Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility

Evan Meyer

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 knowledge of the ordinances their leaders enact. For those residents and communities that lack communication, the gap will worsen if left unaddressed.

Long-time community leader Evan Meyer invites you to focus on this alarming state of living through his podcast, Meyerside Chats. On this show, you'll hear real talks about rebuilding trust between people, leaders, and our government.

Meyerside Chats seeks to eliminate the "us and them" narrative and toxic polarization by praising those who lead by example. It highlights virtuous community leadership and emphasizes authentic conversation. By honoring differing points of view, and by using civil discourse, this podcast showcases the humanity of those who take on often thankless jobs in public service.

There are deep-seated issues in many cities that prevent them from progressing. People tend to look at national-level issues rather than concentrating on issues in their own localities, and they are not aware of these severe problems. It is only as they become immersed in the country's biggest issues (which are outside of their control) that they realize what they want. But a knee-jerk response of fury or blame is useless without productive action.

What can be done to correct issues like poor compost, unfair ordinances, or substandard infrastructure? The key is to shift the focus to the local level, get involved, and become part of the solution. Identifying what you can do to contribute begins with listening and trying new ideas. We must establish deeper relationships with each other to achieve more practical solutions.

To find out how, host Evan leads eye-opening conversations about civic and community leadership that highlight how to stand up and make cities better. Addressing the "Us and Them" mentality, he brings people together to see eye to eye and provide their unique viewpoints.

This show aims to humanize politics, break the toxic bureaucracy, and reconnect residents with their city leaders. Evan explores the muddied relationships with politicians. With their grand buildings and great powers, these individuals usually appear distant and untouchable. But they are not infallible. It is possible to start authentic conversations that eventually lead to sustainable and inclusive communities.

Evan brings vast experience to the podcast as a civic guru and community leader. For many years, he has been heavily involved in the development of Santa Monica using highly innovative approaches. He created the city's Civic Love program, a group focused on volunteerism and making change through the process of "doing good." He also served the Ocean Park Association for a decade, was a board member for nine years, and recently became president.

In addition to outstanding community involvement, Evan founded several start-up businesses. He actively works as an artist who helps transform neglected communities globally through murals, art education, and social responsibility. The efforts of Evan are a perfect example of what citizens can do to make their city a b

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Episodes

Revolutionizing Politics: Embracing Augmented Democracy & Collective Intelligence | Cesar Hidalgo
Aug 24 2023
Revolutionizing Politics: Embracing Augmented Democracy & Collective Intelligence | Cesar Hidalgo
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,  2023About 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 MeyerEvan is the Founder of Support the showAbout 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.
Transcendent Listening: How Understanding Different Perspectives Drives Change with Leslie Crutchfield
Jul 16 2023
Transcendent Listening: How Understanding Different Perspectives Drives Change with Leslie Crutchfield
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 CrutchfieldLeslie 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 MeyerEvan 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 Support the showAbout 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.
Technology, Informed Decision-Making & Bridging Politics | Dean of Public Policy & Information Systems, Carnegie Melon, Ramayya Krishnan
Jun 27 2023
Technology, Informed Decision-Making & Bridging Politics | Dean of Public Policy & Information Systems, Carnegie Melon, Ramayya Krishnan
In 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 information to make informed decisions. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Meyerside Chats!Podcast Highlights:[00:01:41] Exploring the use of cloud technology in society and policy-making.[00:02:11] Discussing decision-making models in voting for the public and policymakers.[00:12:16] The influence of technology on shared experiences and bridging differences.[00:14:01] Building relationships and bridges between different political opinions.[00:16:00] The role of being a good listener and demonstrating respect in conversations.[00:24:47] Contrasting the lack of understanding of social media by policymakers in the past.[00:25:25] The potential of AI to educate and provide faster access to information for policymakers and the public.[00:27:00] AI's role in helping understand complex public interest issues.[00:29:48] Mitigating AI's negative effects through measures like provenance and watermarking.[00:33:00] The absence of a perfect solution to the information problem.[00:33:33] Cautions about AI's predictive capabilities and data representation.[00:35:37] The potential benefits of AI in supporting decision-making and speeding up processes.[00:37:00] Overcoming bias in data to ensure representation of society as a whole.[00:39:48] Responsible AI implementation, understanding the system as a whole, and differential impact on individuals.[00:40:23] Augmentation for democracy and the need for careful consideration of the pipeline.[00:41:00] Assisting policymakers with AI tools to catch up with policy-making demands.[00:43:35] Vision for a more prosperous, peaceful, and just society using technology for good.Support the showAbout 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.
Leadership, Transparency & Distorted Narratives | US Ambassador, David Satterfield
Jun 12 2023
Leadership, Transparency & Distorted Narratives | US Ambassador, David Satterfield
In 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:[00:02:41] Discussion on the current state of division and disagreement in US foreign policy.[00:03:00] Historical context of sharp divisions and the exceptional degree of public agreement in the past.[00:10:17] The role of the internet and social media in creating a lack of common facts and information.[00:11:37] The impact of changing expectations and globalization on populist and demagogic appeals.[00:13:31] Avoiding contempt and catering to ethnic or racial identities as a response.[00:14:22] Different approaches: feeding, exploiting, or addressing the concerns.[00:16:00] Socioeconomic drivers behind the problems and the need for their resolution.[00:16:45] Loss of trust in foreign policy experts due to events like 9/11 and disastrous military adventures.[00:19:58] The concept of being "in the room where it happens" and how certain information is withheld from the public in various conversations and levels of decision-making.[00:20:00] The issue of the media and the distortion of narratives, questioning how far the American people and others are from the information presented in these private discussions.[00:27:40] Media's role in polarizing issues and the influence of corruption, lobbying, and private interests.[00:38:00] Three critical threats: divisions in the United States, socioeconomic challenges, and poorly considered military adventures overseas.[00:41:34] Discussion on the influence of business dealings on political decisions.[00:42:50] Exploring personal vision and the importance of facts shaping action.[00:44:03] The danger of ideology overpowering available facts.Support the showAbout 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.
Us & Them - Escaping the Human Condition |  Dean of Public Policy, Brandeis, Maria Madison
May 7 2023
Us & Them - Escaping the Human Condition | Dean of Public Policy, Brandeis, Maria Madison
Maria 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 which she holds bachelor's and master’s degrees, and is an associate editor of the journal Health Equity. Podcast SummaryThe innate human propensity for hierarchy and "us and them." | 6:00Paying for the sins of our grandparents | 8:00Challenging your echo Chambers with opposing views | 10:00Quality of life in America and it's barriers | 14:00Exercise & nutrition information during COVID vis a vis social drivers | 17:00Obesity in America and how to start fixing it | 22:00The balance of responsibility | 24:00The responsibility of universities | 26:00Adaptive capacity | 32:00Private interest vs social responsibility | 35:00Venture capitalism & social businesses | 39:00Replacement theory | 42:00Greater exposure means greater respect | 44:00How to deal with information and/or people you disagree with & recast theory | 45:00How to accept new information that conflicts with your previous knowledge | 49:00Everyone has a migration story | 55:00Support the showAbout 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.
Democratic Backsliding & the Politics of Confirmation Bias | Chair, Politics Department, Princeton | Nolan McCarty
Mar 24 2023
Democratic Backsliding & the Politics of Confirmation Bias | Chair, Politics Department, Princeton | Nolan McCarty
SummaryIntro to Nolan McCary | 0:00What is Democratic backsliding and are we experiencing it?  | 5:15Why every president is blamed or praised for his successes and failures depending on what side you're on? |  6:30How the train derailment in East Palestine exemplified the fundamental toxic polarization issue? | 7:40Politics of confirmation bias | 10:55Why does every election gets delegitimized by the opposite party? | 13:30What is the general margin of error for election votes?Issues with our election process 18:00Why the context of "facts" matters & Trump/Biden election fairness | 25:00Why is civic humility so hard? |  26:00 Marriage between couples of different political parties has become less accepted than that of different faiths, religions, or ethnicities |  35:00 Many political leaders misusing social media. |  37:00 Is polarization intentional?  39:30 Where does Princeton stand with the claims about liberal University indoctrination? | 43:00 Academic freedom and institutional neutrality | 48:00What are Nolan's goals as a result of his efforts in polarization? | 55:00The importance of not eliminating polarization if it means not talking about important topics | 58:00Support the showAbout 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.
COVID response, Mental Illness, Housing & Homelessness | Dean of Public Policy, New York University, Sherry Glied
Mar 7 2023
COVID response, Mental Illness, Housing & Homelessness | Dean of Public Policy, New York University, Sherry Glied
Recorded February 1,, 2023Evan 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 GliedIn 2013, Sherry Glied was named Dean of New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. From 1989-2013, she was Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She was Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management from 1998-2009. On June 22, 2010, Glied was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services, and served in that capacity from July 2010 through August 2012. She had previously served as Senior Economist for health care and labor market policy on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers in 1992-1993, under Presidents Bush and Clinton, and participated in the Clinton Health Care Task Force. She has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Social Insurance, and served as a member of the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking. In 2021, the Association of University Programs in Health Administration selected her as the recipient of the William B. Graham Prize for Health Services Research. The following year, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences elected her as a 2022 Fellow.Glied’s principal areas of research are in health policy reform and mental health care policy. Her book on health care reform, Chronic Condition, was published by Harvard University Press in January 1998. Her book with Richard Frank, Better But Not Well: Mental Health Policy in the U.S. since 1950, was published by The Johns Hopkins University Press in 2006. She is co-editor, with Peter C. Smith, of The Oxford Handbook of Health Economics, which was published by the Oxford University Press in 2011.Glied holds a B.A. in economics from Yale University, an M.A. in economics from the University of Toronto, and a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.Podcast SummaryIntroduction to Sherry Glede | 0:0Support the showAbout 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.
Church & State, Moral Standards, Money's Role in Politics | Texas State Rep, Kyle Biedermann
Mar 7 2023
Church & State, Moral Standards, Money's Role in Politics | Texas State Rep, Kyle Biedermann
Recorded January 19, 2023Evan 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 Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily PressSummaryKyle's background and how, and why he got into politics.The separation of church and state, how it started, how it's interpreted and what it means today | 5:00Religion vs politics role in individual values | 9:00Who are actually the people writing policy and with what standards | 12:00How to begin getting people to see their shared values and alignment | 15:00How Damar Hamlin brought the country together | 16:00Christianity in California | 19:00Due to media, we don't hear the things that are actually happening in government unless we "seek them out" | 19:00Can we separate the speak of God, from a unifying fundamental set of values? | 26:00Incorrect categorization of extreme politicians for the majority | 30:00The difference of rights versus policy for minority interest groups | 33:00The biggest problem in politics | 35:00Understand what the major issues are in politics vs using it in practice and how we create our beliefs | 37:00How Kevin McCarthy won the speaker seat | 39:00How to be effective in the legislature | 40:30Money, it's influence on politicians, & how the lead | 44:00Most people don't understand local politics, the realm they can actually effect change | 48:00How selling out in local politics can push you into "the club" and further away from the people | 50:00The "incumbent protection plan" | 52:00In order to be part of "the club" you need to raise money for the club | 53:00Ego and how desire for authorship in policy & programs can sway the voting decision | 57:00The power and pressure as a politicianSupport the showAbout 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.
Artificial Intelligence, Election Process & Civics | US Congressman, Jay Obernolte
Jan 11 2023
Artificial Intelligence, Election Process & Civics | US Congressman, Jay Obernolte
An 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-----------How a Computer Engineering degree with a graduate degree in AI helps lend a unique perspective to our government | 1:30How the US is faring with policy and regulation around AI | 3:00Policy Implications of AI | 5:00The power of ChatGPT   | 6:30How can we use AI to improve government? | 7:50AI's ethical issues and job replacement vs it's powerful benefits (e.g. physicians) | 9:20How can we improve our democracy with AI? | 12:30Where can regulation be replaced with better education? | 14:00 How do we get people to read source information without being misled by polarized media narratives? | 17:00The impact of anonymity on the internet | 20:00Can technology (i.e. social media) help provide context or source information in dialogue around polarized issues? | 23:00Why people vote red or blue down the line and how to improve the election process | 30:00Are we providing the majority of people with the right resources for informed voting? | 34:00If you're eligible to vote and don't, you have no right to complain | 35:30The difficulty in voting for judges | 38:00The detriments of intense polarization in our federal and local governments | 40:00Political parties specialize, not in solving individual issues, but trashing the other party | 43:00Is California a better example of collegial state politics than the nation as a whole? || 44:00A great solution to a kinder and more cooperative government | 50:00If you don't challenge your perspective, you can't learn. | 52:00Support the showAbout 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.
Trans Rights, Housing & Toxic Polarity Politics | California Senator, Scott Wiener
Nov 18 2022
Trans Rights, Housing & Toxic Polarity Politics | California Senator, Scott Wiener
With 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 comes to creating these laws and why it’s essential to be precise. The two also discuss homelessness and why housing should be a priority to solve this issue and the adjacent ones around it, such as drug addiction and mental health. Diverse perspectives help bring quality conversation, and it doesn’t have to be vitriolic. This clash of opinions and ideas can even bring out the best outcomes. Listen to hear more about how we can achieve more balanced approaches without the toxic polarity. Support the showAbout 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.
Government: Similarities & Differences - Wroclaw, Poland: Part 2 | Councilman, Michal Kurczewski.
Nov 10 2022
Government: Similarities & Differences - Wroclaw, Poland: Part 2 | Councilman, Michal Kurczewski.
Continuing 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 hazardous chemicals, and jumping back from the harsh effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.Support the showAbout 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.
Government: Similarities & Differences - Wrocław, Poland: Part 1 | Councilman, Bartlomiej Ciazynski
Nov 8 2022
Government: Similarities & Differences - Wrocław, Poland: Part 1 | Councilman, Bartlomiej Ciazynski
The 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 approximately 600,000. In this episode, he chats with host Evan Meyer about their policies regarding the discrimination of minority groups and how he proposes expanding their policies to protect the LGBT community. He also highlights the need for regulation regarding information being spread and what’s being taught at schools. Stay tuned for more of the great insights you can take away from this episode.Support the showAbout 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.
Fact, Faith, Politics And Policies | Dean of Public Policy, Pepperdine University, Pete Peterson
Oct 31 2022
Fact, Faith, Politics And Policies | Dean of Public Policy, Pepperdine University, Pete Peterson
There 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 crisis we face today.Support the showAbout 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.
Bringing Balanced Leadership & Common Sense in Californian Government | California Senator, Brian Dahle
Oct 26 2022
Bringing Balanced Leadership & Common Sense in Californian Government | California Senator, Brian Dahle
Evan 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 is an attempt to destroy the “us and them” narrative through virtuous community leadership, praising those who lead by example, starting right here in Santa Monica.Support the showAbout 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.
Writing Policy & the Nature of Politics at the State Senate | California Senator, Ben Allen
Aug 8 2022
Writing Policy & the Nature of Politics at the State Senate | California Senator, Ben Allen
Evan 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, and the Senate Select Committee on Aerospace and Defense. He previously served as Chair of the Education Committee (2017-2019) and Chair of the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee (2015-2016). 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. Summary– Ben’s lovely Beard. 0:00– New SB54 plastics policy signed by Newsom, authored by Ben. 3:00– Very little press attention, yet so much power at the state level 6:00– State-level vs federal-level news 10:00– The conflict of private companies distributing public information. 11:30– Lots of ways to engage in the system and have your voice heard. 13:30– Pushing social media companies to better their algorithms. 14:30– What is a fact? 15:30– Social Dilemma / BraverAngels.org 17:30– Bond agencies charge communities higher interest rates to cities without local press. 20:00– Support the showAbout 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.
Creating Unity in Bridging Political Divides | Braver Angels Non-Profit, Directors, Randy Lioz & John Wood
Aug 4 2022
Creating Unity in Bridging Political Divides | Braver Angels Non-Profit, Directors, Randy Lioz & John Wood
Evan 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) participants attempt to better understand one anothers’ positions and discover their shared values. Its mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. 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. Summary-What is BraverAngels.org?-Generalizing & grouping individuals based on a single belief. 8:00-The immense courage it takes to stand up for what is right. 11:00-The immense effort it takes to get out of the algorithm & echo chamber to understand the full picture. 15:00-Successful discourse between differing parties must be had in a context of trust.Support the showAbout 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.
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | City Manager, David White
Jun 18 2022
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | City Manager, David White
Evan 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 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. Recorded by santamonicamusic.com Summary• Some personal fun, well-groomed beard maintenance, and past DJ work.• The importance of music in our lives• Creating an ever-improving city culture• How city staff can bring their best selves to work (e.g., David’s music in the office and falcon watching at City Hall)• Infusing “who you are” into the workspace thru building safety, vulnerability, and purpose • COVID Innovations, changes, and cuts we should keep• Bureaucracy and how to create a “getting to yes” culture & mentality | 22:00• Working through polarity at the city, council, and community levels• Balancing “loud voices” that dominate conversations around issues with the ideal of true democracy.• The importance and impressive nature of leadership involves the community, neighborhood, and business levels.• Local government -> where action CAN lead to direct change  Support the showAbout 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.
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief of Police, Ramon Batista
Apr 16 2022
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief of Police, Ramon Batista
Evan 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." 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. Recorded by santamonicamusic.com Summary– Background on the journey of Ramon’s path toward becoming police Chief.– Importance of connecting with our youth | 2:30– Impact of President Obama’s Strategies on 21st Century Policing– Origins of his book, “Do No Harm,” & how it is implemented in Mesa, AZ– Importance of small interactions with officers. Just say “hi!” | 8:30– How to approach officers when you get pulled over | 12:45– The truth about ticket quotas | 16:00– A holistic approach to officer wellness/stress management | 17:00– Managing resistance in an organizational culture shift | 27:00– Community trust-building with law enforcement is critical & ongoing | 31:30– Ramon’s book “Do No Harm,” as a visionary guide | 36:00– Guardian vs. Warrior mindset & when to use each | 37:30– Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) – The capabilities & opportunities in Santa Monica | 39:45– Management of dispatching, how it operates, & the new “Live 911” system | 51:30– Status on the shift to increased neighborhood patrol | 57:30– Mindset of continuous improvement & building the leadership for our future | 1:06:00Support the showAbout 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.
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief Communications Officer, Debbie Lee
Apr 8 2022
City of Santa Monica & the Path Toward Civility | Chief Communications Officer, Debbie Lee
Evan 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 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. Recorded by santamonicamusic.comSummary:– “Without building relationships, you can’t build trust”– “How to reach as many people as possible | 3:30– Access to information IS equity | 6:30– What are the factors that determine what “misinformation” is?– How the city differentiates fact vs opinion | 10:00– Debbie’s background in Santa Monica | 15:00– How the city can improve | 17:50– How access to information can change how we experience and build trust for government | 21:00– Anger as a legitimate emotion around policy impacts, and how to it convert into constructive kindness to help drive your point clearer and faster | 24:30– What advice would you give to other cities? | 33:10– Bureaucracy, and balancing cost, efficiency and equity | 36:00– Santa’s Monica’s strategy and metrics around multi-channel, targeted communications | Support the showAbout 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.