EP:8 - [GUEST] Ben Cohen : From Ice Cream to Activism - 'Up in Arms'

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is more than just a pioneer of chunky, funky flavors — he’s also a bold activist and outspoken advocate for peace, justice, and democracy. Since launching Ben & Jerry’s in 1978 with his childhood friend Jerry Greenfield, Ben has combined business with purpose, challenging corporate norms and championing progressive causes through the company’s mission-driven model.

But Ben’s commitment didn’t stop at the pint. He’s been a relentless force for campaign finance reform, racial equity, and demilitarization — and he’s put his own money and voice behind some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Today, we’ll talk about how business can be a platform for change, the battles Ben continues to fight, and why — even decades after launching one of the world’s most beloved brands — he’s still stirring the pot.

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What if your healthcare, education, and housing were being sacrificed to fund nuclear weapons? Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and dedicated political activist, pulls back the curtain on America's trillion-dollar military budget and the corporations profiting from it.

Cohen's latest campaign, Up in Arms, visualizes the staggering $100 billion spent annually on nuclear weapons - money that could transform American lives through affordable housing, education, and childcare. With remarkable clarity, he explains how our military spending consumes 60% of the entire discretionary budget while weapons manufacturers distribute their facilities strategically across congressional districts to ensure their funding remains untouchable.

The conversation takes a revealing turn when Cohen describes the revolving door between the Pentagon and defense contractors, where officials who oversee military contracts later take lucrative positions with those same companies. This system of "legalized bribery" has created a Pentagon budget that serves corporate interests rather than national defense, while Americans struggle with inadequate healthcare and crumbling infrastructure.

Most striking is Cohen's candor about his journey from business leader to activist. After finding traditional lobbying "useless and hopeless," he was recently arrested for protesting at a congressional hearing - calling out the moral disconnect between cutting Medicaid for American children while funding weapons used against children elsewhere. Drawing parallels between his values-led business philosophy at Ben & Jerry's and his current activism, Cohen demonstrates how prioritizing community welfare alongside practical goals creates better outcomes for everyone.

Ready to understand where your tax dollars really go and what that means for America's future? Join us for this eye-opening conversation about war profiteering, manufactured consent, and the possibility of a more just allocation of our national resources. Visit upinarms.life to learn more about redirecting military spending toward human needs.

Our theme music, Adventures In Jazz, was used with permission. Composed and performed by Bob Mamet.