#L.A.Rising

Kim Marshall and NOVA
  • 5.0 (12)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Stories of Hope, Help, and Healing from the L.A. Fires

  1. MAY 1

    23. Animals: Disaster's Invisible Victims - Dr. Leslie Irvine, Professor Emerita in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder

    When disaster strikes, animals are often among the most vulnerable and least visible victims. In this deeply moving episode of LA Rising, Kim Marshall speaks with Dr. Leslie Irvine, Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado Boulder and author of Filling the Ark: Animal Welfare in Disasters, about how wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and toxic burn zones affect pets, livestock, and wildlife. From the lessons of Hurricane Katrina to the realities of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, Dr. Irvine explains why animal disaster planning is not optional; it is practical, public health-centered, and deeply human. This episode also features a heartwarming Wellness Lift with Emmy-winning animation director, David Knott, whose docu-animated short, Disaster Cats, tells the true story of Bergie, a cat who survived 32 days in the Eaton Fire burn zone before being reunited with her family. You’ll also hear from volunteer cat rescuers Lexi and Amy, who helped trap and reunite lost fire cats in Altadena. Listen in for stories of heartbreak, community courage, and practical steps every animal guardian can take now: microchip your pets, build a go bag, rehearse evacuation, and get to know the neighbors who may one day help save the animals you love. Resources: Read Filling the Ark: Animal Welfare in Disasters by Dr. Leslie Irvine PHAR – Pet Help and Rescue App  Check out Disaster Cats on Ashes to Films Follow Disaster Cats on Instagram: @disastercats_film Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    55 min

  2. APR 11

    22. Restoring the Urban Forest - David Card, President Palisades Forestry Committee

    After wildfire strips a neighborhood bare, what helps people heal, and what helps a community breathe again? In this moving episode of LA Rising, host Kim Marshall explores the deep connection between recovery and the urban forest with sustainable landscape architect David Card of the Palisades Forestry Committee and biophilia expert Jennifer Walsh. Together, they reveal why trees are far more than scenery: they cool our homes, calm our nervous systems, protect communities, and help restore hope after loss. From the fight to save surviving trees in Pacific Palisades to the science behind why even 40 seconds of looking at nature can ease stress, this conversation is both practical and deeply restorative. Listen in for a powerful reminder that rebuilding is not only about structures, but also about replanting beauty, resilience, and belonging, one tree and one neighborhood at a time. Then share this episode, support local replanting and recovery efforts, and be part of bringing the green back to Los Angeles. Resources: Palisades Forestry Committee Walks with Walsh Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    1h 1m

  3. MAR 18

    21. A Messenger for the Moment - John Davitt, Chief Meteorologist, Spectrum News NY1

    In this episode of L.A. Rising, host Kim Marshall sits down with NY1 Chief Meteorologist John Davitt to unpack life in the age of unprecedented weather events. Fresh off reporting from the front lines of NYC’s recent Nor’Easter and bomb cyclone, John explains the jarring shift in the frequency of billion-dollar weather disasters –from every three months in the 1980’s to every three weeks today. We dive into the science behind how climate change is supercharging storms and heating our oceans. We discuss the human cost and emotional toll these events take on not only those in their path but the experts tasked with delivering the warnings.  We’ll hear why reporting like John’s is a beacon of evidence and hope, offering practical steps—from congestion pricing to household habits—that turn fear into empowerment.  This week’s Wellness Lift segment brings to life one of John’s suggestions: being conscious of the kind of fashion choices you make. We’ll talk to eco fashion expert, Sita Thompson, and find out why doing the right thing with our clothing not only makes sense but can look and feel so good. Resources: Instagram: @johndavittontv Climate Central John Davitt — Chief Meteorologist SITA Couture Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    49 min

  4. FEB 20

    20. Writing to Surprise Ourselves – Fire Survivor Kathleen Katims' Saved by a Story

    What if the thing that saves us isn’t rebuilding a house, but rebuilding our story? In this deeply human episode of LA Rising, host Kim Marshall sits down with Kathleen Katims, founder of Saved by a Story, a nonprofit offering free writing workshops to wildfire survivors, foster youth, seniors, and others navigating life’s hardest seasons. After losing her own Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 fires, Kathleen began guiding fellow survivors to write their way through grief, humor, shock, and resilience—often in just ten minutes. You’ll hear unforgettable stories from the workshops, including “My House is a Poem,” a love letter from a burned-down home to its owner, and a surprisingly hilarious treasure unearthed from the ashes. If you believe storytelling heals, this episode will show you why. Share it with someone who needs connection—and consider attending a workshop or supporting LA Rising’s mission to preserve these living histories of hope. Resources: Saved by a Story SBAS Wildfire Survivor Workshops Wende Museum Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    50 min

  5. JAN 30

    19. Remember, Reimagine, Rebuild - Creative Visions’ One Year Commemoration of the L.A. Fires

    We go live for this episode to literally the first address on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu – and one of a handful of oceanfront structures still standing post-fire along a seven-mile stretch of coastline – to commemorate the first anniversary of the 2025 L.A. Fires. Host and fire evacuee, Kim Marshall, moderates a panel of creatives – filmmakers, photographers, storytellers, a high school coach, and even a student activist – who share the unique ways they are helping their communities heal, post-fire.  The Wellness Lift Segment goes East to New York’s Hudson Valley to the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort, where the Director of Mindfulness Programming, Nina Smiley, shares practical and positive tips to squelch anxiety, depression, and anger post-trauma. Resources: www.creativevisions.org Big Rock Burning | PBS Ashes To Films Learn more about treeams Mindfulness Spa Offerings | Mohonk Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    44 min

  6. JAN 15

    18. A Beacon of Hope: Jamaica’s Post Disaster Resilience – The Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister of Jamaica & Tanya Vassell, Spa Director Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay Jamaica

    As a multi-peril podcast looking for rays of hope, it is fitting that we focus on the Caribbean island of Jamaica and how their advance resiliency planning is helping speed their recovery after being hit by the monster, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in late October.  Hear first hand strategies implemented before and after the storm on the island from international resilience expert, Edmund Bartlett, the Tourism Minister of Jamaica.  We’ll also speak to a hospitality industry leader, Tonya Vassal – Spa Director at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay – who uses her wellness background to help neighbors, employees and their children cope with this trauma.   For the Wellness Lift, we’ll go behind-the-scenes during float prep for the Rose Parade in Pasadena and hear from Cielo Castro from the California Community Foundation as she describes the non-profit’s gorgeous, 2026 New Year’s Day phoenix-inspired float tribute to fire victims called “Rising Together.” Resources: https://www.visitjamaica.com/ https://www.halfmoon.com/ www.calfund.org  Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    1h 24m

  7. 12/18/2025

    17. Emmy Winning Actor/Philanthropist, Hank Azaria, “Turning Pain Into Purpose.”

    As our first year comes to a close, #L.A. Rising is sharing a special gift with our community of listeners, a conversation with six-time Emmy winning actor, musician and philanthropist, Hank Azaria.  Known for his television work in Friends, Tuesdays with Morrie, Brockmire or movies like The Birdcage, Along Came Polly and Night at the Museum, Hank is most famous for doing over 100 different voices over nearly four decades for the groundbreaking animated show, The Simpsons.  He is also considered one of the most philanthropic people in Hollywood, focusing on education, social justice, mental health and addiction recovery.  The conversation is especially relevant during the first holiday since L.A.’s devastating January 7, double disaster/fire hurricane, since it is an especially fragile time for those in recovery or any of us facing mental wellness challenges.  Stanford’s Dr. Adrienne Heinz – a disaster mental health specialist – will share coping tools for the holidays and beyond in this episode’s special Wellness Lift segment. Resources: Human Solidarity Project: humansolidarityproject.org Determined to Succeed: determinedtosucceed.org Dream School: dreamschool.org The After Collective, a non-profit co-founded by Dr. Heinz that is building a disaster recovery coach that harnesses psychological science and agentic AI to empower disaster survivors. Reach out if you're interested in supporting the mission adrienne@dradrienneheinz.com PTSD Coach app is free, science-based and private  Unthinkable resource hub for eco-anxiety and climate grief by Dr. Britt Wray at Stanford.  Take a short quiz to personalize resources into a custom care package.  RAIN - when emotions overwhelm us Frozen Peas and Ice-water Bath to activate the dive response for nervous system down regulation Donate to help support #L.A. Rising Produced by NOVA

    58 min

  8. 12/12/2025

    16. Love of Mankind – Philanthropy’s Role in Fire Recovery

    When the fires ravage a community many are motivated to give and give quickly.  The role of philanthropy post disaster rightly sparks important questions about where donated money goes, how nonprofits make decisions, and what real support looks like for families trying to rebuild their lives. In this episode of LA Rising, host Kim Marshall talks with philanthropy expert Rick Peck—known as “The Philanthropy Guy” and host of the Money to Give podcast—to break down how giving actually works after a disaster. Together, they explore the Five T’s of philanthropy (time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony), the role of fiscal sponsors, why overhead isn’t the enemy, the role of events in fundraising and how storytelling drives impact more powerfully than statistics. The episode also takes listeners to the first post-fire Turkey Trot in Pacific Palisades, where survivors share moving reflections on loss, resilience, and the meaning of community. From the controversy over the $100M Fire Aid fund to practical tips on choosing trustworthy charities, this conversation offers clear, compassionate insight into how generosity can rebuild not just structures, but lives. Listen, learn, and join us in supporting youth mental health and the ongoing work of #LA Rising as we document this living history for a stronger, more prepared future. Resources: Money to Give (Podcast) – Rick Peck’s show on giving strategically and joyfully in 20+ countries. Richard C. Peck Consulting – Rick’s philanthropy consultancy focusing on strategic insight, non-cash gifts, and impactful nonprofit fundraising. GivingTuesday – Global generosity movement that inspired the timing of this episode. Click here to donate stocks, crypto, real estate or cash to help support the important work of #L.A. Rising.   Produced by NOVA

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Stories of Hope, Help, and Healing from the L.A. Fires

Information

  • Creator
    Kim Marshall and NOVA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kim Marshall and NOVA
  • Show Website
    #L.A.Rising

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