How Can the West Coast Redesign Itself? With Mickey McManus Exploring AI, Innovation, and Interdependence in the Future of the West Coast Can the West Coast really go it alone or do we need help? How could the West Coast best make it on its own? In this thought-provoking episode of Pacific Time , we start to explore the radical question: What if the West Coast was independent? Guest Mickey McManus—a visionary in AI, bioengineering, and systems innovation—challenges that premise with a bigger idea: What if interdependence was the key to a thriving future for us on the West Coast (and, really, for any modern society)? When tech companies release new products into the wild before they’re ready, it’s called a beta test. America has been in beta a long time and has constantly evolved. It’s time for a new version that taps into what we’ve learned in the last 250 years. Drawing from biology, system science, and innovation theory, Mickey examines the lessons nature provides for designing sustainable societies. From the role of hybrid vigor in resilient communities to the impact of government-funded innovation, this conversation dives into what makes the West Coast a global hub for progress—and how to build on that legacy. Key topics include: ✔️ The future of governance: Could AI-driven simulations predict policy outcomes before implementation? ✔️ Cities as innovation hubs: Should the West Coast operate as a network of self-sustaining cities rather than a nation-state? ✔️ The next frontier in AI: How embodied intelligence —inspired by nature—will shape the future of technology and governance. ✔️ The power of immigration and hybrid vigor: Why open societies fuel innovation. A must-listen for anyone interested in technology, policy, and the future of the West Coast. Tune in for a visionary discussion on independence, interdependence, and the next wave of societal evolution. Resources & References Mickey McManus' T-1 Ventures Mickey McManus - LinkedIn MIT Senseable City Lab Building SimCity: How to Put the World in a Machine (Game Histories): Gingold, Chaim, Murray, Janet H.: 9780262547482: Amazon.com: Books Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville | Project Gutenberg Join the movement: Subscribe on Substack @PacificTimePodcast 💬 Participate in active, civil conversations with your neighbors on the West Coast who are asking ‘What if…?’ Come to the community center for Pacific Time at Substack .. Subscribe to support the work and access exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and long/unedited editions of the podcast. 🌊✨ Follow: 📲 Pacific Time is making good trouble asking questions about the future of the West Coast on BlueSky , Instagram , and Facebook Listen: 🎧 Pacific Time Podcast is on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and many other platforms. Follow, share, and leave a review. Related Podcast Episodes: Ep 01 Making the Case for West Coast Independence…

The constitutional crisis we feared is here and the United States is facing an unprecedented moment of democratic erosion. What does this mean for the 50 million people who call the West Coast home? If we believe in American values, is it time to abandon the dream of a united country from sea to shining sea? In this first full episode of Pacific Time , host Greg Amrofell asks the big ‘what-if’ questions about West Coast independence. Could California, Oregon, and Washington chart their own course? With the federal government unresponsive to our votes, our voices, and our priorities, is it time to take our future into our own hands? This isn’t about fear—it’s about hope. It’s about defining the best version of the West Coast and deciding what it means to live in a truly representative democracy. What You’ll Hear: 🔹 The case for asking ‘what-if’ about West Coast independence 🔹 Why our votes, tax dollars, and priorities are ignored in Washington, D.C. 🔹 The strengths of the West Coast—our economy, culture, and values 🔹 The challenges we face—housing, climate, education, and economic inequality 🔹 The power of asking bold, hopeful questions in uncertain times Why This Matters: The West Coast is a powerhouse—economically, culturally, and politically. But our representation in federal government doesn’t reflect that strength. What if we stopped waiting for change from D.C. and started imagining a future where we shape our own destiny? Join the Conversation: 🚀 Follow Pacific Time on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform] 📢 Share this episode with friends and start a discussion 🗣️ Join the community on Substack: https://substack.com/@pacifictimepodcast This is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about what’s possible when we dare to ask, What if? 📍 Pacific Time. The conversation starts now.…

What if the West Coast could break free from the noise of partisan politics and take charge of its future? What if our values, innovations, and cultural identity shaped a brighter path—one uniquely our own? Coming soon, Pacific Time is a new podcast hosted by Greg Amrofell, a lifelong West Coaster with a relentless curiosity for bold ideas and untapped possibilities. Together with thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and visionaries, Greg tackles the biggest questions facing California, Oregon, Washington, and beyond. This is your space for transformative conversations about sovereignty, self-determination, and reimagining the West Coast as a global leader in cultural identity, economic innovation, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re an intellectually curious dreamer, a disillusioned optimist, or someone who refuses to accept the status quo, Pacific Time is for you. Let’s rethink what’s possible—together. Subscribe or follow now so you don't miss the launch of this provocative and exciting new podcast.…