Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 845 Brian Jay Jones, Kathy Eldon

Brian Jay Jones, author of the New York Times best-selling biography "Jim Henson: The Biography," joins Tavis for a conversation about the life and legacy of the legendary creator of "The Muppets." Jones describes how Henson's childhood and early career influenced his groundbreaking work in puppetry, television and film. He also shares insights into Henson's personal relationships, including the collaborative partnership he had with Frank Oz, the voice of Miss Piggy and other beloved Muppet characters.

Later in the show, Kathy Eldon, founder and CEO of Creative Visions, a media arts organization that supports and empowers artists, shares her inspiring story of resilience in the face of tragedy. Eldon lost her son, photojournalist Dan Eldon, in 1993 while he was covering the civil war in Somalia. In the aftermath of his death, Eldon found solace in creating a community of artists and activists who were dedicated to creating positive change in the world. She discusses her organization's work with artists like filmmaker Davis Guggenheim and musician John Legend, and highlights the importance of using media and the arts as a catalyst for social change.

Throughout the episode, Tavis engages both guests in thoughtful, wide-ranging discussions that touch on themes like creativity, innovation, collaboration, and the power of storytelling. Jones and Eldon share candid personal stories, and offer insights into the ways in which their work has been shaped by their experiences and the impact they hope to have on the world. Tavis adds his own voice to the conversation, offering thoughtful commentary on the topics at hand and bringing his considerable experience as a journalist and commentator to bear on the discussions. In all, this episode of "Tavis Smiley" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of two very different but equally captivating figures in their respective fields.