Altadena: After The Fire
Altadena: After The Fire
Podcast Description
Altadena: After The Fire – An Urban One podcast chronicling the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by Colby Colb, this series brings you on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.We’re also supporting the Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit UrbanOneCares.com to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Explores themes of community resilience, disaster recovery, and cultural heritage, with episodes like 'The Chaos After the Storm' that feature personal accounts of devastation and the challenges residents face during the rebuilding process, alongside broader discussions about environmental and political issues impacting recovery.
Altadena: After The Fire – An Urban One podcast chronicling the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Altadena, California, in January 2025. A historic center of Black prosperity and culture, the community lost over 7,000 homes, schools, and businesses, leaving thousands displaced and fighting to rebuild.Hosted by Colby Colb, this series brings you on-the-ground reporting, in-depth interviews, and real stories of resilience. We examine the personal toll of the disaster, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.We’re also supporting the Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund, helping affected families and businesses recover. Visit UrbanOneCares.com to contribute.Join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes.If you have updated information or firsthand stories to share, feel free to reach out directly to Colby.
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner
- Instagram: @officialcolbycolb
- BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social
Longtime Altadena resident and Hollywood vet Andre Barnwell reflects on the community’s character—three distinct neighborhoods, strong Black homeownership, indie business vibe—and the night the Eaton Fire upended assumptions with 90-mph Santa Ana winds. Out of the devastation, he’s developing a youth-centered scripted series set in Altadena to create local jobs, showcase student talent, and reframe the town with optimism.
Why Listen
- First-person fire account from a 25-year resident
- Practical blueprint for community-rooted production
- How incentives are shifting filming geographies (GA/TX/Canada)
- Proof that hyper-local youth stories travel
Chapters
00:00 Intros • 02:14 Andre’s path (Philly → BET DC → LA)
04:59 Altadena’s map: East / Central / “The Meadows”
07:49 Indie business DNA; low-franchise culture
11:11 Altadena/Pasadena as “LA’s exterior lot”
15:11 Fire night: evacuations, horses running uphill, survivor’s guilt
21:01 The series idea; 26:22 Pilot shot, financing phase
Key Takeaways
- Place matters: Multi-generational Black homeownership strengthened resilience.
- Protect the vibe: Indie shops over franchises preserve identity.
- Build a pipeline: Student-led series = local crews, recurring jobs, long-term impact.
Notable Quotes
- “When you see an oak tree bend, that’s a whole different level.” — Andre
- “Let’s brand Altadena with something positive.” — Andre
Follow/Resources
- Andre’s YouTube: The Way We Do It — @TTWWDITV
- Seeking partners: pitch deck + pilot completed; financing underway
Host
Colby “Colb” Tyner — SVP, Programming, Urban One / Reach Media
📩 [email protected] • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbycolbtyner • IG: @officialcolbycolb • BlueSky: @colbycolb.bsky.social
How to Help
Urban One supports Brotherhood Crusade’s Wildfire Relief Fund aiding Altadena/Pasadena families affected by the Eaton Fire. Donate at BrotherhoodCrusade.org. Have updates or firsthand stories? Contact Colby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disclaimer
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