Moonshots with Peter Diamandis

An AI Conversation for Everyday People w/ Will.i.am & Van Jones | EP #154

Mar 6, 2025

In this conversation, Will.i.am, a visionary artist and tech innovator, joins Van Jones, a passionate activist and media personality. They discuss their impactful initiative, Make Wakanda Real, which aims to empower underrepresented communities through technology. The conversation dives into how AI can revolutionize education, bridging cultural gaps and fostering creativity. They also explore the significance of Africa's youth in shaping global innovation, emphasizing the need for equitable access to technology. Together, they inspire a future where technology serves humanity.

02:00:11

Episode guests

will.i.am

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The 'Make Wakanda Real' campaign highlights Africa's potential to become a technologically advanced society driven by its youthful population.

AI is framed as a liberating tool that can enhance creativity and provide opportunities, particularly for historically marginalized communities.

The podcast calls for a shift in media narratives to focus on uplifting stories that positively impact communities and encourage optimism.

Education reform is emphasized as essential for equipping youth with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Deep dives

Make Wakanda Real: A Vision for the Future

The concept of 'Make Wakanda Real' emphasizes the potential of a new civilization emerging in Africa, driven by its youthful population. With most of the world's youth expected to be in Africa by 2040, there is a call to harness the continent's resources and talent to create a technologically advanced society that reflects the ideals presented in the fictional land of Wakanda. The dialogue highlights the urgent need for innovation and investment in AI and tech education for underprivileged communities, particularly among black youth, who have historically been marginalized in these areas. By equipping these communities with the necessary tools, there is the potential to foster a sustainable and equitable future.

Intro

4min

The Transformative Power of Technology and AI

4min

Exploring Expressive AI Companions and Their Future

2min

Bridging Communities Through Culture and Technology

3min

Envisioning a Future Driven by Africa's Youth

2min

Demographic Shifts and Technological Futures

18min

Navigating Technology and Humanity

25min

Fostering Health and Redefining Education for Future Generations

5min

Empowering Underserved Communities Through AI

19min

10.

Mindset and Creativity: Harnessing AI for Innovation

3min

11.

Empowering Diverse Representation in AI

5min

12.

Embracing AI in Education: Overcoming Fears and Enhancing Learning

2min

13.

AI in Education and Brand Evolution

25min

14.

Transforming Success into Significance

4min

In this episode, Will.i.am, Van Jones, and Peter discuss what the Make Wakanda Real campaign stands for, how technology is changing lives across the globe, and the state of legacy media.

Recorded on Feb 22nd, 2025

Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice.

Will.i.am is a globally recognized artist, entrepreneur, and innovator at the intersection of music, technology, and philanthropy. As the founder of FYI, i.am+, and co-founder of Amuse, he pioneers AI-driven platforms and smart consumer products while advising Atom Bank. Best known as the frontman of the Black Eyed Peas, he has shaped modern music with hit albums like Elephunk and The E.N.D., alongside his solo work #willpower. His tech ventures include FYI.AI, and Sound Drive with Mercedes-AMG. Committed to bridging technology and social impact, he co-founded Make Wakanda Real with Van Jones, an AI initiative to empower underrepresented communities. Through the i.am Angel Foundation, he continues to champion STEAM education for underserved youth, ensuring that innovation reaches those who need it most.

Van Jones is a prominent political commentator, social activist, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of media, technology, and justice. A longtime CNN contributor, he hosts The Van Jones Show and previously led The Redemption Project. As the founder of Dream Machine Innovation Lab, he focuses on bringing AI to underrepresented communities while continuing his work with Dream.org on initiatives like #YesWeCode, #cut50, and Green For All. He co-founded Make Wakanda Real with will.i.am, a movement inspired by Black Panther that seeks to democratize AI access for marginalized groups. Jones has received numerous accolades, including a 2020 Emmy Award and the 2021 Courage and Civility Award, which granted him $100 million to support nonprofits. A senior advisor at Teneo and a board member of multiple social justice organizations, he is also a bestselling author, with his latest book, Beyond the Messy Truth (2017), offering insights on unity and reform.

Learn more about the FYI.AI app:https://fyi.ai/

Learn more about Make Wakanda Real: https://www.dreammachine.org/

Learn more about Rapport: https://www.rapport.co/

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