Van Jones

What if the detour is the assignment? In this episode of Hope Mississippi , Dawn visits with Van Jones to trace a winding path—from the Mississippi Delta to Southern Miss basketball, through a career-ending injury, and into a calling that stretches from classrooms to church pews, from an ice-cream counter to a lakeside retreat. The throughline is simple but demanding: excellence, service, and unity. Van opens up about growing up cramped but deeply loved, chasing the wrong heroes until basketball introduced structure, accountability, and mentorship. After collegiate success, a freak ankle injury erased professional dreams and ushered in a season of depression—until a coaching opportunity changed everything. From there, Van poured discipline and care into rebuilding high-school programs and mentoring students who still call him years later. Alongside his wife, Nicole, he launched the After School Academics and Arts Program, blending tutoring, daily devotions, and character education for more than a thousand students and hundreds of staff members. That same heart for people carried into entrepreneurship as ministry. In Purvis, their ice-cream and sandwich shop exists to build unity through food, fun, and fellowship—a true third space where people feel seen and encouraged. Just down the road, Blue Hollow Lake Retreat offers canoes, trails, and quiet cabins for couples, churches, and nonprofits seeking rest, reflection, and restoration. Van also shares how early public-speaking training, pastoral mentorship, and a memorable first sermon—washing his wife’s feet—shaped his approach to preaching: simple, visual, and actionable. We close with a charge rooted in Mississippi but meant for anywhere: unity and diversity aren’t just ideals—they’re the new economy. When churches, businesses, and neighbors adopt schools, collaborate across lines, and put service first, hope scales fast. If this story moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the message. Then tell us: what “what if” will you act on this week? Join us for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of each month as we continue sharing stories of transformation from across Mississippi. Each story reminds us that when we contribute our unique gifts, Mississippi rises together. Hope Mississippi's Mission: The sobering reality remains: one in four Mississippi children lives in poverty, and one in five experiences food insecurity. These statistics aren't just numbers—they're our collective challenge. Through these conversations, we discover that Mississippi's transformation occurs through individual commitments to mentor, encourage, and be present for others. The small acts of hope accumulate into the broader "miracles" we celebrate.

In this episode, Will.i.am, Van Jones, and Peter discuss what the Make Wakanda Real campaign stands for, how technology is changing lives across the globe, and the state of legacy media. Recorded on Feb 22nd, 2025 Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Will.i.am is a globally recognized artist, entrepreneur, and innovator at the intersection of music, technology, and philanthropy. As the founder of FYI, i.am+, and co-founder of Amuse, he pioneers AI-driven platforms and smart consumer products while advising Atom Bank. Best known as the frontman of the Black Eyed Peas, he has shaped modern music with hit albums like Elephunk and The E.N.D., alongside his solo work #willpower. His tech ventures include FYI.AI, and Sound Drive with Mercedes-AMG. Committed to bridging technology and social impact, he co-founded Make Wakanda Real with Van Jones, an AI initiative to empower underrepresented communities. Through the i.am Angel Foundation, he continues to champion STEAM education for underserved youth, ensuring that innovation reaches those who need it most. Van Jones is a prominent political commentator, social activist, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of media, technology, and justice. A longtime CNN contributor, he hosts The Van Jones Show and previously led The Redemption Project. As the founder of Dream Machine Innovation Lab, he focuses on bringing AI to underrepresented communities while continuing his work with Dream.org on initiatives like #YesWeCode, #cut50, and Green For All. He co-founded Make Wakanda Real with will.i.am, a movement inspired by Black Panther that seeks to democratize AI access for marginalized groups. Jones has received numerous accolades, including a 2020 Emmy Award and the 2021 Courage and Civility Award, which granted him $100 million to support nonprofits. A senior advisor at Teneo and a board member of multiple social justice organizations, he is also a bestselling author, with his latest book, Beyond the Messy Truth (2017), offering insights on unity and reform. Learn more about the FYI.AI app: https://fyi.ai/ Learn more about Make Wakanda Real: https://www.dreammachine.org/ Learn more about Rapport: https://www.rapport.co/ ____________ I only endorse products and services I personally use. To see what they are, please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: Get started with Fountain Life and become the CEO of your health: https://fountainlife.com/peter/ AI-powered precision diagnosis you NEED for a healthy gut: https://www.viome.com/peter Get 15% off OneSkin with the code PETER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod _____________ I send weekly emails with the latest insights and trends on today’s and tomorrow’s exponential technologies. Stay ahead of the curve, and sign up now: B

In this conversation, Donny and Van Jones discuss a range of pressing topics, including media coverage of anti-Semitism, reflections on the Holocaust, the current state of American democracy, and the historical collaboration between the Black and Jewish communities. They also delve into the identity crisis facing the Democratic Party and the need for empathy and understanding across political divides. Van shares insights from his Substack, emphasizing the importance of deeper discussions beyond daily news. Be sure to check out the On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page . There you will find all of Donny's conversations in video form. Takeaways Van Jones emphasizes the importance of honesty in journalism. The media often fails to adequately cover atrocities against Jews. Anti-Semitism is often masked as anti-Zionism, which complicates discussions. Visiting Auschwitz profoundly impacted Van Jones's understanding of the Holocaust. The Jewish community feels vulnerable in a world with a large population of hostile groups. The Democratic Party is struggling with elitism and hypocrisy. Empathy and understanding are crucial for political discourse. The historical collaboration between Black and Jewish communities is significant. Van Jones advocates for a return to the principles of empathy and respect in politics. Substack allows for deeper discussions on important issues beyond daily news. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Van Jones 01:53 Media Coverage and Anti-Semitism 10:16 Reflections on the Holocaust 19:38 The State of American Democracy 27:41 Black and Jewish Community Collaboration 36:28 The Democratic Party's Identity Crisis 40:20 Van Jones on Substack and Future Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you concerned about the future? Tired of divisiveness? Join political commentator and changemaker Van Jones on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country’s biggest problems. Each week, Van and his guests explore topics that affect us all—from climate change to prison reform, from voting rights to political polarization. In Uncommon Are you worried about the future? Exhausted by political divisiveness? It’s time for a new kind of conversation—one that focuses on solutions rather than division. Join political commentator, activist, and changemaker Van Jones on a journey to bridge the gaps in our nation and find common ground on the issues that matter most. In Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, Van and his guests tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our country, from climate change and prison reform to voting rights and political polarization. Each week, thought leaders, activists, and everyday changemakers come together to share inspiring, hopeful, and practical solutions for a more united and just society. These candid conversations offer fresh perspectives, meaningful insights, and real-world strategies for creating positive change—even in the most divided times. If you’re ready to move beyond the noise and take part in a dialogue that builds bridges instead of walls, tune in to Uncommon Ground with Van Jones—where progress begins with understanding.

Watch Being Jewish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@beingjewishpodcast Subscribe to the Being Jewish Newsletter: bit.ly/beingjewishnewsletter For Sponsorships, please email: Jonah@JonahPlatt.com To contact us & all things BJJP: www.BeingJewishPodcast.com Follow Jonah on: Instagram - @JonahPlatt X - @JonahPlatt Follow Being Jewish on: Instagram - @BeingJewishPodcast TikTok - @BeingJewish In this episode, Jonah sits down with legendary commentator, activist and community ally Van Jones to dive into the historical power and current necessity of the Black & Jewish relationship. Together, Jonah and Van discuss the historic ties between their communities, the forces that try to divide them, and how both must work together to safeguard democracy and each other. Additionally, they discuss the pending Presidential election, the power of activism, and the origin of Van’s name! An eye-opening episode full of insight, truth, and personal stories not to be missed. Mentioned in this episode Article : The Message by Ta-Nehesi Coates The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones All things Jonah: www.JonahPlatt.com Connect with Van Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanjones68/ Host & Production Team Host: Jonah Platt; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Story Producer: Sean Leviashvili; Editor: Patrick Edwards);, Social Media Manager: Yuval Yosha; Designer Noah Bell Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, and Consulting Producers: Shield Communications (Ariella Noveck & Bethany Mandel). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of Being Jewish! 00:00 Introduction and Context 00:16 Exploring Jewish Identity 01:05 Challenging Jewish Validity 02:23 Solidarity and Unification 06:05 Introducing Van Jones 08:00 Van Jones' Early Life and Influences 13:29 Experiences with Racism and Activism 23:20 Media Integrity and Bias 27:08 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Advocacy 34:20 The Palestinian Cause and Hamas 35:23 Personal Impact and Progressive Identity 36:18 Social Media and Public Perception 37:06 Standing Up for All Communities 37:29 Facing Fear and Speaking Out 40:46 Complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 45:15 Black and Jewish Community Relations

Welcome to another exciting episode of Market Mondays! In today's video, our hosts, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap, have a fascinating conversation with the incredible Van Jones. Van shares his ambitious plans for InvestFest and his nonprofit organization - Dream Machine Innovation Lab - that aims to empower the Black community through artificial intelligence (AI). Van Jones passionately emphasizes the transformative potential of AI, encouraging everyone, especially underrepresented communities, to embrace this technology as a "jetpack" for their businesses rather than fearing it as a "hand grenade." He draws parallels between today's AI revolution and the cultural revolution led by hip hop, urging the community to harness this new technology creatively and disruptively. Van discusses his innovative program, the Dream Machine AI Academy, which he launched with Will.i.am under the campaign "Make Wakanda Real." This program aims to make advanced AI tools accessible and understandable for everyone, irrespective of age or experience. Van highlights how AI can democratize opportunities across various fields, from making films and business plans to creating music and generating discretionary income. During the weekend of Juneteenth, the Dream Machine AI Academy held its first-ever session in Atlanta, attracting around 500 participants across a wide age range. Supported by giants like Microsoft and Amazon, the academy provided a crash course on AI tools, leaving attendees hopeful and excited about the future. Troy Millings queries about the feedback and reception from the initial class, to which Van responds positively, noting the participants' newfound optimism amid a challenging political and economic landscape. Ian Dunlap brings up the high costs associated with large language models and inquires about niche models that might benefit the community. Van underscores the importance of just starting with the available tools, emphasizing how AI can significantly streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and save costs, thereby preventing businesses from falling behind. He also touches on the considerable, yet untapped, power the Black community holds in various spheres – political, cultural, and spiritual. Van advocates for leveraging these aspects collectively to demand access to computing resources from tech giants, ensuring that African American institutions and businesses can stay competitive in the AI-driven future. Van’s enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates bringing this revolutionary program to InvestFest, an event dedicated to fostering financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation within the Black community. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore how AI can be a catalyst for change and uplift the community. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things Market Mondays! #MarketMondays #InvestFest #VanJones #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DreamMachineAI #Innovation #Entrepreneurship <a href="https://www.youtube.com/h

Welcome to another insightful episode of Market Mondays! In this special edition, we dive deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its multifaceted impact on business, politics, and society. Hosted by Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and Ian Dunlap, this episode features the esteemed Van Jones, sharing his perspectives on the AI revolution and its potential to either elevate or undermine communities, particularly in the context of economic opportunities. *Key Topics Discussed:* - *Understanding AI and Its Implications:* Van Jones emphasizes the importance of AI beyond personal and business use, focusing on the broader opportunities it presents. He brings attention to the layers and levels within AI that hold significant potential for investment and innovation. - *Intersection of Politics and AI:* Jones sheds light on the current political climate regarding AI development and regulation. He discusses the tension between promoting innovation and protecting society from potential AI-related risks, including the global AI race with China. - *Future Technological Revolutions:* Beyond AI, Jones mentions the upcoming biotech and quantum computing revolutions. These technologies promise to transform industries, from healthcare to cybersecurity, creating new opportunities and challenges. - *Economic Empowerment and AI:* The conversation highlights the urgent need for communities, especially black communities, to be informed and actively engaged in the AI economy. Jones stresses that there's immense potential for financial upliftment if communities invest wisely in AI technologies. - *InvestFest 2023:* Both Van Jones and will.i.am will be at InvestFest 2023, underlining the festival's importance as a hub for learning and networking about AI and other transformative technologies. This festival represents a unique opportunity for anyone serious about leveraging AI for personal, business, and community growth. *Notable Quotes:* - "There are gonna be people who are broke right now who are going to be rich tomorrow because of AI." - Van Jones - "This AI boom is probably going to be 100 or 200 times bigger than the dot-com boom of 99, 2000." - Ian Dunlap - "If you don't come to InvestFest, something's wrong with you. You're not serious." - Van Jones Join us for this episode of Market Mondays as we explore the vast and evolving landscape of AI with expert insights that can empower you to navigate and capitalize on these technological advancements. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, investor, or simply curious about the future, this episode is packed with valuable information you won’t want to miss. *Hashtags:* #MarketMondays #Investing #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #TechRevolution #VanJones #InvestFest #QuantumComputing #Biotech </sp

In this revealing interview we sit down with renowned political commentator, activist, and advocator for criminal justice reform, Van Jones. The interview delves deep into aspects of Jones's professional journey, from his early radical activism days to his tenure in the Obama administration. He also provides insights into his current efforts towards prison reform, even if met with accusations of selling out. This conversation covers Jones's views on politics today, the challenges he faced in navigating bipartisan dialogues, and his intriguing encounters with influential figures. He shares his strategies and commitments to create impactful change, despite embroiled controversies and misunderstandings surrounding him. This bold, open-hearted dialogue sheds light on the reality of working towards progressive policy reform within a polarized political climate. __ Van Jones burst into the American consciousness during the 2016 presidential campaign with an unscripted, truth-telling style and an already established history of bridge-building across party lines. A longtime progressive activist with deep roots in the conservative South, Jones has made it his mission to challenge voters and viewers to stand in one another’s shoes and disagree constructively. He pushes people on both the left and the right to be better. vanjones.net ___ Stay Connected: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1HoodMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1hoodmedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/1hood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TWIWS ____ The #1 online destination for news written by and for Black Pittsburgh https://blackpittsburgh.com Connect with 1HOOD online https://www.1hood.org The Vanguard of Arts and Activism ___ About The 1HOOD Podcast: This Week In White Supremacy is The 1Hood Podcast discussing the cultural effects and weekly injustices surrounding white supremacy; through intelligent, insightful commentary and often comedic conversations this podcast is geared towards adults who want to digest the latest news and events with humor and Hip-Hop. DISCLAIMERS: The views and opinions expressed during this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of 1Hood Media, 1Hood Power, and or its affiliates. We do not own the copyrights to the selected songs, audios and/or videos shared in this broadcast. This Week In White Supremacy is brought to you by the 1HOOD Media Network Explicit Language Parental Discretion is Advised TV-MA __ This Week In White Supremacy continues to provide a platform for insightful and critical discussions, balancing humor, and seriousness to tackle pertinent cultural and political issues. 1HOOD’s vibrant conversations serve to enlighten and engage audiences, encouraging broader awareness and action against injustice. Join them next week as they continue to expose white supremacy and advocate for a more equitable society for all people. -- To help us build liberated communities through arts, education, and social justice visit our website 1hood.org to purchase your official 1HOOD apparel or consider making a tax-deductible donation to 1Hood Media. -- WATCH THE SHOW: youtube.com/@twiws -- FOLLOW 1HOOD youtube.com/@1hood facebook.com/1hoodmedia instagram.com/1hoodmedia x.com/1hood -- DISCLAIMERS: </stro

Are you concerned about the future? Tired of divisiveness? Join political commentator and changemaker Van Jones on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country’s biggest problems. Each week, Van and his guests explore topics that affect us all—from climate change to prison reform, from voting rights to political polarization. In Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, you’ll hear inspiring, hopeful and unique perspectives on what it takes to create meaningful change in a divided nation. New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday. Listen here: wondery.fm/UG_FreddieandAlyssa

Are you concerned about the future? Tired of divisiveness? Join political commentator and changemaker Van Jones on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country’s biggest problems. Each week, Van and his guests explore topics that affect us all—from climate change to prison reform, from voting rights to political polarization. In Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, you’ll hear inspiring, hopeful and unique perspectives on what it takes to create meaningful change in a divided nation. New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday. Listen here: wondery.fm/UG_YoungandProfiting Social Media: Follow YAP on IG: www.instagram.com/youngandprofiting Reach out to Hala directly at Hala@YoungandProfiting.com Follow Hala on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Follow Hala on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yapwithhala Follow Hala on Clubhouse: @halataha Check out our website to meet the team, view show notes and transcripts: www.youngandprofiting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncommon Ground with Van Jones Welcome to a special episode of The Not Old Better Show . I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is part of our series on introducing you, our wonderful Not Old Better Show audience to great new, notable podcasters and podcasts. Pursuit of the common good is something we talk about a lot on The Not Old Better Show. And, giving back is part of who we are and important to all of us, but particularly so to members of The Not Old Better Show. Are you concerned about the future? Tired of divisiveness? Join political commentator and changemaker Van Jones on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country's biggest problems. Each week, Van and his guests explore topics that affect us all—from climate change to prison reform, from voting rights to political polarization. In Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, you'll hear inspiring, hopeful, and unique perspectives on what it takes to create meaningful change in a divided nation. New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday. Listen here: wondery.fm/UG_NotOldBetter Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show on Radio & Podcast! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Van Jones is on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country’s biggest problems. Each week, he'll explore topics that affect us all—from climate change, to prison reform, to voting rights, to cancel culture. You’ll hear inspiring, hopeful and unique perspectives on what it takes to create meaningful change from guests like Deepak Chopra, Andrew Yang, LaTonya Myers and José Andrés. Listen to Uncommon Ground with Van Jones on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts: amazon.com/uncommonground . New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .