More In Common

CJ Johnson is an acclaimed Speaker and Digital Marketing Consultant, servicing Fortune 50 clients worldwide and a prominent digital influencer with hundreds of thousands of online supporters. CJ is best known for creating successful influencer marketing campaigns as both an influencer and a consultant, helping content creators and companies maximize their ROI. As a successful influencer, CJ uses his voice for creative storytelling to provide inspiration, branding tips, and work/life balance advice in our modern era. As a consultant, CJ specializes in digital brand strategy, creative campaigns, influencer marketing, future of work, diversity & inclusion, and trend forecasting. His work specializes in the technology, fashion, lifestyle, political, travel, and entertainment industries.

CJ first found success as an award-winning creative director, producer, and writer, working on countless music videos, commercials, film, and television projects. Since then he successfully co-founded one of the Top 50 Digital Agencies in Los Angeles, became the “on-demand branding guru” of Silicon Beach, revolutionizing growth-hacking, content creation, and influencer marketing, scaling marketing teams, and ambassador programs for on-demand apps. After finding much success, CJ evolved with the changing times showcasing his skills as a futurist and strategist, now serving as a GQ Insider, Google Next Gen Policy Leader, and a Branding Consultant to innovative companies.

Currently, CJ Johnson is based in Los Angeles, California with his daughter, Fiona where they enjoy the ocean and father/daughter jam sessions.

Check out the episode on YouTube as well: https://youtu.be/7osIpsZbHow 

"Every moment is yours for the taking…" - CJ Johnson

Topics we discuss:

• The mental exhaustion of the black cultural moment

• Impact of COVID-19

• Impact of Social Media

• Growing up in the military

• Balancing image and reality

• Managing Mental health 

References:

• Stoicism

Sponsors:

GiftPod; an audio memory that you can record and give as private podcast. 

Giveagiftpod.com

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Keys in Hand" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Check this interview out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6olZ1FGf4Hc

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Brad Lambert was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA so there's no surprise why he got into the Sports Industry after graduating from North Carolina State University. Brad followed his passion for the Steelers and all things Pittsburgh and worked in that industry for almost 10 years. After working with his favorite athletes (Hines Ward, Lynn Swann, Willie Parker), top sports franchises (Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets) and global brands (Lagardère Unlimited, Hachette Filipacchi Media, Hershey, Barnes & Noble), he decided to follow his other passion, Film & Entertainment. 

He moved to Los Angeles and hit the ground running with Robert Downey Jr. After about a year with the biggest name in Hollywood, he went to Warner Bros. and managed their Digital Marketing campaigns for 2 years, winning 3 CLIO Awards during his tenure (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The LEGO Batman Movie, KONG: SKULL ISLAND). For the last 3 years he has been an Independent Producer, Talent Manager and INTL. Speaker, working with the top Brands, Studios, Celebrities, Artists and Professionals in the Industry – Prominent collaboration partners include: Walt Disney Studios, Marvel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Gary Vaynerchuk, Chris Hemsworth, The Russo Bros., The Pittsburgh Steelers and more. 

In 2019 he worked on the Marketing Campaigns for 2 of the biggest movies of all-time, collaborating with Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios on their release of "Avengers: Endgame" and Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios for their release of "Spider-Man: Far From Home". ​

He is currently producing multiple film and TV projects, managing talent and speaking all over the world. 

"Lead with kindness…do what you can for other people because a little bit of happiness goes a long way." - Brad Lambert

Topics we discuss:

• Where we were on 9/11 (Recorded on the 19th anniversary) 

• Privilege

• Empathy

• Following Passions

References:

• Brad's Website

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "All Right Now" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Pearce Godwin is described as the national voice for bridging divides—is Founder & CEO of Listen First Project, Executive Director of National Conversation Project, and leader of the #ListenFirst Coalition of 300 partner organizations. He catalyzes the #ListenFirst movement to mend the frayed social fabric of America by building relationships and bridging divides. His passion is combating the universally felt crisis of distance, division, and dehumanization across differences with conversations that prioritize understanding.

Pearce graduated from Duke University and received an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. He spent five years working in Washington, DC—in the U.S. Senate and as a national political consultant for presidential and statewide campaigns. Before moving home to North Carolina in 2013, Pearce spent six months in Uganda, Africa where he wrote It’s Time to Listen. That message—printed in dozens of papers across the United States—launched Listen First Project and led thousands to sign the Listen First Pledge—“I will listen first to understand.” 

In 2018, Pearce helped create the first National Week of Conversation and hosted the kickoff event, Listen First in Charlottesville. Pearce then launched the overarching, collaborative movement platform National Conversation Project, which scales the #ListenFirst movement by promoting annual National Weeks of Conversation, #ListenFirst Fridays, Rapid Response & Featured Conversations on Major Issues, Locally-Focused #ListenFirst Movements, and any conversation creating social connection.

The #ListenFirst movement has been recognized by journalists at CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, USA Today, Associated Press, and The New York Times as Pearce has spoken about the mission on national television and to live audiences around the world.

"I don't think any of us, ultimately, want to live in a society that is defined by how we're different as opposed to common hopes and dreams.  Common values around freedom, equality and opportunity." - Pearce Godwin

Topics we discuss:

• His Optimistic outlook on the future
  • The nuance of this optimism

References:

• The Listen First Project

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Lady in Bronze " by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Jason currently manages communications for a nonprofit in the entertainment industry but before that he was in DC, in the belly of the beast, handling communications and marketing for political organizations - a time he often looks back on simultaneously with discomfort and gratitude. 

These days, outside of the office, Jason uses his communications background to assist community based organizations and activist groups with outreach and messaging as a way to stay involved in local issues and support progressive causes in his own community. 

Jason is from Philadelphia, PA, home of the 1985 M.O.V.E. bombing where the Mayor of the city ordered a bomb dropped on a city block to evacuate a group of Black Liberation activists - an event that had a lasting impact on his world views and helped shape his political journey. 

"You as an individual can make a difference.  You won't make THE difference…but you can be a ripple in a series of ripples." - Jason Sywak

Topics we discuss:

• How his Ideals have stayed the same but the way he thinks about them have changed.
  • His prior political perspective

References:

• MOVE Bombing

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Chipotle Spread" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Oleg is a Principle Scientist with a focus on Cancer research at a large pharmaceutical company. 

He was born in Maldova, which lies between Ukraine and Romania.  At 12 his parent brought him to the States where he was raised in Los Angeles.

Given the spirit of this Season "shared American ideals" and all that is going on, and will be going one, with COVID-19, we just had to have him on to discuss so many things.

"Before I speak I try to think and recognize that people may have a different opinion, belief" - Oleg Brodsky

Topics we discuss:

• His native country, Maldova

• His family's migration to the states

• The American Dream

• Context on testing

References:

• Map of Maldova

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Frozen Pears" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Today we are with Dr. June Klees.  Dr. June is a Community college humanities & social-behavioral sciences instructor.  While she focuses on history, she has taught in the areas of cultural diversity, education, geography and the first-year experience. 

Dr. June has also helped establish the Compassionate America Message.  What Compassionate America stands for is nothing less than what Compassionate Americans from all walks of life have done in their daily lives throughout our history.  It isn’t unique to America, but it acknowledges that the “Spirit of 1776” called for the fundamental rights and freedoms of humanity to be recognized, honored, and respected under the rule of law.  This value system has woven itself into the fabric of America in different ways and ONLY has ever been maintained from generation-to-generation by Compassionate Americans who love their country…

The rest of this pledge can be found at compassionateamerica.org…it will be in the show notes.  In the spirit of our Season 4, 'Shared American Ideals', we just had to have June on and are excited to have you hear today.

"It isn't about getting stuck in the past it is about seeing the past as a vast laboratory and seeing what works and doesn't work in human behavior." - June

Topics we discuss:

• What Liberty and Justice for all means to her
  • The American Enlightenment

References:

• Compassionate America

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Nation Step" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Today we are with Imagine and Motion from the Social Nuisance Podcast.  We were on their show back in December 2019 and we are excited to have them with us today.

They met in 2011 at a community college and quickly hit it off as like-minded passionate artists and intellectuals. Motion was a dedicated Poet and Imagine, a Rapper. Both are inspired by the world around them and look to contribute their perspectives to any and every conversation. Dialog and Discussion are at the root of any development, evolution, and progressive movement. Imagine and Motion created the podcast in hopes of providing a sensible, humorous, and in your face conversation on the things that matter in the world, people and the social environments we find ourselves in. The world changes by way of Nuisances, willing to take that first step in rocking the boat, stirring the pot, and ruffling some feathers. 

"Pretend we all agree.  We're all going to have a different perspective and motivation on what we're going to do with those facts anyways.  So I'm kinda all about just hearing it all out." - Motion

"Personal motto KMF, keep moving forward, all day, everyday." - Imagine

Topics we discuss:

• What are and what do we strive for regarding Shared American Ideals

References:

• Social Nuisance Podcast
  • Our episode with them

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "quick note" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Joanna Schwartz is Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law. She teaches Civil Procedure and a variety of courses on police accountability and public interest lawyering. She received UCLA's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015, and served as Vice Dean for Faculty Development from 2017-2019.

Professor Schwartz is one of the country's leading experts on police misconduct litigation. Professor Schwartz additionally studies the dynamics of modern civil litigation. She is co-author, with Stephen Yeazell, of a leading casebook, Civil Procedure (10th Edition), and her scholarship has appeared or is forthcoming in Columbia Law Review, New York University Law Review, Stanford Law Review, Texas Law Review, UCLA Law Review, and the Yale Law Journal, among others.

Professor Schwartz is a graduate of Brown University and Yale Law School. After law school, Professor Schwartz clerked for Judge Denise Cote of the Southern District of New York and Judge Harry Pregerson of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She was then associated with Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP, in New York City, where she specialized in police misconduct, prisoners' rights, and First Amendment litigation.

"The basic facts of any given case aren't in dispute, it's whether you see those facts as wrong doing or not" - Joanna Schwartz

Topics we discuss:

• How we have lost our perspective of Shared Ideals
  • Perspective drives how we see the facts

References:

• Joanna's Full Bio

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Binding Signatures" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Today we talk to Nav the Poet.  Nav the Poet is a spoken word artist who has been writing and performing since 2011. What initially began as an outlet for personal struggles has turned into a profession, where he travels the country and shares his stories, experiences, and art with his audiences to spread his message: break barriers, build bridges, and encourage a deeper understanding of one another so that we may work together to create a better world.   

"…I don't over value what I say, I just believe it for myself, and if other people vide with it, other people enjoy it, then awesome, I also don't expect people to automatically agree with it…" -

Nav the Poet

Topics we discuss:

• His poetry tying to Shared American Ideals

• Living up to them

• In broader culture

• Connecting to his faith

• The struggle to not let follows and likes drive our behavior

References:

• Nav's Tik Tok

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Vebiage Veggies" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Today we are with Casey Moore and Marley Duchovnay who created the amazing organization, Project Divided.  Casey is from Delaware and Marley from Pennsylvania. Both grew up exposed to politics and each developed a passion for getting involved and doing something about the division our binary political system creates.  Thus, after graduating from the University of Delaware, they decided to take part in the action to begin building bridges across the political divide.  Hence the start of Project Divided.

They drove from the north east to begin their journey in the small town of Smithville, TX.  Project Divided is an initiative working to understand political division and facilitate conversations between problem solvers in our communities. Project Divided is all about understanding how we can work together to problem solve from the local level up. They believe the best way to start this is to bring lots of different perspectives and backgrounds together to first start the conversation and foster communication and understanding.

This is our season of "American Shared Ideals" and we couldn't be more excited to have this conversation with Marley and Casey.  What they built is exactly what we hope to represent with this season of conversations. 

"What most Americans what are things that aren't too crazy." - Marley Duchovnay

"how do you balance having a conversation in order to understand that space versus having a conversation because you're an activist that wants to advocate for a specific issue?" Casey Moore

Topics we discuss:

• The observation of American shared values
  • Understanding their values first

References:

• Project Divided

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Doozie Groove" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.