California Now Podcast

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...

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 Hollyw...

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. Sant...

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 dis...

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, ho...

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...

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...

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 oth...

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 infini...

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 ca...

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...

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,...

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...

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 Vac...

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 th...

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 a...

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...

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 t...

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 socia...

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 woul...

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 Ch...

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 fi...

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...

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 Pod...

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 Johnso...