In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Joint Forces Podcast, host Luke Scarmazzo sits down with singer and songwriter Nika Cocos—a true force in the rising R&B scene. Originally from Belarus, Nika shares the deeply personal story of how she was forced to flee from the war in Ukraine and start a new chapter in the Bay Area, using music as both a healing outlet and a launchpad for her dreams.Now based in California, Nika’s sound blends raw emotion with slick production, bridging her Eastern European roots and West Coast influences. Her latest track “Bad Girl” is straight fire—dripping with confidence and soul while telling a story of independence and resilience. From war zones to recording studios, Nika is turning pain into power and proving she's a name to remember.Luke and Nika get real about the immigrant hustle, what it takes to stay grounded through chaos, and how music can be a lifeline when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. This episode is deep, inspiring, and full of gems for anyone chasing their passion through adversity.Follow Luke Scarmazzo:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukescarmazzo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointforcespodcast/Follow Nika:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nika.cocosss/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/Get Luke Scarmazzo's book ”High Price” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0m48P0EAbout The Joint Forces Podcast:Welcome to The Joint Forces Podcast—where the hustle meets the heart of the cannabis game. Hosted by Luke Scarmazzo, a real one who did 15 years in federal prison just for running a legit medical dispensary under California law, this podcast keeps it raw and unfiltered. Luke breaks down the business, culture, and legal drama surrounding the cannabis industry, bringing in voices that matter—entrepreneurs, activists, and folks who’ve done time for the plant they love.This ain't just talk; it’s about shining a light on untold stories and real struggles in the cannabis world. Whether it's chopping it up with industry leaders or hearing from people fighting outdated drug laws, The Joint Forces Podcast delivers the truth from those who lived it. Luke’s journey from prison to reform advocate gives him a front-row seat to the game—perfect for listeners who want the real deal on cannabis legalization, social justice, and what it takes to thrive in the green space today.