Worth the Drive

Send us Fan Mail Some people think estate planning is about preparing for death. This conversation reveals it's really about protecting the people you love while you're still here. In this episode of Worth the Drive , Michael sits down with Wendy Brown , founder of Brown Legacy Law, Army veteran, and Long Beach estate planning attorney, for one of the most honest conversations you'l...

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, h...

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 co...

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...

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 conver...

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...

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...

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 Stat...

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 st...

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 Neighborhoo...

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 confide...