In a special role reversal, producer Phil Ybarrolaza 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 stepped up to produce this show because he believes in amplifying voices for change. 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.
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.
In a special role reversal, producer Phil Ybarrolaza interviews me about the journey behind People in Common and what it means to build an authentic community when everything feels like it's falling apart. Phil reached out to offer his production skills because he wanted to get more voices like mine out there. And he digs into the real questions: How do we find courage when institutions are crumbling? What does it actually take to turn shared values into collective action? And why does building a beloved community matter more than ever right now?
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.
• The vision behind People in Common and why we need more platforms for authentic dialogue
• How technology and AI should serve human connection rather than replace it
• The role of philanthropy in creating systemic change (and why billionaires shouldn't have yachts while others lack basic needs)
• Building courage in the face of institutional breakdown and authoritarian threats
• 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 "beloved community" where honest conversations can happen across difference
• Why we need human-curated content and genuine dialogue more than ever
• 00:13 Reflecting on the year so far (February 2025)
• 00:39 Reviving 'People in Common' Podcast
• 00:57 The Importance of Conversations and Community
• 04:37 Discussing Influential Figures and Their Impact
• 10:43 The Role and Future of AI and Humans
• 17:33 Ethical Considerations in AI
• 24:33 The Giving Pledge Initiative
• 25:33 Philanthropy and Impact Investing and The Role of Courage
• 40:36 Quiet Resistance and Workplace Dynamics
• 44:16 Opportunities for Positive Impact
Phil is the producer who makes People in Common possible. An accomplished community builder and media professional with over two decades of experience in organizing, labor advocacy, and content creation, he reached out to offer his production skills because he believes in practicing what he preaches. With a background spanning union organizing (including roles as president of Teamsters Local 624 and business representative for multiple locals), podcasting, and digital media strategy, Phil brings deep expertise in connecting people around shared values.
"I work with other podcasters and content creators to make things that they love. Helping people communicate positive messages via online, print, and media is my true passion in life!"
Phil's commitment to amplifying important conversations and his skill in creating space for honest dialogue make him the perfect partner for this work. His perspective on technology, ethics, and building authentic connections becomes part of every conversation. Thank you, Phil!
Phil is the producer who makes People in Common possible. An accomplished community builder and media professional with over two decades of experience in organizing, labor advocacy, and content creation, he reached out to offer his production skills because he believes in practicing what he preaches. With a background spanning union organizing (including roles as president of Teamsters Local 624 and business representative for multiple locals), podcasting, and digital media strategy, Phil brings deep expertise in connecting people around shared values.
"I work with other podcasters and content creators to make things that they love. Helping people communicate positive messages via online, print, and media is my true passion in life!"
Phil's commitment to amplifying important conversations and his skill in creating space for honest dialogue make him the perfect partner for this work. His perspective on technology, ethics, and building authentic connections becomes part of every conversation. Thank you, Phil!
