PODCAST

Uncommon Ground with Van Jones

Amazon Music | Van Jones

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 Jonesrelease weekly, every Wednesday.

Play Trailer
Introducing: Uncommon Ground with Van Jones
Introducing: Uncommon Ground with Van Jones
Oct 13 2021
2 mins
“Should Black People Take the Vaccine?” with Deon Taylor and Jonathan Isaac
“Should Black People Take the Vaccine?” with Deon Taylor and Jonathan Isaac
“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:https://www.cdc.gov/https://www.who.int/New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Yesterday
54 mins
Loving the Haters with Sarah Silverman
Loving the Haters with Sarah Silverman
“Nobody's going to be changed by being judged or condescended to.” In this episode, Van is joined by comedian, actress, writer, and podcast host, Sarah Silverman. They talk about the need for empathy (even for hecklers or haters), and how the best way to start to love someone is to get to know them. Sarah shares about her love for apologizing. And she shows that a mixture of humor, vulnerability, humility, and openness, can be a recipe for progress.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 1 2021
29 mins
Friendship Against the Odds with Meghan McCain
Friendship Against the Odds with Meghan McCain
“Civility is key to civilization.” In this episode Van talks with Meghan McCain, columnist for The Daily Mail, author, and former co-host of The View, about the importance of recognizing the good in each political party and respecting those who have different perspectives. Van and Meghan’s friendship shows us that people with political differences can still come together to form meaningful relationships — and this conversation is a good guide for anyone looking to connect with a loved one with whom they have fundamental disagreements.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!*This episode uses audio clips from an episode of The View.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 24 2021
45 mins
Moving Forward with Andrew Yang
Moving Forward with Andrew Yang
What if we start taxing the robots? What if we eliminate closed primary elections? What if we launch a new political party? In the fifth episode of Uncommon Ground, Van sits down with that supernova of solutions, Andrew Yang. During the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, Yang was a fount of fresh thinking -- including his proposal to give every American $1,000 a month. In this conversation, Yang proves he is just getting started. He’s continuing to push FORWARD a whole new slate of creative solutions that will stretch your imagination about what is possible. And in a touching moment, Yang gets personal -- sharing with Van what it actually feels like to be one of the first Asian American political stars.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 17 2021
33 mins
Turning Pain into Purpose with LaTonya Myers
Turning Pain into Purpose with LaTonya Myers
You may not have heard of LaTonya Myers — at least not yet. But Van Jones bets your heart and soul will be uplifted by discovering her story today. In the fourth episode of Uncommon Ground, Van sits down with the trailblazing young activist — who just won the Reebok International Human Rights Award for her incredible work to uplift urban communities. LaTonya has turned her pain into purpose, working to improve the lives of folks in her community of Philadelphia and beyond. You can follow more of LaTonya’s creative and inspiring work at https://www.aboveallodds.org/.This episode uses audio clips from the 8-part docuseries PHILLY D.A. which features LaTonya, courtesy of Independent Lens. Watch PHILLY D.A. on the PBS video app with PBS Passport.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and it may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 10 2021
40 mins
Being a Bridge with Bishop T.D. Jakes
Being a Bridge with Bishop T.D. Jakes
“In retrospect, we love our heroes. In real time they’re always controversial.” In the third episode of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, 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.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 3 2021
33 mins
Finding Forgiveness with Deepak Chopra
Finding Forgiveness with Deepak Chopra
“You forgive not because the other deserves forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” In this episode, 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.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 27 2021
27 mins
Building Tables (Not Walls) with Chef José Andrés
Building Tables (Not Walls) with Chef José Andrés
“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 premiere episode of Uncommon Ground. They discuss disaster relief, helping others as a way to help ourselves, and the boundaries we are and are not willing to cross when it comes to getting things done.New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.Have a question for Van? Call 347-770-2785 and leave him a voicemail. Your question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 27 2021
36 mins
Introducing: Uncommon Ground with Van Jones
Introducing: Uncommon Ground with Van Jones
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.
Oct 13 2021
2 mins
0:00