California Now Podcast

When was the last time you took a vacation? Research shows that travel is profoundly beneficial to our mental health and productivity—and according to Expedia's annual Vacation Deprivation study, Americans are not taking nearly enough vacation. Compounding matters, researchers noted that 60 percent of respondents canceled or postponed their travel plans in 2020. January 26 is National Plan for Vacation Day, and even if you’re expecting to travel later in 2021, there's no time like the present to start dreaming up your next getaway. This episode of the California Now Podcast can help you get started: Host Soterios Johnson first talks to Expedia Vice President of Customer Marketing Nathan Lump about the many benefits of travel, including the joys of travel planning. Next, Johnson connects with Condé Nast Traveler West Coast Editor Rebecca Misner to discuss the latest travel trends, including “slow travel” and splurge-filled adventures. The third guest is author and illustrator Chandler O'Leary, who shares the many joys of road-tripping up and down the state.

Like so many things, the pandemic has added a layer of complexity to the typical California snow season. Mountain ski resorts and outdoor recreation areas have COVID-19 safety regulations in place and restrictions on capacity that make planning ahead and pre-purchasing passes essential to a successful winter getaway on the slopes. But as California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson found out in this episode, skiing and other snow sports can be a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages during this tumultuous time, whether it's flying down the slopes on skis, boards, or tubes. Johnson opens with a discussion of the current state of Golden State snow play with Ski California president Mike Reitzell. Then he learns about the benefits and thrills of cross-country skiing with guidebook author and ski instructor Tim Hauserman. Finally, Johnson chats with Top Flight Family blogger Carmen Sognonvi, who offers up tips for having fun in the snow with kids—and without skis.

Much of California's history is inextricably tied to the region that lies between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sierra Foothills. Gold Country takes its name from the famous historical period that kicked off in 1848 with a Coloma carpenter's discovery of gold flakes in the American River. Today, this thriving collection of river cities and towns offers visitors insight into the past as well as a delicious taste of the present. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson uncovers some of the best attractions Gold Country has to offer, starting with a quick history lesson from Sacramento City Historian Marcia Eymann. She talks about the thriving Native American communities of the pre-Gold Rush era, and continues on to discuss the Sacramento of today, a port city known as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. Johnson next speaks with travel blogger Preethi Chandrasekhar to get a first-time visitor's perspective of the region. Chandrasekhar immersed herself in Gold Country, visiting historic hotels, unique shopping destinations, and unforgettable outdoor spaces. Finally, Johnson connects with travel insider Nick Leonti, who offers up an impressive rundown of good eats—including craft beer and craft cider— that dot Sacramento and surrounding towns.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine nature preserves on all sides, the Greater Palm Springs area is a posh nexus of natural beauty, wellness, and culture. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about the iconic mid-century modern style of architecture that sprang forth from a burst of post-WWII creative energy. Tour guide Kurt Cyr offers his insights on these must-see marvels, sprinkling in details about Hollywood’s connection to the region and how visitors can practice COVID-19 safety while viewing stylish local homes. After that, Johnson speaks with Palm Springs Life Editor-in-Chief Steven Biller to get the inside scoop on the local art scene, al fresco dining options, and great lodging. And finally, Johnson gets a rundown of the best hikes and outdoor experiences from veteran hiking guide Jason Bruecks.

Hiking gear may not be among the first items on your packing list for a trip to San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, but you won't want to forget these articles of clothing. When you're not visiting world-class museums or checking out the diverse restaurant and nightlife scenes, California’s urban gateways offer a range of highly accessible—and highly unique—outdoor experiences. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with a few folks who know their way around the great urban outdoors. First, he connects with San Diego guide Kenneth Lippman, who provides insights on everything from the historic Gaslamp Quarter north to the alluring beaches of La Jolla. Next, Johnson gets a feel for outdoor opportunities in and around Anaheim with Orange County journalist Gregory Nagel, who discusses the culinary offerings at the Anaheim Packing House as well as the al fresco shopping scene at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Johnson's next guest, guidebook author Casey Schreiner, knows Griffith Park like the back of his hand. He shares a few hidden gems that you may not have known about in the famous sprawling Los Angeles landmark. And finally, Johnson looks northward to San Francisco and the historic Presidio, where celebrated chef Traci Des Jardins dishes on her favorite spots.

Despite restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers are slowly but surely turning their vacation daydreams into reality. And as we quickly discover during this podcast, California is ready for them. Host Soterios Johnson first checks in with San Francisco International Airport Public Information Officer Doug Yakel to get a feel for the scene at this busy travel hub. Masks and social distancing are top priorities, of course, but the airport has introduced a variety of other enhancements designed to help get the country moving again. Innovation is also the name of the game at Montage International, as Executive Vice President James Bermingham explains. Thanks to its Peace of Mind commitment, Montage Academy program, and partnership with One Medical, guests at Montage Laguna Beach and Pendry San Diego can relax with confidence. Finally, Johnson chats with San Luis Obispo brewery owner Hamish Marshall, who discusses safety protocols, entertainment pivots, and how California businesses can take advantage of the great weather.

When it comes to agricultural output, California is truly the cream of the crop. The Golden State produces one-third of the nation's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruit. And those grapes you're enjoying, either in a bowl or in a glass? Odds are they were grown on a California farm. While the California sunshine, mild temperatures, and fertile soil make for optimal growing conditions, there would be no California agricultural industry without hardworking farmers and farmworkers. They toil day in and day out all year long to cultivate everything from juicy oranges and peaches to crunchy almonds. In recognition of those tireless workers, California Grown has designated October California Farmer and Farmworker Month. To mark the occasion, California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson interviews farmers located in two of the state’s richest agricultural regions—the Central Valley and the Central Coast. Johnson first learns about the family history and traditions of a multigenerational peach and stone-fruit farm outside of Fresno. He then talks with an urban winemaker based in Paso Robles who got her start cleaning wine cellars. After that, he chats with a Central Valley grape and almond farmer who has been working the fields for 50 years.

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.