The Change Reaction Podcast

Altadena One Year Later - A Family Affair with Aurianna Tuttle

A significant focus of the Change Reaction's direct giving efforts in 2025 was directed toward survivors of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. These wildfires, the most destructive in a generation, devastated communities across Los Angeles County, leaving thousands of families displaced and searching for a way forward.  One of those families was the Linares, four generations all sharing a property in Altadena, who suddenly found themselves, along with countless others, without a home, their landscaping business destroyed in an instant.  And that's where this special episode begins. Aurianna Tuttle, a frequent guest on the show, introduces us to the Linares Family and tells the unlikely, incredible story of how this hardworking, multi-generational family, like so many others in Altadena, was, in some way, supported by the Change Reaction and how their faith was renewed in the process.  We're grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and support so many over the past year and remain committed to helping our communities and neighbors rebuild in the coming year.  Special thanks to the entire Linares family for sharing their story with such bravery and vulnerability.  The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.  Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.  From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

Why Giving Away Money is Harder Than Making It | Greg and Brooke Perlman

In this year-end recap, co-founder Greg Perlman and Brooke Perlman reflect on a year that tested, stretched, and ultimately deepened their philanthropic efforts. From wildfire relief that mobilized thousands to the ripple effects of Michael Dell’s $6.25B gift, they explore what real charity impact looks like, and why altruism in action isn’t about headlines or scale, but about trust, presence, and timing. Together, we unpack: – The limits of large-scale giving – Why force multipliers are the future of community health – What happens when your work suddenly gets noticed – And the inspiring stories  and lessons that will guide the year ahead This isn’t just a conversation about our biggest year to date; it’s a window into how meaningful change really happens. The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.  Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.  From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

How Homeboy Industries Changes Lives Every Day | Shirley Torres

How do you build a world where pain doesn’t keep getting passed down? In this episode of The Change Reaction podcast, we're joined by Shirley Torres, Co-CEO of Homeboy Industries, who shares a powerful blueprint for transforming survival into healing and pain into purpose. This conversation is a masterclass in compassion and vision.  We cover:  - Creating safety for those who’ve never known it - The power of being invited vs. being punished - Why people don’t need to be saved — just seen - The radical act of leading with love, even when systems don’t Radical Kinship. It isn't a theory. It’s decades of lived experience, standing at the margins, offering hope where others turned away. 🟡 A must-listen for anyone working in service, justice, or community building.  More on Homeboy Industries:  http://www.homeboyindustries.org/ Check out their podcast, The Homeboy Way:  https://youtu.be/yKHdElzgmHI?si=G9bdk181r1B-fPl5 The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.  Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.  From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

How One Person Can Inspire a Whole Community | Aurianna Tuttle Returns

We're excited to reconnect with the remarkable Aurianna Tuttle, a Change Agent who has dedicated her life to lifting up young girls in the community that she came from. This past year, Auri has expanded her work in community engagement and social impact beyond her hometown of Watts to support Fire Survivors in Altadena.  She shares her personal journey, one filled with acts of kindness and selfless support that ultimately inspired her to make a difference for others.  Auri is motivation personified, and her story will inspire you to find your own way to give back - in whatever way you can!  🎧✨ Learn More:   Roc Era: https://rocera.org/ Pasadena Church East Campus: https://pasadenachurch.com/ The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.  Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.  From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.

The Beauty of Showing Up: Brenda Equihua on Design, Culture & Courage

Designer Brenda Equihua didn’t set out to build a brand. She was healing, channeling grief, culture, and vision into something that felt like hers. What started as a hoodie made from a San Marcos blanket has turned into a cultural movement worn on the world’s biggest stages, from Vogue to the NFL. In this episode, Brenda shares what it means to design with purpose, without a safety net, and to honor your community with every stitch. It's about art as therapy, entrepreneurship as activism, and learning to receive even when you’ve been the one giving. If you've ever chased a dream that felt bigger than your resources or struggled to believe you're worthy of support, this one’s for you. Learn more about Equihua: https://equihua.us/ See the NFL Collection: https://equihua.us/collections/nfl More about The Change Reaction: https://www.changereaction.org/ The Change Reaction Podcast is a weekly series that shares stories of transformation and impact across LA and Southern California.  Hosted by Matt West and featuring members of the Change Reaction team, each episode highlights the inspiring individuals and Change Agents making a difference by helping those who need it most.  From powerful success stories of people who have been uplifted, to conversations with community leaders and those actively working on the ground, we highlight the real, tangible work being done to create change in our communities.