For Good

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• Why the "1 in 5" mental health stat is harmful and outdated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

What happens when your own viewers give you tough love? Joseph "JoJo" Simmons addresses the elephant in the room after viewers criticized him for talking over his sister Vanessa Simmons in a recent episode. Instead of getting defensive, JoJo breaks down why he's grateful for the feedback and how it's made him a better leader.

Fresh off missing a major client event in Detroit due to airlines delays, JoJo reflects on his team's success with the BOMESI Summit (Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute).

He gets vulnerable about his growth as an entrepreneur, co-founder of 3isFor, and why treating criticism like market research has changed his approach to business and life.

JoJo also dives into:

• The difference between confidence (being prepared) and cockiness (thinking you know everything)

• Why failing visibly builds stronger communities than hiding your learning process

• Behind-the-scenes look at 3isFor's experiential work and what's coming next

Few people have been in the rooms that Steve Lobel has. From managing legends like Run-DMC, Nipsey Hussle, Fat Joe, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Scott Storch, Steve has spent decades shaping the culture. In this candid and emotional interview, he sits down with his "nephew" Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast to reflect on his journey, sharing untold stories, personal struggles, and the hard lessons that come with life in the industry.

As a longtime friend of the Simmons family - often called "the White Russell Simmons" - Steve has been connected to hip-hop royalty for years. But despite his success, he's experienced devastating losses, both personally and professionally. In this episode, he gets real about the sacrifices no one talks about, the mental and emotional toll of the business, and how he's managed to stay consistent without selling his soul. He also explains why he diversified into cannabis and tells the wild story of how Berner almost turned down the Cookies empire.

JoJo & Steve break down:

• How mentorship can get you ready to answer when opportunity knocks.
• The mental health struggles behind the music industry's glitz and glam.
• The power of pushing through the no's and staying resilient in an unforgiving industry.

Links and Resources:

• Follow Steve Lobel @weworking on Instagram
• Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram

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Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to the For Good Podcast w/ Steve Lobel
• 02:59 How Run-DMC & Jam Master Jay Put Steve on Game
• 03:51 Deeper Than Rap: Steve's Bond w/ Jam Master Jay
• 06:11 Without a Mentor, You Could Get Lost
• 08:45 Wild Tour Stories w/ Run-DMC & Jam Master Jay
• 11:31 The Key to Building a Loyal Fan Base
• 15:29 Losing Legends: How Steve Coped With Grief
• 20:13 Why Nipsey Hussle's Impact Grew After Death
• 20:34 Wanna Make It in Music? Do Your Research!
• 30:06 Respect is Everything - Not Just for Celebrities
• 31:05 Nipsey Never Chased Trends - He Set Them
• 35:51 Even Nipsey & Bieber Struggled to Get Signed
• 36:33 Give People Their Flowers While They're Here
• 38:45 Berner Almost Said No to the Cookies Empire
• 43:19 Winning in the Cannabis Game
• 44:26 I'm Not A Bag Guy, I'm an Equity Guy
• 45:38 What He Thinks About JoJo's Cannabis Advocacy
• 49:16 Music Industry Mental Health Struggles
• 50:05 The Stigma: Treatment in Black & Brown Communities
• 50:55 The Real Story Behind The Heavenly Center (THC)
• 01:01:00 The Reality of Addiction
• 01:04:00 Steve's Biggest Regret? Not Starting a Family
• 01:06:00 The Mindset Shift You Need to Win
• 01:10:00 Why Social Media Ain't Real Connection
• 01:14:00 Why Steve Came on the For Good Podcast

Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Kris Karl return for another episode of the For Good Podcast from the Yurrrrt, the farm headquarters of their creative studio 3isFor, for a deep dive into sustainability, impact, and building a regenerative business.

Kris shares his perspective on sustainability and why long-term thinking is crucial in both farming and storytelling. JoJo and Kris break down how 3isFor became a member of 1% for the Planet, what it really means to run a values-driven creative studio, and why their mission is bigger than just content — it's about creating lasting change.

They dive deep into how storytelling helps brands build authentic customer loyalty by showcasing their giveback efforts, not in a bragging way, but in an inspirational way that motivates others to do the same. The conversation explores the balance between making money and giving back, revealing how showing up with good intentions has consistently brought business opportunities back tenfold for 3isFor.

JoJo & Kris also discuss:

• How 1% for the Planet connects like-minded brands committed to environmental impact
• Why community is the key to sustainable business and authentic storytelling
• The importance of asking yourself: "What is truly valuable to me?"
• How regenerative thinking applies to both farming and business—looking at the long lens instead of just immediate profits

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

00:00 Welcome to the For Good Podcast 02:25 The Yurt and Community Values 03:03 1% for the Planet Membership 04:55 Importance of Storytelling in Branding 13:09 Balancing Profit and Giving Back 14:41 Inviting Listeners to Join the Community 17:36 Highlighting 1% Brands and Community Impact 18:32 Balancing Profit and Giving Back 19:30 Building Authentic Brand Loyalty 20:44 The Power of Charitable Actions 22:17 Sustainability in Business and Life 24:53 The Importance of Long-Term Planning 29:16 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Was Run's House really reality? Or was it just for TV? Vanessa Simmons joins her brother Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast for a rare conversation about growing up in the spotlight, setting boundaries, and balancing fame with real life.

As children of Rev Run of Run-DMC, Vanessa and JoJo have had a unique journey from Run's House to Growing Up Hip Hop, learning how to navigate the industry while protecting their peace. Vanessa opens up about why she keeps her relationship private, the inspiration behind her self-care brand, U4IA, and how she's helping others prioritize wellness. They reflect on their tight-knit relationships with all of their siblings and what it means to raise the next generation of Simmons with intention.

Vanessa and JoJo also discuss:

• Low times and how they've each struggled with depression or social anxiety.
• What it was really like growing up with Rev Run as a dad - the family dynamic behind the scenes.
• JoJo shares a childhood memory that brings Vanessa to tears.

Links and Resources:

• Follow @vanessajsimmons 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
• 00:01:35 You Need the Right Team Behind You
• 00:02:18 Growing Up with a Single Mom in Queens
• 00:04:28 Privileged but Not Spoiled: Our Upbringing
• 00:06:23 Run's House Wasn't Scripted
• 00:10:27 Lessons Learned from Reality TV
• 00:13:40 Being the Family Peacekeeper
• 00:15:02 My Relationships with All My Siblings
• 00:21:37 Being a Good Sister Means So Much
• 00:22:13 Missing New York While Living in LA
• 00:24:01 How Motherhood Changed Me
• 00:27:01 Balancing Career and Motherhood
• 00:29:47 Your Daughter Pranked My Daughter
• 00:31:53 The Spotlight on Self-Care
• 00:35:02 Using Our Platforms to Make a Difference
• 00:36:18 Living in the Public Eye Makes You Hyper-Self-Aware
• 00:38:06 Women Are Still Judged by Their Looks
• 00:39:45 Embracing a More Modest Style
• 00:41:34 Keeping My Daughter Grounded in LA
• 00:42:19 Privacy Is Power
• 00:44:36 Seeing Our Family in the Headlines
• 00:45:58 Remember When You Lived on My Couch?
• 00:51:02 Family Vacations with Our Kids
• 00:52:57 The Impact of the Run-DMC Documentary
• 00:56:18 What's Next: New Projects
• 00:57:51 Motherhood Is My Driving Force
• 00:58:21 What Do You Do for Your Mental Health?

At just 20 years old, Dontrell "Trell the Trainer" Britton was leading 30 to 40 of the toughest men in prison through intense yard workouts. Surrounded by lifers and hardened criminals, he learned that self-mastery is the only way out, whether behind bars or in the real world. He breaks down how his childhood forced him into survival mode, how he manages the PTSD from his arrest and imprisonment, and the habits he built to truly change his life.

Now a fitness entrepreneur and influencer, Trell shares how structure, discipline, and financial literacy helped him transition from incarceration to making a lasting impact. On this episode of the For Good podcast he and Joseph "JoJo" Simmons discuss how fitness builds mental strength, why Black men need safe spaces to heal, and why we need to stop celebrating surviving prison and start creating systems that prevent incarceration in the first place.

Trell also opens up about:

• Why checking in on your people's mental health is more important than ever
• How men, especially Black men, can move beyond suffering in silence
• His journey launching Glizzys Vegan Food Company, a plant-based hot dog brand

Links and Resources:

• Follow @trellthetrainer on Instagram
• Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram

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

00:00 Welcome to the For Good Podcast w/ Trell the Trainer 02:42 Survival Mode - Growing Up in a Tough Environment 06:42 PTSD from Prison & Surviving an FBI Home Raid 14:00 Why Black Men Suffer in Silence & How to Break the Cycle 18:00 Opening Up About Emotions Blew Up My Social Media 23:33 Finding an Emotion Deeper Than Anger - Real Healing Starts Here 26:35 Becoming the Unofficial Prison Fitness Coach at 20 30:32 The Power of Keeping Small Promises to Yourself 35:13 Wealth Isn't Fast Money - Why Long-Term Thinking Wins 42:58 Why I Invested in Glizzy's Vegan Food Truck 49:18 Don't Want to Be a Player - Ready for Real Love 01:00:59 What Every Man Needs Before Dating 01:04:31 The One Shift That Changed My Life Forever 01:07:42 Wrapping Up - Thanks for Tuning In!