Uncommon Ground with Van Jones

Latest Episodes:

The Other Side of the South with Trae Crowder Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

“I'm not saying the South doesn't have problems with race. It does. But it allows the rest of the country to point at one place and be like, that right there–that's the racist part. When racism is very much an American problem.” You may have a particular image of a white southern male. They sound a certain way — therefore they must think and vote a certain way. But comedian, Trae Crowder, is complicating that image. A Tennessee native, Trae goes viral online with his “Liberal Redneck” videos, in which he critiques current events. He travels around the country doing stand up — offering a refreshing, southern fried take on everything from transgender bathrooms to Black Lives Matter (always with a surprising liberal twist). Trae comes at these big issues with wit and wry humor, as well as a deep grounding in the “white southern experience.” His progressive worldview is showing the rest of the country a VERY different side of the south.

This episode contains adult language, and may not be suitable for all listeners.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leaning into the Future with will.i.am Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

“I was stuck in my neighborhood. I was stuck with no opportunity. But creativity is the way out. The same brain that creates a song can come up with concepts and pitch them to companies – or build programs to help kids in the inner city.” These days it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stuck. Visionaries, like Van's guest will.i.am, show us a better path forward. In this episode, musician, philanthropist and futurist will.i.am discusses innovations the future may hold.

How can artificial intelligence guide us toward better ways of living? What do tech companies know about us that we don’t know about ourselves? And who is involved in the creation of the codes and algorithms that impact our lives? Most people aren’t asking these questions. But will.i.am is already thinking through the answers. Plus he shows how marginalized youth can use technology and participate fully in this fourth Industrial Revolution.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building Tables (Not Walls) with Chef José Andrés (Replay) Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

“If I can feed people in the good times, why can I not put my talents to use to serve people in the not so good times?” In their first conversation since each receiving Jeff Bezos’ Courage & Civility Award — a $100,000,000 grant to further their charitable efforts — Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, sits down with Van for this replay of the premiere episode of Uncommon Ground. They discuss disaster relief, helping others as a way to help ourselves, and the boundaries we are and are not willing to cross when it comes to getting things done.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Combine Social Change & Inner Change with Tara Brach Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

“The only thing that helps me is to feel like I'm holding hands with others who are remembering.” It seems like there are two types of people. Some are focused on fixing the external world – fighting to solve tough social problems. Other people are focused on healing their internal worlds – doing the spiritual work to deepen their own wisdom. What happens when we recognize the need for BOTH? Is it possible to combine the pursuits for outer peace and inner peace? This week, Van sits down with renowned mediation teacher and author, Tara Brach. Their discussion reveals ways that “inner bridge building” can help us tackle the most divisive issues of our time.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jonesrelease weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gun Violence: Ending the War on America’s Streets with Philly’s Pastor Carl Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

“Today, people film high school fights on their cell phones — and post them online. Back in the day, things would happen in school. But that was just between you and the other person. Now you have thousands of people who've seen it, which pushes people to respond with violence.” Should Black Lives Matter expand their scope to address gun violence on the streets? Are conservative pundits on Fox News helping or hurting when they opine about violence in urban areas? In this episode, Van sits down with Philly’s Pastor Carl Day - also known as ‘The Pastor of the Hood’ - to discuss these questions and more. Pastor Carl’s sharp, grounded insights into America’s gun violence epidemic are a reminder of the importance of authentic leaders working to solve problems on the front lines.

Make sure to stick around to the end of their conversation to hear some moving words from the beloved Philadelphia poet, RyAnn Bryant.

Follow Pastor Carl’s important work at culturechangingchristians.org

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Should Black People Take the Vaccine?” with Deon Taylor and Jonathan Isaac Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

“We're at a crossroads right now, where I truly believe this is the reckoning.” With the Omicron variant spreading globally and Covid-related hospitalizations on the rise again, Van pulls back the curtain on a vaccination debate raging within the Black community. Arguments for and against the COVID-19 vaccine tend to play out differently among African-Americans. To help explore the dueling perspectives, Van is joined by two guests--Deon Taylor (filmmaker and producer) and Jonathan Isaac (NBA power forward for the Orlando Magic)—who hold differing opinions on vaccination and mandates. Deon was hesitant about the vaccine -- but today publicly champions the shot that may have saved his life. Jonathan remains personally hesitant about the vaccine and opposes mandates -- seeing medical decisions as highly personal ones. Listen in on this unique and nuanced COVID era conversation.

Find up-to-date information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines, at the CDC or WHO websites:

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Loving the Haters with Sarah Silverman Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

“Nobody's going to be changed by being judged or condescended to.” In this episode, Van is joined by comedian, actress, writer, and podcast host, Sarah Silverman. They talk about the need for empathy (even for hecklers or haters), and how the best way to start to love someone is to get to know them. Sarah shares about her love for apologizing. And she shows that a mixture of humor, vulnerability, humility, and openness, can be a recipe for progress.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friendship Against the Odds with Meghan McCain Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

“Civility is key to civilization.” In this episode Van talks with Meghan McCain, columnist for The Daily Mail, author, and former co-host of The View, about the importance of recognizing the good in each political party and respecting those who have different perspectives. Van and Meghan’s friendship shows us that people with political differences can still come together to form meaningful relationships — and this conversation is a good guide for anyone looking to connect with a loved one with whom they have fundamental disagreements.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

*This episode uses audio clips from an episode of The View.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving Forward with Andrew Yang Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

What if we start taxing the robots? What if we eliminate closed primary elections? What if we launch a new political party? In the fifth episode of Uncommon Ground, Van sits down with that supernova of solutions, Andrew Yang. During the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, Yang was a fount of fresh thinking -- including his proposal to give every American $1,000 a month. In this conversation, Yang proves he is just getting started. He’s continuing to push FORWARD a whole new slate of creative solutions that will stretch your imagination about what is possible. And in a touching moment, Yang gets personal -- sharing with Van what it actually feels like to be one of the first Asian American political stars.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turning Pain into Purpose with LaTonya Myers Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

You may not have heard of LaTonya Myers — at least not yet. But Van Jones bets your heart and soul will be uplifted by discovering her story today. In the fourth episode of Uncommon Ground, Van sits down with the trailblazing young activist — who just won the Reebok International Human Rights Award for her incredible work to uplift urban communities. LaTonya has turned her pain into purpose, working to improve the lives of folks in her community of Philadelphia and beyond. You can follow more of LaTonya’s creative and inspiring work at https://www.aboveallodds.org/.

This episode uses audio clips from the 8-part docuseries PHILLY D.A. which features LaTonya, courtesy of Independent Lens. Watch PHILLY D.A. on the PBS video app with PBS Passport.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.