California Now Podcast

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson discovers new and unexpected ways to experience Orange County with three longtime locals. First, Johnson speaks with Gisele Anderson of Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. Anderson shares some of her most memorable whale-watching moments as well as insider tips for making the most of your tour experience. The Dana Point local also highlights where she steers friends visiting from out of town, including her favorite beachside hotels, go-to restaurants, and scenic hikes. Next, Johnson talks to Kurt Bjorkman, general manager of The Ranch at Laguna Beach, a resort nestled in the Aliso and Wood Canyons. Bjorkman discusses the picturesque property’s unique amenities, ocean view, and impressive list of sustainable initiatives. The outdoorsman also shares Laguna’s best spots for mountain biking, kayaking, and where to carve your very own surfboard. Finally, the host connects with Orange Coast Magazine dining critic Gretchen Kurz to discuss the area’s flourishing food scene. Kurz dishes on under-the-radar eats in Anaheim and where to score amazing tacos in the city of Orange before heading to the coast for ocean views and savory bites in Huntington Beach. 

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three Los Angeles County locals about where they go to experience the best this SoCal destination has to offer. First, Johnson speaks with Food Network star Jet Tila. The L.A. native gives Johnson a brief history of Thai Town, sharing his go-to spot to grab jade noodles and exclusive stories from his tour through the East Hollywood neighborhood with Anthony Bourdain. Tila also chats about his favorite family-friendly stops, including Griffith Park. Next, Johnson connects with Mary Forgione, author of the Los Angeles Times’ e-newsletter, “The Wild.” Forgione discusses extraordinary outdoor experiences, including hiking Mt. Baldy and spotting endangered green sea turtles. She then heads to San Pedro, crafting the perfect day-trip to this coastal community. And finally, Johnson talks to Zach Brooks, general manager of Smorgasburg Los Angeles. Brooks takes Johnson on an international culinary tour through the largest weekly open-air food market in the country, sharing insights on the best bites and hot tips along the way.

Josh Armel, owner of the Painted Ladies Tour Company, shares the charm of touring San Francisco in vintage Volkswagen buses. Erica Messner highlights literary-inspired weekend activities and hidden gems. MeeSun Boice introduces Treasure Island as a hidden gem with a new ferry service coming soon.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with the culinary innovators behind three Michelin-starred restaurants. To start things off, Johnson connects with Matthew Kammerer, executive chef of Harbor House Inn in the North Coast town of Elk. Awarded a second Michelin star as well as a Michelin green star for sustainability in 2021, Kammerer discusses his love for hyper-local ingredients, foraging in the nearby cove and forests, and the restaurant’s very own working ranch. Johnson then chats with Greg and Daisy Ryan of newly starred Bell’s in Los Alamos. The culinary power couple talks about how their French-inspired bistro settled into the Santa Ynez wine country, and discusses crowd-favorite dishes such as escargot and steak au poivre as well as some of their own favorites. Finally, Johnson talks “California gastronomy” with Executive Chef William Bradley of Addison in Del Mar. Recently awarded a second Michelin star––the only two-star chef in San Diego––Bradley takes Johnson on a culinary adventure through Addison’s nine-course tasting menu, highlighting signature dishes and desserts along the way.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with three Super Bowl specialists who offer advice on the best ways to celebrate the NFL’s big game on Feb. 13. First, Johnson connects with NFL Senior Director of Events Nicki Ewell about the Super Bowl Experience fan fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Ewell shares some of the top draws at the event, including photo ops with the official Vince Lombardi trophy, a chance to gawk at all 55 Super Bowl rings, and even some player meet-and-greets. An array of interactive games will also be available to guests, such as a field-goal kicking challenge and a digital 40-yard dash, where weekend warriors can test their speed against two NFL stars. Next, Johnson speaks with food blogger Meg van der Kruik about party-planning tips for game-day gatherings. The animated van der Kruik highlights some of her go-to recipes from California Grown’s Golden State Game Day Eats e-book, including her roasted sweet potato brownies and the ultimate California club sandwich. The host also chats with Jason Gannon, Managing Director of SoFi Stadium—the shiny new Super Bowl LVI venue—who sheds light on SoFi’s long list of impressive features, including its diverse culinary program, state-of-the-art technology, and tour experience. He also details how the surrounding Hollywood Park campus has become a gathering place for locals.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about a few jolly ways to enjoy the holidays in the Golden State, from embracing the snowy vibes of the High Sierra to taking in the sparkling lights—and sparkling wines—of Sonoma County. First, Johnson talks to Sonoma Magazine Dining Editor Heather Irwin, who highlights four distinctive towns that boast all sorts of holiday fun. In Santa Rosa, for instance, visitors can skate on Snoopy's Home Ice and then nosh on a seasonal favorite: tamales. Healdsburg, on the other hand, is a fantastic place to shop for hard-to-please people on your list and Petaluma is a Mayberry-like city that features abundant craft fairs and festive decorations. Next, Johnson connects with Vincenzo Giammanco, who is bringing actual snow—and more than one million twinkling lights—to Ventura and Del Mar. The producer of the Snow n Glow Holiday Festival says 70-degree temps and sunshine won't melt the fun, so visitors can enjoy traditional winter activities like snow tubing and sledding, and they can even reserve a private igloo. Finally, Johnson chats with Brendan Madigan, who owns the Tahoe City outfitter Alpenglow Sports. Madigan notes that though downhill skiing and snowboarding reign supreme in the region, there are plenty of other activities to consider—from window shopping in quaint villages to snowshoeing in the back country.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about three popular food tours—in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego—from some “tasteful” guides who are truly passionate about the flavors of their respective cities. First Johnson connects with Avital Ungar, who runs Avital Tours in San Francisco. Ungar delves into the Italian food scene in the city's North Beach neighborhood, and how some of the traditional dishes one can find there have fascinating ties to the people and history of San Francisco. Next Johnson talks to Sally Tiongco of Six Food Tours in Los Angeles. “Sally from the Valley,” as she calls herself, offers a taste of what you'll find on mouthwatering food tours through Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. From a secret Italian bistro in the Broadway Theater District to a classic English pub near Santa Monica Pier, she says the foodscape offers an endless array of gems that are hidden in plain sight. Finally Johnson chats with Bianca Beale, who runs So Diego Tours in San Diego. Beale is devoted to the diverse cuisine of her hometown, and raves about the culinary delights one can find in Old Town, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy. (Spoiler alert: This segment of the podcast includes irresistible descriptions of classic San Diego tacos.)

Sometimes the best adventures come from taking the road less traveled. That's just one of the great tips Soterios Johnson uncovers on this episode of the California Now Podcast, which is all about finding unique California road-trip experiences. To start things off, Johnson connects with Jessica Dunham, who has authored multiple road-trip guides. Dunham discusses an otherworldly cruise through the California deserts, raving about the magical experiences to be found in and around two national parks—Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Next Johnson talks with travel writer Ann Marie Brown about some of her favorite roadways in California. Brown talks about what makes a highway an officially designated “scenic byway,” and then goes deep in describing three of her favorites. And then Johnson chats with Lia and Jeremy Garcia, cofounders of the travel blog Practical Wanderlust. The pair talks about a recent trip they took to the northern stretch of the famously gorgeous Highway 1—a remote part of the state where travelers can explore historic lighthouses, ancient trees, and unique beaches.

In this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson interviews three travel and lifestyle influencers and gets them to share their top tips and must-dos while road-tripping across the state. First, Johnson connects with Amber Mamian, a Temecula-based mother of six and the founder of the family travel website Global Munchkins. She talks about her family's recent journey from Hollywood to Oceanside, with a fun-filled stop in Huntington Beach. Whether it was indulging in a cotton candy dessert in the shape of Marie Antoinette's wig, or exploring the California Surf Museum, she says the whole family was enthralled (and behaved admirably) from start to finish. Next, Johnson talks to Francesca Murray, the travel writer and influencer behind One Girl One World. Murray recently embarked on road trips in Southern California and the Central Coast, and she offered fresh insights from both. From the luxurious shops of Laguna Beach to the chill vibes of Catalina to the breathtaking vistas of Big Sur, Murray says you feel like you're traveling the world within the state's borders. Finally, Johnson chats with Henry Wu, a San Francisco–based photographer and co-founder of This Life of Travel, who recently took a mini-break in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Wu tells Johnson about a few must-visit places in wine country, and also shares some expert-level tips for taking stunning, Instagram-worthy photos of it all.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the depth and breadth of California's cinema-centric offerings with three guests representing distinct aspects of the industry. First, Johnson connects with Ana Santiago, an assistant curator at the brand-new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, for a preview of what's in store for visitors to the long-awaited museum. Santiago says visitors can see famous film artifacts up close, like the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and the famous Rosebud from Citizen Kane. They can even watch an old movie shot on rare nitrate film in a state-of-the-art theater. Next, Johnson talks to California Film Commissioner Colleen Bell, who offers insight into how the state became the center of the movie-verse for both filmmakers and cinephiles. (Hint: California’s fabulous weather and longstanding reputation as a creative and innovative hotspot play a big role.) Finally, Johnson chats with TMZ Bus Tour guide Melanie Miller about some of the fun to be had tooling around town looking for A-listers and checking out celebrity hangouts. The two-hour tour covers highlights in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills—and Miller shares a few great stories featuring popular celebs.