Season three of the award-winning podcast, Into the Mix, launched today, produced by Vox Creative, Vox Media’s in-house brand studio, in partnership with Ben & Jerry’s. Hosted by Ashley C. Ford for the third consecutive year, the new season introduces a new format that combines in-depth storytelling with practical activism ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
This season focuses on joy and justice in action, featuring four multi-part stories that go beyond news headlines. Ford, now also serving as producer, introduces listeners to real people at the heart of today’s greatest fights for justice. The show highlights important grassroots activists, celebrating their impact on larger issues. These include changemakers like Inez Bordeaux in St. Louis, who is working on criminal justice reform and the closure of the infamous Workhouse jail, and Olivia Coley-Pearson in Douglas, GA, who is fighting for voting rights and against voter disenfranchisement. Their efforts have made tangible impacts on individual lives in their communities, addressing systemic issues that resonate far beyond their local contexts.
Season 3 introduces a new structure to the podcast: a mini-series format consisting of four distinct topics, each explored through three in-depth episodes. These topics include the “Close the Workhouse” movement in St. Louis, climate justice in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley,’ voting rights and voter disenfranchisement in Georgia, and a broader examination of anti-DEI policies and the ‘anti-woke’ movement. This approach provides listeners with a comprehensive exploration of each issue, diving deep to give a full picture of topics touched on in previous Into the Mix seasons, such as criminal legal system reform and voting rights.
“Ben & Jerry’s has a unique set of progressive values and a long history of using our brand and platform to support and advance social movements,” said Jay Curley, global head of integrated marketing at Ben & Jerry’s. “Through the Into the Mix podcast, we can both amplify and bring to life the impactful work of advocates and activists and bring their stories directly to fans. The show centers on real people impacted by real issues and how they leverage joy on their journey to justice. And we hope this propels a lot of fans into action directly led by our partners.”
The new season places a stronger emphasis on action, aligning with Ben & Jerry’s progressive values. Into the Mix uniquely combines deep historical context with active pathways toward impact. This approach equips listeners with both comprehensive knowledge and practical tools to engage meaningfully with the issues they learn about, building a more informed and empowered audience.
“Each season of Into The Mix has given me the opportunity to grow in my understanding of the world, my country, and all who live among us, and season three is our best yet,” said Ashley C. Ford, host and producer of Into the Mix. “In a time when the truth about oppressive harm, current and historical, is purposefully obscured by those who would like to maintain the status quo, I’m inspired by the grassroots change-makers we’re featuring and am grateful for the opportunity to uncover their stories with our engaged and thoughtful audience.”
As the upcoming election approaches, Ben & Jerry’s is using Season 3 of Into the Mix as a way to help young voters understand the major issues shaping the race and to encourage civic engagement.
Into the Mix Season 3 is available on all major podcast platforms.
Listen to the series here
About Vox Creative
Vox Creative is Vox Media’s award-winning brand studio. Vox Creative’s team of strategists, writers, storytellers, and analysts create original content and experiences that connect brands with influential audiences across Vox Media’s editorial networks and beyond. Vox Creative’s work spans short and long-form video, podcasts, explainers, experiential, shoppable content and more. They’ve built houses, invented cocktails, produced documentaries, traveled inside companies to uncover untold stories, and, on rare occasions, have gone to the moon.
About Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is an aspiring social justice company that believes in a greater calling than simply making and selling the world’s best ice cream. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and Non-Dairy/vegan desserts using high-quality ingredients and lots of big chunks and swirls. As a Certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry’s incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices via values-led sourcing initiatives when purchasing ingredients. Ben & Jerry’s is distributed in over 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Scoop Shops, and via on-demand delivery services. Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, a fair financial return, and addressing issues of social, racial, and environmental injustice around the globe. The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, guided by Ben & Jerry’s employees, granted $5.1 MM in 2023 to support progressive, justice-focused grassroots organizing around the country. For up-to-date information visit benjerry.com.
