California Now Podcast

Say hello to California Now: How To, a new mini series offering a closer look at the places, experiences, and local insights that make California special. In between regular episodes, we're sharing quick, insider tips to help you experience a particular destination in California. Each "How To" delivers a quick dose of knowledge, all in 10 minutes or less.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores three of California’s most unique wine tasting experiences. First, Meyers heads to Bouchaine Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, spending time with president and winemaker Chris Kajani and master falconer Rebecca Rosen of Authentic Abatement to learn how hawks, falcons, and owls protect the vineyard’s grapes. Rosen explains how Bouchaine’s falconry program works, including the history of falconry, its use today, and showcasing free flying to help people understand the sport. Rosen then shows Meyers how to interact with the birds. Next, Meyers tastes wine with Bouchaine winemaker Kajani, who explains why Napa Valley’s Carneros area produces such incredible wines. “Our vineyards look right over the bay to San Francisco, and the cool climate varieties like Pinot Noir are thin-skinned and need this breeze, and this fog, and this maritime influence to thrive,” says Kajani. “And the cool climate is what allows that acidity in the wine, and that’s why this little section of Carneros is so special.”Meyers then heads to Sonoma for an all-terrain tour of The Donum Estates’ world-class art collection with CEO Angelica de Vere Mabray. Meyers then gets to experience a live harvest with Tony Chapman, the estate’s head of wine-growing. The two also discuss how regenerative farming creates incredible wines. Last, Meyers stops by Buena Vista Winery, California’s first premium winery, for an immersive tasting experience in the Cave of Curiosity. He kicks things off by sharing a sparkling wine toast with Jean-Charles Boisset, Buena Vista's proprietor. Together, they enjoy a sabred bottle of sparkling wine, engage all five senses in a historic cave, and taste wine straight from the barrel. 

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers goes inside the world of the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers with two lifelong fans and experts.First, Josh sits down with Mark Langill, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ club historian, to get an insider’s look at what makes a day at Dodger Stadium so special. Langill details what fans can expect on game day, from stadium tours and bobblehead giveaways to seeing stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman take the field. He also talks about the excitement surrounding the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series titles and some of the iconic moments from the team’s past.Next, Josh meets Tommy Brockert, owner of Dodgers-themed pizzeria LaSorted’s. Brockert shares the story and personality behind the restaurant, including some of its most memorable Dodgers-inspired decor. He explains the tradition behind his specialty game-day hot dogs that pay homage to the visiting team’s city, as well as other popular menu items.Brockert also dishes on the benefits of being close to Dodger Stadium and what his ideal game day looks like—from his go-to order and favorite seats to the incredible city views the stadium offers. 

Join host Josh Meyers on the California Now Podcast as he explores the laid-back coastal town of Santa Cruz with two local experts.Meyers kicks off this episode by chatting with Peter Mel, a champion big-wave surfer and Santa Cruz native. From his first waves at Pleasure Point to catching world-class beginner breaks at Capitola, Mel shares his childhood Santa Cruz surf experiences. Mel gives insider tips for first-time surfers, sharing where to find beginner surf spots and lessons. “Living here, you’re kind of living in a vacation anyway,” he says. “There’s a wave for everybody. You just need to know where it is.” Beyond surfing, Mel shares his favorite Santa Cruz adventures: “You can get up in the mountains and see the redwoods…you can get on a boat, go whale watching, go fishing…or just hang out on the beach or boardwalk, ride a roller coaster.”  Next, Meyers interviews Colby Barr, cofounder of Verve Coffee Roasters and a pioneer of Santa Cruz’s coffee scene. Barr shares his go-to order (a cappuccino) and recommends drinks for adventurous coffee lovers. He also recommends seeing old-growth redwoods and visiting the nearby mountain town of Felton for lunch. “The cool thing about Santa Cruz is that you can be in the ocean, and then be in the mountains in 10 minutes among towering redwoods,” Barr says. 

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers kicks off a new season by exploring the Golden State’s eeriest sites: Alcatraz Island and Bodie State Historic Park. He starts the episode by chatting with John Martini, one of the foremost experts on Alcatraz history. The island’s notorious federal prison once held criminals including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Martini shares stories from his many years guiding tours and exploring the lesser-seen areas of Alcatraz Island. From its history as a military fort and prison to its transition to a federal prison, then a national park site, Martini reveals some spooky history and secrets from The Rock. “There are a couple of areas in the factory buildings where the escape attempts took place, and the hospital is notoriously creepy, specifically the psychiatric cells.” Next up, Meyers dives into the story of the world’s largest gold-mining ghost town, Bodie State Historic Park, with former Bodie resident and executive director of the Bodie Foundation, Shannon Boniface. “There was a lot happening in the Wild West genre,” shares Boniface, “and the ghosts didn’t come with it becoming a ghost town; there are stories from way before that.” She also discusses the history of Bodie Bill, Jerry the ghost mule, and the infamous Curse of Bodie.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers experiences the ultimate celebration of pop culture with actor-director-podcaster Kevin Smith and comic book creator, writer, and podcast host Marc Bernardin.The two longtime Comic-Con veterans share memories from their earliest trips to San Diego Comic-Con and reflect on how the event has transformed from a niche gathering of comic-book fans into a global entertainment phenomenon. They also revisit some of the convention’s most unforgettable moments, including Smith’s experience inside the Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Avengers Hall H presentations, and Bernardin’s memory of the surprise screening of the first trailer for 300. “It went over so well they played it three times in the room,” Bernardin recalls.Smith and Bernardin discuss the thrill of hunting for collectibles, original artwork, and rare comic books on the convention floor, as well as the creativity and spectacle of cosplay. Bernardin even shares a story about a certain celebrity roaming the convention undercover in costume.For fans without a badge, the pair share tips on how to enjoy the Comic-Con atmosphere outside of the convention halls, at events ranging from elaborate pop-ups to immersive brand activations and fan experiences that take over downtown San Diego each year. They also swap stories about some of the most impressive off-site events they’ve encountered throughout their years at Comic-Con.Beyond Comic-Con, Smith and Bernardin highlight some of their favorite places to visit in San Diego, along with beloved California destinations that appeal to travelers and pop-culture enthusiasts alike. From coastal escapes to can’t-miss nerd-culture landmarks, they share the California experiences that keep them coming back.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores Gilroy with two insightful local voices about the city’s culture, creativity, and community.First, Meyers sits down with Ruben Dario Villa, a Gilroy-based artist and designer. Villa helps orient listeners to the city’s unique geography at the crossroads of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast, and the Central Valley. He then discusses his work creating the La Ofrenda Festival, a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration in downtown Gilroy featuring art, live entertainment, and luchadores. Villa also highlights other standout local festivals and shares personal recommendations for u-pick farms, local wineries, scenic nature trails, and restaurants. The conversation wraps with a look at the Casa de Cultura y Artes and its role in supporting the city’s arts community.Next, Meyers talks with Joely Rosales, brand manager for digital marketing at Gilroy Gardens, a whimsical, vegetable-inspired theme park and botanical garden. Rosales shares the story behind the park’s creation, highlights its most popular rides and attractions, and suggests activities both kids and adults can enjoy. She also dives into Gilroy’s evolving food scene, including the city’s walkable taco trail. 

As California continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, California Now host Josh Meyers heads to San Francisco to explore the energy, innovation, and community shaping this iconic World Cup host region.The journey begins at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where Meyers meets Stephanie Rogers, executive vice president of marketing for the San Francisco 49ers. From a rooftop garden overlooking the field, Rogers shares what fans can expect when the World Cup comes to town, highlighting the stadium’s cutting-edge technology and fan-first design. The two also take a walk through the 49ers Museum before diving into Rogers’ top recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience the best of Santa Clara.Next, Meyers makes his way to McTeague’s Saloon in Lower Nob Hill to meet Zach Holman, president of the San Francisco chapter of American Outlaws, along with Vice President Jackie Choi. Inside the lively neighborhood bar, they break down what the grassroots soccer fan organization is all about and what makes watching a match with fellow fans so electric. The conversation covers the excitement building around the World Cup, how nonmembers can join in the fun, and their favorite local spots across San Francisco and beyond.The episode wraps in the historic Castro District at Rikki’s, where Meyers sits down with co-owners Danielle Thoe and Sara Yergovich. As the first women-centric sports bar, Rikki’s offers a welcoming, inclusive space for fans of all kinds. Thoe and Yergovich share the story behind the bar, why the Castro was the perfect home, and what makes the game-day experience there so special—right down to their favorite cocktails. The episode closes with Meyers joining fans to watch a U.S. Women’s National Team match.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers goes on location to experience the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles through the players, venues, and innovators shaping the city’s global soccer moment.The journey begins at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the LA Galaxy, where Meyers meets soccer legend Cobi Jones. A three-time World Cup player, Jones reflects on the evolution of Major League Soccer, his most memorable moments on the global stage, and why Los Angeles has become a premier soccer city. The two continue their conversation on a walk through the stadium, where Jones shares plans for his upcoming statue and surprises Meyers with a jersey.Next, Meyers heads to SoFi Stadium to meet Tony Vroman, senior director of facility and campus operations strategy. At one of the world’s most technologically advanced stadiums, Vroman offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to host an event of this scale—from game-day experience to soccer tournament preparation—while the two step out onto the field.From there, Meyers visits the Bootsy Bellows Suite to catch up with Max Bretos, the voice of the Los Angeles Football Club. Bretos shares what makes attending an LAFC match is so electric, breaks down how the matches work, and highlights the city’s global appeal as a sports and entertainment capital.The episode concludes at Cosm on the Hollywood Park campus, where Meyers sits with Corey Breton, head of venues. Breton showcases Cosm’s immersive viewing experience and explains why it’s an exciting, accessible way for fans to experience soccer in L.A., complete with cutting-edge visuals, amazing food, and a buzzing atmosphere.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores a piece of coastal paradise on Catalina Island with Derrik Lang, senior features editor for the Auto Club of Southern California’s Westways magazine.Lang shares expert tips on how to get to Catalina Island via the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer. The two explore must-see attractions like the iconic Catalina Casino—home to a rooftop ballroom, mini golf course, and roller skating rink—and dive into top things to do on Catalina Island, including snorkeling, scuba diving, ziplining, and horseback riding. Derrik also highlights cultural spots like the Catalina Museum for Art and History and local favorites like the famous Buffalo Milk drink, as well as his recommendations for the best restaurants and under-the-radar gems in Avalon.