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.