In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Tom Kirk, the Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). They dive into the pivotal role of CVAG in regional planning, focusing on transportation developments like CV Link and traffic signal synchronization initiatives. Tom shares insights on the challenges faced when aligning multiple cities and stakeholders, as well as the importance of addressing air quality issues in the desert. With a mix of humor and candid discussion, they explore how community collaboration is shaping the future of the Coachella Valley, while also shedding light on energy initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing local infrastructure.

Takeaways:

• CVAG plays a crucial role in regional governance and development.

• CV Link is a significant project aimed at improving bike and pedestrian access across the valley.

• Traffic signal synchronization is being implemented to enhance flow and reduce congestion.

• Addressing air quality issues is a current challenge for the Coachella Valley.

• Local collaboration among cities and stakeholders is essential for successful initiatives.

• CVAG is working on energy initiatives to promote carbon-free electricity.

• Community engagement has improved public awareness of health and environmental impacts.

• Tom Kirk shares personal insights into his career journey and motivations.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #TomKirk #CVAG #TransportationInitiatives #EnergyEfficiency #AirQuality #CommunityCollaboration #SustainableDevelopment #CoachellaValley #PublicPolicy #BikePaths #TrafficManagement #EnvironmentalIssues

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Andrea Carter, a Coachella Valley marketing and PR powerhouse with a fascinating life story. Andrea shares insider tales from coordinating A-list celebrities at the Palm Springs International Film Festival to co-founding the record-breaking Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament for St. Jude. She reflects on her small-town Minnesota roots, her unexpected reunion with her biological family, and her journey in local philanthropy. From singing with Patrick Evans to managing Joan Rivers and Mariah Carey’s memorable appearances, Andrea offers a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human look at a life well-lived behind the spotlight. Don't miss this candid conversation at the corner booth of Skip Paige's Little Bar. Presented by the McCallum Theatre.

Listen or View this episode now from BigConversationsLittleBar.com or subscribe for free and download from any of our podcast portal partners.

Takeaways:

• Andrea helped grow the Warburton into St. Jude’s top U.S. fundraiser, raising $35+ million.
• The event’s formula: big-name celebrities, unique music shows, and community passion.
• Not all celebrity guests go smoothly—Cheech & Chong’s appearance was infamously “crude.”
• Her PR career included handling Joan Rivers, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and more.
• Grew up in a town of 500 in Minnesota with only 26 kids in her graduating class.
• Was adopted, later reunited with birth parents and found three full-blood brothers.
• Her music passion never left—she recently won "Singing with the Desert Stars."
• Believes deeply in giving back to the community, especially through nonprofit work.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #AndreaCarter #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValley #PalmSpringsFilmFestival #WarburtonGolfTournament #StJude #Philanthropy #CelebrityStories #DesertCharities #PodcastGuest #BehindTheScenes #AdoptionStory #MinnesotaRoots #DesertStars #SingingCompetition

In this episode, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Laurilie Jackson, a seasoned media professional and professor, who shares her inspiring journey from Canadian roots to becoming a prominent figure in Coachella Valley journalism to Big Conversations, Little Bar. Laurilie recounts her early experiences in broadcasting, including her internships at CNN and Entertainment Tonight, and discusses the impact of her teaching at College of the Desert. The conversation touches on the evolution of media, the importance of local journalism, and the challenges faced by students today in navigating misinformation. With a focus on storytelling and the future of journalism, Laurilie emphasizes the need for critical thinking in media consumption. Listeners will gain insight into the dynamic world of broadcasting and the power of education in shaping the next generation of journalists.

Takeaways:

• Laurilie Jackson shares her journey from Canada to Coachella Valley.

• The importance of internships in shaping a media career.

• Local journalism plays a crucial role in community engagement.

• Teaching media literacy is essential for combating misinformation.

• The evolution of technology impacts how news is consumed.

• Laurilie emphasizes building students’ confidence in their abilities.

• The Coachella Valley sees significant growth and development in media.

• Collaboration in storytelling can lead to impactful journalism.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #McCallumTheatre #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #LaurilieJackson #media #education #journalism #broadcasting #storytelling #localnews #medialiteracy #confidencebuilding #CoachellaValley #internships #technology #misinformation #criticalthinking #studentsuccess #creativeindustry #radio #television #podcasting #communityengagement