California Now Podcast

In this special episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson looks back at some of the most memorable Northern California highlights from previous episodes. Join Johnson as he starts his journey with a tour of some of the trendiest boutiques in San Francisco and the East Bay before heading north to visit the farms that comprise the mouthwatering destinations along the California Cheese Trail. Subsequent stops include some farm-to-table dining in Sacramento, a bit of historical hiking in Butte County, and some fresh and flavorful seafood on the Mendocino coast. The episode wraps with a conversation about the spiritual side of Mount Shasta.

In this special episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson revisits highlights from interviews conducted across the center of the state. Follow along as Johnson travels up the Central Coast, learning about the hidden gems of Ventura County, getting a taste of the bounty of Paso Robles wine country, sampling Julia Childs–approved bites in Santa Barbara, and discovering where to find an unforgettable cattle-wrangling adventure. Johnson also gets the inside scoop on how to make the most of a trip to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. After that, the episode heads east into California's Central Valley, where our host gets a taste of the Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. The episode wraps up with a personal tour at Fresno's subterranean marvel, Forestiere Underground Gardens.

In this special episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson revisits some Southern California hotspots, hidden gems, and mouth-watering local cuisine featured on previous episodes. It’s a whirlwind tour through sunny SoCal that focuses on quantity and quality and will no doubt inspire a future road trip. Listen in as Johnson secures detailed directions for a perfect family outing in San Diego’s Balboa Park, gets the inside scoop for visits to both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and then talks to a master builder at LEGOLAND California. After that, Johnson gets a taste of Orange County's delicious Asian food scene from a Los Angeles Times food blogger before turning his attention to L.A.’s thriving hotel culture. The episode then heads east, with stops at the idyllic mountain town of Idyllwild and at the majestic Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Greater Palm Springs.

Do you dream about spelunking your way through a prehistoric cave? Is glamping under the stars more your style? Whatever your outdoor pleasure, you're sure to find it in California. And no matter how you choose to commune with nature, exploring by RV is a great way to go, according to Dyana Kelley, who heads up the CampCalNOW RV Park & Campground Alliance. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, she provides host Soterios Johnson with insider information about the state’s many campgrounds and RV parks, sharing a few favorites and providing listeners with essential tips. Next, Johnson talks to Pinnacles National Park Ranger Chris Symons, who discusses his favorite spots in the state's newest national park (minted in 2013). The diverse landscape of the park, he says, makes for some exciting hikes, breathtaking stargazing, and possibly a glimpse of the rare California condor. Also on this episode, Johnson talks to Matthew Doyle, who runs tours at Lake Shasta Caverns National Landmark. Formed by flowing water about 200 million years ago, this unique network of caves and caverns is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. From hulking stalactites and stalagmites to the glistening majesty of Shasta Lake, the views are unforgettable.  

Phil Rosenthal established himself as a Hollywood player in the mid-1990s when he created the iconic sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. But these days Rosenthal is perhaps best known as the host of Somebody Feed Phil, a Netflix travel show that chronicles his journeys — and dining experiences — around the globe. In a wide-ranging interview, Rosenthal took California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson behind the scenes of his show, reflecting on his strong belief in the power of travel and the disarming aspect of his everyman persona: “I'm exactly like Anthony Bourdain,” Rosenthal quipped, “if he was afraid of everything.” Rosenthal dished on an upcoming episode that showcases culinary experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a whirlwind tour through Thomas Keller’s culinary empire in Yountville. Rosenthal also shared some of his favorite haunts in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles, noting that his far-flung travels have inspired him to think of local spots in a totally different way.

Given its 840 miles of beautiful coastline, California's relationship with the Pacific Ocean is deep and abiding. And if you ask SeaWorld San Diego's Jody Westberg, getting up close and personal with California's sea-dwelling inhabitants is a great way to understand and appreciate the connection between land and sea. In this episode of the California Now Podcast, Westberg—who has helped rescue thousands of wild marine animals over the years—talks with host Soterios Johnson about conservation efforts along the coast. Johnson also chats with Lauren Bergloff, a tour guide at the oceanfront Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Terranea offers a wide variety of nature experiences along the shore, and Bergloff describes the benefits of tidepooling, kayaking, or simply walking on a trail that hugs the coast. The episode concludes with an interview with Allison Soergel, a conservation expert with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, who shares insights about this venerable institution’s ongoing research into marine life and habitats along the Central Coast. Soergel also underscores why Aquarium staffers are so eager to have conversations about conservation with visitors.

Stay at certain upscale hotels in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills, and you have a pretty good chance of spotting a few celebrities in the lobby or at the bar. Even if you don’t, the posh amenities and glamorous atmosphere at these Los Angeles County hotels will have you feeling like an A-lister, according to Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford. Gifford joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson to wax poetic about this distinctly L.A. phenomenon. Johnson is next joined by Monet Hambrick, author of the popular blog The Traveling Child. Hambrick recently took her family on a fun and educational tour around the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey, and she shares a few tips on how to make the most of a visit there. Finally, Johnson chats with travel journalist Ann Marie Brown about a tiny Northern California town that offers much more than meets the eye. McCloud was a logging powerhouse in the 19th century but has since transformed into a charming destination that blends its rich history with some modern twists—including some great hidden gems.

There's nothing worse than a wasted meal, according to Esquire's Food and Drinks Editor Jeff Gordinier—and if you follow his suggestions, you won't be in danger of facing any wasted meals on your next California road trip. Gordinier is the author of Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World, and he joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson to talk about his favorite culinary destinations from San Diego to Wine Country, and why food and road trips go so well together, particularly in California. Johnson also speaks with Gail Fornasiere, who knows more than most about the magic of Santa Catalina Island. The 21-mile-long island off the coast of Southern California is a popular destination for day-trippers and vacationers, blending a rich Hollywood history (Marilyn Monroe lived there before she became famous!) with a relaxing modern vibe. As Johnson learns during this episode, Catalina offers something for just about everyone.

Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone believes that cuisine is the true soul of a place. And as he discovered on a recent trip, Sonoma and Mendocino have a lot of soul. He joins host Soterios Johnson on this episode of the California Now Podcast to dish on his recent journey to the region while filming his new show Field Trip, and where he found culinary inspiration. There are thousands of hiking trails in California, and a good many of them offer thrilling kid-friendly adventures. Author and tour guide Wendy Gorton knows most of them, and lets Johnson in on a few must-hikes for families visiting the Golden State. And finally, SweetC's Design lifestyle blogger Courtney O'Dell recently took a “taco tour” of Southern California, from LA to San Diego. She tells Johnson about a few places where the popular Mexican dish was unforgettable.

With more than 425 wineries located within its borders, Sonoma County is truly a dream destination for wine lovers. But as Soterios Johnson discovers during this episode of California Now, this wine region offers more than just great Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Johnson’s first guest, Wine Road Executive Director Beth Costa, shares suggestions in and around the Alexander Valley viticultural area—with multiple recommendations in the towns of Healdsburg and Geyserville. Costa also points listeners toward five area wineries, each with its own distinctive style and approach to winemaking. After that, Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the three-star Michelin restaurant Single Thread talk about some of their favorite local haunts in the northern half of Sonoma County. The husband-and-wife team—he’s the chef, she’s the farmer—discuss their mutual love for hiking in Armstrong Redwoods Natural State Reserve, buying baked goods in Freestone, and enjoying IPAs at Russian River Brewing Company’s massive brewpub in Windsor. The episode concludes with a discussion of Petaluma, an up-and-coming town in the southwestern corner of Sonoma County. Sara Sass, owner of Boulevard Barbers, is an unofficial tour guide for this irresistible town and shares some tips and tricks for making the most of your next visit there.