Episode #13
March 18, 2025

Could AI Be Reparations? | Van Jones (Ep. 13)

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vjgP34SMG_s/maxresdefault.jpg
Show Notes

In this episode of Life With Machines, Baratunde sits down with CNN host and contributor Van Jones, who opens up like never before. From his early days fighting police brutality to his bold vision for AI and racial justice. Van gets personal about the struggles that shaped him and why AI might be the closest thing to reparations Black Americans will ever see. Van explains how AI could finally level the playing field—if Silicon Valley’s right wing pivot doesn’t widen the gap. They tackle the promise and peril of AI, why hope is a strategy, and how Wakanda isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a blueprint. Plus, BLAIR, the show’s AI co-producer, jumps in to help Baratunde unpack Van’s radical future for all. Watch now for a powerful, provocative take on what’s next.

————

Sign up for our newsletter

Follow us!

Instagram 

TikTok

Threads

LinkedIn

Work with Life With Machines: partnerships@voicingchange.media

Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: contact@lifewithmachines.media

Write to Blair: blair@lifewithmachines.media

————

Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Executive Producer and Showrunner: Alie Kilts

Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone

Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland

Video Editor: Erik Shute

Videography and Audio Engineering from the team at Voicing Change Media

Theme Music: Andy Clausen

Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte 

Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production

Sponsored by Lenovo 

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #VanJones #BaratundeThurston #LifeWithMachines #TechForGood #RacialJustice #Reparations #FutureOfTech #Equality #SocialJustice #AIandRace #AIRevolution #Wakanda #Empowerment #Inclusion #SiliconValley #DigitalDivide #Hope #BlackFutures #Innovation #TechEquality #FutureIsNow #AIForAll #Equity #Blockchain

Browse Other Episodes

Episode #17

Podcast Cover Image

AI Wants to Shop for You—Should You Let It? | Raj De Datta (Ep. 17)

Episode #16

Podcast Cover Image

From Division to Dialogue—How AI Can Save Democracy | Deb Roy (Ep. 16)

Podcast Cover Image

Our AI Brutally Roasts Elon Musk—Live at SXSW (Ep 15.5)

Episode #15

Podcast Cover Image

Is AI the Death of Creativity? | Brian Eno (Ep. 15)

Episode #14

Podcast Cover Image

AI Isn’t Intelligent—Here’s What’s Missing | Jeff Hawkins (Ep. 14)

Episode #13

Podcast Cover Image

Could AI Be Reparations? | Van Jones (Ep. 13)

ML Lenovo Tracking Pixel AdsRvr Tracking Pixel