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.
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When the Story Becomes Personal: Kathy Iandoli on Co-Writing with Gucci Mane and Finding Growth Through Grief
What really goes into writing the stories that define hip hop? Journalist, author, and NYU professor Kathy Iandoli joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good Podcast to talk about her new book The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane, the pressure of documenting cultural icons, and how storytelling can save lives. She opens up about vulnerability in hip hop, the role of mental health in the industry, and what it means to find purpose through pain. Kathy Iandoli has spent nearly three decades shaping how the world sees hip hop — from writing God Save the Queens and Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah to co-authoring Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane. But behind the bylines and book deals is a story about healing, resilience, and the power of truth. In this episode of the For Good Podcast, Kathy sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons to talk about the emotional weight of telling other people's stories, the responsibility that comes with documenting hip hop's biggest voices, and how vulnerability has redefined her career. She opens up about her own journey through grief and burnout, what it means to evolve alongside the culture, and why storytelling is a form of therapy — not just for artists, but for the writer too. They dive into: The making of The Diary of a Recovering Madman with Gucci Mane The intersection of mental health and hip hop culture How Kathy's writing helped her process personal loss and identity What the next generation of storytellers can learn about truth, empathy, and legacy 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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From Broken to Whole: Alechia Reese's Transformation from Domestic Violence to Divine Purpose
Transformation coach and author Alechia Reese joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the for good podcast to share how she went from surviving domestic violence and suicidal thoughts to discovering her purpose — helping others create lives that not only look good, but feel good. On the outside, Alechia Reese had everything — a successful career, a beautiful home, and a loving family. But behind the image of success, she was silently struggling, planning to take her own life. What happened next changed everything. Alechia joins Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the for good podcast to talk about how hitting rock bottom led her to find her purpose, heal from abuse, and rebuild her life with intention. Now a transformation coach, author, and host of the Triggered AF and Got Value podcasts, Alechia helps people align their success with fulfillment — proving that no matter what you've been through, you still got value. In this powerful conversation, they dive into: The moment that saved her life and redefined her purpose Surviving and breaking free from domestic violence How low self-worth keeps people trapped in painful cycles The power of intention and emotional healing Why effort, readiness, and self-truth are key to transformation "Everything that glitters isn't gold — and sometimes the 'no' you fear is the 'yes' you need." Subscribe to the for good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Fight for Representation in Hollywood: Natasha Ward-Shaw on Colorism, Confidence, and Change
Hollywood has long struggled with representation — and Natasha Ward Shaw has spent more than 20 years fighting to change that. The casting director, producer, and acting coach sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on The For Good Podcast for a powerful conversation about diversity, colorism, and what it really takes to open doors for Black women in entertainment. From interning on Fat Albert to casting, producing, and coaching some of today's most talented actors, Natasha has built a career rooted in purpose. She shares how she's fought to make sure darker-skinned women are seen as leading ladies, how confidence can transform an actor's career, and why representation isn't a trend — it's a responsibility. The conversation also dives into how Natasha balances fighting for others while protecting her own peace, what true inclusion in Hollywood should look like, and why she believes faith and family are the foundation for longevity in any industry. JoJo and Natasha open up about: How colorism and bias still show up in casting rooms Why confidence is the foundation for success The importance of creating real opportunities, not just token representation How faith, family, and joy keep her grounded through the fight Subscribe to The For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Just JoJo: Birthday Edition — Redefining Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
Short Description Turning 36 isn't just another year—it's a checkpoint. In this special birthday edition, JoJo Simmons opens up about growth, fatherhood, and redefining what legacy means beyond fame. From faith and family to business and purpose, he reflects on how far he's come and the lessons that keep him grounded. Full Description In this Just JoJo: Birthday Edition, JoJo Simmons steps into his 36th year with gratitude, growth, and a new perspective on what really matters. He reflects on life beyond the spotlight—what it means to come from a legendary family yet still build your own name, purpose, and peace. From lessons learned as a husband and father to the mindset shifts that helped him find calm and clarity, JoJo shares how he's learned to "worry less and do his best." Through honesty and reflection, JoJo opens up about carving out his own identity, choosing faith over fear, and redefining legacy as impact rather than image. They dive into: What legacy really means beyond fame or family name The lessons turning 36 has taught him about growth and peace How faith and fatherhood gave him deeper purpose The power of intention, resilience, and gratitude in building a meaningful life 🎂 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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