In this episode of The Sisterhood of Sweat, we sit down with conversation expert and storyteller Kalina Silverman, the creator of the global movement Make Big Talk and author of the new book Big Talk: How to Skip the Small Talk, Make Meaningful Connections, and Enrich Your Life.
Kalina’s journey started with something many people quietly experience—loneliness. While away at college, she realized she was surrounded by people yet still struggling to form meaningful friendships. Instead of accepting surface-level conversations, she began asking deeper questions that moved past small talk and opened the door to real connection.
That experiment turned into a viral video series and eventually a global movement encouraging people to ask better questions and build deeper relationships. Today, Make Big Talk events and conversations are happening around the world, helping people connect in a more authentic and human way.
Kalina’s work also took on a powerful new dimension in 2025 when she partnered with GoFundMe to highlight survivors of devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Traveling to burned neighborhoods and damaged homes, she asked one simple but powerful question: What did you lose?
The emotional conversations that followed introduced the world to survivors like Walt, Willie, and Dorothy. These raw, human stories spread across social media, generating millions of views and helping raise more than $2 million in donations for recovery efforts. The project earned Kalina a Shorty Impact Award for Emergency Relief storytelling.
With the release of her new book Big Talk, Kalina is helping people learn how to move beyond surface-level conversations and create deeper connections in friendships, relationships, work, and everyday life.
Her work has attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in media, including Maria Shriver, Anderson Cooper, and Katie Couric, who are all fans of her work and the powerful impact of meaningful conversation.
In this conversation, we explore why small talk often leaves people feeling disconnected, how asking better questions can transform relationships, and why authentic storytelling can create real change in communities.
What we discuss in this episode:
• Why small talk often keeps people feeling isolated
• How one question can unlock meaningful connection
• The moment Kalina realized deeper conversations change lives
• How Make Big Talk grew from a college idea into a global movement
• The emotional wildfire survivor stories that helped raise millions in relief
• Why meaningful conversations are more important than ever in a digital world
• Practical ways to connect with anyone—even if you’re shy or socially anxious
Kalina’s work reminds us that connection isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about creating space for honesty, curiosity, and empathy.
If you’ve ever struggled with awkward conversations, felt lonely in a crowd, or wished relationships felt deeper and more meaningful, this episode will completely change how you think about talking to people.
Connect with Kalina Silverman
Buy the book Big Talk
https://www.makebigtalk.com/book
Make Big Talk Website
https://www.makebigtalk.com
Make Big Talk Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/makebigtalk
Big Talk Box of Questions
https://www.makebigtalk.com/bigtalkbox
Story of Hazel – The Dancing Woman
https://www.makebigtalk.com/hazel
Make Big Talk Disaster Relief Stories
https://www.makebigtalk.com/disaster-relief
Submit Your Story
https://www.makebigtalk.com/story-submission
