For Good

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Lecrae sits down to talk about far more than music. From growing up caught between hip hop culture and faith, to building Christian rap on his own terms, he shares the challenges of navigating identity, purpose, and public perception while carving out a lane that didn't fully exist before him. Lecrae opens up about the highs of fame and success, the internal battles that came with it, and how depression, anxiety, therapy, and vulnerability became part of his healing journey. He also speaks on activism, family, fatherhood in the social media era, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations matters now more than ever. Throughout the episode, Lecrae drops powerful reflections on faith, mental health, self-worth, and learning how to separate who you are from what you achieve. This is a real conversation about healing, growth, identity, and what it means to "move like you're already loved."

JoJo Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down for a real conversation about growth, healing, family, and the unexpected ways the For Good podcast has changed both of their lives. In this episode, the siblings open up about what they've learned from recent guests, how gratitude and self-awareness have shifted their mindset, and why intentional conversations have become such an important part of their personal growth journeys. Vanessa shares how the podcast helped her become more open again after years of feeling scrutinized in the public eye, while JoJo reflects on creating the platform as a space not only to help others—but to help himself heal too. The conversation also dives into sibling relationships, staying grounded through family, balancing faith and business, protecting your mental health online, and the importance of doing a "timeline refresh" on social media to become more intentional about what you consume every day. Want to refresh your social media feed with more positivity and purpose? Follow:https://www.instagram.com/romeobartleyjr/ https://www.instagram.com/mdmotivator/ Of course, the episode also brings plenty of laughs and nostalgia as JoJo and Vanessa revisit old family memories, growing up in the spotlight, and the hilarious story behind one unforgettable Jet Magazine outfit. This episode is a reminder that growth isn't always loud. Sometimes it starts with being willing to open up, reflect, and have better conversations.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:cd1da9f9-3c3b-4838-a03d-3a5db580ec36-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 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

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 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.

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

McKenzi Brooke has spent most of her life in front of a camera — but who is she outside the viral videos? The TikTok star, dancer, actor, and storyteller joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about growing up online, separating her real identity from her internet persona, navigating pressure at a young age, and turning criticism into fuel. From her close bond with her family to the creative honesty behind her music, McKenzi opens up about the parts of her life people don't see — and what it really means to stay grounded when millions are watching. McKenzi Brooke is one of TikTok's biggest breakout creators — a dancer, actor, musician, and storyteller who built a massive following by being relatable, creative, and unapologetically herself. But behind the viral moments is someone who has been performing since childhood, learning how to grow up while the internet watched. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons sits down with McKenzi for a raw, thoughtful conversation about identity, pressure, confidence, and the power of knowing who you are beyond the screen. McKenzi opens up about what it's really like to grow up in the public eye, how she separates her real personality from the one people assume she has online, and why she still considers herself "just a normal girl with weird quirks" despite millions of fans. They go deep into: Growing up online and learning to stay authentic while the world watches Finding her voice beyond dance — from acting to storytelling to writing music Using heartbreak and friendships as creative fuel in her songwriting (yes… she thanks her exes for the inspiration) The support system that keeps her grounded — especially her brother and her mom How to handle comparison, hate, and pressure as a young creator ("Haterade is Powerade" might be the best quote of the episode) Why being underestimated became her superpower McKenzi also shares the moment she was invited to the United Nations for women's empowerment — and what it felt like to be the youngest person in the room. This episode is a reminder that the internet doesn't always show the full story — and that staying grounded starts with knowing yourself first. Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on TikTok, Spotify, Apple, and everywhere you listen.