The recent wildfires that devastated Los Angeles and much of California have left an indelible mark on the region and its community as they grapple with the tragedy. Mina Kimes is doing her part to assist in the recovery efforts. Few have been untouched by this calamity, even within the sports media industry. Notably, Bill Simmons of The Ringer reflected on the “pain” and “heartbreak” caused by the devastation. Furthermore, many of his colleagues have expressed their losses and the profound impact it has had on them, including Kimes, who witnessed her and her family’s life disrupted by the fires that have consumed large areas of Los Angeles County, tragically claiming the lives of 28 individuals as of Friday afternoon.
During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show nearly two weeks ago, Kimes shared how deeply personal the disaster has been for her. She described her experience of being displaced by the flames, taking refuge in a friend’s guest room, and called the situation “absolutely surreal.” The day before her episode was recorded, Kimes revealed that her husband and their infant child had to seek shelter with her, as their home was perilously close to the second fire threatening the east side of Los Angeles. “It’s just been absolutely surreal,” Kimes explained. “My son’s friend’s house burned to the ground; everybody in their neighborhood lost their houses. It’s just friends, family friends, people we know, just up in flames. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
Despite the overwhelming devastation, Kimes chooses to channel her grief into action. On January 24, 2025, she shared exciting news on social media about hosting a live podcast in LA to raise funds for wildfire relief.
🚨Exciting news 🚨
I am hosting a live pod in LA to raise money for wildfire relief here. A bunch of pals are joining me with more to come!
Mon Feb 3
Belasco TheaterPlease share and send to LA based folks 👇https://t.co/uSqgUkPi6m pic.twitter.com/2ew6hJwypS
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) January 24, 2025
On Friday, she outlined her plans for the live podcast featuring her dog, Lenny, with friends and colleagues like Chris Ryan, Andy Greenwald, Gregg Rosenthal, and Jourdan Rodrigue expected to join, among others. Scheduled for Monday, February 3, at the Belasco Theater, tickets are priced at $50, with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross.
