In this final installment of the podcast, Van thanks the Uncommon Ground community for joining him on this journey. 

Some doubted that anyone could do a successful podcast based solely on finding positive solutions, deepening understanding and bringing people together across lines of difference. But we're happy to report: measured by downloads, Uncommon Ground wound up in the top 2 percent of all podcasts! Our success with this podcast over fifty episodes has shown that people do respond to intelligent, uplifting content when it?s offered. The reception from our listeners showed that people yearn for more depth and nuance. We hope this podcast satiated some of that yearning. 

Van must take his leave to prepare himself to cover the upcoming presidential season and contest. But he encourages everyone to stay involved in building unlikely communities. One way to do that is to support Dream.Org ? which carries on the work of fostering deep conversations and finding solutions even across large divides. We hope folks will listen (and relisten) to the episodes we aired this season. There is enough love, hope, wisdom and insight in these episodes to get us through the coming storms?and beyond.

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?Yes, the system is broken. But the solution lies not in dismantling it or burning it down, but in finding solutions that have been shown to work. We should focus on the bread-and-butter issues. Most rank-and-file Democrats are practical and not ideological. Most of them have no Twitter accounts. They worry about the cost of housing, healthcare, and higher education.? 

Congressman Ritchie Torres is a pragmatic progressive who stands out among a new generation of leaders. He is often compared to a young Barack Obama, and in this interview you?ll see why. At the age of 25, Ritchie became the youngest elected official and the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to office in the Bronx. Now age 34, Ritchie is still too young to be president. That said, he is making major legislative strides and his future is bright. 

In this episode, Ritchie shares stories about growing up in the South Bronx and how his working-class upbringing has influenced the way he thinks about the Democratic Party. He shares his views on the two camps inside the his party, and discusses the issues he thinks Americans are focused on as we near the midterm elections. Tune in to hear a fresh and nuanced political perspective. This may be the first time you?re hearing of Ritchie Torres. It most certainly will not be the last! 

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In this season?s final bonus episode, we wanted to make sure you got a chance to hear from some incredible young people who are trying to save the Earth.

Last year, Van went to COP26 (the UN Climate Change Conference) held in Glasgow, Scotland. There he met with Jerome Foster, Kevin Patel, Chante Harris, Alexandria Villaseñor, Kevin Mtai, and others. These young people are doing extraordinary work advocating for progress on climate solutions ? to ensure they inherit a livable planet. Since that historic gathering, we have made some progress, including billions for clean energy in Biden?s Inflation Reduction Act. But with so much farther to go, we could not close the season without letting you hear from the leaders of the next generation.

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It is exceedingly rare these days for two national voices on opposite sides of the political spectrum to come together and have an honest, respectful exchange of views. Many on the right believe that progressives want to abuse government power to punish them for their views. Many on the left feel under constant assault from the right. It is increasingly easy for each side to dismiss the concerns of the other. But in a democracy, we need to try to understand those who think differently than we do. Even when we fundamentally disagree.

Matt Schlapp is a giant on the right, both in the United States and abroad. As chairman of the American Conservative Union, Matt has his finger on the pulse of the Republican Party. He represents what many conservatives think today, and how they view the future. Matt and Van often don?t agree with each other, but they respect each other enough to listen. And when they do agree, they work together. Tune in to hear a deep discussion about how today?s political discourse is tearing us apart, and how we might repair this damage and come together.

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In this special bonus episode, Van moves into the guest seat for an interview with comedian and author Chelsea Handler. The conversation took place in 2018 while Chelsea was filming her Netflix documentary: Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea.

Chelsea?s goal was to explore the impacts of ?white privilege? on American culture. In the intervening years, the U.S. has gone through a racial justice awakening. But with so much progress still needed, this never-before-heard conversation is as relevant as ever. 

Get ready for an honest and raw conversation between two friends. They talk openly about race and privilege. And Van offers valuable perspective and actionable lessons. You don?t want to miss this one!

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?So many people in politics, they've all got opinions. My job is not to be about my opinions. My job is to go out and listen to other people's opinions.? 

What shot does Donald Trump have at re-election? What do Republicans really think about Ron DeSantis? How are people feeling about the Biden Presidency? What issues are really keeping Americans up at night? With her keen and unique insight, Kristen Soltis Anderson can help us answer these questions. As a top Republican pollster, Kristen?s job is to go out into the world and collect data on what everyday Americans are thinking about. In this episode, Kristen shares some of that knowledge with Van. They explore the ideological difference between the Republican and Democratic parties, as well as the divisions within each party. Kristen and Van lay out how developing a better understanding of where the ?other side? is coming from can benefit all of us. You will also be surprised to hear that Trump supporters and young progressives actually share a common characteristic.

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

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"There's that quote: ?First I was smart, and I tried to change the world. Then I got wise, and I tried to change myself.? What I've leaned into now is: let me stop soap-boxing and telling everyone else what to do. And let me start looking at myself. I was a fraud in many ways because I felt that I had to represent the thing, but I didn't have to be the thing.?

Adrian Grenier was an A-list actor who had it all, including fame, money, and influence. But even in the midst of great success, Adrien realized he wasn?t truly the person he wanted to be. He walked away from it all in pursuit of a deeper vision and a higher calling. This week Adrian lets us in on his powerful personal journey. We get a glimpse into the inner and outer work he?s done to get to where he is, and how he went from representing causes to embodying those causes. Today Adrian lives a life in harmony with his values as a creative and effective environmentalist, entrepreneur, and change agent. Tune in to hear a strikingly honest conversation about how to live with integrity and make a positive difference.

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

For support related to childhood sexual abuse: https://enoughabuse.org/get-help/survivor-support/

For support related to childhood trauma: https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/recognizing-and-treating-child-traumatic-stress

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?I've seen situations, which are far worse than our situation, where the impossible became possible. I saw the Berlin wall come down. I was in South Africa in 1989 when Mandela was still in prison. And within six years there was an astonishing political transformation in South Africa. Even in the Middle East, Israel and Egypt forged a peace that endures to this day, 40 years later.?

Tensions and polarization within the US are increasing. Many people are wondering: could we be heading toward a civil war? And more importantly, what can we do to avoid that outcome? This week, Van sits down with peacemaker and negotiation expert William Ury, who has spent his career trying to address hostility between parties in conflict-ridden areas. He knows exactly what it takes to address deep-rooted disputes in hopes of finding a positive way forward. In this episode, William teaches us how to identify an impending conflict, and what we can do about it. In a time of uncertainty and high stakes, William?s wisdom, expertise and cautious optimism are sorely needed. 

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

What would an ideal America look like to you? How can you restore trust in the institutions and communities around you? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?Failure is not the opposite of success. It's a stepping stone to success. If we're lucky, we get 30,000 days to play the game of life. How we spend those 30,000 days depends on what we value. And if we are disconnected from our spiritual essence, it is so much easier to value things that will never really fulfill us.?

This week, Van is joined by Arianna Huffington ? renowned author, entrepreneur, media personality and one of Van?s most influential mentors. Arianna is no stranger to transformation. She was born in Greece, moved to England and eventually the United States. She's been a Republican and a Democrat. She founded the revolutionary media business The Huffington Post, and is now leading the behavior change tech startup Thrive. Arianna is a master of self discovery, reinvention, and doing work that has a real impact on our world. 

All of this makes Arianna the perfect person to answer the question: how can we change for the better, while staying true to ourselves? In this episode, Arianna speaks about the importance of spirituality in her work, and her views on the state of politics today. If you are trying to figure out how to take better care of yourself while also making a big difference in the world, there is no better mentor to guide you than Arianna Huffington. 

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

How are you trying to transform? What role does spirituality play in your daily life? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?What am I going to do to create lasting positive transformation? Everyone has that opportunity. And I think everyone should recognize that you should not ever quit or doubt your ability to make something positive happen.?

You might know Aloe Blacc as a famous musician. But did you know that he?s also an activist, a non-profit founder, and a biotech entrepreneur? Aloe proves that no matter what skill your known for, you just might surprise yourself with how much more you're capable of doing.

In this episode, Aloe sits down with Van to discuss all the work he?s been doing ? from fighting for greater police accountability to advocating for immigration reform through his music. Aloe is always willing to take on different challenges to make the world a better place. Stay tuned to hear Aloe?s take on who should run in the 2024 presidential election. It?s not who you might think!

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

How are you using your power in your everyday life? What do you do to give yourself a sense of purpose? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?What's being sold today is that one side is good, and the other side is bad. That one side is racist, and the other side is not. There's just nothing further from the truth.? 

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is up for reelection this fall. Many speculate that he will run for president one day soon. Scott is one of only three Black United States senators, and the only Black senator in the Republican Party. His unique tone, set of experiences and views on immigration differentiate him from his peers. No stranger to finding common ground, Scott has worked alongside Democrats on criminal justice reform. 

In this episode Senator Scott and Van discuss his police reform work, why he believes more Black Americans should join the Republican Party, and whether the Republican Party attracts extremist elements. Stick around to hear Scott?s advice for VP Kamala Harris and his opinions on the Trump administration. 

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

What are some things you consider when choosing who to vote for? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?Because there were so few people who looked like me in my business throughout my career, I've been so cautious about drawing attention to my ethnicity, to my gender. To bring these issues to the fore has been very uncomfortable, but necessary. I hope that I've inspired people in my own community to no longer be content to sit on the sidelines. It's been an incredible experience to see this community come together.? 

Lisa Ling is a beloved and gifted journalist and TV star. Since the age of 18, she has traveled the world as a reporter. Lisa's reporting always gets to the human heart of the stories she uncovers. She is a bright star within the Asian American community. But in the wake of COVID-19 ? as violent attacks and other racist activity against Asian-Americans skyrocketed ? she stepped up into an even more powerful and visible role. 

This week, Van and Lisa talk about the impact of anti-Asian racism and how the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has come together. They bond over the often overlooked but rich history of solidarity between Asian and African Americans in the United States. Tune in to hear what true solidarity sounds like, how we can come together in times of violence, and why it?s so important that we recognize our shared goals. 

#StopAsianHate 

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

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?You have a bold generation now that you can tap into. Younger people. They are ready to go toe-to-toe with whomever on an idea that they feel passionate about. And a lot of the ideas could help us be the America that we claim to be.? 

TikTok is becoming the social media home of a new generation of activists, while older folks debate politics on Facebook and Twitter. The rules and expectations are totally different on this newer platform. Nobody has found their political voice or footing more powerfully than A.B. Burns-Tucker.

A.B. was a law student when she exploded onto the scene thanks to her ingenious TikTok videos. She explains current events and big news stories, but does so using Ebonics or AAVE (African American Vernacular English). To some this sounds like a gimmick, but A.B. is reaching an audience that has traditionally been ignored by the mainstream media. In this week?s episode you?ll hear what inspired A.B.?s journey to law school and her path to becoming a TikTok star, and in the process learn a lot about the next generation.

You can find A.B.?s TikTok videos @iamlegallyhype. 

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

What does your community need to hear more of? How can you be a translator across communities? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?It is very clear that we are on the precipice ? two years, three years, ten years max ? that some of these disruptive technologies will fundamentally threaten the way we presently exist on the planet, in the way that nuclear weapons did when you and I were growing up. That transformation is scary, but it's also ripe with opportunity.? 

This week Van is joined by the brilliant Ian Bremmer. Ian is a political scientist who has spent his career analyzing global political risk and advising leaders. Ian joins Van to break down some of the biggest threats of our time, from pandemics and climate change to disruptive technology and Russia. This list is enough to fill many of us with doom and gloom, but Ian is hopeful that we can come together globally to effectively address these crises and create a better and more sustainable future. More importantly he has realistic ideas about how we can do it. 

For a more in-depth view into Ian?s thinking, check out his book The Power of Crisis: How Three Threats ? and Our Response ? Will Change the World. 

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

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?To be queer and come out in 1985 when I'm 16 years-old, and be thrust into the AIDS crisis and fighting for our lives on the front lines?Silence does equal death...I don't know anything else, but to fight. I do understand that as a queer Black man in this space who has been unapologetic from the beginning, there is a responsibility for me to continue to speak my truth.? 

The incomparable Billy Porter does it all! He?s an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy award-winning actor, singer, producer, director, composer, and playwright. Billy is a cultural icon and a trailblazer on issues of race, sexuality, and gender. On top of all that - he?s an activist. For most of his life, Billy has been spreading awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and demanding action. And he?s done all of this while daring to live his truth.

In this episode, Van and Billy sit down to talk about Billy?s impact on the culture and the way his career has been intertwined with activism. This is a conversation filled with wisdom and laughter. It is proof of the fact that despite the pain he has endured, Billy infuses his life and work with joy.

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?While people are occasionally motivated to do wonderful things on the basis of their faith, faith generally speaking provides bad reasons to do good things when good reasons are actually available.? 

Can a Christian and an Atheist have a civil and constructive dialogue about the future? For the past 20 years, neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris has been one of the leading thinkers of the New Atheism Movement. Van Jones, on the other hand, is a man of deep Christian faith. Despite this seemingly stark divide, Sam and Van both share an interest in life?s big questions: How can people come together to create positive change? What does it mean to live a good life? How do people achieve a sense of belonging, especially during times of crisis? 

In this episode, Van and Sam confront their differences as they discuss the pitfalls of dogma in religion and atheism. They both affirm the importance of some form of spiritual practice - whether through religious worship or through meditation and mindfulness. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of belief, there is something for you in this episode.. 

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What are your views on religion? How much of a role does rationality play in your day-to-day life? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?You have this phenomenal wealth-generation going on. Yet you still have so much of the country totally left out ? half the country, if not more, thinking the American dream isn't gonna be available for their kids.?

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna is an uncommon Congressperson. He represents California?s 17th district ? a district with one of the highest concentrations of billionaires in the country. But he is adamant that we should tax billionaires fairly. He represents Silicon Valley, yet he works across the aisle with Republican leaders in Kentucky to foster opportunities and bring tech jobs to rural parts of the country. All while still upholding the interests of his own constituents. Why does he do this? From his grandfather?s role in the Indian Independence Movement to his parents? immigration to the United States, the Khanna family?s journey is a living embodiment of the American dream. And now as a Congressman, he wants to keep that dream alive. 

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

How can you get outside of your bubble? What can you invest in to increase opportunity? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?I do not have the privilege to be partisan.? Get ready for a strong dose of inspiration from Van?s guest this week - Brittany K. Barnett.

When Brittany was 17 years old, her mother went to prison for drugs. Although Brittany may not have known it at the time, this awful breakdown would lead her to a powerful breakthrough. Hear about Brittany?s journey from accountant to attorney and finally, tireless criminal justice reform advocate. Brittany has won clemency for nearly a dozen clients under both the Obama and Trump administrations. Van and Brittany share a calling to get people free, as well as a passionate belief that we need to tap into and nourish the genius and creativity of those behind bars. Tune in to hear more about her incredible work. 

For more from Brittany, check out her acclaimed book, A Knock at Midnight: a Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom.

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What narratives are you challenging? How can you direct your pain and hardship into passion and purpose? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?I am pro-life. But Roe is a 40-year-old legal precedent. Respecting the rule of law, means I accept the decision. I don't want to celebrate abortion, but I don't want to demonize it, either. I'm the majority. It has never felt so lonely to be in a majority.?

S.E. Cupp is back ? this time to discuss abortion. Van is a pro-choice progressive. S.E. is a pro-life conservative. One might expect fireworks!

But in this episode, S.E. lays out a nuanced, sophisticated and emotionally intelligent perspective on the topic. She challenges people on every side of the issue ? while showing empathy for all sides. She may be the one pro-life conservative that every progressive needs to hear from.

The discussion also reveals surprising areas of common ground. For example, Van and S.E. both are concerned about the SCOTUS draft decision, which would overturn Roe v Wade. Together, they examine what it means when the will of the majority is ignored by the government, and what could happen next.

NOTE: Van and S.E. had this conversation after the Supreme Court draft decision was leaked, but before the official ruling came down. But their discussion could not be more relevant, timely or penetrating.

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

What does the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade mean for you? What do your conversations around abortion sound like? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?Cash can?t solve everything. But it can solve everything that has to do with cash.?

Michael Tubbs became the youngest mayor of any major city in US history ? at the age of 26. He immediately made poverty his number one issue. In 2017, as the newly elected mayor of Stockton, California, he recognized that lack of money was the root cause of most of the problems in his community. But what can the government do to alleviate poverty? Michael?s answer ? give cash directly to people experiencing poverty. The idea of universal basic income (UBI) is not new: it was championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In this week?s episode, Michael tells the story of the UBI program he implemented in Stockton. The results were so impressive that his own team had to double-check the results.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones (http://amazon.com/uncommonground) release weekly, every Wednesday.

What breakthrough solutions are you excited about? Call 347-770-2785 (tel:3477702785) and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?If we want to address the climate crisis, we have to heal our relationship with the land. And part of that looks like returning lands to indigenous people.?

Within the movement to solve the climate crisis, there is a generational divide. Established leaders are doggedly working within the system. But younger activists want FASTER progress ? and deeper changes.

After all, young people will have to face the greatest effects of climate change. They feel the URGENCY ? and thus often have some of the boldest, most innovative solutions.

For example: Van?s guest this week, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, believes that we need to return land back to indigenous stewardship. Xiuhtezcatl is 22 years-old, and he has been an environmentalist and climate activist since he was a child. Xiuhtezcatl shares how his indigenous roots have shaped his activism. A rising star (a term he hates), he is popularizing ideas that may help redefine how we think of the climate crisis.

Get ready to go deep! This isn?t a surface debate about the Left versus Right. It?s a passionate discussion about the land itself ? and what a new generation believes it will take for humanity to survive.

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?People asked me hard questions. They asked, if Trump wants to do a press conference with you about Rodney Reed?s case, would you appear with him ? if it meant stopping the execution of Rodney Reed??

If you know Shaun King, you know him as one of America?s staunchest advocates for racial justice in the digital age. One of the most controversial as well. After all, his viral videos have transformed the global conversation about police misconduct and racial violence.

But you may not know that Shaun has white family members who supported Donald Trump. You may not know that he is from rural Kentucky, not urban America. And you may not know that, to save a man?s life, he once joined forces with the ultimate Republican ? Ted Cruz.

In other words, Shaun is way more complex and nuanced than any 2-dimensional media image ? and so are his strategies for making real change.

In this episode, Shaun shares with Van how he balances and leverages ALL the aspects of his life to make a difference. And he reveals the brutal, tragic origin of his unending passion for justice. Join these two leaders for a conversation about what it really takes to win the fight for change. 

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"[Homelessness] has become a humanitarian crisis. It has become an emergency that I believe needs to be addressed with the same mentality that you would address a natural disaster. I mean, this is Los Angeles. We have the skills, the knowledge and the resources."

Karen Bass is going back to where it all began: Los Angeles, California. After an extensive and impressive tenure in Congress, Karen Bass is running for Mayor of LA. She has big goals and tangible plans to make them happen. At the top of her list is solving the homelessness crisis in LA. This week, Karen joins Van to explain how understanding the ?why? is at the root of resolving homelessness, how her grassroots background prepared her for this moment, and why there?s a reason for hope during these uncertain times.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday. What assumptions are you challenging? What do you wish officials knew about your own community? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?How can you hate me if you don?t even know me?? This is the question that Daryl Davis has spent much of his life trying to answer. 

Daryl is a Black musician who spends a surprising amount of time with members of the Ku Klux Klan. How and why does he do this?! Over the last 30 years, Daryl has interviewed senior Klan members, attended Klan rallies and even made friends with Klansmen. In the process, he?s convinced many of them to renounce their affiliation to the KKK and give up their robes. 

In this episode, Daryl breaks down WHY he thinks it's important to break bread with those who claim to hate him. And he shows HOW we can all find a way toward more healing and community ? even when it seems impossible. 

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What?s the one thing you could say ?yes? to? What?s one small step you could take to make a big change? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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Violent crime is on the rise across the country; relationships between community members and police remain strained and fractured. While we can all agree that something needs to be done about this, the question is - WHAT? Should we defund the police ? or give them more money? Should we abolish the police ? or increase police presence? Are there other solutions that too few people are talking about?

This week, Van Jones tackles these questions and more with Bill Bratton, the former police commissioner of New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston. Bratton was associated with the controversial ?Broken Windows? and ?Stop & Frisk? approaches. Later in his career, he experimented with more community-based approaches to policing. He talks about his decades of law enforcement experience with surprising candor and self-reflection. Van (a criminal justice advocate) and Bratton (a former Top Cop) discuss what it takes to build trust in police, while making our communities safer.

No matter where you sit in the national debate over policing, Bratton?s observations and proposals may surprise you.

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This episode might deserve a warning label: ?SHOCKING TRUTHS?SERVED EXCEEDINGLY HOT.? Van is joined this week by Charlamagne Tha God and Tezlyn Figaro, two influential voices in media and in the Black community. His guests expose a white-hot level of frustration in the Black community?one that could upend the next two elections. Democrats hold the White House and Congress, but the party?s slow legislative progress has left many of its base voters? especially Black voters? exceedingly frustrated. These guests pull no punches as they lay out exactly where the Democrats are falling short and what they need to do to deliver for their constituents. Trying to bridge divides AMONG progressives, Van, Charlamagne, and Tezlyn have an honest, bold, thought-provoking conversation you won?t hear anywhere else.

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

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Maxine Waters has been serving in Congress for more than 30 years. In that time, she?s built a reputation as someone who calls it like she sees it. But she doesn?t shy away from reaching across the aisle and working with Republicans, when it means she can pass bills that will improve the lives of all Americans. In this episode, Rep. Waters gives an insider?s perspective on Washington and leadership, and the problems she?s using her position to solve. She shares the importance of standing for something and being consistent. She also reveals her secrets for finding Republicans who are willing to help her get things gone. Listen for these pearls of wisdom, as well as Waters? take on the vital issues that rarely get covered on cable news.  

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

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It?s an unlikely friendship: Van, a climate advocate, and Cecil Roberts, the president of the United Mine Workers of America. Many assume that coal miners and climate activists must be at odds. But in this episode, Van and Cecil challenge that assumption. As climate activists push for more reforms and a move to cleaner energy, can coal be part of a greener future? Van and Cecil will get to the heart of the matter ? finding some solutions that just might work for everyone. 

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

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Will Be Wild is a new 8-part series about the forces that led to the January 6th insurrection and what comes next. Through in-depth stories from a wide range of characters ? from people who tried to stop the attack to those who took part ? hosts Andrea Bernstein and Ilya Marritz explore the ongoing effort to bring autocracy to America, the lasting damage that effort is doing to our democracy, and the fate of our attempts to combat those anti-democratic forces. Because January 6th wasn't the end of the story, January 6th was just a practice run.

Follow Will Be Wild wherever you get your podcasts, or you can listen early on Amazon Music or early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app.

Listen to Will be Wild: wondery.fm/UG_WillBeWild

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?I started to realize the political discourse nationally is not representative of the American people at all. It's what's best for TV or social media. It's good for a headline, but it's not good for actual people.?

Two unlikely allies in the environmental movement ? Michelle Romero, a liberal leader at Green For All, and Benji Backer, a conservative leader at the American Conservation Coalition ? prove that certain problems, like the climate crisis, are bigger than political parties. Join Van, Benji and Michelle on the ground at COP26, as they talk to each other?not about each other. It turns out there are a few smart ways to partner with the ?other side? to address climate change.

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

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?I worry some about the pure polarization ? the Left versus the Right?But I worry equally about a lack of faith in the future.?

Newt Gingrich might be best known for his strong opinions and fierce partisanship. But he?s also a deeply patriotic thinker who is open to finding common ground where it counts. Can blockchain technology increase trust in our elections? Can we place satellites in space to beam solar power to Earth? These are just a couple of the creative solutions Van and Newt explore. Can the Left and Right unite to save American democracy? Can Van and Newt? Tune in to find out. 

Uncommon Ground with Van Jones is nominated for a Webby award! Please vote for us HERE before the April 21st deadline! We appreciate your support. 

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

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?My whole life has been so much about me. And I'm at a place in my life where I don't care for that, the way that I used to. Now it's time to help other people. We shouldn't stop fighting for people that no one wants to fight for.?

Van sits down with one of his closest allies in the fight for criminal justice reform: Kim Kardashian. Kim gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she pursues justice for those behind bars, how her approach to criminal justice reform has evolved, and how a hypothetical ?President Kardashian? would revolutionize the system. Kim also shares her perspective on entrepreneurship, beauty standards, and motherhood.

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

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?I'm sitting on a mountaintop in Vegas. I should be super happy, with all the movie stars, shooting Hangover 3. But instead I wish I had been there for that kid.?

How does someone go from producing comedy blockbusters, like The Hangover, to helping to pass landmark criminal justice reform? For Scott Budnick, it was all about taking that first step: saying ?YES.? He started out teaching a writing class at a juvenile hall. Now Budnick is the founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, which helps people coming out of jail and prison access support. In this episode, we dig into the ways that Scott has connected with people from ALL political backgrounds and walks of life, creating allies instead of enemies, to get amazing things done. This conversation will give you insight and inspiration as you take your own next steps toward positive change.

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

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?The thing that is most important for us as parents and caregivers is this: to be able to be there for our kids, we gotta take care of ourselves.?

Former California Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, joins Van to answer listener questions about how to handle the adverse effects of the pandemic on children. What do you do if your child is neurodivergent? How can we help to make sure our children are still socialized during periods of isolation? How do we help our young ones grieve?

Dr. Burke Harris is an award-winning physician, researcher, mother to four sons, and a leading expert in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. We hope this episode provides you with answers, insight, and hope.

Resources:

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

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?This is a terrifying moment in our country ? it's literally illegal to teach that racism exists. But most white people live segregated lives. And I think the most powerful message of white supremacy is that I could live, love, work, play, die in racial segregation with no sense whatsoever that anything of value has been lost.? 

There?s been a lot of discussion recently about white fragility, critical race theory (CRT), systemic racism, and more ? but what does any of this actually mean? And how can we talk about these things in ways that don't further backlash against progress, or leave white folks feeling an unhelpful amount of guilt? How did we go from the racial awakening of 2020 to the anti-CRT backlash of 2022?

Van Jones sits down with Dr. Robin DiAngelo, bestselling author of White Fragility and Nice Racism, to discuss the history of racism in America, how we got to where we are today, and how we can approach these difficult but necessary conversations ? so we can forge a better future. 

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

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?The freedom of Black people is a big American question ? can those two things coexist? Can the United States of America, as we know it, coexist with true Black freedom? It's a constant fight, and I don't think many people in this country are very free.? ? Phillip Agnew

It?s easy to complain about people and policies on the other side of the political aisle. But what do you do when you have disagreements with your political allies ? the people with whom your goals are the same, but your strategies are different?

This week, Van Jones sits down with Phillip Agnew, founder of Black Men Build. Phillip challenges Van on his decision to form an alliance with the Trump Administration and other Republicans to reform the criminal justice system. Van questions Phillip on his stated commitment to abolishing the prison system in its present form. In exploring this tricky territory, the two long-time activists examine paths to racial justice that are both complementary and conflictual.

Learn more about Black Men Build at their website: blackmen.build

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

Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail telling us how you would fix (or do away with) the justice system. Your question or comment will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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?We have to be more transparent, more honest, more vulnerable, more willing to confront our mistakes than ever before, because we're in this context where lies can become truth with great ease.? What is the role of mercy, grace and redemption within movements for freedom? Malkia Cyril - activist, writer, and founding director of the non-profit Media Justice - has deeply considered answers. In this episode, Van and Malkia discuss the importance of building communities that ground accountability in hope and mercy. Malkia's mother was a leading activist in the Black Panther Party. Hard-won wisdom from decades of political struggle permeates every aspect of this conversation. Even as some grassroots leaders issue calls to ?defund the police? ? and march against the prison system ? too many still cling to the mindset of punishment and revenge, themselves. It?s easy for some people to say they want to abolish police and prisons altogether. But what does an ?abolitionist mindset'' really mean?

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

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?Freedom has never been free, and it shouldn?t be. We get independence through recognition of our interdependency.? Van sits down with Sean Penn to discuss questions of freedom and responsibility, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people know Sean Penn as an award-winning actor with a rebellious spirit, but his life work extends far beyond the screen and into some of the most disaster-stricken parts of the world. In this conversation, Van and Sean dive into vaccine mandates and the potential role of mandatory service in our society. What is our responsibility to one another? What is the relationship between collective safety and individual liberty? What can we be forced to do? Sean reflects on lessons from disaster relief and some of the most inspirational people he's met along the way.

To support and learn more about the important work Sean does with his nonprofit, CORE, visit www.coreresponse.org.

If you?re looking for up-to-date information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC or WHO websites:

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

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"To live in a system of free enterprise, and to not understand the rules of free enterprise, must be the very definition of slavery." The racial wealth divide in America is a huge problem. So what do two Black men, both of whom have access to enough capital to actually make a difference, think we should do about it?

In this week?s episode, Van Jones sits down with John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, Inc. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, John is focused on financial literacy as a means to reach social justice. Van wants to use his financial influence to disrupt the $90 billion per year incarceration industry. Can black capitalism effectively counter white racism? Is there anything more meaningful in life than your credit score? Join us for an uncommon conversation on money, race, freedom and justice.

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

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?The media, and the nature of our politics right now, relies on binary division. And you're defined more by your enemies than you are by your friends.? What happens when you no longer feel at home in your own political party? How do you handle it at a personal, emotional level? And how do you vote? In this episode, Van Jones and S.E. Cupp grapple with these questions and more. A long-time political commentator and host of the CNN show Unfiltered, S.E. is a lifelong conservative. She is in favor of small government and free market principles. But she found herself in 2020 voting for Joe Biden?a DEMOCRAT?for president. How did that happen? In an age when it feels like so much is changing, and our very Democracy is at stake, how do we re-establish BOTH political parties as worthy parties? And how do we protect our own mental health in the process? Tune in to find out.

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly.

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?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.

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?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.

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?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.

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?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 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!

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?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.

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?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!

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?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!

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?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.

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

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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.

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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.

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