For Good

Some family stories only get better with time. In this first For Good Family Meeting, trade childhood stories, revisit the lessons that hit differently now that they’re parents, and debate which family traditions deserve a comeback. They also get real about raising kids in the age of social media—from checking their phones to knowing when privacy becomes a safety issue. Funny, candid, and occasionally chaotic, it’s a conversation about family, parenting, and what we choose to pass on to the next generation. In this episode, JoJo and Vanessa discuss:   (00:00) Introduction (02:30) Lessons They Didn’t Appreciate Until Adulthood (12:45) Remember When: Keeping Family Traditions Alive (26:04) This or That: What Could You Give Up Forever?  (36:14) Kids, Social Media, and the Privacy Debate (42:55) For Good News: Choosing Grace Over Backlash Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Parenting, Family Relationships, Kids and Social Media, Parenting Advice, Family Traditions, Childhood Memories, Raising Kids, Digital Parenting, Social Media and Children, Family Values, JoJo Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, For Good Podcast, For Good Family Meetings

Childhood has changed more in the last decade than it did in the previous hundred years. Between social media, algorithms, constant comparison, and endless digital distractions, many parents are trying to raise children in a world they never had to navigate themselves. But what if the biggest challenge isn't technology—it's how we prepare our children to live alongside it? In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Shefali joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain why today's parenting models are no longer enough, how boys and girls face different emotional challenges growing up, and why raising resilient children starts with changing the way we parent. From protecting kids without overprotecting them to helping daughters build inner confidence and teaching boys healthy masculinity, this conversation offers practical guidance for raising emotionally healthy children in an increasingly complex world. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Shefali Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:17) Your Child's Attention Is Being Stolen (12:29) Why Confidence Is Falling in Girls  (15:30) The Parenting Mistake That's Failing Boys  (21:11) Raise Kids Who Don't Need to Perform for Love (28:07) Raising Strong Girls and Conscious Boys   (38:57) When Achievement Replaces Emotional Health (46:46) Why Vulnerability Makes Stronger Men  (48:43) The Parenting Mistake That Weakens Resilience  (53:44) The Future of Healthy Relationships  Dr. Shefali is a clinical psychologist, internationally bestselling author, and one of the world's leading voices on conscious parenting. Through books including The Conscious Parent, Raising Conscious Sons, and Raising Conscious Daughters, she has helped millions of parents build stronger relationships with their children by combining modern psychology, mindfulness, and practical parenting strategies. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Shefali's Book, The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1897238452  Dr. Shefali's Book, Raising Conscious Sons: Cultivating Purpose, Connection, and Inner Power in a Chaotic World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063499517  Dr. Shefali's Book, Raising Conscious Daughters: Building Confidence, Courage, and Inner Power in an Anxious World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063499568  Connect with Dr. Shefali: Dr. Shefali’s Website: https://www.drshefali.com/  Dr. Shefali’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorshefali/  Dr. Shefali’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrShefali  Dr. Shefali’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorshefali/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development, Parenting

Most people don’t wait because they’re lazy. They wait until they feel ready, confident, healed, or certain enough to change finally. But therapist Kier Gaines believes the longer you practice waiting, the better you become at staying exactly where you are. In this episode, Kier joins JoJo and Vanessa to unpack the uncomfortable reality of healing, from protecting your peace without avoiding hard conversations to taking accountability without tearing yourself down. He also opens up about forgiveness, comparison, relationships, and his own experience with depression, revealing why real growth rarely begins when you feel ready. It begins when you decide to show up anyway. In this episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Kier discuss:  (00:00) Introduction (03:00) Stop Waiting Until You Feel Ready (07:49) The Uncomfortable Reality of Healing Yourself (14:44) When Protecting Your Peace Becomes Avoidance (17:30) Taking Accountability Without Punishing Yourself (25:10) Building a Home Where Everyone Feels Heard (29:28) Knowing When It’s Safe to Be Vulnerable (31:52) Using Comparison Without Losing Yourself (40:32) Slowing Down Before Life Passes You By (45:34) The Complicated Truth About Forgiveness (54:37) Showing Up When Depression Changes Shape (57:42) Starting Before You Feel Ready Kier Gaines is a licensed therapist, content creator, author, and host of the Learn the Hard Way podcast. Through his work, he makes conversations around healing, relationships, self-awareness, and emotional health practical and relatable. His book, It All Starts When You Do, explores the inner work required to take ownership of your growth and begin healing without waiting for the perfect moment. Resources Mentioned: Kier’s Book, It All Starts When You Do: How to Do the Real Work of Self-Healing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GF1JV76J Connect with Kier: Kier’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiergaines/  Kier’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kier-gaines-6b46912b2  Kier’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiergaines/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Family, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development, Parenting

Why do so many of us keep repeating the same relationship patterns, arguments, and mistakes, even when we know better? In this episode of For Good, licensed therapist, author, and relationship expert Vanessa Bennett unpacks the hidden beliefs that shape the way we love, communicate, and show up for ourselves. From codependency and trauma to accountability and self-awareness, she explains why real healing starts the moment we stop pointing fingers and start looking inward. Together, JoJo, Vanessa, and Vanessa Bennett explore why chaos can feel like chemistry, how childhood experiences quietly influence adult relationships, what healthy accountability actually looks like, and why taking ownership of your life is the most empowering thing you can do. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Vanessa B. Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:22) The Mirror Most People Avoid (07:29) Why Chaos Feels Like Love (13:46) Stop Letting Trauma Define You  (20:34) The Difference Between Love and Compatibility  (24:24) How to Break Free Without Burning Bridges (30:25) The Fastest Way to Change Your Life Vanessa Bennett is a licensed therapist, relationship expert, depth psychology coach, and author of The Motherhood Myth. Through her clinical work, coaching programs, and writing, she helps people break unhealthy patterns, build stronger relationships, and develop the self-awareness needed to create lasting personal growth. Resources Mentioned: Vanessa’s Book, It's Not Me, It's You: Break the Blame Cycle. Relationship Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063206315  Connect with Vanessa Bennett: Vanessa’s Website: https://www.vanessabennett.com/  Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessasbennett/  Vanessa’s Substack: https://hellovanessabennett.substack.com/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

For generations, "be strong" meant staying silent. If you were struggling, you pushed through. If you were overwhelmed, you kept it to yourself. But what if some of the habits we call resilience are actually keeping us from healing? In this episode, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins JoJo and Vanessa to unpack the generational beliefs that shaped how we think about mental health, why so many people don't recognize when they need help, and the practical tools that make healing feel possible. From therapy and self-awareness to community, social media, and everyday habits, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of your mind isn't a weakness. It's one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Alfiee: (00:00) Introduction (05:04) Why "Be Strong" Kept Generations Silent (18:14) Making Mental Health Feel More Accessible (25:02) Why Gen Z Feels More Overwhelmed Than Ever (33:17) The Everyday Habits That Support Healing (48:11) Healing Through Community and Purpose Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble is a psychologist, scientist, author, and founder of the AAKOMA Project, a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health care for young people and communities of color. A 2024 Melinda French Gates Global Leader, she is known for advancing mental health equity through culturally informed research, advocacy, and her book Rise and Thrive, making mental health more accessible, practical, and relevant for navigating everyday challenges. Resources Mentioned:  Dr. Alfiee's Book, Rise and Thrive: A mental health workbook for youth & for the young person inside all of us: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQCX2TWQ  AAKOMA Website: https://aakomaproject.org/  Connect with Dr. Alfiee: Dr. Alfiee Website: https://dralfiee.com/  Dr. Alfiee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/  Dr. Alfiee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Mental Health, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Growth, Impact, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

For decades, psychedelics were dismissed as dangerous drugs with no place in medicine. But what if some of the most controversial substances in modern history could help people heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and emotional pain in ways traditional treatments often can't? In this episode, Rick Doblin joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain how MDMA-assisted therapy moved from the underground into clinical research, why trauma can keep people trapped for years, and what the future of mental health treatment could look like. From personal healing and PTSD recovery to drug policy reform and the science behind psychedelics, this conversation challenges many of the assumptions we've been taught about healing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Rick Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:50) The Surprising Origin Story of MDMA   (16:22) The Hidden Power of Mystical Experiences  (27:57) The Safest Way to Use Psychedelics   (36:49) Healing Beyond Talk Therapy  (43:55) The Psychedelic Revolution (59:50) The Drug War's Real Victims (01:08:23) Rick's Vision for Net-Zero Trauma Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and president of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), a nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics. His work has helped advance clinical research into MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and has played a major role in bringing psychedelic science into mainstream healthcare discussions. Resources Mentioned: Rick’s Paper, Pahnke's "GOOD FRIDAY EXPERIMENT": A Long-term Follow-up and Methodological Critique: https://www.atpweb.org/jtparchive/trps-23-91-01-001.pdf  Realms of the Human Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research by Stanislav Grof: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1788163710   One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451163966  Connect with Rick: Rick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdoblin  Rick’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickdoblin/  Rick’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickdoblinphd/  Rick’s X: https://x.com/RickDoblin  MAPS Website: https://maps.org/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Mental Health, PTSD, Healing Trauma, Psychedelics, MDMA Therapy, MAPS, Personal Growth, Mental Wellness, Psychology, Self Healing, Emotional Health, Trauma Recovery, Therapy, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

We all experience heartbreak, rejection, loneliness, and failure, yet most of us were never taught how to respond to them. Guy Winch believes that's one of the biggest gaps in modern life. As a psychologist, bestselling author, and leading advocate for emotional and mental health, he has spent years helping people understand why emotional wounds deserve the same attention as physical ones. In this conversation, he joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain what rejection does to the brain, why heartbreak can feel like withdrawal from an addiction, how loneliness quietly impacts our health, and why self-compassion is often the first step toward healing.  In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Guy Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:23) Emotional First Aid for Everyday Life (12:22) The Loneliness Effect of Social Media (17:55) Why Heartbreak Feels So Devastating (26:48) The Communication Habit That Keeps Couples Stuck  (30:32) The Hidden Patterns Behind Your Failures (34:34) Why Self-Compassion Beats Self-Criticism Guy Winch is a licensed psychologist, author, and one of the leading voices in emotional health and psychological resilience. Through his bestselling books, TED Talks, and clinical work, he has helped millions better understand rejection, heartbreak, loneliness, self-esteem, and emotional recovery. His practical approach to emotional well-being has made him a trusted resource for people navigating life's most difficult moments, and his latest work explores how to build healthier relationships with work, achievement, and personal fulfillment. Resources Mentioned: Guy’s Book, Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668069334  Connect with Guy: Guy’s Website: https://www.guywinch.com/  Guy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guywinch  Guy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guywinch/  Guy’s X: https://x.com/GuyWinch  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Mental Health, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Growth, Impact, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

One of the biggest myths we carry is that self-criticism is the price of success. As the pioneering researcher behind self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff has spent decades studying how people respond to failure, shame, stress, and setbacks. In this conversation, Kristin joins JoJo and Vanessa to explain why being kinder to yourself doesn't lower your standards, how self-compassion can improve performance, and why real strength comes from supporting yourself through life's hardest moments instead of tearing yourself down. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Kristin Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:55) Why Being Hard on Yourself Doesn't Work (07:45) The Part of Self-Compassion Most People Miss (14:48) The Mindset That Helps You Perform Better (23:24) The Hidden Desire Behind Shame (31:14) Self-Compassion Starts at Home (36:23) The Power of Fierce Self-Compassion (41:57) The Strongest Men Ask What They Need (46:37) The 20-Second Practice That Changes Everything (51:01) Why Your Worth Isn't Up for Debate Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneering researcher, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and one of the world's leading experts on self-compassion. She is the bestselling author of Self-Compassion and Fierce Self-Compassion, and her work has helped millions develop healthier ways to navigate failure, stress, shame, and personal growth. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Kristin Neff's Book, Fierce Self-Compassion: How to Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Your Power, and Thrive – A Personal Development Guide for Women Seeking Balance and Motivation: https://www.amazon.com/dp/006299106X  Dr. Kristin Neff's Book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JN1DBO  Connect with Dr. Kristin: Dr. Kristin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinneff  Dr. Kristin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassion/  Dr. Kristin’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeffKristin  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

What if the traits we've been taught to admire are the same ones preventing us from healing? Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett has spent nearly four decades researching anxiety in Black communities, particularly among Black women and girls. In this conversation, she joins JoJo to discuss the hidden ways anxiety shows up in everyday life, the pressure of always having to be strong, the difference between panic attacks and stress, Black maternal mental health, generational patterns of coping, and why healing begins with telling yourself the truth about what you're carrying. In This Episode, JoJo and Dr. Neal-Barnett Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:56) How Anxiety in Black Communities Is Overlooked  (09:14) The “What If” Thinking That Fuels Anxiety  (14:41) The Hidden Cost of Always Being Strong  (26:24) How to Change the Recipe for Anxiety   (33:54) The Maternal Mental Health Crisis We Don't Talk About  (48:07) Why Asking for Help Is a Form of Strength  (51:43) Trust Your Intuition and Tell the Truth Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a clinical psychologist, professor at Kent State University, and one of the country's leading experts on anxiety in Black communities. She is the founder of the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders Among African Americans (PRADAA) and the author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Neal-Barnett’s Book, Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743225384  Connect with Dr. Neal-Barnett: Dr. Neal-Barnett's Website: https://www.drangelanealbarnett.com Dr. Neal-Barnett’s Research Program, PRADAA: https://sites.google.com/view/pradaalab/home?authuser=0 Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Mental Health, Anxiety, Black Mental Health, Black Women, Panic Attacks, Therapy, Emotional Wellness, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Resilience, Personal Growth, Psychology, Healing, Self-Care, Community Health

In a culture that celebrates busyness, choosing to slow down can feel almost impossible. Tricia Hersey believes that's exactly why it matters. As the founder of The Nap Ministry, she has built a movement around the idea that rest isn't a reward for hard work but a vital part of being human. In this episode, Tricia joins JoJo and Vanessa to unpack the roots of burnout, challenge our assumptions about productivity, and explain how rest can help us reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and the lives we actually want to build. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Tricia discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:24) The Movement That Started With a Nap (07:35) Why So Many People Feel Guilty Resting (14:48) The Hidden Cost of Constant Exhaustion (23:16) Small Ways to Reclaim Your Time (29:08) Returning to Your Humanity Through Rest (34:46) What Burnout Looks Like in Real Life (40:34) Why Healing Requires Imagination (50:22) Rest Is Not Something You Earn Tricia Hersey is an artist, theologian, author, and the founder of The Nap Ministry, a movement dedicated to reclaiming rest as a human right. Drawing from her background in spirituality, community organizing, and cultural trauma studies, Tricia challenges the cultural obsession with busyness and advocates for rest as a pathway to healing, imagination, and liberation. Through her bestselling book Rest Is Resistance, speaking engagements, and community work, she has helped spark a global conversation about burnout, wellness, and what it means to live beyond grind culture. Resources Mentioned: Tricia’s Book, Rest Is Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316365211 Connect with Tricia: Tricia’s Website: http://www.triciahersey.com Tricia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-hersey-15919b3b/  The Nap Ministry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenapministry  The Nap Ministry’s X: https://x.com/thenapministry  The Nap Ministry’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thenapministry/   The Nap Ministry’s Website: https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

Most people think confidence comes after success. Nicole Kalil believes the opposite. As a leadership coach, speaker, and bestselling author, she teaches that confidence isn't built on achievements or external validation but on trusting yourself. In this episode, Nicole joins JoJo and Vanessa to break down the psychology behind real confidence, explain why action matters more than positive thinking, and share practical tools to overcome comparison, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and self-doubt. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Nicole Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (06:47) Confidence Starts With Self-Trust (10:30) Escaping the External Validation Trap (15:56) The Truth About Imposter Syndrome (21:01) Owning Your Power Without People-Pleasing (24:59) Why Action Builds Real Confidence (35:28) Why Even Great Leaders Lack Confidence (41:53) Boundaries That Build Self-Confidence (46:25) Raising Confident Kids Without Perfectionism (50:57) The Daily Habit That Builds Confidence  Nicole Kalil is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and confidence expert. She is the author of Validation Is For Parking and the host of the This Is Woman's Work podcast, where she explores leadership, ambition, confidence, and personal growth. Through her coaching, speaking, and workshops, Nicole helps individuals and organizations develop stronger leaders by building confidence from the inside out. Resources Mentioned: Nicole’s Book, Validation Is For Parking: How Women Can Beat the Confidence Con: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544532695  Connect with Nicole: Nicole’s Website: https://nicolekalil.com Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemkalil/  Nicole’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsWomansWork  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

As the daughter of a pastor in Baltimore, Dr. Thema Bryant witnessed firsthand how people carried pain, grief, trauma, and unanswered questions before they ever sought professional help. Prior to becoming a psychologist, she was answering crisis calls and listening to people navigate some of life's hardest moments. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong mission to help people heal. Today, as a psychologist, ordained minister, author, and former president of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Thema helps individuals move beyond survival and into wholeness. In this episode, she joins JoJo and Vanessa to explore trauma, mental health, cultural identity, spirituality, and the courage it takes to tell yourself the truth about how you're really doing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Thema Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:05) The Power of Acknowledging Your Pain (06:14) Cultural Misunderstandings and Misconceptions (09:12) Why We Hide Our True Selves (11:14) Why Authenticity Beats People-Pleasing (16:04) Building Small Wins Into Your Routine (20:31) From Surviving to Thriving Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, ordained minister, author, professor, and former president of the American Psychological Association. Known for her work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and trauma recovery, she has dedicated her career to helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her therapy practice, books, speaking, and The Homecoming Podcast, Dr. Thema empowers individuals to move beyond survival mode and create lives grounded in wholeness, resilience, and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Thema's Book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059371914X  Dr. Thema's Book, Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0593418328  Dr. Thema's Book, Reclaim Yourself: The Homecoming Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Yourself-Thema-Bryant-Ph-D/dp/0593715292 Connect with Dr. Thema: Dr. Thema's Website: https://drthema.com/ Dr. Thema's X: https://x.com/drthema  Dr. Thema's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thema-bryant-8105ba89/  Dr. Thema's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.thema/  Dr. Thema's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHomecomingPodcastwithDrThem  Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/  Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/  Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/    JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/  For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/  3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/  If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

Most people know the headline. Few know what Korey Wise lived through. At just 16 years old, Korey Wise was wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case and sentenced to years in prison for a crime he did not commit. While the world debated the case, Korey was fighting to survive inside some of New York's toughest prisons. In this powerful conversation, Korey sits down with Vanessa and JoJo Simmons to share the story behind the headlines. He reflects on his childhood dreams, the reality of being sent to adult prison as a teenager, the daily fight for survival, and the moment the real perpetrator, Matias Reyes, unexpectedly approached him behind bars years later. Korey also opens up about life after exoneration, the challenges of rebuilding, the struggle to heal from unimaginable trauma, his faith, his daughter, and what keeps him moving forward today. This episode is not just about injustice. It's about resilience, survival, purpose, and the strength to keep going when everything has been taken from you. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #forgoodpodcast #koreywise #exoneratedfive#centralparkfive

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."

On this episode of the For Good podcast, JoJo Simmons sits down with civil rights activist, organizer, and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Executive Director, Desmond Meade. Desmond's story is one of the most powerful journeys of redemption, healing, and purpose you'll ever hear. From homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to becoming one of the leading voices behind Florida's Amendment 4 — restoring voting rights to more than 1.4 million returning citizens — Desmond opens up about what it truly means to rebuild your life and dedicate it to serving others. Throughout the conversation, Desmond reflects on the untreated trauma that often shapes incarceration, the importance of second chances, and the life-changing moment in rehab that helped him discover his purpose through helping others. He also shares emotional stories about voting rights, dignity, humanity, and why love and community are ultimately stronger than division.

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.

What do you realize about your parents… once you become one? In this special episode, Joseph "JoJo" Simmons and Vanessa Simmons sit down with their mother, Dr. Valerie Vaughn, for a deeply personal conversation about family, parenting, and the lessons that shape who we become. As both now navigate parenthood themselves, they reflect on the structure, discipline, and values they were raised with—and the wisdom they understand on a deeper level today. Dr. Vaughn also opens up about being married to Rev Run of Run-DMC, navigating early fame, and raising children in the public eye. She shares how they maintained strong family values through it all, and how they've continued to build a healthy, supportive blended family after divorce. With decades of experience as an educator, she breaks down what it really takes to raise confident, grounded children—from consistency and accountability to emotional awareness and leading by example. JoJo and Vanessa open up about how those lessons continue to shape their lives, relationships, and parenting today. The conversation also explores raising kids in today's world and why being intentional about what you consume—especially on social media—matters more than ever. If you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this episode offers real insight into the lifelong impact of family.