For Good

What if healing yourself was the first step to changing the world? This is a space for grounded, soul-level conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and what it means to live with intention. Here, healing isn’t a trend, it’s a lifelong commitment. Through vulnerable storytelling and honest reflection, For Good helps us reconnect with purpose, reimagine legacy, and choose growth — for ourselves, our families, and our communities. At the heart of it all is Joseph “JoJo” Simmons, the son of hip hop royalty, Rev Run of Run DMC, and a multi-faceted entertainer, entrepreneur, husband, father, and mental health advocate. From MTV’s Run’s House to Growing Up Hip Hop, JoJo’s journey has been public but his evolution has been deeply personal. After facing public scrutiny in his teens, JoJo took a step back from the spotlight to prioritize his mental health. He reemerged as an advocate, determined to use his platform for good. In 2023, he received the Phoenix Arising Award from the Black Mental Health Alliance, honoring his commitment to wellness and emotional literacy in the Black community. JoJo brings a rare mix of humility, humor, and heart to every episode. Whether he’s speaking solo or sitting with a guest, he creates space for listeners to reflect, reset, and rise together. Expect episodes that explore the power of emotional intelligence in real life, mental health beyond buzzwords — especially for Black men and fathers, breaking generational cycles through inner work and intention, and what legacy looks like when it’s built on love, not ego. You’ll also hear honest, unfiltered stories that inspire growth, healing, and a deeper connection to purpose. Notable guests include: Dr. Cheyenne Bryant: Life coach and psychology expert dropping truth bombs on relationships and accountability Lil Eazy-E: Reflecting on his father’s legacy and the controversy surrounding his death Trell the Trainer: From prison to purpose: using fitness and emotional vulnerability to help Black men heal Vanessa Simmons: On protecting her personal life while growing up in a public family Steve Lobel: Behind the music industry grind: on hip-hop success, grief, and staying grounded Corvain Cooper: From life in prison to presidential pardon: a story of transformation, justice, and second chances Jesce Horton: Building one of the most respected Black-owned cannabis brands with Carmelo Anthony For Good is a production of 3isFor, a values-driven creative studio founded by childhood friends JoJo Simmons, Kris Karl, and David Dow. The three co-founders come from vastly different backgrounds — hip hop royalty, regenerative farming, and media production — but their values are the same. Together, they build with purpose, tell stories that matter, and champion regenerative business as a model for healing industries, communities, and the planet. Listen if you care about: - Growing from the inside out - Breaking cycles and redefining what success looks like - Building legacy with intention, presence, and purpose - Using your voice and story to create real, lasting impact New episodes every Tuesday. Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, live convos, and episode drops. Be for growth. Be for healing. Be For Good.

Breaking Generational Trauma: Why You’ve Never Felt Peace | Dr. Mariel Buqué 04/07/2026

Breaking Generational Trauma: Why You’ve Never Felt Peace | Dr. Mariel Buqué Why do so many people feel anxious, reactive, or unsettled—even when life seems “fine”? Dr. Mariel Buqué joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast to break down intergenerational trauma, how it’s passed down, and what it really takes to heal it. For many of us, trauma didn’t start with us—but it lives in us. Dr. Mariel Buqué, licensed psychologist and author of Break the Cycle, joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast for a powerful conversation on intergenerational trauma, emotional inheritance, and what it truly means to heal. Together, they unpack how trauma is passed down through families—not just through behavior, but biologically—and why so many people grow up feeling anxious, hyper-aware, or emotionally overwhelmed without understanding why. Dr. Buqué explains how what we often label as “rebellious,” “difficult,” or “too much” in childhood is often just unprocessed pain showing up the only way it knows how. JoJo and Vanessa open up about their own upbringing, parenting choices, and the responsibility of breaking cycles in real time—choosing communication, awareness, and intention over repeating what was normalized. In this episode, they explore: • What intergenerational trauma actually is—and how it gets passed down • Signs you’re carrying trauma that isn’t originally yours • Why some people have “never known peace” and what that really means • How cultural norms can hide or normalize harmful patterns • The shift from punishment to intentional parenting and emotional awareness • Why avoiding the past keeps you stuck—and how to start healing This is a conversation about compassion—for where we come from—and accountability for where we’re going. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/40749880

The Work You Don’t See: Mike T on Physical Health, Consistency & Mental Strength 03/31/2026

The Comeback Mindset: Tim Storey on Ego, Faith & Turning Setbacks Into Setups 03/24/2026

The Comeback Mindset: Tim Storey on Ego, Faith & Turning Setbacks Into Setups What does it really take to make a comeback? Tim Storey, world-renowned “comeback coach,” joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons on the For Good Podcast to break down mindset, faith, ego, and the process of rebuilding after life knocks you down. From personal loss to working with icons like Kanye West and Denzel Washington, Tim shares the truth about failure, resilience, and finding your next chapter. Tim Storey has built a career helping some of the world’s top athletes, entertainers, and leaders turn their lowest moments into powerful comebacks. On this episode of the For Good Podcast, he sits down with Joseph “JoJo” Simmons for a raw and insightful conversation about what it truly takes to rebuild after a setback. Tim opens up about losing his father at just 10 years old and how that shaped his understanding of pain, resilience, and what he calls a “life interruption.” He shares the mindset shifts that separate people who stay stuck from those who rise again. They dive into topics like ego, faith, discipline, and identity — including: Why ego isn’t always the enemy How faith plays a role in success What happens when the spotlight fades Tim also gives behind-the-scenes insight from working with high-level figures like Kanye West, Denzel Washington, and elite athletes, revealing the hidden struggles even the most successful people face. JoJo reflects on his own “pivot era,” discussing growth beyond fame, purpose beyond identity, and learning to align with his assignment instead of chasing validation. Key takeaways include: What a real comeback looks like and why setbacks are “life interruptions” The difference between a healthy ego and a destructive one Why success without purpose can still feel empty How to pivot when your current chapter no longer fits your life The power of your circle and how the wrong people can derail growth Daily habits that build long-term success (plow, plant, water) Moving from your “recovery zone” to your “discovery zone” This episode is a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, and becoming who you’re meant to be — no matter where you’re starting from. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/40594435

From NBA Stardom to Losing It All: Rashad McCants on Money, Fame & Hard Lessons 03/17/2026

Why You Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns | Vienna Pharaon on Healing “Origin Wounds” 03/10/2026

Why You Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns | Vienna Pharaon on Healing “Origin Wounds” Licensed therapist and bestselling author Vienna Pharaon joins JoJo Simmons on the For Good podcast to unpack how our childhood experiences shape the way we show up in relationships. Drawing from her book The Origins of You, Vienna explains how “origin wounds” form — and how understanding them can help us break unhealthy patterns in love, family, and life. Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns — even when we know they aren’t good for us? In this episode of the For Good podcast, JoJo Simmons sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Vienna Pharaon for a powerful conversation about how our childhood experiences shape the way we love, trust, and connect with others. Drawing from her bestselling book The Origins of You, Vienna introduces the concept of “origin wounds” — the emotional patterns formed in our earliest relationships that often follow us into adulthood. Throughout the conversation, Vienna breaks down how family dynamics, unmet emotional needs, and early experiences can influence everything from communication styles to the partners we choose. She also shares how self-awareness, accountability, and intentional healing can help people break cycles and build healthier relationships. Together, they explore: • What “origin wounds” are and how they develop • Why we repeat relationship patterns without realizing it • How childhood experiences influence the way we communicate and connect • The role of self-awareness in breaking unhealthy cycles • Practical ways to start healing and building stronger relationships This conversation is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever wondered why certain patterns keep showing up in their relationships — and how understanding your past can help you move forward differently. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/40373855

Vanessa Simmons Joins as Co-Host | A New Era of the For Good Podcast 03/03/2026

The Power of Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Marc Brackett 02/24/2026

The Power of Emotional Intelligence with Dr. Marc Brackett 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. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/40206785

Breaking the Cycle: How Fathers Shape the Mental Health of Black Boys | Dr. Alvin Thomas 02/17/2026

Grief Isn’t Weakness: Dr. Rheeda Walker on Mental Health & Healing in Black Communities 02/10/2026

Grief Isn’t Weakness: Dr. Rheeda Walker on Mental Health & Healing in Black Communities 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. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/40051840

Ernest Toney Reveals What They Don't Tell You About 'Legal' Markets 01/27/2026

Ernest Toney Reveals What They Don't Tell You About 'Legal' Markets 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. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/39887160

This Almost Broke Me: Alicia Lorde on Faith, Loss & Motherhood 01/20/2026

Success, Mental Health & Fatherhood: JoJo Simmons & Vic Mensa Get Real at MJBizCon 01/13/2026

Just JoJo Holiday Edition: Gratitude Beyond Gifts 12/23/2025

Just JoJo Holiday Edition: Gratitude Beyond Gifts 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. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/39511480

For Good Reflections: How We Protect Our Peace 12/09/2025

Psychedelics, Spirituality & Healing Trauma: Madison Margolin Gets Real 12/02/2025

Psychedelics, Spirituality & Healing Trauma: Madison Margolin Gets Real 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. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/39230635

Becoming McKenzi Brooke: Growing Up Online, Finding Her Voice & Turning Pressure Into Purpose 11/25/2025

Becoming McKenzi Brooke: Growing Up Online, Finding Her Voice & Turning Pressure Into Purpose 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. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/39164090

Grief, Truth & Becoming a Better Man: John DeDakis Opens Up 11/18/2025

Grief, Truth & Becoming a Better Man: John DeDakis Opens Up What happens when a lifetime journalist turns the camera inward? Award-winning CNN editor and author John DeDakis joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about truth, grief, mental health, and the painful losses that shaped him as a man, husband, and writer. He opens up about losing his sister and son, why men need to cry more, and how storytelling became his path toward healing. John DeDakis spent decades shaping the news at CNN — but the stories that shaped him were the ones rooted in personal loss, truth, and resilience. The award-winning journalist, novelist, and writing coach sits down with Joseph “JoJo” Simmons on the For Good Podcast for one of the most heartfelt, emotionally open conversations of the season. John opens up about losing both his sister and his youngest son, how grief never truly ends, and why he believes men must learn to feel instead of suppress. He and JoJo dive into how journaling, mindfulness, and honest emotional expression saved him from breaking — and how those same tools can help others heal, too. They explore: What CNN’s fast-paced newsroom taught him about truth, storytelling, and integrity How grief changes a man, a marriage, and the way you show up in the world Why tears are necessary, not weak — and how “your tears become bullets” when you hold them in The evolution of journalism, misinformation, and the responsibility of telling real, human stories How he used fiction to process pain and why writing from a woman’s perspective changed his life The sixth stage of grief — and how finding meaning rebuilt his purpose In one of the most powerful moments of the episode, John shares that the proudest accomplishment of his entire career isn’t CNN, his books, or the awards — it’s the choice to fight for his marriage after losing his son. A raw, honest, deeply human conversation about love, loss, truth, and living “for good.” 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/39066625

Dreka Gates: 60 Acres, a 7-Figure Wellness Empire, and the Moment She Reclaimed Her Power 11/04/2025

Dreka Gates: 60 Acres, a 7-Figure Wellness Empire, and the Moment She Reclaimed Her Power Dreka Gates didn’t set out to build a wellness empire — it found her. When COVID forced her into isolation on 60 acres of Mississippi land, just miles from where her great-grandmother once farmed, everything shifted. One day, while working the soil, she fell to her knees in tears — not because she bought the land, but because she realized: “This really belongs to me.” In this powerful conversation at Black Week, Dreka sits down with Joseph “JoJo” Simmons to share how she transformed her healing journey into a seven-figure empire — from Love’s Harvest, her cannabis company, and the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Mississippi (built with a $2 million investment into a 100-year-old building), to Dreka Rose emotional wellness eyewear, a 60-acre regenerative farm, and even an AI avatar that connects with people one-on-one. But this episode isn’t just about success — it’s about the spiritual, emotional, and mental work it takes to sustain it all. Dreka opens up about the practices that keep her grounded, from burning negative energy each morning to breaking generational cycles while building generational wealth. What You’ll Hear: Why self-mastery is the foundation of every business move she makes The $2M lesson she learned investing in experience, not just space Why cannabis could’ve been a trillion-dollar industry for Black and Brown communities The “sandwich method” she uses for tough negotiations — firm, but rooted in love How she uses AI and gaming to meet people where they are Why she left the church at 13 to find her own spiritual path Her healing journey to the Amazon jungle with shamans What she’d tell her 13-year-old self who bet on herself before she had proof This is a story of alignment, ownership, and audacity — and what it means to truly build For Good. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/38902235

When the Story Becomes Personal: Kathy Iandoli on Co-Writing with Gucci Mane and Finding Growth Through Grief 10/28/2025

From Broken to Whole: Alechia Reese’s Transformation from Domestic Violence to Divine Purpose 10/21/2025

The Fight for Representation in Hollywood: Natasha Ward-Shaw on Colorism, Confidence, and Change 10/14/2025

Just JoJo: Birthday Edition — Redefining Legacy Beyond the Spotlight 10/07/2025

From Burnout to Billions: John Thompson III on Resilience & Redefining Success 09/30/2025

From Rapstyle Mondays to Run’s House: JoJo & Zach Reunite 09/23/2025

From Rapstyle Mondays to Run’s House: JoJo & Zach Reunite What happens when your childhood best friend also becomes your partner in music, TV, and life? For JoJo Simmons and his day one, Zach, the answer is a journey that spans from first grade classrooms to middle school rap battles, to forming Team Blackout and appearing together on Run’s House. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, JoJo and Zach revisit the funny, heartfelt, and sometimes wild stories that shaped their brotherhood — including the infamous Rapstyle Mondays battles that got so big they were banned by the school, and the moment JoJo realized he’d rather team up with Zach than risk losing to him in a battle. Zach reflects on the surreal experience of living a “double life” in high school, riding the bus with classmates one moment and being picked up by MTV producers the next. He opens up about the pressures of perception — what it was like to be recognized on the street, receive fan letters, and even adjust how Team Blackout parked their car just to “protect the brand.” JoJo and Zach share memories of recording endless tracks in the basement on cassette tapes, chasing record deals, and the lessons they learned from dreaming big as teenagers in the spotlight. But this conversation isn’t just about nostalgia. JoJo asks Zach what it meant to become godfather to his daughter Mia, and Zach opens up about why he takes that role so seriously. They talk about opposites attracting in friendship, how family support kept their bond strong, and how music gave Zach both an outlet and an alter ego that built his confidence. Today, Zach has transitioned into life as a music educator, carrying forward the same passion that started in those freestyle circles. This episode is a celebration of friendship, growth, and the bonds that stand the test of time. JoJo and Zach also discuss: The moment JoJo asked Zach to be godfather to his daughter Mia How Team Blackout formed and the lessons they learned chasing their rap dreams The realities of being young, on TV, and navigating fame in the MySpace/TMZ era Why music became Zach’s therapy and gave him confidence as a quiet kid A heartfelt message for Reggie This episode is a celebration of friendship, growth, and the bonds that stand the test of time. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/fdbeb00e-155b-4a5f-81d1-71ed69a83114/id/38316630

Hip-Hop, Hard Lessons & Healing: Dr. Sahpreem A. King’s Journey of Redemption 09/16/2025

From Super Bowl to Saving Lives: Bryant McKinnie Gets Real About Mental Health 09/09/2025

Angela Simmons: Dating Drama, Mental Health & Why She Attracts 'Protectors' (Part 2) 09/02/2025

Angela Simmons: From Whippin' Pastry to Single Parenthood & Dating in the Spotlight 08/26/2025

From Viral Mistake to Redemption: Loomis on Rising Again 08/19/2025

Dr. Jay Barnett on Trauma, Love & Letting Go 08/12/2025

Warning: file_get_contents(): SSL: Connection reset by peer in /etc/libsyn/libsyn.hg/directory/application/controllers/ShowsController.php on line 85

Warning: file_get_contents(https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/platform/directory/svg-icons/googlePodcasts-logo.svg): failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! in /etc/libsyn/libsyn.hg/directory/application/controllers/ShowsController.php on line 85

For Good

TOPICS