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How do you find your people when life is changing? In Episode 59 of the Building The Village Podcast, we talk about what it really takes to build meaningful relationships and find community in a new season. Finding your people is about more than waiting for the right friendships to happen. It requires knowing yourself, showing up, making your presence known, taking relational risks, and being willing to move through the awkwardness that comes with real connection. If you’re starting over, entering a new season, moving to a new city, beginning a new job, stepping onto a new campus, or simply realizing that your current relationships are changing, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about: How to find people who share your interests Why being known matters for real community How to stop hiding in new environments Why you may need to be the first person to say hello How to become more intentional about building meaningful relationships Why finding your people also means becoming someone else’s person You don’t build community from the sidelines. Sometimes finding your people starts with having the courage to show up and let people know who you are. 🎧 Listen to Episode 59: How To Find Your People #BuildingTheVillage #HowToFindYourPeople #Community #Friendship #Belonging #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Connection #Leadership #YoungProfessionals #StudentAffairs #HigherEducation

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 sense of belonging. This episode challenges listeners to think about the difference between communication and connection, the impact of social media and technology on our relationships, and how simple conversations can open the door to trust, friendship, and meaningful community. You'll learn: ✅ Why meaningful conversations feel harder today ✅ The difference between communication and connection ✅ How to overcome awkwardness and conversational fatigue ✅ Practical strategies for starting better conversations ✅ How curiosity can help build stronger relationships ✅ Why every meaningful relationship begins with a conversation Whether you're a leader, educator, student, parent, coach, pastor, or someone who simply wants deeper relationships, this episode will encourage you to slow down, notice the people around you, and rediscover the power of conversation. 🎧 Listen now and join the movement to build better villages, one villager at a time. 👍 Like this video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, community, belonging, personal growth, and building stronger relationships #BuildingTheVillage #Connection #Belonging #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Conversation #LeadershipPodcast #SelfDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamBuilding

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.Anything real requires energy.And most people don’t struggle with starting…they struggle with staying.If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or tempted to walk away from something that matters—this episode is for you.Keep building. Keep growing. Trust what’s happening, even when you can’t see it yet.👍 Like this video if this message resonates with you💬 Comment below: What’s something in your life that’s taking longer than you expected?🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, and building meaningful community📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep going📲 Follow me on Instagram: @bjonesspeaks🎤 Want to book me to speak at your campus, church, or organization? Reach out via Instagram or visit bjonesspeaks.com

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 build stronger relationships — this conversation will challenge you to rethink what presence really means. Because the truth is, communities don’t just break down because of conflict…Sometimes they break down because of absence. And whether we realize it or not, the moments we miss can leave a lasting impact. This episode isn’t just about community.It’s about accountability.It’s about leadership.It’s about who we choose to be for the people around us. 🎧 Tap in and ask yourself: When it matters most… do I show up? 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, and building meaningful community📲 Follow @bjonesspeaks for more insights on building better villages🎤 Interested in booking Dr. Brandon W. Jones? Reach out via Instagram or visit bjonesspeaks.com #BuildingTheVillage #Leadership #Community #Belonging #Accountability #PersonalGrowth #DrBrandonWJones #BJonesSpeaks

🎙️ Episode 55 | The Art of Showing UpEverybody 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 learn the three movements of showing up:🔥 Pull Up – Why physical presence still matters in a distracted world🗣️ Speak Up – How your voice can strengthen (or weaken) your community🤝 Hang Out – Why real connection happens in unstructured momentsIf you’ve ever felt unseen, unsupported, or disconnected…Or if you want to become the kind of leader, friend, partner, or parent who truly builds community…This episode is for you.✨ Building better villages starts with showing up. ✨🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, faith, belonging, and community-building.📲 Follow me on Instagram: @bjonesspeaks🎤 Want me to speak at your campus, church, or organization? Reach out via Instagram or visit bjonesspeaks.com👇 Drop a comment: Who do you need to show up for this week?#BuildingTheVillage #Leadership #Community #Belonging #Faith #PersonalGrowth #DrBrandonWJones #BJonesSpeaks

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 this episode, we explore:• Why adults stopped playing• The difference between being childlike and childish• How play reduces stress, builds trust, and strengthens relationships• Why laughter is one of the fastest ways to create belonging• How bringing play back can heal individuals and communities If you’ve been feeling burned out, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode — this conversation is for you. ✨ Because building better villages starts with joy. ✨ --------------------- 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly conversations on leadership, faith, belonging, and community-building.📲 Follow me on Instagram: @bjonesspeaks🎤 Want me to speak at your church, campus, or organization? Reach out via Instagram or visit bjonesspeaks.com 👇 Drop a comment: What’s one “childlike” thing you need to bring back into your life? #BuildingTheVillage #StopBeingSoSerious #Joy #Community #Leadership #Faith #Play #Belonging #DrBrandonWJones #BJonesSpeaks

🎙️ EPISODE 53 | WHY WE NEED THE VILLAGEWho 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 a village to nurture and sustain healthy, whole adults? We live in a time where connection is scarce, loneliness is growing, and community feels optional — but it’s not. This episode will challenge how you think about relationships, belonging, and your role in the Village.🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more episodes that help you build better villages — one villager at a time.📲 Follow me on Instagram: @bjonesspeaks🎤 Want me to speak at your next event? Visit www.bjonesspeaks.com or message me directly on Instagram.

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 (beyond reading) that empower people to thrive This episode is a reminder that literacy is not just about information—it’s about connection, access, and opportunity. Listen in and let’s keep building better villages, one villager at a time.

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 older or younger than you, this episode gives you practical tools for connection. Because building the village means building bridges—one conversation at a time.

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 better future, and yes—our mutual love for the Philadelphia Eagles 🦅. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that blends wisdom, passion, and a touch of Eagles pride. Listen, share, and join us in building better villages—one villager at a time.

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✅ How taking ownership builds trust✅ Why self-leadership always comes before influence✅ The power of pausing before you make your next move If you’re ready to stop overthinking, stop reacting, and finally lead from a healthy place… this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now — and share it with someone who needs this reminder today! #BuildingTheVillage #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #GetOutOfYourOwnWay

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 recognize your own role in someone else's village — because you’re part of their story too. If you're ready to build stronger, healthier, and more intentional relationships that fuel your purpose, this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more on personal growth, leadership, and community building. #BuildingTheVillage #ItTakesAVillage #FindYourPeople #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #LifeTips #Relationships #SelfDevelopment

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?🎯 What stops us from doing them more often?🎯 How can YOU start today and create ripple effects in your community? Listen in for practical tips, inspiring real-life stories, and a simple challenge to help you spread kindness and connection in your everyday life. 👥 Tag a friend who needs this reminder!💬 Share your favorite small gesture using #SmallGesturesBigVillage.

🎓 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 you to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and impact every space you enter. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share this with a graduate who’s ready to build the village wherever they go. #BuildingTheVillage #Graduation2025 #Leadership #PurposeDriven #FaithfulFruitfulForceful #CollegeGraduation #NewBeginnings #LifeAfterCollege

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 navigate tough moments, build resilience, and be the kind of villager who models perseverance. If this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Share your thoughts in the comments—how do you deal with disappointment? Let’s keep building the village together!