Sentenced to Life for 40 Tons of Weed: Corvain Cooper’s Fight for Freedom
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
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From Cleaning Inboxes to Leading Projects: 3isFor's Director of Production
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
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Just JoJo: How I Really Felt About Your Feedback
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
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The White Russell Simmons? Steve Lobel on Life Lessons, Loss & Hip-Hop
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 Feeling this convo? Hit subscribe, drop a review, and pass it to someone who needs to hear it! 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
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Why We Built a Creative Studio on a Farm: 3isFor Sustainability
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
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.
USA