Recorded 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 Meyerside Chats on the Santa Monica Daily Press

Summary

1. Kyle's background and how, and why he got into politics.
2. The separation of church and state, how it started, how it's interpreted and what it means today | 5:00
3. Religion vs politics role in individual values | 9:00
4. Who are actually the people writing policy and with what standards | 12:00
5. How to begin getting people to see their shared values and alignment | 15:00
6. How Damar Hamlin brought the country together | 16:00
7. Christianity in California | 19:00
8. Due to media, we don't hear the things that are actually happening in government unless we "seek them out" | 19:00
9. Can we separate the speak of God, from a unifying fundamental set of values? | 26:00
10. Incorrect categorization of extreme politicians for the majority | 30:00
11. The difference of rights versus policy for minority interest groups | 33:00
12. The biggest problem in politics | 35:00
13. Understand what the major issues are in politics vs using it in practice and how we create our beliefs | 37:00
14. How Kevin McCarthy won the speaker seat | 39:00
15. How to be effective in the legislature | 40:30
16. Money, it's influence on politicians, & how the lead | 44:00
17. Most people don't understand local politics, the realm they can actually effect change | 48:00
18. How selling out in local politics can push you into "the club" and further away from the people | 50:00
19. The "incumbent protection plan" | 52:00
20. In order to be part of "the club" you need to raise money for the club | 53:00
21. Ego and how desire for authorship in policy & programs can sway the voting decision | 57:00
22. The power and pressure as a politician

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About Evan Meyer

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

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

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

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