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

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

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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

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