Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility
By: Evan Meyer
Language: en-us
Categories: Government, News, Politics, Society, Culture, Philosophy
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the “us and them” narrative and toxic polarization by praising those who lead by example, virtuous community leadership, and authentic conversation. The intent is to showcase the humanity in those that take on the often thankless jobs of public service through civil discourse, and honoring differing points of view. Cities are an essential part of our identity. Depending on where we live, we develop different attitudes, personalities, perspectives, and ways of living. But is the average citizen aware of how their cities actually operate? Likely not. Conflicts between landlords and tenants are common. Many people lack...
Episodes
School Choice, AI & Trade Schools: A Blueprint for Fixing Education in Georgia | Dr. Nelva Lee
Jan 09, 2026In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with Dr. Nelva Lee, healthcare executive, former gubernatorial appointee, and candidate for Georgia Superintendent of Schools, to unpack why the system is failing — and what practical reforms could actually work.
Dr. Lee shares firsthand insight from:
Serving on Georgia’s Department of Community Health board
Running a medical & court interpreting agency
Homeschooling and navigating special education systems
Campaigning statewide for education reform
Topics covered:
Why government moves slowly — and when it can move fast
Trade school certification for ev...
A New Digital Democracy to Fix Our Elections - Voters, Power & Reform w/ Travis Misurell
Jan 07, 2026Most Americans feel unrepresented — trapped between “the lesser of two evils,” media narratives, and party gatekeeping.
In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with Travis Misurell, founder of FiNC (Future Is Now Coalition), to explore a radically different idea: a citizen-owned digital democracy.
We unpack how money, media concentration, and party infrastructure shape elections long before voters ever see a ballot — and how a “People’s Primary” could give independent, third-party, and grassroots candidates a real chance to compete.
This conversation goes beyond Left vs Right and introduces a new lens: People-f...
Government Cyber Security Breaches, Trust, & Why Many Systems Are Designed to Fail | Alexander Rogan
Jan 02, 2026In this conversation, Evan Meyer and Alexander Rogan discuss the critical issues surrounding cybersecurity, particularly in government and public systems. Rogan shares his background and the innovative approach of his company, Abatis, which aims to prevent cyber attacks before they occur. They explore the challenges faced by government agencies in securing their systems, the financial implications of cybersecurity failures, and the role of AI in both facilitating and combating cyber threats. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability in cybersecurity practices and the importance of integrating security into political platforms as technology continues to evolve.
00:00 – Why cy...
Politics Vs Parenting: Why Control Breaks Trust, Relationships, & Democracy w/ Lura Forcum
Dec 12, 2025What if modern politics is failing for the same reason bad parenting fails?
In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with political psychologist Lura Forcum, President of the Independence Center, to explore a powerful and uncomfortable truth: you can have control, or you can have a relationship—but not both.
Using insights from psychology, public policy, and real-world governance, this conversation breaks down much of the deeper issues behind our polarization.
You’ll learn:
- Why reactance explains voter backlash and polarization
- How political control mirrors ineffective paren...
The Political Industrial Complex: How Consultants Shape Democracy w/ Eva Posner
Dec 08, 2025Ever wonder who actually shapes our elections — the candidates, the parties, or the consultants behind the scenes?
In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with Eva Posner, founder of Evinco Strategies, a full-service Democratic consulting firm helping first-time and underrepresented candidates run and win all over the country. From county assessor races to million-dollar campaigns, Eva has seen how the political industrial complex really works — and where it’s quietly warping our democracy.
We dive into negative campaigning, ballot guide language, why California can be “performatively progressive,” and how local politics (the stuff that...
How to Actually Fix U.S. Healthcare: HSAs, Price Transparency & Real Market Signals w/ Crom Carmichael
Nov 12, 2025Guest: Crom Carmichael – investor in 60+ startups, host of From Our Generation, and creator of Giants of Political Thought
In this episode, Evan Meyer and Crom dig into why healthcare in America costs what it does — and what could truly fix it. They unpack how price transparency, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and market-driven competition could bring down costs by up to 70%, and why innovation is inherently destructive to old, inefficient systems.
Along the way, Crom explains the absurd incentives in today’s insurance system (like getting billed $6,600 for a $1,200 colonoscopy), shares a skin cancer story that reveal...
Bipartisanship, Structural Partisanship, Activists vs Jurors & Comfort w/ Ambiguity | Shannon Watson
Oct 30, 2025Support 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...
Inside California’s Bill Process: Power, Politics & Transparency | Senator Roger Niello
Aug 12, 2025How do bills really get passed — or stopped — in California? 🏛️
In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer sits down with California State Senator Roger Niello (6th District, Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee) to discuss:
- The real process behind passing legislation — and why some bills never see a vote.
- The Title & Summary Bill and efforts to reduce bias in ballot measures.
- California’s budget challenges and the push for fiscal responsibility.
- The role of transparency, bipartisanship, and civic engagement in a supermajority state.
- How artificial intelligence...
From City Council to Reform Leader: Vijay Luthra on UK Politics, NHS Change & Public Service
Jul 05, 2025In this episode of Meyerside Chats, I sit down with Vijay Luthra—a UK-based public service reformist, ex-councilmember, and management consultant—to explore the future of government, the crisis in public trust, and why systems must evolve to meet 21st-century challenges. We dive into small “p” vs. big “P” politics, the transformation of the NHS, trade unions, and lessons from Brexit for the U.S.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about government innovation, local leadership, and global civic lessons.
⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 | 🎙️ Introduction & Welcome
01:00 | Vijay’s Unusual Journey from Roadie to Public Servant
03:0...
Mayor Lana Negrete on Fighting Bureaucracy, Homelessness & Starting Up in Santa Monica
Jun 24, 2025Support 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...
California Assemblyman Rick Zbur & Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete on Cross-Jurisdictional Partnerships
Jun 16, 2025Support 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...
Santa Monica x Los Angeles: Collaboration to Solve Homelessness, Community Safety & more
Apr 22, 2025In 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 mus...
Entrepreneurs & Government - CA Fires, AI, Regulation, Prop 13 | Senator Ben Allen
Mar 12, 2025Join 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...
From Tech Entrepreneur to Mayor of San Jose: Rebuilding trust in Government with Innovation | Mayor Matt Mahan
Feb 05, 2025Join 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...
Civility amongst Crisis: Shola Richards on the LA Fires, Intellectual Humility, Cognitive Bias
Jan 21, 2025Navigating 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...
Politics, Perspectives, & Progress - A Path Forward | Entrepreneur - Artist - Visionary, Ruben Rojas
Dec 10, 2024Join 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...
Duration: 01:05:25Balancing Urban & Rural Policy in California Government | Mayor Pro Tem Rocky Rhodes, Simi Valley
Sep 27, 2024The 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...
Revolutionizing Politics: Embracing Augmented Democracy & Collective Intelligence | Cesar Hidalgo
Aug 24, 2023In 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...
Duration: 00:54:47Transcendent Listening: How Understanding Different Perspectives Drives Change with Leslie Crutchfield
Jul 16, 2023Welcome 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...
Duration: 00:58:52The Role of Technology in Supporting Informed Decision Making and Bridging Divides: A Conversation with Ramayya Krishnan
Jul 04, 2023In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer interviews Ramayya Krishnan, Dean of Public Policy and Information Systems @ Carnegie Melon University, an expert in digital transformation and technology management. They discuss the role of decision-making models in voting, particularly in local and state issues. Krishnan highlights the importance of an informed populace and the challenges of acquiring accurate information in the age of filter bubbles and misinformation. They also touch on the need for humility in the information we consume and how technology can support this. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of having a shared base of...
Duration: 00:45:05Technology, Informed Decision-Making & Bridging Politics | Dean of Public Policy & Information Systems, Carnegie Melon, Ramayya Krishnan
Jun 27, 2023In this episode of Meyerside Chats, Evan Meyer interviews Rammayya Krishnan, Dean of Public Policy and Information Systems @ Carnegie Melon University, an expert in digital transformation and technology management. They discuss the role of decision-making models in voting, particularly in local and state issues. Krishnan highlights the importance of an informed populace and the challenges of acquiring accurate information in the age of filter bubbles and misinformation. They also touch on the need for humility in the information we consume and how technology can support this. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of having a shared base of...
Duration: 00:45:05Leadership, Transparency & Distorted Narratives | US Ambassador, David Satterfield
Jun 12, 2023In this episode, we delve into the critical issues of leadership, transparency, and distorted narratives that impact the construction of a more perfect union in the United States. Our guest, David Satterfield, brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge from being in the room where important conversations take place. We explore the limitations of public information and the potential consequences of misleading representations. Join us as we discuss the significance of accurate narratives, the role of the media, and the challenges faced in ensuring that the American people have access to vital information.
Podcast Highlights:<...
Duration: 00:50:29Us & Them - Escaping the Human Condition | Dean of Public Policy, Brandeis, Maria Madison
May 07, 2023Maria Madison is the interim Dean of Brandeis University.
A trained global public health researcher, Madison holds a Doctorate in population and international health from Harvard. She joined Brandeis with over two decades of international experience, designing, implementing and managing various projects and studies including clinical drug trials and registries, where she oversaw large, complex, multinational teams, with an abundance of her work in Africa. She is also president and founder of The Robbins House, a historic building and nonprofit organization focused on preserving Concord, Massachusetts’ Black history. She is also a trustee of Tufts University, from wh...
Democratic Backsliding & the Politics of Confirmation Bias | Chair, Politics Department, Princeton | Nolan McCarty
Mar 24, 2023Summary
Intro to Nolan McCary | 0:00
What is Democratic backsliding and are we experiencing it? | 5:15
Why every president is blamed or praised for his successes and failures depending on what side you're on? | 6:30
How the train derailment in East Palestine exemplified the fundamental toxic polarization issue? | 7:40
Politics of confirmation bias | 10:55
Why does every election gets delegitimized by the opposite party? | 13:30
What is the general margin of error for election votes?
Issues with our election process 18:00
Why the context of "facts" matters & Trump/Biden election fairness | 25:00
Why is civic humility so ha...
Church & State, Moral Standards, Money's Role in Politics | Texas State Rep, Kyle Biedermann
Mar 07, 2023Recorded January 19, 2023
Evan Meyer welcomes Former Texas State Representative, Kyle Biedermann (R-TX) on this episode of Meyerside Chats.
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the "us and them" narrative and toxic polarization by striving to create virtuous community leadership and authentic conversation. The intent is to showcase the humanity in those that take on the often thankless jobs of public service through civil discourse, and honoring differing points of view.
Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Me... Duration: 01:06:50
COVID response, Mental Illness, Housing & Homelessness | Dean of Public Policy, New York University, Sherry Glied
Mar 07, 2023Recorded February 1,, 2023
Evan Meyer welcomes the Dean of Public Policy at New York University, Sherry Glied on this episode of Meyerside Chats.
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the "us and them" narrative and toxic polarization by striving to create virtuous community leadership and authentic conversation. The intent is to showcase the humanity in those that take on the often thankless jobs of public service through civil discourse, and honoring differing points of view.
About Sherry Glied
In 2013, Sherry Glied was named Dean of New York University’s Ro...
Duration: 00:52:37Artificial Intelligence, Election Process & Civics | US Congressman, Jay Obernolte
Jan 11, 2023An informative chat with U.S. Congressman, Jay Obernolte on this episode of Meyerside Chats. Please subscribe to my channel to help eliminate the "us and them" political narrative.
Please pardon my less-than-ideal microphone during this episode filmed during my travels.
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the "us and them" narrative and toxic polarization by striving to create virtuous community leadership and authentic conversation. The intent is to showcase the humanity in those that take on the often thankless jobs of public service through civil discourse, and honoring differing points of view.
Summary
Can we regain trust in government & fix politics? | US Congressman, Ted Lieu
Jan 05, 2023Support 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...
Trans Rights, Housing & Toxic Polarity Politics | California Senator, Scott Wiener
Nov 18, 2022With so many issues at the forefront of today’s society, polarization in our political climate is at an all-time high. From the issues of trans rights to tackling homelessness, everyone seems to have varied opinions on what to prioritize. Here to share thoughts on the matter is Senator Scott Wiener, representative of District 11 in the California State Senate. He joins Evan Meyer to discuss his Legislation to provide refuge for trans kids and their families, Senate Bill 107, which recently got passed, and the response it’s gotten since. Senator Wiener also explains the matter of legalese when it come...
Duration: 00:32:09Government: Similarities & Differences - Wroclaw, Poland: Part 2 | Councilman, Michal Kurczewski.
Nov 10, 2022Continuing his deep dive into the local government of Wrocław, Poland, Evan Meyer chats with Councilman Michal Kurczewski. Together, they discuss how their two-party system works and how they solve conflicts when passing mandates. Michal explains why a proper feedback-gathering mechanism must be implemented to ensure every constituent is heard, minimizing huge conflicts and disagreements. He also talks about the issues they face at a local level and how they solve them through impeccable public discourse. Michal opens up about their increased housing fee, the high demand for better public transport (without sacrificing historic landmarks), protecting rivers from h...
Duration: 00:58:16Government: Similarities & Differences - Wrocław, Poland: Part 1 | Councilman, Bartlomiej Ciazynski
Nov 08, 2022The world is vast, and with it comes different places that have different ways of looking at things. What can we learn from them? Here to shed some light on what it’s like to live under the local government of Wrocław, Poland, is Councilman Bartlomiej Ciazynski. He is the Deputy Chair of the city council and Social Advisor to the Mayor of Wroclaw for Tolerance and Counteracting Xenophobia. The city has recently experienced a rise in population to become the third largest city in the country as they welcomed close to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to their population of app...
Duration: 00:42:27Fact, Faith, Politics And Policies | Dean of Public Policy, Pepperdine University, Pete Peterson
Oct 31, 2022There is no hotter topic than politics. And with the midterm elections coming up, Evan Meyer chats with Pete Peterson to talk about what politics looks like and discusses important topics, including perceived threats from overseas, the COVID pandemic, and social issues that continue to drive US politics and policies. They also share their insights on how truth has become subjective and how disagreements can be resolved through humility, especially on issues where we hold different positions. Tune in as they recall lessons learned, or failures thereof, from previous generations and how historical awareness influences how we handle the...
Duration: 00:50:42Bringing Balanced Leadership & Common Sense in Californian Government | California Senator, Brian Dahle
Oct 26, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes Senator Brian Dahle to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
California State Senator and Republican gubernatorial nominee Brian Dahle talks about the need for government leaders to go beyond the sound bites and work on common sense solutions to make things better for the people of California. He also talks about some of the issues that he is advocating as a governor-hopeful for the state.
Meyerside Chats...
Duration: 00:49:06Writing Policy & the Nature of Politics at the State Senate | California Senator, Ben Allen
Aug 08, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes California State Senator, Ben Allen on this episode of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
California State Senator Ben Allen was elected in 2014 (and reelected in 2018) to represent the 26th Senate District covering the Westside, Hollywood, and coastal South Bay communities of Los Angeles County. Ben chairs the Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus, is a member of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, chairs the Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Arts, a...
Duration: 01:00:08Creating Unity in Bridging Political Divides | Braver Angels Non-Profit, Directors, Randy Lioz & John Wood
Aug 04, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes BraverAngels.org on this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Evan Meyer welcomes John Wood and Randy Lioz with BraverAngels.org on this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
BraverAngels.org is a nonprofit dedicated to political depolarization. The organization runs workshops, debates, and other events, where “red” (conservative) and “blue” (liberal) participan...
Duration: 00:53:55City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | City Manager, David White
Jun 18, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes David White to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Are you interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
David White is the current City Manager for the City of Santa Monica. White joined in October 2021 after serving as deputy city manager in Berkeley, where he championed reimagining public safety, including a new model of civilian oversight of Berkeley’s Police Department. Before his time in Berkeley, White was the city manager of Fairfield, CA.
Meyerside Chats seek...
Duration: 01:05:37City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief of Police, Ramon Batista
Apr 16, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes Chief of Police Ramon Batista to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Ramon Batista is the current Chief of Police for the City of Santa Monica. "Putting values into action" is one of his fundamental approaches to law enforcement leadership. The strategy for doing so was successfully administered during his time as the Chief of Police in Mesa, AZ, and documented in his thoughtful and informative book, "Do No Harm."
...
Duration: 01:09:38City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief Communications Officer, Debbie Lee
Apr 08, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes Debbie Lee to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Debbie has been the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Santa Monica for the past 8 years. Previously working for SM Travel & Tourism, and Downtown SM, Debbie has dedicated her professional career to our city for more than 23 years. She has helped shape the Santa Monica we live in today.
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the “us and them” narrative and to...
Duration: 01:05:10City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Councilmember, Lana Negrete
Mar 19, 2022Evan Meyer welcomes Lana Negrete to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the "us and them" narrative and toxic polarization by praising those who lead by example, virtuous community leadership, and authentic conversation. The intent is to showcase the humanity in those that take on tough jobs (often in the public realm) through civil discourse and honoring differing points of view.
Recorded by santamonicamusic.com
<... Duration: 01:20:02
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Councilmember, Phil Brock
Mar 10, 2022Evan Meyer sits down with Councilman Phil Brock on the latest episode of Meyerside Chats.
Summary:
– The power of art.
– The many opportunities for SM to be a “cradle of the arts in LA”.
– We need a “crusade of culture”.
– More art and music opportunities at our parks.
– Santa Monica’s rich history.
– Why is there distrust and how do we get rid of it?
– Embracing disagreeing parties, news and information to understand all sides
– Phil’s abundant volunteer w...
Duration: 01:24:31City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Mayor & Councilmember, Gleam Davis
Feb 18, 2022Community building is more than just doing acts of charity or being a law-obedient individual. At its more profound level, it is about creating a solutions-oriented public discourse between leaders and citizens. Evan Meyer explains how to achieve this common ground with Councilwoman Gleam Davis of Santa Monica. She discusses why politicians and people can make their cities a better place by setting aside differences, improving community feedback, and eliminating distrust of the political systems. Gleam also shares how they vastly improved housing projects, public transportation, healthcare, and education in Santa Monica through highly transparent and deeply democratic methods.<...
Duration: 01:18:24City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | CEO, Downtown Santa Monica, Kathleen Rawson
Feb 03, 2022After serving Downtown Santa Monica as its CEO for over two decades, Kathleen Rawson is now leaving to assume a new leadership role at The Hollywood Partnership. In this conversation with Evan Meyer, she looks back on vastly changing the landscape of Downtown Santa Monica, which she proudly considers her life's work. She explains how she started the Downtown Ambassador Program and now leaves a well-designed roadmap to guide her successor in continuing her efforts. Kathleen also discusses how she will bring her learnings to her new position, touching communities and people on an international scale.
<...
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | CEO, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Laurel Rosen
Dec 14, 2021What's business like in Santa Monica post-pandemic? Joining Evan Meyer to shed light on the situation is Laurel Rosen, CEO and President of Santa Monica Chamber, for 23 years and running. As a civic leader, Laurel shares what the current state of business is like and what leaders should be doing for their business, their employees, themselves, and each other.
Laurel and Evan always have wonderful conversations, and we're excited to finally get one on record. In this episode, we discuss:
– The past and future of Business in Santa Monica
– The impor...
Duration: 01:04:23City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Commissioner, Albin Gielicz
Nov 18, 2021Evan Meyer welcomes Albin Gielicz to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Are you interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Santa Monica Travel and Tourism Chairman, Park and Recreation Commissioner, and past president and board member of nearly a dozen of Santa Monica’s various sustainability, economic development, neighborhood, and business committees, Albin Gielicz speaks about:
His vision for Santa Monica, Tips for new businesses in Santa Monica,The state of and plan for tourism here in Santa Monica.Al Fresco dini... Duration: 00:43:44City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Commissioner, Marc Morgenstern
Nov 09, 2021Evan Meyer welcomes Marc Morgenstern to this edition of Meyerside Chats. Interested in any of the civic topics below? Please tune in to Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Past Ocean Park Association (OPA) President, Library Commission Chairman, public safety leader, and journalist, Marc Morgenstern discusses the one-year anniversary of his local online news distribution and his approach to civil and thoughtful community leadership; including, the barriers that make it difficult, how to overcome them.
Meyerside Chats is an attempt to destroy the “us and them” narrative through virtuous commun...
Duration: 00:42:20