About this episode
Was Run's House really reality? Or was it just for TV? Vanessa Simmons joins her brother Joseph "JoJo" Simmons on the For Good podcast for a rare conversation about growing up in the spotlight, setting boundaries, and balancing fame with real life. As children of Rev Run of Run-DMC, Vanessa and JoJo have had a unique journey from Run's House to Growing Up Hip Hop , learning how to navigate the industry while protecting their peace. Vanessa opens up about why she keeps her relationship private, the inspiration behind her self-care brand, U4IA, and how she's helping others prioritize wellness. They reflect on their tight-knit relationships with all of their siblings and what it means to raise the next generation of Simmons with intention. Vanessa and JoJo also discuss: Low times and how they've each struggled with depression or social anxiety. What it was really like growing up with Rev Run as a dad - the family dynamic behind the scenes. JoJo shares a childhood memory that brings Vanessa to tears. Links and Resources: Follow @vanessajsimmons 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 00:01:35 You Need the Right Team Behind You 00:02:18 Growing Up with a Single Mom in Queens 00:04:28 Privileged but Not Spoiled: Our Upbringing 00:06:23 Run's House Wasn't Scripted 00:10:27 Lessons Learned from Reality TV 00:13:40 Being the Family Peacekeeper 00:15:02 My Relationships with All My Siblings 00:21:37 Being a Good Sister Means So Much 00:22:13 Missing New York While Living in LA 00:24:01 How Motherhood Changed Me 00:27:01 Balancing Career and Motherhood 00:29:47 Your Daughter Pranked My Daughter 00:31:53 The Spotlight on Self-Care 00:35:02 Using Our Platforms to Make a Difference 00:36:18 Living in the Public Eye Makes You Hyper-Self-Aware 00:38:06 Women Are Still Judged by Their Looks 00:39:45 Embracing a More Modest Style 00:41:34 Keeping My Daughter Grounded in LA 00:42:19 Privacy Is Power 00:44:36 Seeing Our Family in the Headlines 00:45:58 Remember When You Lived on My Couch? 00:51:02 Family Vacations with Our Kids 00:52:57 The Impact of the Run-DMC Documentary 00:56:18 What's Next: New Projects 00:57:51 Motherhood Is My Driving Force 00:58:21 What Do You Do for Your Mental Health?