Episode 7 - Abandoned cars, solid partners and supporting your community with Kate Jerkens
The moment disaster strikes, our truest selves emerge. When the LA wildfires swept through communities in January 2025, Kate Jerkens didn't hesitate. Before the flames had even crested the hill behind her home, her teenage daughter had already texted asking if her friend's evacuating family could stay with them. No deliberation needed—just immediate, unquestioning welcome.
This profound conversation explores what happens when offering help isn't a choice but an instinct. Kate, Chief Business Officer for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares raw stories of early personal losses that shaped her understanding of community resilience: "picking yourself back up, putting one foot in front of the other, and doing your damn best every day." From opening her partially-renovated home to displaced families to watching teenagers channel trauma into community service, Kate reveals how Los Angeles showed up for itself in ways that defied stereotypes.
Beyond the initial emergency response lies the heart of this episode—what happens three months later? When the texts stop coming, the GoFundMe campaigns slow down, and people return to their lives, who's still checking in? Kate advocates for "three-month reminders" to reach out to those still rebuilding, still grieving, still processing trauma long after public attention has moved on. These delayed check-ins, she suggests, might be the most meaningful support we can offer.
The conversation weaves through profound questions of intergenerational resilience, systemic preparedness, and finding hope amid multiplying crises. Kate's optimism rests largely in today's youth, who "don't take shit from anyone" while demonstrating remarkable compassion and action. She also finds strength in her "found family"—the networks of support that sustain us when biological families are distant or gone.
Send that text message. Make that call. Set that reminder. Because true community resilience isn't just about the immediate response to disaster—it's about showing up again and again, long after the cameras have moved on and the ashes have cooled.
You can read more about how Kate and her family showed up for others at this Substack post.
Shared Ground is produced by Sean Knierim and Allan Marks. Thanks to Cory Grabow, Kara Poltor, Corey Walles (from The Recording Studio) for your support in launching this effort.
Follow us at seanknierim.substack.com, Instagram, or wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc).
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