In a special role reversal, producer Phil Ybarralozza interviews me about the journey behind People in Common and what it means to build community in an authentic way when everything feels like it's falling apart. Phil—who stepped up to produce this show because he believes in amplifying voices for change—asks the questions we're all wrestling with: How do we stay brave when everything feels like it's falling apart? What's the actual work of turning our values into collective power? And how do we build the kind of community that can hold us through whatever comes next?"

We explore everything from the ethics of AI and the role of philanthropy to the complexities of identity politics and the urgent need for genuine human connection. Phil pushes me on the hard stuff—the aftermath of 2024, the challenge of organizing across differences, and why we can't just wait for heroes to save us. This conversation gets to the heart of what People in Common is really about: creating spaces where we can have honest conversations, recognize our shared humanity, and figure out how to do hard things together, joyfully.

Action Opportunities:

• Join the People in Common community and find ways to connect with like-minded changemakers in your area https://www.jamaadams.com/people-in-common-podcast

• Act in a way that creates the “Beloved Community” https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/

• Explore the Leading Change Network for organizing training and resources: https://leadingchangenetwork.org/

• Check out local community organizing opportunities through groups like Indivisible: https://indivisible.org

• Practice "quiet resistance" in your workplace and daily life—living your values openly and creating space for others to do the same

• Consider how you can use your skills and resources to support the movements and causes you care about

Key Topics Discussed:

• The vision behind People in Common and why we need more platforms for authentic dialogue

• Building courage in the face of institutional breakdown and authoritarian threats

• How technology and AI should serve human connection rather than replace it. We need human-curated content and genuine dialogue more than ever

• The role of philanthropy in creating systemic change (and why billionaires shouldn't have yachts while others lack the basics)

• Why identity politics gets weaponized and how we can navigate complex identities with integrity

• The importance of treating immigrants and all marginalized communities with dignity

• Creating the "beloved community" where honest conversations can happen across difference

About Phil Ybarralozza:

Phil is the producer who makes People in Common possible. A community builder and tech professional, he reached out to offer his production skills because he believes in practicing what he preaches. Phil brings his own perspective on technology, ethics, and building authentic connections in our increasingly digital age. His commitment to amplifying important conversations and his skill in creating space for honest dialogue make him the perfect partner for this work.

Behind the Scenes:

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the thinking behind People in Common and the personal journey of trying to make sense of our chaotic moment while building something meaningful together. It's a conversation about hope, courage, and the daily practice of living our values—even when (especially when) everything feels uncertain.