Building The Village Podcast

In a world filled with texts, DMs, notifications, and endless content, why does genuine connection feel harder than ever? In this episode of the Building The Village Podcast, I explore what happens when we stop having real conversations and why getting back to talking may be one of the most important steps we can take toward rebuilding community, strengthening relationships, and creating a greater...

We all say we trust the process…until it starts taking longer than we expected. 👀Until the results don’t show up when we want them to. Until the effort feels heavier than the progress we can see. In this episode, I get very real about what it looks like to stay committed to building the village when things feel slow, unseen, and uncertain. Because the truth is—anything meaningful takes time. Anyt...

When The Village Doesn’t Show Up | Episode 56 Everybody says they care. But what happens when it’s time to show up… and nobody’s there? In this episode of Building The Village , we take a hard look at something that we don’t talk about enough — what it actually costs when people don’t show up for each other . If you’re a coach, manager, supervisor, leader, mentor — or just someone who wants to bui...

🎙️ Episode 55 | The Art of Showing Up Everybody says they care. But who’s actually showing up? In this episode of the Building The Village Podcast, I breaks down what it really means to show up for the people in your life — not just digitally, not just emotionally, but intentionally. Because strong villages aren’t built by good intentions. They’re built by presence. In this conversation, you’ll le...

STOP BEING SO SERIOUS | Why the Village Needs to Play When did growing up mean we had to stop playing? In this episode of Building The Village , I challenge the idea that adulthood must be serious, rigid, and joyless. Because the truth is — the village needs play to survive. Play isn’t childish. It’s childlike. And when communities lose joy, curiosity, and imagination, they lose connection. In thi...

🎙️ EPISODE 53 | WHY WE NEED THE VILLAGE Who told us that when we became adults, we no longer needed the village? 👀In this powerful episode of The Building The Village Podcast, your Chief Village Building Strategist dives deep into what it really means to live in community and why we can’t thrive without it. You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But what if it also takes...

On this episode of Building The Village , I’m joined by my friend Ingrid J. Ruffin, M.A. & M.L.I.S for a powerful conversation on the role of libraries, literacy, and librarians in strengthening our communities. We talk about: 📚 Why libraries are more than just buildings with books 🤝 The courage it takes to ask for help—and why it matters in the village 🔑 The many types of literacies (beyon...

How do we bridge the gap between generations in our families, workplaces, and communities? In this episode of Building The Village , we explore four powerful practices that help us move past assumptions and into deeper understanding. Whether you’re a student trying to understand your parents, a leader managing a multi-generational team, or simply someone who wants better conversations with people...

In this milestone episode of Building The Village , I sit down with Dr. Lance K. Bennett, President and Founder of the People's Institute for the Common Good . We explore the transformative work he’s leading to foster equity, build stronger communities, and elevate diverse perspectives. Our conversation dives deep into the power of dialogue, the role of shared responsibility in shaping a bette...

Ever felt like the biggest thing standing between you and your goals… is you? We talk a lot about leadership, growth, and success — but the truth is, most of us are tripping over our own habits, fears, and excuses. In this episode of Building the Village , we’re breaking down the simple, overlooked ways we sabotage ourselves — and how to stop. ✅ Why your first reaction under pressure matters ✅ H...

In this episode of the Building the Village Podcast , we explore the power of community and why the people around you matter more than ever. ✅ How to map out your personal village — the mentors, friends, supporters, and challengers who shape your growth. ✅ Why you should think outside the box when building your circle (spoiler: your next key connection might not look like you expect). ✅ How to...

It’s not the big moments that build strong communities—it’s the small, consistent actions that make people feel seen, valued, and connected. In this episode of Building the Village , we explore how simple gestures like a text message, a smile, or remembering a name can transform relationships and strengthen your “village” one moment at a time. 🎯 Why do small things make such a big difference? 🎯...

🎓 Graduation isn’t just the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of your assignment. In this special episode of Building the Village, we share 3 powerful truths every graduate needs to carry into the next season: ✅ Be Faithful to the Mission ✅ Be Fruitful in the Work ✅ Be a Force for Good Whether you're stepping into your first job, grad school, or the unknown, this message will encourage y...

Disappointment is a part of life—but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode of Building the Village , we’re talking about how to handle setbacks, keep moving forward, and turn disappointment into growth. Whether it’s life throwing unexpected challenges your way or things not going as planned, we’ll walk through three key steps: Accept it. Assess it. Apply it. Join us as we unpack how to...

What does it really mean to belong ? How do we create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and truly connected? In this episode of Building the Village , we’re diving into "The Blueprint for Belonging: Building A Village That Cares." We’ll explore: ✅ How to foster a culture of belonging in any community ✅ Why connection is key to growth and success ✅ Practical steps to make people f...

Are you tired of putting everyone else’s needs before your own? In this episode of Building the Village , I share The People Pleaser’s Recovery Plan: 5 Steps to Take Back Control . If you find yourself constantly saying yes, apologizing unnecessarily, or struggling to set boundaries, this episode is for you. Learn how to: ✅ Recognize and admit your people-pleasing tendencies ✅ Discover your true...

Kickstart your new year with purpose and clarity! In this episode of Building the Village , I break down the key differences between resolutions and goals and shares how SMART goals can transform your ambitions into actionable steps. 🎯 Tune in and discover how to make this year one where you don’t just dream—you do. 💪 🎧 Listen now and start building a better village, one goal at a time! Subscri...

In this episode of Building the Village , we’re tackling a question that’s more important than ever: how do we make meaningful connections and build lasting friendships, especially in challenging times? Whether you’re starting fresh in a new environment or looking to strengthen your existing relationships, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you: - Be intentional about the friendshi...

Gratitude isn’t just about Thanksgiving—it’s a way of life that can transform how we see the world and strengthen the communities we build. In this episode of Building the Village , we explore how choosing joy, creating intentional moments of reflection, and finding meaning in life’s messier moments can reshape our perspective and deepen our connections. ✨ Here’s what you’ll learn: 🔑 How to cult...

In this episode of Building the Village, we’re talking about breaking up with fear. Fear can hold us back from reaching our full potential, but it’s time to let go and grow! 🌱 Tune in to learn practical steps to overcome fear, shift your mindset, and build a fearless community. Let’s take bold steps together toward a brighter, more courageous future. 💪🏾 ====== EPISODE NOTES: Be sure to get your...

In this episode of Building the Village, we explore one of the most powerful yet challenging aspects of community: celebrating the successes of others, even when you're in a tough season yourself. How can you authentically cheer others on when your own journey feels stuck? Why does it matter to the health of the village, and what does it do for your own personal growth? Tune in to learn how bu...

In this episode, I share 5 key strategies to help you (the villagers) be ready for whatever "the moment" is for you. ============= https://linktr.ee/bjonesspeaks

In this episode, I talk about the importance of making those midyear adjustments while in pursuit of your goals. ======== Keep up with all things B. Jones Speaks by subscribing to my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bjonesspeaks

In this episode, I talk about the differences between networking and building genuine connections. I also offer strategies for how you to successfully make the shift. ============= In this episode, I quote Dr. Gary Smalley from his book, "The DNA of Relationships." ============= Stay up to date with B. Jones Speaks by going to: ht tps://linktr.ee/bjonesspeaks

In this episode, I talk about the importance of actually taking the time to get to know the village. Reflection questions from the episode: Do you know what’s good about your village? Do people know you in the village? Do you know what you bring to the village? What is your skill set? What are your strengths? What are those things that come naturally to you? Subscribe to my Linktree at https://lin...