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Resilience in the Face of LA Wildfires: Innovation, Ethics, and Social Change in a Crisis

• David (Viacheslav) Davidenko • Season 4

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What if the LA wildfires could teach us not just about destruction, but about the incredible human capacity for resilience and innovation? Discover the inspiring stories of real estate agents like Tisha Janigian and Jason Oppenheim, who prioritized community over commerce, and Maria Perez, who utilized pocket listings to uncover hidden housing opportunities for those displaced. Explore the marriage of human ingenuity and technology through platforms like Furnish Finder, offering short-term rentals to evacuees. This episode underscores the profound impact of collective empathy and the inventive solutions emerging from a devastated housing market.

However, the crisis also brings a darker challenge to the forefront: price gouging. We untangle the ethical dilemmas of balancing economic principles with human decency during times of scarcity, examining California's anti-price gouging legislation as a potential solution. Finally, we shift the focus to you, our listeners, and how you can be a catalyst for change. Learn how small but meaningful actions, from volunteering to spreading awareness, can contribute to a more compassionate society. Join us in this journey as we explore the power of individual and collective efforts in shaping a more just world.

📰 Read more about this topic in our latest article: https://sunrisecapitalgroup.com/how-real-estate-agents-are-supporting-los-angeles-wildfire-victims-housing-solutions-and-relief-efforts/

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Disclaimer: The content provided on this channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or tax advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Past performance of investments is not indicative of future results. The information presented here is not a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investments. Our firm may have conflicts of interest, and we do not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content provided. Investing involves risks, and you should carefully consid...

Speaker 1:

These LA wildfires man, just absolutely heartbreaking.

Speaker 2:

You know yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's one thing to see the pictures of, like the burned out homes.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

But it's another to think about the people. You know, yeah, thousands of people have been displaced.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Lives totally upended and then, on top of that, trying to rebuild when LA already has this housing crisis.

Speaker 2:

Oh, it's a perfect storm of awful really. It is this hitting on top of an already strained system. I mean, it just magnifies everything.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and that's what makes our deep dive today so fascinating we're going to go beyond just the headlines about the fires.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And we're going to look at how the real estate world is responding to this whole thing.

Speaker 2:

Interesting.

Speaker 1:

We've got articles, we've got personal accounts, market data to this whole thing Interesting. We've got articles, we've got personal accounts, market data and honestly, it's a real mix of good and bad, oh, really. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

So it really exposes those fault lines, doesn't it?

Speaker 1:

It does.

Speaker 2:

Where you see that individual generosity, but then also where those systemic issues like the housing scarcity get even worse, exactly so, to kind of paint the picture for everyone listening. Okay.

Speaker 1:

These fires. They didn't just damage a few houses here and there. Yeah, entire neighborhoods were just wiped out. Wow, leaving people homeless practically overnight.

Speaker 2:

Oh gosh.

Speaker 1:

And LA was already struggling Right With not enough homes for everyone who wanted to live there.

Speaker 2:

So you can imagine the pressure cooker this creates.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2:

I mean, on the one hand, you've got all these people that urgently need places to live, which any decent person wants to help with. Of course, but that urgency also brings out those who see a chance to profit from it.

Speaker 1:

It's so disheartening.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, sadly.

Speaker 1:

That tension is like all over this story.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But let's start with the good stuff, okay, because there's actually a lot of it.

Speaker 2:

Okay, great.

Speaker 1:

We came across this woman, Tisha Janigian.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

She's a real estate agent, okay, but instead of like trying to close deals right after the fires, she was on the ground, like literally connecting people with shelters and aid. She said in one interview that people were just wandering around in shock, oh God, not even knowing where to turn.

Speaker 2:

Wow, that's really something that really struck me too. It reminds us that these aren't just statistics. These are individuals facing just unimaginable loss, and I think her actions show a level of empathy and proactive help that goes above and beyond what you might expect from someone in a sales-driven profession.

Speaker 1:

And then you have Jason Oppenheim.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And anyone who watches those real estate shows knows he's like a big name.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1:

In that luxury market.

Speaker 2:

For sure.

Speaker 1:

But even he's offering his services pro bono Wow To wildfire victims. He even said this is not the time to profit from tragedy.

Speaker 2:

That's a powerful statement.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Especially coming from someone in his position.

Speaker 1:

Totally.

Speaker 2:

You know, it really challenges that perception of the ruthless commission obsessed agent, yeah, and kind of sets a tone for how the industry could be responding.

Speaker 1:

It's almost like there's this moral reckoning happening. Yeah, alongside the physical rebuilding, isn't there?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head. You know this event has forced a lot of people, and not just in real estate to really confront their values, and you know how those values align with their actions.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so let's get practical for a second. Okay, finding any type of housing in LA was already tough, but now it's next to impossible, right? So how are people actually making this work?

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

This is where things get really interesting, okay, because we're seeing solutions that go way beyond those usual methods.

Speaker 2:

Necessity is the mother of invention, right? I mean, in this case it's pushing people to get really creative, to tap into these networks and resources that maybe they didn't even know about before.

Speaker 1:

For example, we came across Maria Perez.

Speaker 2:

OK.

Speaker 1:

And she's this real estate agent who specializes in something called pocket listings.

Speaker 2:

OK.

Speaker 1:

Can you explain exactly what those are, because I think a lot of people only know about houses that are listed publicly?

Speaker 2:

Right, a pocket listing is essentially a property that's for sale, okay, but it's not advertised on the open market. Oh okay, it's kept quiet. Yeah, you know, shared discreetly through private networks.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

Of agents and clients.

Speaker 1:

So it's like a secret club of houses.

Speaker 2:

In a way, yeah, wow. And there are, you know, various reasons for this Good you know various reasons for this. Sometimes sellers want privacy, maybe they're high profile or they just don't want the hassle of a public listing. Other times it's strategic, you know, to create that sense of exclusivity or to kind of test the waters with a select group of buyers.

Speaker 1:

But in this situation, after the fires, knowing about these pocket listings is like having a golden ticket.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Because you're tapping into this inventory that most people don't even know exists.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that's where someone like Maria Perez becomes invaluable.

Speaker 1:

Oh, for sure.

Speaker 2:

You know she's cultivated these relationships, this deep understanding of the market so she can connect those in desperate need with these properties that would otherwise be invisible.

Speaker 1:

It's almost like she's a real estate detective.

Speaker 2:

I love that analogy.

Speaker 1:

Sniffing out these hidden gems.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and it highlights how crucial this kind of specialized knowledge can be Right, especially in a crisis.

Speaker 1:

So we've got human ingenuity at work.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But technology is also playing a big role.

Speaker 2:

Oh, of course.

Speaker 1:

There's this platform called Furnish Finder.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And they focus on short-term furnished rentals.

Speaker 2:

Gotcha.

Speaker 1:

Perfect for people who've been displaced from their homes.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

And get this. They're offering discounts to landlords.

Speaker 2:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1:

Who list properties specifically for wildfire evacuees?

Speaker 2:

That's great.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

That's a great example of how tech can be used, you know, not just for profit, but for good.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And by incentivizing landlords they're increasing the available housing.

Speaker 1:

Right Specifically for those who need it most. It's like they're leveraging those market forces, but in a way that benefits those who are usually squeezed by those forces.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's a smart approach.

Speaker 1:

Totally.

Speaker 2:

And one that really speaks to the potential of the sharing economy to address these urgent needs.

Speaker 1:

Hold on. Can we pause there for a second Sure, when you say sharing economy, yeah. I think some people's minds go straight to ride sharing or renting out your spare room on Airbnb.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

So how does that apply to something like this disaster?

Speaker 2:

You're right. That's a good clarification.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

You know, the sharing economy at its core is about utilizing existing resources in a more efficient and often collaborative way. So instead of everyone needing to own their own car, yeah, yeah. We share rides. Instead of hotels, we rent rooms from individuals. Ok, it's about access over ownership.

Speaker 1:

So, in this wildfire context, that sharing economy idea. Yeah, is manifesting through platforms like Furnished Finder Right, connecting people who need temporary housing.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

With those who have it available.

Speaker 2:

Precisely, and it's not just companies, it's individuals too, airbnborg. They're specifically enabling people to donate stays in their homes.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's amazing.

Speaker 2:

To those displaced by the fire. So it's not just about renting out a room for profit.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

It's about using that asset to directly help someone in need.

Speaker 1:

Okay, that makes a lot of sense.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

So we've covered finding a place to stay.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Which is obviously crucial, of course, but rebuilding a life after a wildfire goes way beyond just having a roof over your head.

Speaker 2:

Well, absolutely.

Speaker 1:

You've lost everything Furniture clothes.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

All the basic necessities.

Speaker 2:

You're right and the psychological and emotional impact of that kind of loss, I mean it can be just as devastating. I can't imagine as the loss. I mean it can be just as devastating as the physical displacement. It's about more than just stuff. It's about rebuilding a sense of normalcy of safety of home.

Speaker 1:

Totally, and so it's amazing to see how people are stepping up to meet those needs too. We've got Living Spaces, the furniture company donating mattresses to anyone who can show proof of loss. I mean, a mattress might seem like a small thing, but when you've lost everything, that basic comfort can make a huge difference.

Speaker 2:

Oh, it's a powerful symbol of starting over, you know like first night in a new place, being able to lie down on a clean, comfortable mattress. It's a step towards reclaiming a sense of normalcy.

Speaker 1:

And then there's Baby to Baby.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

This incredible nonprofit.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

That's been distributing diapers, clothes, formula. Wow, all the things that families with young children desperately need.

Speaker 2:

Oh gosh.

Speaker 1:

It breaks my heart to even think about trying to care for a baby. I am when you've lost everything.

Speaker 2:

The stress must be unimaginable.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And that's where organizations like Baby to Baby are so vital.

Speaker 1:

For sure.

Speaker 2:

They understand the specific needs.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Of these vulnerable families and are able to get those essential supplies directly into their hands.

Speaker 1:

But it's not just about the things, it's about getting those things to people.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Who are already dealing with so much. Exactly Enter Lug, the Moving Service.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

They are offering free transportation for all these donated items.

Speaker 2:

That's huge.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I mean, how often do you think about the logistics of moving a donated couch or a crib?

Speaker 2:

It's a crucial detail that often gets overlooked. You know, these families are already traumatized, overwhelmed.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And then they have to figure out how to move furniture. Right Lug is taking away that burden. It's amazing Letting people focus on healing and rebuilding.

Speaker 1:

It's like they're providing this practical solution.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

That also has this emotional resonance, yeah, like we're here to lift this weight off your shoulders. And then there's this amazing story of Adam Hunter.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

He's a local designer and he started this initiative called LA Can Do.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

And he's basically creating a direct link between people who want to donate and families in need. Wow cutting out the middleman.

Speaker 2:

That's amazing. It's a brilliant way to ensure that those donations go exactly where they're needed most. It's such a good idea and it adds that personal touch, you know, fostering a sense of community connection, which is so important when people are feeling isolated and lost.

Speaker 1:

It's the human element shining through.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

And I think that's a perfect segue to the more difficult part of this conversation, because, as heartwarming as all this is, it is the situation. It's a sad reality that often surfaces in times of crisis, when people are at their most vulnerable, there are always those who will try to take advantage. And that brings us to the issue of price gouging, which honestly just makes me angry. We're seeing reports of landlords drastically increasing rents, knowing that people are desperate for housing and have very few options. It's like preying on people's misfortune.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it raises some really complex ethical questions.

Speaker 1:

It does.

Speaker 2:

On the one hand, you have the basic laws of supply and demand.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

When housing is scarce, yeah, prices naturally go up, of course, but on the other hand, there's a line, you know, where that economic principle clashes with basic human decency.

Speaker 1:

It's like Jason Oppenheim said free market dynamics have no place in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Speaker 2:

It's a powerful statement.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And it forces us to confront that tension, you know.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Between economic forces and ethical responsibility Totally. It's easy to say the market will take care of it.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

But when the market's solution is to price people out of their own city, we have to ask if that's truly acceptable.

Speaker 1:

So the question becomes what can be done about it?

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Is it just about appealing to people's better nature?

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Or are there more concrete solutions?

Speaker 2:

Well, that's a great question and that's where we'll dive deeper in the next part of our conversation. So we've seen the good, the bad and the truly ugly sides of how. The real estate world is navigating this whole crisis. But you know, it's not enough to just acknowledge these issues. We need to explore potential solutions, especially when it comes to this price gouging thing.

Speaker 1:

Totally.

Speaker 2:

It's one thing for individuals to act ethically Right, but are there ways to create these like systemic safeguards?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, you're right. It can feel overwhelming to think about how to tackle something that's like so ingrained.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

And how the market works. But I'm curious what have you come across in the research that addresses this?

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Because appeals to people's better angels only go so far, unfortunately.

Speaker 2:

Well, one approach that's been tried in various disaster situations, including right here in California, is anti-price gouging legislation. Essentially, these laws set limits on how much prices can be increased during a declared emergency.

Speaker 1:

So like a cap on how much rent can go up after a wildfire, for example? Exactly, okay, that sounds straightforward enough.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but.

Speaker 1:

I'm guessing it's more complicated than that.

Speaker 2:

You're absolutely right.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

The devil is in the details.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

For instance, how do you define what a reasonable price increase is Right, what goods and services are covered under the law Yep and how do you actually enforce it Right when you have so many people affected and potentially, you know bad actors trying to slip through the cracks?

Speaker 1:

So it's not a magic bullet solution. Well, it's not OK. So what are some of the arguments for and against these types of laws? Ok, because I'm sure there are people on both sides of this.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely yeah, these types of laws.

Speaker 1:

Okay, because.

Speaker 2:

I'm sure there are people on both sides of this, absolutely yeah. So proponents of anti-price gouging laws argue that they protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable, from exploitation during emergencies.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

They say it prevents profiteering off of people's desperation yeah which is fundamentally unethical.

Speaker 1:

I mean, that makes sense on a human level, right. But I can already hear the counter arguments forming in my head.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

What about the folks who say this interferes with the free market? Uh-huh, that you know. In a disaster, higher prices encourage businesses to bring in more supplies and meet that increased demand.

Speaker 2:

That's a common argument, yeah, and it's based on the idea that the market self-regulates. Okay argument, and it's based on the idea that the market self-regulates. So, if there's a shortage prices rise which attracts more suppliers, eventually bringing those prices back down. The problem is, in a crisis, that process can take time, time that people who have lost everything just don't have.

Speaker 1:

So it's a clash between this abstract economic theory and the very real, immediate needs of people on the ground.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that's why this debate is so heated. You know there's no easy answer. Some argue that government intervention distorts the market and ultimately hurts consumers in the long run. Others say that in times of crisis, ethical considerations outweigh pure economic logic.

Speaker 1:

It makes you realize that economics isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

It's about people's lives and well-being. Have any of these anti-price gouging laws actually been effective? Are there examples of them working well?

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Or are they more symbolic than practical?

Speaker 2:

There's evidence to support both sides honestly. Okay. In some cases, these laws have been shown to stabilize prices and prevent that extreme gouging. But enforcement is a major challenge and there's always that risk of unintended consequences, like driving business away from disaster stricken areas.

Speaker 1:

It is With no easy answers.

Speaker 2:

No.

Speaker 1:

Which brings us back to something we touched on earlier. Okay, individual actions versus systemic solutions Right, even if there are laws in place.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Ultimately, it comes down to individuals making ethical choices right.

Speaker 2:

I completely agree. You know, laws can set boundaries, yeah, but they can't force people to act with compassion and integrity. And that's where I think these stories of generosity are so important. Totally, they show us that even within a system that often incentivizes self-interest, there's this powerful countercurrent of human kindness.

Speaker 1:

It's like that saying be the change you want to see in the world.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

These people aren't waiting for the government to fix things.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

They're stepping up and doing what they can to help right now.

Speaker 2:

Precisely, and I think that's where the true potential for long term change lies.

Speaker 1:

OK.

Speaker 2:

Yes, we need effective policies and regulations, but we also need a cultural shift a movement towards valuing empathy, collaboration and shared responsibility.

Speaker 1:

So it's like we can't just rely on top down solutions, right, we need bottom up action as well.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and I think the key to creating that cultural shift is by amplifying these stories of individual generosity, celebrating them, analyzing what makes them effective and inspiring others to take similar actions.

Speaker 1:

So instead of just focusing on the problem right, we highlight the solutions. We showcase the people who are making a difference and hopefully that creates ripple effect.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, it's about changing the narrative, shifting the focus from what's wrong with the world to what can we do to make it better?

Speaker 1:

I think this whole situation, tragic as it is, has revealed something really interesting about human nature. We've seen the worst of it, with the price gouging and exploitation, but we've also seen the best of it with this incredible outpouring of generosity and support.

Speaker 2:

It's a powerful reminder that we're complex creatures, capable of both great kindness and incredible selfishness.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And I think the question we need to ask ourselves is which side are we going to nurture Right? Which impulses are we going to feed?

Speaker 1:

You're really making me think about my own role in all of this.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's easy to get caught up in the news cycle. Right the outrage, the despair.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But what am I actively? Doing to be part of the solution. Right, how about contributing to that ripple effect of generosity?

Speaker 2:

Those are the questions we should all be asking ourselves, because, ultimately, the world we create is the sum total of our individual choices.

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

Every act of kindness, every decision to help, every effort to make a positive difference.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It all adds up, it all matters.

Speaker 1:

It's almost like a collective responsibility it is. We can't just sit back and wait for someone else to fix things Right. We each have a role to play.

Speaker 2:

And that's where I find hope.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Because it means that, even in the face of immense challenges, we have agency, we have the power to choose a different path.

Speaker 1:

So what does that look like in practice? Okay, how can we, as individuals, move beyond feeling overwhelmed and actually take meaningful action?

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Because I think a lot of people listening right now are probably wondering the same thing.

Speaker 2:

It starts with recognizing that even small actions can have a big impact. You know, it's not about becoming a superhero overnight Right. It's about making conscious choices in our everyday lives.

Speaker 1:

So like what kind of choices? Give me some concrete examples.

Speaker 2:

Well, it could be as simple as checking in on your elderly neighbor.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Offering to help a friend who's going through a tough time donating to a local food bank. Okay, it's about looking around your community and asking where can I make a difference?

Speaker 1:

You're right, it doesn't have to be some grand gesture.

Speaker 2:

No.

Speaker 1:

It's about those small acts of kindness that add up over time.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and I think another crucial piece is staying informed.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

You know, being aware of the issues facing your community and the organizations that are working to address them. Okay, because knowledge is power.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And when we understand the challenges, we're better equipped to take action.

Speaker 1:

So doing your research, following local news, supporting organizations that align with your values all of that plays a role.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely and don't underestimate the power of sharing information.

Speaker 1:

Oh, that's a good point.

Speaker 2:

You know, spread awareness, start conversations, use your voice to amplify the voices of those who are making a difference.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about what you do individually.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

It's about inspiring others to act as well.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, it's about creating that ripple effect of positive change.

Speaker 1:

I like that.

Speaker 2:

Because, in the end, that's how we build a better world, you know.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

One small act of kindness.

Speaker 1:

That's a beautiful thought and it really ties back to the idea of building that human infrastructure we talked about earlier. Right, it's about strengthening those connections, those networks of support.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

So we're more resilient as a community.

Speaker 2:

I love that way of putting it, you know it's not just about bricks and mortar. It's about building those bonds of trust, empathy and shared responsibility.

Speaker 1:

Totally.

Speaker 2:

Because when that next crisis hits yeah, and it inevitably will.

Speaker 1:

It will.

Speaker 2:

It's those connections that will help us weather the storm.

Speaker 1:

So it's a continuous process, right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

We're always building, always strengthening, always looking for ways to make our community a little bit better.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and I think that's a powerful message to leave our listeners with.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

You know, we can't afford to be complacent. We can't wait for someone else to fix things. We each have a role to play, a responsibility to make a difference, however we can.

Speaker 1:

It's about taking that feeling of overwhelm and channeling it into action, Because ultimately it's our choices, both big and small.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

That will determine the kind of world we create.

Speaker 2:

Well said, and I think that's a perfect segue to the final part of our conversation, where we'll explore some more tangible ways for our listeners to get involved and make a difference. You know, as we've been talking about all these people stepping up, it's made me think about something.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

We often hear about the you a disaster, the firefighters, the first responders, and they absolutely deserve all the praise they get. But what about these everyday heroes?

Speaker 1:

the people who maybe don't make the headlines, but are making a real difference in their communities, who have lost everything.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Or the folks at Furnished Finder going the extra mile.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

To make sure landlords are incentivized to offer their properties to evacuees.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Those actions may not be as flashy as like running into a burning building Right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But they're absolutely essential.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and it speaks to a different kind of courage.

Speaker 1:

you know Totally.

Speaker 2:

The courage to step outside of your comfort zone, yeah, to go. Different kind of courage, you know the courage to step outside. Of your comfort zone, to go above and beyond what's expected, Even when there's no guarantee of recognition or reward. It's about doing the right thing simply because it's the right thing to do.

Speaker 1:

And, honestly, that's what I find so inspiring about all of this. It gives me hope that even in the midst of tragedy, there's this like wellspring of human kindness that bubbles up.

Speaker 2:

I agree.

Speaker 1:

But it also makes me wonder how do we cultivate this kind of spirit? Yeah, this willingness to serve, not just in times of crisis.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

But as like a core part of who we are. How do we make this the norm, not the exception?

Speaker 2:

That's the million dollar question, isn't it?

Speaker 1:

It is.

Speaker 2:

It's something that philosophers and theologians have been grappling with for centuries.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

But I think one key lies in the power of storytelling.

Speaker 1:

Really.

Speaker 2:

You know, when we hear these stories of everyday heroism.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

It expands our understanding of what's possible.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

It shows us that we all have the capacity to make a difference.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Even in small ways. It's like planting seeds of inspiration.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about being inspired by these stories.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

But also about sharing them with others. Right yeah, it's about amplifying the voices of those who are making a difference, celebrating their actions and encouraging others to follow their lead.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely, because when we shine a light on these acts of kindness, of generosity, of courage we're not just acknowledging the individuals involved, we're shaping the narrative of our communities.

Speaker 1:

I like that.

Speaker 2:

We're creating a culture that values service, that recognizes the interconnectedness of our lives and that empowers us to act on our compassion. You've hit on somethingowers us to act on our compassion.

Speaker 1:

You've hit on something really important there.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's about creating a culture shift. It is A collective mindset.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

That prioritizes empathy and action Right. It's not about waiting for someone else to fix things Right. It's about recognizing that we all have a role to play.

Speaker 2:

I think that's a really powerful message to send to our listeners. But we all have a role to play. I think that's a really powerful message to send to our listeners it is. You know, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, yeah, by the scale of the problems we face I've noticed, especially in the wake of a disaster like this.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

But what we've seen in these stories is that individual actions do matter.

Speaker 1:

They do.

Speaker 2:

They have a ripple effect. Yeah, they inspire others, they create change.

Speaker 1:

So where do we go from here?

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

What can our listeners actually do to be part of this solution? Because I think a lot of people listening right now are probably feeling inspired but also a little lost, Like, okay, I want to help, but how?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

But here's the thing you don't have to have all the answers, you don't have to have a grand plan. You just have to start somewhere.

Speaker 1:

So what are some practical first steps?

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Like what are some concrete things people can do today to make a difference?

Speaker 2:

Well, first and foremost, I'd say, get to know your community.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

What are the specific needs in your area?

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Are there organizations already doing great work that you can support? Is there a local food bank, a homeless shelter, a community garden that could use volunteers or donations?

Speaker 1:

So it's about looking around your own backyard, seeing where you can plug in and make a tangible impact.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and it doesn't have to be a huge time commitment, right, even an hour a week. Yeah, a small donation, a simple act of kindness can make a difference.

Speaker 1:

And I think it's important to remember that it's not just about money or time Right. It's also about using your voice.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

Spreading awareness, sharing stories advocating for change.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. We live in a world where information spreads like wildfire.

Speaker 1:

It does.

Speaker 2:

And that can be both a blessing and a curse, yeah, but we can use that to our advantage. Share those stories of everyday heroes.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Talk to your friends and family about the issues that matter to you.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Use social media to amplify the voices of those who are working to make a difference.

Speaker 1:

So it's about being an active citizen.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Engaging with your community.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

And using your platform, however big or small, to promote positive change.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and I think that's what makes this whole conversation so hopeful.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

We're not powerless.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

We're not passive observers. We have the ability to shape our world to make it a more just and compassionate place.

Speaker 1:

I love that.

Speaker 2:

And it starts with each and every one of us.

Speaker 1:

That's a powerful thought to end on.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

I think we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.

Speaker 2:

We have.

Speaker 1:

We've seen the devastation, we've seen the exploitation, right, but we've also seen this like incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

The generosity, the kindness, the willingness to step up and help.

Speaker 2:

It's been a roller coaster of emotions for sure.

Speaker 1:

It has.

Speaker 2:

But ultimately, I think it leaves us with a sense of hope, a belief that, even in the face of immense challenges, we have the power to choose a different path.

Speaker 1:

And that choice starts with each of us.

Speaker 2:

It does.

Speaker 1:

So, to our listeners, we leave you with this question.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

What will you choose? Yeah, how will you be part of the solution?

Speaker 2:

Because the world needs your kindness, your compassion, your action, now more than ever.

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David (Viacheslav) Davidenko

Host