Episode list

"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 and 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 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.

"You forgive not because the other deserves forgiveness, but because you deserve peace." Follows Deepak Chopra, prolific author and renowned advocate for alternative medicine, talks with Van about conscious communication, forgiveness, compassion, and what it means to really work for peace.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, renowned pastor, author and filmmaker, talks with Van about what it takes to build understanding, maintain perspective, and bridge our ever-increasing divides, while keeping our souls strong.

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.

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.

"Civility is key to civilization." 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.

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.

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 and Jonathan Isaac, who hold differing opinions on vaccination and mandates.

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? 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.

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.

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.

A Tennessee native, Trae goes viral online with his "Liberal Redneck" videos, in which he critiques current events.

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.

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.

Van sits down with Sean Penn to discuss questions of freedom and responsibility, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Van and Sean dive into vaccine mandates and the potential role of mandatory service in society.

Van and Malkia discuss the importance of building communities that ground accountability in hope and mercy.

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.

"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." Van Jones sits down with Dr. Robin DiAngelo, bestselling author of White Fragility and Nice Racism, to discuss the history of racism in America.

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 people help to make sure their children are still socialized during periods of isolation?

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Van's guest this week, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, believes that people 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.

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.

S.E. Cupp is back and to discuss abortion. Van is a pro-choice progressive. S.E. is a pro-life conservative. Might expect fireworks. But S.E. lays out a nuanced, sophisticated and emotionally intelligent perspective on the topic and challenges people on every side of the issue while she empathize. She may be the one pro-life conservative that every progressive needs to hear from. The discussion also reveals surprising areas of common ground like their concern about the SCOTUS draft decision. They examine what it means when the will of the majority is ignored by the government, and what could happen next.

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.

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 they 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.

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? 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.

Van and Billy sit down to talk about Billy's impact on the culture and the way his career has been intertwined with activism. It is proof of the fact that despite the pain he has endured, Billy infuses his life and work with joy.

Ian joins Van to break down some of the biggest threats of the time, from pandemics and climate change to disruptive technology and Russia.

TikTok is becoming the social media home of a new generation of activists. 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.

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 and 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 you can come together in times of violence, and why it's so important that you recognize the shared goals.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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 the world. All of this makes Arianna the perfect person to answer the question: how can you change for the better, while staying true to yourselves? 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.

Tensions and polarization within the US are increasing. Many people are wondering: could you be heading toward a civil war? And more importantly, what can you 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. William teaches you how to identify an impending conflict, and what you can do about it. In a time of uncertainty and high stakes, William's wisdom, expertise and cautious optimism are sorely needed.

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 them in on his powerful personal journey. They 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.

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 you 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. 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 you. You will also be surprised to hear that Trump supporters and young progressives actually share a common characteristic.

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 them apart, and how they might repair this damage and come together.

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. 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 they 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.

In this final installment of the podcast, Van thanks the Uncommon Ground community for joining him on this journey. 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. They hope folks will listen (and relisten) to the episodes they aired. There is enough love, hope, wisdom and insight in them to get them through the coming storms-and beyond.