California Now Podcast

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.

The Golden State’s astonishing variety is on full display in this episode of the California Now Podcast. Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford kicks things with off with a preview of a family trip she has in the works. Gifford, her son, and her husband are planning a getaway that includes attractions in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Central Coast—and she shares some of her planned stops (and a few essential strategies) for keeping everybody happy and entertained. After that, podcast regular Ann Marie Brown shines a light on Idyllwild, a tiny mountain village in the Inland Empire that is a big draw for hikers, artists, and discerning diners. Brown, an outdoor enthusiast and author who knows the area very well, recommends some essential experiences in this mile-high city located just a short drive from Los Angeles. The episode wraps up with a road trip that includes stops in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Eureka, Trinidad, and Redwoods National Park. Jessica Wright, aka Bon Traveler, shares some of the discoveries she made while embarking on a recent road trip up the Wild North Coast.

California is known for its surf culture, certainly, but come wintertime, thrill-seekers look to the mountains to ride the slopes on skis, snowboards, and other vehicles. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to a few folks who know just where to go for some epic winter adventures. First up is Mike Reitzell, who helms Ski California. Next up, Johnson speaks with Olympic gold medalist and professional adventurer Jonny Moseley. Finally, Johnson chats with Heavenly Ski Resort instructor Mike Allen.

California distillers have become pretty crafty with their spirits in the last few years. With award-winning distilleries now dotting the state, you're likely to have the chance to try a sip wherever you go. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to Ryan Friesen, head distiller at the Blinking Owl distillery in Santa Ana. Friesen is also the vice president of the California Distiller's Guild and has no shortage of recommendations for the adventurous imbiber. Johnson is next joined by California Cheese Trail founder Vivien Straus. This self-described “cheese girl” grew up on the West Coast's first organic dairy farm, and has a lot to say about the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of a California creamery. Finally, Johnson chats with Lucas Kwan Peterson, host of the Los Angeles Times’ new video series, Off Menu, which chronicles his culinary explorations of Southern California—particularly the rich Asian culinary scene he discovered there.

When you think of your dream job, does it involve playing with LEGO bricks? It certainly does for P.J. Catalano, who joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this week's episode. In it, Catalano describes his working life as a Master Builder at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. From constructing North America’s tallest LEGO tower to trading minifigures with guests, it's fair to say that his job is pretty unique. Johnson is next joined by Mark Larabee, who knows the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail like the back of his hand. He's the Associate Director of the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the author of The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail. Larabee shares a few tips for finding hidden gems along the iconic trail that runs down the Golden State’s spine. And finally, Johnson talks shop—literally—with lifestyle blogger Erica Chan Coffman. From quirky horticulture shops to cushion stores to shoe wonderlands, the HonestlyWTF creator takes Johnson to her favorite spots in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, and beyond.

Millennial-favorite Ctrl Alt Delete Podcast host Emma Gannon regales host Soterios Johnson with tales of her latest road trip down Highway One from San Francisco to Huntington Beach. Travel blogger Jessica Wright shares Gold Country hidden gems from the farm-to-fork capital Sacramento to the heart of the state's “golden” history in Coloma to the vineyards of Amador County. Author and ghost-hunter Richard Senate gives few recommendations for those bold travelers who are seeking a little scare.

Rick Schwartz, spokesperson and ambassador for the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shares his love of animals and a few pro-tips for visiting the zoo. Travel writer Ann Marie Brown uncovers the off-the-beaten-path town of Bishop in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mount Shasta tour guide Andrew Oser describes the spiritual side of one of the most iconic peaks in California.

Cattle rancher John Varian tells listeners how they can spend a couple days driving cattle in the Central Coast. The Food Network host Aida Mollenkamp describes her ideal road trip down Highway One, including the best fresh fish restaurants, farmers markets, beaches, and even a special “bee” experience. Bikes & Hikes LA tour guide Elizabeth Conway takes listeners on a virtual hike up Mt. Hollywood and describes what it’s like to cycle around town, with stops in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice.

As the state’s official sport, surfing is integral to California culture. There’s never a bad time to catch a wave in the Golden State, but thanks to warmer waters September is one of the most popular months to hang ten or otherwise go for a ride. In preparation for California Surfing Day on September 20, host Soterios Johnson welcomes Izzy Tihanyi, a former pro surfer and co-owner of the La Jolla school Surf Diva onto the podcast. Tihanyi shares what to expect from a lesson, while assuring Johnson, a self-proclaimed surfing novice, that anyone can learn to ride. According to Tihanyi, the only risk is falling in love: “Everyone will always remember your first wave. It's like your first kiss, you'll never forget it.” Johnson is next joined by Ryan Robinson, an adventure athlete fresh off an epic Northern California road trip. The professional highliner and American Ninja Warrior alum shares his favorite moments from his journey through Gold Country, Shasta Cascade, and Humboldt County. The stoke is high as Robinson regales Johnson with tales of rappelling down waterfalls and chasing the sunset through redwoods along the Lost Coast.  The episode also includes a discussion with Glamping Hub founder Ruben Martinez. Johnson learns why glamping has become a red-hot travel trend, while uncovering a few hidden gems across the state. As an added bonus, Martinez offers California Now Podcast listeners an exclusive $50 discount on their first booking—just use the code CANOW at booking to save on a Glamping Hub vacation from now through October 31, 2019.