when life gets heavy

Why mental health is more than maintenance — it's movement

How are psychedelics reshaping mental health, spirituality, and healing? Journalist and author Madison Margolin joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to explore the intersection of plant medicine, faith, and emotional wellness. She opens up about growing up between traditional Judaism and counterculture, how psychedelics helped her understand her inner world, and why healing often feels messy, sacred, and nonlinear.

Madison Margolin is a journalist, author, and spiritual storyteller who has spent years exploring the intersection of psychedelics, Judaism, and healing. She joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast for an eye-opening conversation about how plant medicine can open doors to self-awareness, emotional growth, and spiritual connection.

Madison shares how being raised between traditional Jewish practice and the counterculture movement shaped the way she sees the world. She breaks down the role psychedelics can play in confronting trauma, understanding your inner child, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose.

JoJo and Madison also discuss her personal practices — from meditation to prayer to psychedelic exploration — and how these tools can support mental health when approached with intention. She explains why healing doesn't always look peaceful, how spirituality has guided her through difficult seasons, and what most people misunderstand about psychedelics today.

Together, they dive into:

• How psychedelics can support trauma healing and emotional clarity

• The connection between Judaism, mysticism, and plant medicine

• What it really means to integrate spiritual experiences into everyday life

• Why intention, guidance, and mental preparation matter in any healing journey

• How storytelling can help destigmatize conversations around mental health and psychedelics

🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.