Are we truly as divided as we’re told — or are we being conditioned to believe we are?

In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan sits down with Adam Mizel — longtime CEO, investor, and co-founder of US United — to explore how media incentives, cognitive bias, and social algorithms amplify division while drowning out unity.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: we can change the algorithm.

Adam argues that polarization isn’t just political — it’s cultural and psychological. Social media rewards outrage. News cycles reward conflict. Labels replace people. But what if millions of Americans deliberately posted stories of cooperation, compassion, and bridge-building once a week? What if we overwhelmed the system with unity instead of anger?

They explore:

• What a “fact” really is — and why definitions matter
• How media and incentives distort perception
• Why politics has become identity
• The psychology behind tribalism and confirmation bias
• The wealth and power dynamics that fuel division
• The “Unity Seats” concept at sporting events
• How storytelling and lived experience shift minds
• Why self-work is the starting point for cultural change

If division is profitable, unity must be intentional.

This episode challenges you to rethink how you consume information — and how you contribute to the algorithm shaping our culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:00 US United & The Mission of Unity
07:45 What Is a “Fact”?
12:00 Media Manipulation & Algorithmic Incentives
18:30 Politics as Identity
24:00 Abortion & Moral Complexity
35:00 Wealth, Power & Democracy
47:00 Self-Work & Psychological Awareness
55:00 Changing the Algorithm
59:30 Unity Seats & Cultural Solutions

If this conversation resonates, share it — especially with someone who sees the world differently than you.

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About Evan Meyer

Tech entrepreneur and civic leader - he founded mygovtools.org, a platform to drive government efficiency, constituent representation, and civic engagement; BeautifyEarth.com, a platform accelerating urban beautification through art; and its sister nonprofit, transforming schools in underserved areas. He also co-founded RideAmigos.com, a platform that optimizes commuter travel globally. Previously, he served as District Director for the California State Senate and led many civic initiatives in Santa Monica. Through seminars and his podcast Meyerside Chats, Evan inspires civic engagement, innovation, and cultural growth.
He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.