California Now Podcast

Here's a good rule of thumb if you want to have an amazing time in California: Do as the locals do. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three longtime Californians who are absolutely enamored with where they live—women eager to pass on that love to anyone who ventures into town. Johnson starts things off with Guerneville-based Chef Crista Luedtke: They discuss the most enticing food, drinks, and outdoor fun to be had in west Sonoma County. The Boon Hotel + Spa owner and Guy's Grocery Games regular shares an impressive list of recommendations that might entice you to add this wine country destination to your next Golden State itinerary. Next up, Johnson meets Santa Barbara–based author and tour guide Tara Jones Haaf. On her food tours, Haaf reveals, she will not only turn you on to some of the best bites in town, but she'll also make you a better photographer along the way. And she can tell you exactly how the famous Santa Barbara Funk Zone got its name. (Hint, it's not what you might expect!) Finally, Johnson connects with Elexia de la Parra, owner of the popular folk art shop Artelexia in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. De la Parra’s passion for this colorful and welcoming neighborhood is infectious, and she can rattle off at least a dozen stellar recommendations—including shopping tips —within just a few blocks of her store.

With the relaxing of COVID-19 protocols statewide, the summer ahead is looking bright and busy for travelers seeking a California vacation. Whether that means playing on the beaches in San Diego, indulging in foodie finds in Los Angeles County, or visiting a world-class museum in San Francisco, there are ways to do it all without breaking the bank. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores some ways to plan a vacation that deliver exceptional value. First, he chats with Family Vacationist blogger Christine Sarkis, who suggests a variety of low-key, low-cost destinations and activities that offer priceless memories—everything from picnics on the beach to wandering Healdsburg’s idyllic downtown plaza. Next, Johnson talks to Ali Khan, host of the Cooking Channel's Cheap Eats, about the most delicious bargain bites in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Finally, Johnson connects with Sarah McCann, senior regional director for GoCity, a one-stop shop for attractions around the world, who shares some great ways to engage in fun activities and save money at the same time.

It’s one of the most encouraging signs that life is starting to return to normal: California theme parks have reopened. In this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with insiders from three Golden State parks about what to expect this summer. He first visits with Jon Corfino of Universal Studios Hollywood, who talks about the pleasure of being back. “There’s real joy in seeing people’s reactions,” he says. “The energy is just something I have never seen before.” He offers details about the park’s two big debuts: the high-tech ride The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, and the thrillingly fierce Indominus rex at Jurassic World—The Ride. Next, Johnson chats with two folks about Disneyland Resort: Ambassador Rafa Barron and Plan Disney specialist Kiki Yee, who each have their own tips for exploring the Anaheim park. Recommended highlights include Snow White’s Enchanted Wish and the new Avengers Campus, which opens June 4. Finally, Johnson is joined by Dominic Ashford, head of resort experience at LEGOLAND California, where the summer is kicking off with the introduction of a massive new land—The LEGO Movie World.

There are more than 386,000 miles of road in California, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This extensive network of highways and byways crisscross the state and make road tripping an ideal method to explore the Golden State. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores itineraries with several seasoned road trippers. He first talks to Active NorCal founder Zach O'Brien, who says there is endless adventure to be found amid the natural wonders in the North Coast and Shasta Cascade regions. From active volcanos to hidden waterfalls and ghost towns, a road trip across the northern part of the state can be an outdoor enthusiast's dream vacation. Next, Johnson chats with Traveling Newlyweds bloggers Alli and Bobby Talley, who share their favorite foodie finds, dog-friendly hotels, and attractions in the Inland Empire and Central Coast. And finally, Johnson connects with author and historian Jim Hinckley, whose knowledge of how to get kicks along the old Route 66 corridor is downright encyclopedic.

Kevin Costner first fell in love with California from the back seat of his father’s Buick. As a child, his family would vacation by taking road trips across his home state, immersing themselves in the majesty of the High Sierra. Costner would eventually go on to become a Hollywood icon, winning two Oscars for directing and producing the 1991 film Dances with Wolves. He also starred in numerous other blockbusters, including Bull Durham, Silverado, and JFK. Despite all the glitz and glamour Hollywood offered, Costner never lost his love for the simple pleasures offered by the open road. Now, Costner has found a way to blend his love of road trips with his other passion: American history. He is the cofounder of HearHere, a mobile app that acts like a tour guide, offering up history, local insights, and hidden gems in an audio format that’s linked to your current location. Costner lends his voice to the effort, telling stories about everything from the Native peoples of California to the geological shifts that created the California coastline. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, the movie icon talks to Soterios Johnson about HearHere, shares some of his favorite Golden State destinations, and kicks off the new occasional feature on the podcast, The California Questionnaire.

What would you eat if you could elbow up to any table anywhere in California? Where would you go if you could take the ultimate kid-friendly Golden State vacation? And what California luxuries would you indulge in if money was no object? These are the questions host Soterios Johnson investigates in this episode of the California Now Podcast. The answers, in case you’re wondering, are nearly infinite, since the state is all about abundance and variety. Our host is first joined by San Diego–based food writer and frequent Guy's Grocery Games culinary judge Troy Johnson, who shares his favorite bites up and down the California coast. Next, Johnson talks to journalist Kelly Mickle for some tips on taking an epic family vacation. (Pro tip: Get up early to find the hidden gems.) Finally, Johnson chats with Dino Michael, Hilton Senior Vice President, to discuss over-the-top experiences ranging from perfectly situated hotel rooms to In-N-Out Burger runs in an Aston Martin convertible.

There are few places on earth than can claim the breadth of natural wonders and biodiversity that exist in California. You can find natural wonders in literally every corner of the state—from alpine forest to rugged desert to city sidewalk. This episode of the California Now Podcast is dedicated to the ecological wonderland that is the Golden State, and some of the most compelling ways visitors can experience it. First, host Soterios Johnson hops into a time machine of sorts to learn about the origins of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles with paleoecologist Dr. Emily Lindsey. She shares all sorts of fascinating insights about this paleontological treasure trove—a spot in the center of Los Angeles where sabre-toothed cats and mastodons meet the 21st century. Johnson's next guest, horticulturist Jason Dewees, lays out some magnificent ways to marvel at California's diverse assortment of trees, including redwoods that practically touch the heavens, cartoonishly appealing Joshua trees, and majestic desert palms. Johnson's final guest is Obi Kaufmann, author of the acclaimed The California Field Atlas, who shares his unbridled passion for his home state's biodiversity.

It's no secret that California has a lot to offer. But did you know it's a podcasting powerhouse too? Shows about the state, the people, the food, and the culture abound, highlighting everything from Gold Rush history to why some San Franciscans bristle at the term “Frisco.” On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson cozies up to some of those California-themed audio gems. First, Johnson talks to Walt Disney Family Museum's Bri Bertolaccini, host of the WD-FM podcast, and discovers that the museum has a treasure trove of Walt Disney audio recordings that tell fascinating stories about the man behind the Mouse. After that he connects with Desert Lady Diaries podcast host Dawn Davis, who found a spiritual connection with the California desert and decided to seek out others who had formed a similar bond. Johnson wraps up his audio tour of California-themed podcasts with Olivia Allen-Price, host of the popular KQED podcast Bay Curious, and the two podcasters chat about some of the quirkier aspects of the Bay Area—like its obsession with Dutch Crunch bread and why bison roam Golden Gate Park.

California is a world-class destination for all sorts of travelers—including history buffs. Visitors can find rich historical gems in surprising and delightful ways, from hidden plaques in San Francisco's Portsmouth Square and Chinatown to Angels Flight, a still-operating funicular in downtown Los Angeles that dates back to 1901. Many California cities can trace their roots back to Native peoples, European explorers, the Gold Rush, and a melting pot of cultures that blended over hundreds of years. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson delves into that history in three iconic California cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Johnson starts out in the City by the Bay, connecting with author and San Francisco historian Gary Kamiya about how the city has played host to bootleggers, the Beat Generation, and everything in between. Next, Johnson speaks with Robert Petersen, host of the Hidden History of Los Angeles podcast, about some little-known aspects of La-La Land culture—including everything from Walt Disney’s favorite haunts to peacock crossings in Arcadia. Finally, Johnson talks to Bill Lawrence, president and CEO of the San Diego History Center, about how the confluence of San Diego's Spanish settlers, the military, science, and popular culture make for a fascinating history lesson—and a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience.

In this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with three culinary insiders who represent different aspects of the state’s abundance. He first talks to chef Tanya Holland, owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, and a Top Chef alum. Known for her mouthwatering soul food, Holland has been expanding her culinary horizons via her new OWN TV show, Tanya's Kitchen Table, as well as her podcast, Tanya's Table. The multifaceted East Bay icon also shared details about her new projects with the James Beard Foundation and the Oakland Museum of California. Next, Johnson checks in with chef Claudette Zepeda, who's embarking on her own culinary adventure with her new Encinitas restaurant at the Alila Marea Beach Resort, Vaga. Drawing on her Mexican heritage but also incorporating the many cuisines she enjoyed growing up in Southern California, Zepeda revealed that she is on a mission to capture the essence of San Diego County’s eclectic culture. After that Johnson chats with food tour guide Lauren Herpich, who runs Local Food Adventures out of Oakland. From Jack London Square to the Rockridge neighborhood, she says you can eat your way across a whole world's worth of different cuisines, styles, and culinary experiences.