BOOKS & IDEAS - Beyond Small Talk: The Story Behind The Story
Kalina Silverman (@makebigtalk) and Selema Masekela (@selema) go behind the scenes of what it actually takes to turn an idea into a body of work. Silverman’s Big Talk began as a simple social experiment that evolved into a global movement, while Masekela has spent decades shaping stories across television, film, music, and culture.
In this conversation, they unpack the behind-the-scenes realities of creative work—how ideas evolve, how content transitions across formats and platforms, and the decisions creators make as their work grows from a moment into a lasting narrative. Together they explore the process of translating a voice across mediums while staying rooted in curiosity, conversation, and cultural connection.
Run of Show:
5:30pm: Doors
6:00pm: Fireside Chat begins
7:00pm: Mingling & Social Hour
8:00pm: Event Ends
Drinks will be sponsored by SOLZI. Sparkling Espresso Tonic straight from production. Seek the unexpected.
Kalina Silverman is the creator of @makebigtalk and the author of Big Talk. What began as a passion project about skipping small talk to make meaningful connections across humanity has evolved into a global movement. From prisons to Fortune 500 companies to government bodies to schools to entertainment platforms, Big Talk has been adopted by communities worldwide. Kalina's social media videos have reached over 500,000 followers and 100 million views across platforms, and her heartfelt interviews from the LA fires and Texas Floods earned a Shorty Award for Emergency Relief Storytelling. Her work has been featured by Time, People, Good Morning America, PBS NewsHour, and more. When Kalina's not making Big Talk, you can find her enjoying art and music, practicing Taekwondo, or surfing across the street from the Lighthouse at Venice Beach!
Selema Masekela is a storyteller, musician, producer, and one of the most influential voices in global action sports and culture. The son of legendary South African jazz musician and activist Hugh Masekela, Selema has built a career at the intersection of music, surfing, snowboarding, and media—bridging worlds with authenticity, curiosity, and heart.
From hosting the X Games and VICE World of Sports to co-founding STOKED, a nonprofit mentoring youth through surfing and skateboarding, Selema has spent decades expanding representation and redefining who gets to belong in outdoor and action-sport spaces. Through his creative collective Alekesam, which spans music, film, fashion, and storytelling rooted in the African diaspora, he continues to honor his heritage while forging a path uniquely his own. Known for his warmth, insight, and cultural vision, Selema Masekela is a powerful voice on identity, lineage and community.
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