Worth the Drive

Send us Fan Mail

For the first time, the passenger seat is empty.

In this deeply personal solo episode of Worth the Drive, Michael opens up about a conversation that too many men never have—mental health.

As Men's Mental Health Month comes to a close, he reflects on the lessons boys are taught growing up: don't cry, be strong, walk it off. He explores how those messages shape fathers, husbands, sons, and friends, often leaving them to carry pain in silence.

Through stories from his own life, his re...

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when the people who are supposed to love you most reject who you truly are?

In this deeply personal episode of Worth the Drive, Michael sits down with Katie Reid—founder of Reid’s Real Estate Group, longtime advocate for the Deaf community, and a proud Long Beach resident whose journey is defined by resilience, grace, and purpose.

Katie shares the painful story of coming out, being asked to leave her family, and arriving in Long Beach searching for a place where she could finally belong. What foll...

Send us Fan Mail

Can people overcome the beliefs they were raised with? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Michael sits down with Dr. Evelyn Carter, author of Was That Racist?, to explore racism, empathy, history, and the possibility of growth.

Dr. Carter shares her experiences as a Black woman, mother, educator, and researcher, while Michael opens up about being raised in a white supremacist family and the difficult process of unlearning hate. Together, they discuss everything from subtle microaggressions and generational trauma to the role history plays in shaping our understanding of race...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Worth the Drive, we ride through Long Beach with Lala, founder and creative force behind Draped by Lala — a brand built on confidence, expression, and authenticity. What started as a passion for style and individuality has grown into something much deeper: a platform that empowers people to feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable in their own skin.
In this conversation, we talk about the hustle behind building a creative business, the importance of community, and how fashion can become a form of storytelling. Lala opens up about the realities of...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Cruisin' Long Beach, Michael Farmer takes a drive through the streets of California Heights with one of Long Beach's most recognizable community champions, Trina Rufo.

Born and raised in Long Beach, Trina's story is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. From growing up in California Heights and working in her family's beloved Mario's Pizza Deli to navigating life as a single mother, rebuilding after financial hardship, and becoming a respected real estate professional, her journey is one of perseverance, gratitude, and service.

As...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Worth the Drive, we cruise through Long Beach with Vincent a hair and makeup artist, creative visionary, and the force behind his drag alter ego, ENVI. More than just glam and performance, this conversation dives into identity, artistry, confidence, and the courage it takes to fully express yourself in a world that often tells people to stay small.
Vincent opens up about his journey into beauty and entertainment, how ENVI became an extension of self-expression and empowerment, and the work that goes into transforming not just appearances, but...

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes the moments that change our lives don’t arrive as opportunity. They arrive as fear. A diagnosis. A close call. A realization that the people we love are fragile.

On this episode, Michael sits down with Angela — founder and owner of Salud Juice — for a conversation about health, culture, family, and the unexpected path that led her from studying history at California State University, Long Beach to building one of Long Beach’s most recognizable wellness brands.

What started as a daughter trying to help save her father’s life aft...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we take a drive through the 5th district of Long Beach with Megan Kerr — a lifelong resident, community advocate, former school board member, and public servant deeply rooted in the neighborhoods she represents.

From growing up in Bixby Highlands and volunteering to feed unhoused residents as a teenager, to raising four generations under one roof and eventually stepping into public office, Megan shares the personal experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, service, and community.

This conversation goes far beyond politics. It’s about the unseen work...

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Episode 2 – Worth the Drive
Featuring Tara Riggi – Real Estate Professional & Cal Heights Neighborhood Association
Buying a home isn’t just about property—it’s about people, neighborhoods, and the communities we build our lives in.
In this episode, we sit down with Tara Riggi, a Long Beach native, real estate professional, and President of the California Heights Neighborhood Association. From helping families navigate the housing market to working directly with residents to preserve and strengthen local neighborhoods, Tara shares what it really means to be involved in a community beyond just business.<...

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Episode 1 – Worth the Drive, A Lofty Dream

Featuring Jenelle Hutcherson – Lofty Dream Salon

A haircut can be more than just a change in appearance—it can be a moment of transformation. In our first episode, we sit down with Janelle Hutcherson, owner of Lofty Dream Salon in Long Beach, to talk about what it really means to create a space where people feel seen, safe, and confident in who they are. From her journey into the beauty industry to the impa...