California Now Podcast

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 tho...

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 N...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 wit...

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 th...

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,...

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...

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 Californi...

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...

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...

In celebration of harvest season, this episode of California Now Podcast is dedicated to vintages and vineyards. Host Soterios Johnson learns the best way to swirl, sip, and savor from Anna McPeck, co-founder of the tour operator West Coast Wine Country. McPeck shares essential tips on making the most of a wine country excursion, and highlights some of her favorite stops in the Napa Valley, Sonoma...

Meet an anonymous Michelin inspector and learn how he helped anoint 90 California restaurants with coveted stars In an unprecedented move, California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson does not introduce listeners to one of his guests during this episode. That’s because Johnson’s first interview is with a Michelin inspector—an anonymous restaurant critic who goes undercover to determine which estab...

Join host Soterios Johnson as he explores America’s largest urban cultural park: Balboa Park in sunny San Diego. Jennifer Davies, a Director of Cultural Tourism for the San Diego Tourism Authority, shares insights about the park’s 17 museums and 1,200 acres, putting the entire experience into perspective. Davies maps out an ideal itinerary for a fun-filled, family-friendly day. Think model trains,...

Join California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this special road trip edition as he drives along Highway 99 through the heart of the Central Valley. His journey begins in Bakersfield, located on the Kern River two hours north of Los Angeles. Bakersfield is the home of a true country music mecca—Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace—and has the highest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United S...

On the first-ever road trip edition of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson gets out of the studio and explores Southern California’s awe-inspiring night sky. His stargazing adventure begins in sunny San Diego: After selecting the perfect set of wheels, Johnson jets to the Fleet Science Center to get a sense of our solar system and learn the best practices for star sighting. Then it’s...

In episode 20 of the California Now Podcast, we set off to sea with Patti Schick of Hornblower Cruises as she discusses whale watching with host Soterios Johnson.  Schick shares what to expect when embarking on a whale watch and her favorite ocean life experience of all time. Next up, Erin Ballinger of BringFido.com shares her quick tips for making the most of traveling with your pup. Then we head...

Forbes Travel Guide recently released its Star Awards Winners, and California spas landed at the top of the rankings. In episode 19, Amanda Frasier, Executive Vice President of Standards & Ratings, shares some of her top choices for pampering in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, and more. Get ready to discover hidden gems like California’s “Serengeti” and a park with more than 700 caves wit...

Episode 18 of the California Now Podcast begins in the epicenter of Mid-Century Modern design: Sunnylands. The center’s director, Janice Lyle, guides host Soterios Johnson through a tour of the estate’s rich history. Next up, Johnson breaks out the horseradish and lemon wedges for an oyster-themed lightning round with Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of  Food & Wine . From picnic tables to high-end r...

Join host Soterios Johnson as he gets to know a Northern California region that has shown incredible resilience: Butte County. This corner of the Shasta Cascade region is recovering from last year’s Camp Fire—and your vacation dollars will play a huge role in helping it bounce back. After that, our host learns about Temecula from a local: Thom Curry, co-owner of the Temecula Olive Oil Co., reveals...

Our podcast guests often rave about one very special way to experience California: a classic road trip, where the destination and the journey are one and the same. We’ve compiled some of our favorite chats from the past six months, covering everything from great dining to epic views to quirky diversions.

We’ve had so many fascinating food experts on the podcast that we decided to assemble a greatest hits album of sorts—a collection of tip-filled snippets with some true insiders. The episode starts off with host Soterios Johnson’s conversation with Jeff Gordinier, Food and Drinks Editor for Esquire magazine. Gordinier tasted his way through some of the top restaurants in San Francisco and discovere...

Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of  Food & Wine  magazine, explains what California cuisine is, how it took shape four decades ago, and where visitors can experience it today. After that, acclaimed rock climber Kevin Jorgeson shares some of his favorite things to do and places to go in his native Sonoma County, including spots in Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa. The episode ends with author Ann...