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'll hear about family, money, and legacy.

Wendy shares the deeply personal story that shaped her career—from watching her grandmother build a successful real estate empire to witnessing how a lack of financial education caused that legacy to slowly disappear. She opens up about family struggles, military deployments, loss, financial abuse, and the lessons that inspired her to help others protect what they've worked so hard to build.

Together, Michael and Wendy explore the difference between wills and trusts, why probate can cost families far more than they expect, how to choose guardians for your children, and why passing down wealth without passing down wisdom can create more harm than good.

Whether you're a homeowner, a parent, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to leave the people you love in a better position than you found them, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Because your legacy isn't measured by what you leave behind—it's measured by how well you've prepared the people who receive it.

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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 relationship with his father, and the perspective he's gained raising two sons, Michael shares what he's learned about vulnerability, loneliness, masculinity, and the courage it takes to ask for help.

This isn't an episode about having all the answers. It's about starting the conversation.

Whether you're a man who's been carrying more than anyone knows, or someone who loves one, this episode is a reminder that strength isn't found in suffering alone—it's found in connection, honesty, and the willingness to say, "I'm not okay."

Because every person has a story, even the ones they never tell.

And every story is worth the drive.

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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 followed was a journey through heartbreak, healing, forgiveness, motherhood, and discovering that community can become family.

Together, Michael and Katie dive into faith, LGBTQ+ identity, unconditional love, adoption, accessibility, raising children with acceptance, and the power of choosing purpose over pain. They also explore Katie’s work serving the Deaf community during COVID, her passion for restoring homes and building community through real estate, and why living authentically is the greatest legacy any of us can leave behind.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt rejected, alone, or unsure where they belong. Because sometimes the people who have been hurt the most become the people who love the hardest.

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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 today.

Through honest storytelling and challenging conversations, this episode examines how racism is taught, how empathy can be learned, and why confronting uncomfortable truths is essential if we hope to create a better future.

This is a conversation about accountability, compassion, and the belief that who we become is not determined solely by where we come from.

Sometimes the hardest journeys are the ones most worth taking.

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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 entrepreneurship, staying true to your vision, and creating art that reflects the people and culture around you.

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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 they cruise through the neighborhood she has called home her entire life, Trina shares stories of family, faith, entrepreneurship, and the experiences that shaped her commitment to helping others. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of supporting local businesses, giving back to schools and community organizations, preserving neighborhood traditions, and showing up for people when they need it most.

This conversation goes far beyond real estate. It's about what makes a community thrive, why service matters, and how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect that lasts for generations.

If you've ever wondered what it means to truly invest in the place you call home, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Hop in, take the ride, and discover why Long Beach is stronger because of people like Trina Rufo.

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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 energy and confidence. We talk about creativity, community, representation, and how art in all forms can give people permission to embrace who they truly are.
This episode is raw, inspiring, entertaining, and deeply human — a conversation about passion, transformation, and owning your space unapologetically. Trust us… this one’s worth the drive

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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 after a major heart scare became something much bigger: a business rooted in care, community, and intention. Angela shares how a $5 juicer, years of research, and a determination to make health accessible helped create a ripple effect that now reaches everyone from yoga moms to longshoremen at the Port of Long Beach.

This episode explores the intersection of food, identity, masculinity, wellness culture, and entrepreneurship — and how changing one person’s habits can quietly transform an entire community.

From growing up between Fresno, LA, and Long Beach… to roller skating at Frisco’s… to fighting state regulations while trying to stay true to her mission, Angela’s story is raw, funny, deeply human, and unmistakably Long Beach.

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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 that keeps a city together — the people answering calls, fighting for safer streets, protecting parks, supporting small businesses, advocating for schools, and helping residents feel heard during uncertain times.

We talk about:
• What city council members actually do behind the scenes
• How infrastructure projects really happen
• School board politics and public education
• Supporting Long Beach small businesses after COVID
• Airport noise, aviation concerns, and federal limitations
• Protecting green spaces like Willow Springs Park
• Why local government matters more than most people realize
• The importance of values, community, and public trust

Most importantly, this episode explores what makes Long Beach different. Not LA. Not Orange County. But a city built by people who care enough to stay involved and fight for the neighborhoods they love.

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🎙️ 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.
We talk about what people often misunderstand about buying a home, what makes a neighborhood truly strong, and why being connected to your community matters more than ever.
This conversation is about more than real estate—it’s about the people and places that make a city feel like home.
🎧 Follow Worth the Drive for more conversations with the people behind the places shaping our communities

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🎙️ 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 impact of gender-affirming hair care, this conversation goes beyond style and into identity, community, and self-expression. This is a story about more than hair—it’s about what happens when people are finally able to feel like themselves.

🎧 Follow Worth the Drive for more conversations with the people behind the places shaping our communities.

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