What Is the Yurttt? Joseph ‘JoJo’ Simmons on Building a Creative Studio on a Farm, Friendship, and Fatherhood

Fatherhood, emotional intelligence, and men’s mental health shaped their bond—now JoJo and Kris are using storytelling to build something bigger. In this episode of For Good, Joseph “JoJo” Simmons and his co-founder Kris Karl take you inside the yurt on Karl Family Farms—the creative HQ of their values-driven studio, 3isFor. JoJo and Kris first crossed paths as teenagers in North Jersey, but it took decades, fatherhood, and a shift in priorities to turn a surface-level friendship into something much deeper. Now leading a values-driven company rooted in storytelling, they reflect on how emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and values helped them build a creative studio on a working regenerative farm in New York’s Hudson Valley. This episode lays the foundation for the For Good podcast — a space where mental health, legacy, and purpose-driven work take center stage. In this episode: The North Jersey high school days—and why they didn’t truly connect until later in life. How becoming fathers changed the way they move through the world. Why the yurt became the heartbeat of 3isFor. What emotional intelligence looks like inside a business partnership. How storytelling can be a tool for healing, impact, and generational change.   Meet your hosts: Joseph “JoJo” Simmons is best known for Run’s House and Growing Up Hip Hop, but his real evolution began off-camera. A husband, father, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate, JoJo received the Phoenix Arising Award from the Black Mental Health Alliance for his work promoting emotional intelligence and men’s mental health—especially in Black communities. Kris Karl is a regenerative farmer, investor, creative thinker and co-founder of 3isFor. With a background in public service, Kris brings a deeply rooted perspective to storytelling and sustainable business. As a husband and father, he’s committed to doing work that aligns with his values—from the soil to the studio. Links and Resources: Follow @forgoodpodcast on Instagram Follow @3isfor on Instagram Follow @karlfamilyfarms on Instagram Follow @dadventuresinfarming on Instagram   Subscribe to the For Good podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing the Podcast and Co-Founders 02:25 High School Memories and Friendships 04:46 Meeting Dave Dow and Forming Bonds 06:55 Navigating High School Challenges 18:03 Privilege and Grounding 20:07 Business Ventures and Cannabis Industry 25:51 Pivoting to Content Creation 33:01 The Power of Storytelling in Cannabis 34:40 Addressing Stigmas and Building Community 36:42 Intentional Content Creation 37:52 The Journey of Building a Business 42:09 Redefining Modern Masculinity 47:39 Diverse Approaches to Cannabis Consumption 57:21 The Yurt: A Creative Space 01:00:27 The Strength of Partnership 01:07:11 Upcoming Episodes and Conclusion

Om Podcasten

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.