Kalina Silverman is a documentary journalist, entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of Big Talk — an award-winning viral media project that highlights meaningful conversations to foster empathy and human connection.

Over the years, people worldwide have shared how Big Talk transformed their lives—from reconnecting with estranged family members and finding love to opening up at work, overcoming depression, finding hope after experiencing loss, and discovering their true purpose. Inspired by this impact, Big Talk evolved into a global initiative to help people connect more openly and meaningfully.

Part of The Ruderman family foundation’s mission statement is “we work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and promote emotional well-being for all” and Kalina is an ally in that project, working on her own towards that same end.

Jay and Kalina talk about how we must connect with each other to make sure we can support each other in hard times, and much much more.

Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Episode Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:15 The state of loneliness in 2025

2:41 Big Talk — a grassroots global movement

5:40 Talking to people about difficult subjects

12:09 Stopping the rush of life to talk to people

14:58 Kalina’s new book and recognizing your own impact

21:27 Leaving journalism to make Big Talk

24:57 Losing federal funding 

27:12 Goodbye

For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation

Stay in touch:

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LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation

Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight, in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jayruderman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.