Watch the story of Walt Butler, Altadena Resident who lost everything in the Los Angeles Fires.

When the LA fires devastated my hometown community, I knew I had to do something. Through @makebigtalk Instagram videos, I started interviewing survivors—many of them elderly, disabled, or part of the Black community in Altadena—asking deep, meaningful questions to help them process their trauma and feel seen. I shared their stories on Instagram, and the response was overwhelming. Collaborating with GoFundMe, I helped raise over $2 million for those affected, including a 96-year-old woman rebuilding her home and a young blind boy navigating recovery. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life—using Big Talk not just to spark connection, but to mobilize real help and healing. – Kalina Silverman, Creator of Big Talk