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Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility

Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility

By: Evan Meyer
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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.


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.

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.

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 his neighborhood association for a decade, eventually as president.

In addition to outstanding community involvement, Evan founded several start-up businesses. He actively works to 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 better place to live, work and thrive.

© 2025 Meyerside Chats: Government, Policy & Civility Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Inside California’s Bill Process: Power, Politics & Transparency | Senator Roger Niello

    Inside California’s Bill Process: Power, Politics & Transparency | Senator Roger Niello
    Aug 12 2025

    How 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 could change government operations.

    Whether you’re passionate about politics, governance, or understanding how laws are made, this conversation offers a rare insider’s perspective on the power and process shaping California.

    📌 Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    3:00 How Bills Live or Die in Sacramento
    10:00 Bias in Ballot Summaries
    18:00 Civic Education & Engagement
    19:00 California’s Budget Challenges
    30:00 AI in the Legislature
    34:00 Closing Thoughts

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

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

    From City Council to Reform Leader: Vijay Luthra on UK Politics, NHS Change & Public Service
    Jul 5 2025

    In 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
    03:00 | Big "P" vs Small "p" Politics Explained
    06:00 | The Decline of Public Service Ethos
    08:00 | Founding Siva: Reforming Public Services from Outside
    10:00 | Entrepreneurship & Bureaucracy: Where They Meet
    13:00 | Local Government, Risk, and Innovation Constraints
    15:00 | The Power of Local Engagement in the UK & US
    17:00 | NHS Transformation: The Biggest Reform in a Generation
    20:00 | Virtual Wards & Healthcare Innovation
    23:00 | Navigating Trade Unions in the UK
    26:00 | Cultural Differences in UK vs US Labor Dynamics
    28:00 | Class Systems, Military, and Social Stratification
    30:00 | Vijay’s Wish: Undoing Brexit’s Damage
    32:00 | Lessons for the U.S.: Division, Democracy & Unity
    34:00 | 🔚 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

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

    Mayor Lana Negrete on Fighting Bureaucracy, Homelessness & Starting Up in Santa Monica
    Jun 24 2025

    Support the show

    About Evan Meyer

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