エピソード

  • Santa Monica x Los Angeles: Collaboration to Solve Homelessness, Community Safety & more
    2025/04/22

    In this powerful episode, Evan Meyer sits down with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete and Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park to explore how two neighboring cities are breaking down silos to address homelessness, emergency response, and community safety. From invisible borders on the beach to upcoming global events like the Olympics, this conversation unpacks what effective local collaboration really looks like.

    📍 Topics Include:
    Joint operations on homelessness
    Regional planning for tourism & transportation
    Communication breakdowns across agencies
    Why political differences shouldn’t stop progress
    Building tools for cross-jurisdictional problem-solving

    💡 This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in local government, regional planning, and public innovation.

    Time | Section Title | Summary
    00:00 | Opening: Meet Lana & Traci | Intro to both guests and the purpose of their collaboration
    01:00 | Shared Challenges: Homelessness at the Beach | Transit-driven inflows and cross-jurisdiction coordination
    03:00 | Joint Policing & Outreach Efforts | Examples of Santa Monica & LA joint operations
    04:00 | Future Goals: Olympics, World Cup, and Tourism | Preparing for global events through regional partnerships
    05:00 | Origins of Collaboration | How Lana & Traci connected personally and professionally
    06:30 | Breaking the “Invisible Line” on Beaches | Using outreach teams like West Coast Cares across borders
    07:30 | Post-Fire Response & Mutual Aid | How disaster response accelerated regional unity
    08:30 | Why Two Voices Are Louder Than One in Sacramento | The power of joint advocacy at the state level
    10:00 | Big Ask: What Should Higher Governments Fix? | Calls for a shared dashboard, streamlined communication
    13:30 | County-Level Homelessness Shakeup | LASA changes and the push for local control
    15:30 | Vision for a Regional Dashboard Tool | Transparent, real-time issue tracking for agencies and public
    18:00 | Navigating Political Differences | Governing across ideological lines and building

    Support the show

    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.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    25 分
  • Entrepreneurs & Government - CA Fires, AI, Regulation, Prop 13 | Senator Ben Allen
    2025/03/12

    Join us for an insightful conversation with California State Senator Ben Allen as he discusses the complexities of governing through crises, including the devastating wildfires affecting California communities. Senator Allen shares his firsthand experiences and challenges of managing disaster recovery, addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the role entrepreneurs can play in supporting these efforts.

    In this candid interview, Senator Allen also dives into pressing topics such as artificial intelligence regulation, the future of Prop 13, environmental sustainability, and the importance of public-private partnerships. Gain valuable insights into how California plans to balance innovation, economic growth, and regulatory frameworks to ensure a resilient and prosperous future.

    Whether you're an entrepreneur, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this conversation offers meaningful perspectives on how communities and government can collaborate effectively.

    Hosted / Video Production by the Kinn, in Venice, CA.

    #CaliforniaPolitics #WildfireRecovery #AIregulation #PublicPrivatePartnerships #Entrepreneurship #BenAllen #Innovation00:00

    Introduction and Welcome
    00:29 Addressing the Fires: Challenges and Responses
    05:02 Understanding Government Levels and Functions
    09:04 Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Government Interaction
    14:45 California's Innovation and Regulatory Landscape
    26:51 Audience Q&A
    29:26 Governmental Dysfunction and Deferred Maintenance
    30:02 COVID Loans and LLC Costs
    31:35 Regulating AI and Protecting Creativity
    34:11 Challenges of Starting a Mining Company in California
    36:18 Prop 13 and Real Estate Tax Issues
    39:38 Rebuilding After Fires and Climate Resilience
    43:56 Toxic Waste and Fire Cleanup
    49:54 Engaging with Government and Procurement Processes
    55:52 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • From Tech Entrepreneur to Mayor of San Jose: Rebuilding trust in Government with Innovation | Mayor Matt Mahan
    2025/02/05

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with the Mayor of San Jose, as he discusses his journey from the private sector to public office. Discover the nuances between running a business and managing a city, and learn about the challenges and strategies in tackling issues like homelessness, public safety, and civic engagement. Get an inside look at the importance of performance management, the role of technology, and the need for transparency and accountability in government operations.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:27 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Government
    00:49 Differences Between Private Sector and Government
    02:18 Performance Management in Government
    03:22 Motivation and Challenges in Public Sector
    04:24 Setting and Achieving Goals in Government
    04:54 Addressing Homelessness in San Jose
    11:34 Community Engagement and Civic Participation
    21:06 Balancing Priorities in Government
    29:09 Rebuilding Trust in Government
    34:12 Closing Remarks and Future Topics

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Civility amongst Crisis: Shola Richards on the LA Fires, Intellectual Humility, Cognitive Bias
    2025/01/21

    Navigating Civility: A Deep Dive with Shola Richards

    Join me and special guest Shola Richards as we discuss the importance of civility in today's world. Shola shares insights from his latest book, 'Civil Unity,' and reflects on its relevance to relationships, workplace environments, and social media conduct. We touch on Shola's testimony before Congress, the impact of the LA fires, and the nuances of maintaining civility amidst disagreements. Shola also delves into the concept of intellectual humility, the dangers of radicalization, and shares personal anecdotes that highlight the power of kindness and understanding in transforming lives. Don't miss this profound conversation on how civility can change the world.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:15 Discussing the Book 'Civil Unity'
    01:33 Survivor's Guilt and Helpers
    02:22 Uncivil Narratives on Social Media
    03:55 Cognitive Biases and Confirmation Bias
    07:00 The Importance of Intellectual Humility
    08:04 Personal Anecdotes on Bias
    11:40 The Pie of Knowledge
    13:59 Engaging in Civil Discourse
    27:04 The Role of Local Politics
    32:11 Emotional Intelligence and Inner Work
    33:05 The Power of Civil Discourse
    33:50 Navigating Hard Lines in Civility
    38:01 Social Media and Civility
    46:52 Radicalization and Substance Abuse

    Website: Sholarichards.com
    Civil Unity (Book):

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • Politics, Perspectives, & Progress - A Path Forward | Entrepreneur - Artist - Visionary, Ruben Rojas
    2024/12/10

    Join me as I sit down with visionary artist and activist Ruben Rojas to explore how we can bridge divides, embrace new perspectives, and bring a spirit of civility into our polarized world. In this candid conversation, we discuss the power of reframing narratives, fostering empathy, and focusing on actionable ways to create meaningful change in our communities and beyond.

    From the challenges of navigating political toxicity to the importance of grassroots involvement, Ruben shares insights from his mission to inspire positive transformation through his work. Together, we unpack themes of unity, understanding, and the role each of us plays in shaping a better future.

    🔹 Topics Covered:

    • How to foster open dialogue despite differences.
    • The value of starting change at the local level.
    • Why reframing perspectives leads to better outcomes.
    • Practical steps for building bridges in divided times.

    🎨 Ruben Rojas is a celebrated artist and advocate whose work has empowered countless individuals to see the world through a lens of possibility. His unique approach to creativity and activism has inspired partnerships with global brands and a movement for change.

    👉 Watch now and be inspired to take action, create connections, and rethink what’s possible!

    ✨ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about creating a positive impact!

    #Unity #Empathy #BridgingDivides #CommunityLeadership #PositiveChange


    Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the “us and them” narrative and toxic polarization by striving to create virtuous community leadership and authentic conversation. We showcase the humanity in those who take on the often thankless work through public/civic service, civil discourse, differing points of view, and how we can improve our politics and society as a whole.

    About Ruben Rojas

    Ruben Rojas is a visionary artist and advocate for positive change through his mission, Live Through Love. This lifestyle brand inspires creativity and optimism and is channeled into various mediums such as streetwear, art prints, and public art, including sculptures and murals in cities around the world, and uniting communities with beauty and hope.

    His work empowers individuals to dream big, live with possibility, and create lasting impact. He collaborates with major brands like NFL, BMW, and Google to promote social responsibility and inspire innovation.

    He’s a sought-after speaker and TE

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 5 分
  • Balancing Urban & Rural Policy in California Government | Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes, Simi Valley
    2024/09/27

    The Journey of Rocky Rhodes - From Tech to Coffee and Public Service

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes of Simi Valley, California, as we explore his unique journey from the high-tech industry to founding a coffee business and eventually delving into public service. This episode dives into the principles of compassionate capitalism, the challenges of urban vs. rural governance, and the importance of maintaining a high quality of life in Simi Valley. Rocky shares insights from his global travels, the economic challenges of housing development, and the fundamental issue of balancing government control and local autonomy. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on sustainable development, the intricacies of city planning, and the ever-evolving political landscape.

    00:00 Intro to Rocky Rhodes
    00:53 Rocky's Journey to Public Service
    01:11 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Coffee Industry
    02:56 Compassionate Capitalism Explained
    05:47 Global Impact and Cultural Insights
    09:31 Challenges in Local Governance
    11:22 Housing Projects: Successes and Failures
    18:33 Political Philosophy and Government Critique
    30:34 The Single Issue Voter Mentality
    31:20 The Complexity of the Presidency
    32:42 Thanos and Historical Villains
    34:16 China's Surveillance and Capitalism
    36:56 Cultural Differences and Privacy
    40:22 Diversity of Religion
    46:46 The Middle Ground in Politics
    54:50 Challenges of Bureaucracy and Government Efficiency
    58:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Revolutionizing Politics: Embracing Augmented Democracy & Collective Intelligence | Cesar Hidalgo
    2023/08/24

    In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer speaks with Cesar Hidalgo, a Chilean Spanish-American scholar known for his contributions to economic complexity, data visualization, and applied artificial intelligence. They discuss the problems with democracy today, such as political polarization and identity-based politics. They also explore the idea of augmented democracy, using AI agents to support politicians and citizens in the voting process. They highlight the need for a more direct and nuanced representation of people's opinions and propose starting with low-stakes contexts to test the effectiveness of augmented democracy.


    Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the “us and them” narrative and toxic polarization by striving to create virtuous community leadership and authentic conversation. We showcase the humanity in those who take on the often thankless jobs of public service, civil discourse, differing points of view, and how we can improve our politics and society as a whole.


    Recorded July 18, 2023


    About Cesar Hidalgo

    César A. Hidalgo is a Chilean-Spanish-American scholar known for his contributions to economic complexity, data visualization, and applied artificial intelligence. Hidalgo leads the Center for Collective Learning at the Artificial and Natural Intelligence Institute (ANITI) of the University of Toulouse and the Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies at Corvinus University of Budapest. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Manchester. Between 2010 and 2019 Hidalgo led MIT’s Collective Learning group. Prior to working at MIT, Hidalgo was a research fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Hidalgo is also a founder of Datawheel, an award winning company specialized in the creation of data distribution and visualization systems. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor in Physics from Universidad Católica de Chile. Hidalgo’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2018 Lagrange Prize and three Webby Awards. Hidalgo's is also the author of dozens of peer-reviewed papers and of three books: Why Information Grows (Basic Books, 2015), The Atlas of Economic Complexity (MIT Press, 2014), and How Humans Judge Machines (MIT Press, 2021).


    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    55 分
  • Transcendent Listening: How Understanding Different Perspectives Drives Change with Leslie Crutchfield
    2023/07/16

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Meyerside Chats! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Leslie Crutchfield, an author, educator, and social change expert. Leslie is the Executive Director of Business for Impact at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, and her latest book, "How Change Happens: Why some movements succeed while others don't," has garnered significant praise and recognition. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of social change and gain insights from Leslie's extensive experience and research.

    More About Leslie Crutchfield

    Leslie is an author, educator, social change expert and Executive Director of Business for Impact at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Business for Impact is founded on the belief is that companies can be a powerful force for good in the world, and delivers world-class education, student experience, and cross-sector collaborations for people, planet and profit.

    Leslie’s latest book is How Change Happens: Why Some Movements Succeed While Others Don’t, noted in The New York Review of Books as a blueprint for groups inspired to take action on today’s major causes. Leslie also co-authored the bestselling Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits – recognized by The Economist on its Best Books of the Year list – and Do More than Give. She teaches corporate social responsibility in Georgetown’s MBA program and nonprofit leadership on LinkedIn Learning.

    Leslie previously was managing director at Ashoka, the global venture fund for social entrepreneurs, and co-founded a national nonprofit social enterprise in her 20s. Leslie has contributed to Fortune, Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, and has appeared on programs such as ABC, FOX, NPR and PBS. She has volunteered on SEED Foundation and Kiva’s boards and with Crossroads Africa.

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com,

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

    Evan is the Founder of BeautifyEarth.com, a tech platform and marketplace that speed tracks the urban beautification process through art, as well as the original 501(c)3 sister organization and public charity that beautifies schools in the communities that need it most. Beautify has now facilitated thousands of murals around the planet, working with hundreds of communities, community organizations, cities and national brands.

    He is also the Founder of RideAmigos.com, a tech platform that optimizes commuter travel and behavior through intelligent programs and analytics for governments, large enterprises, and universities, serving many regions across the US.

    As a civic leader in the City of Santa Monica, he is the past Chairman of his neighborhood (Ocean Park), giving residents a voice in the public process, as well as helping the City of Santa Monica with innovative, actionable ways of civic engagement. He gives seminars on building corporate cultures and the importance of community and civic engagement.

    He loves the outdoors, is a master of creative projects, is an avid muralist and musician, and finds the world fascinating in every regard.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分