California Now Podcast
The California Now Podcast explores the people and places that make California a unique travel experience. Host Soterios Johnson, veteran radio journalist and former host of NPR’s Morning Edition on WNYC in New York City, has recently moved to California and is using his journalism skills to learn every fascinating thing about his new home state. He interviews travel experts, chefs, local guides and many others on his journey of discovery. For more ideas on California travel, go to www.visitcalifornia.com
Episodes
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the vibrant, eclectic world of events, celebrations, and festivals in California with three noteworthy guests.
First, Johnson chats with Rick Farman and Allen Scott, cofounders of the Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park. Farman and Scott dive into the event’s origin story, evolution, and some of their favorite moment...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the deep cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of Native American communities across the Golden State—and how travelers can experience them in meaningful ways.
To begin, Johnson speaks with Tara Gomez, co-owner of Camins 2 Dreams winery in Lompoc and a proud member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Gomez shares the st...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson hits the road with three seasoned travelers to explore California’s epic road trip experiences.
To kick things off, Johnson chats with Zach Dundas, the editorial director behind the Wildsam field guides and Wildsam Magazine, a publication focused solely on road trips. Dundas explains why the open road remains one of the most profound ways...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with Olympic gold medalist, bestselling author, and Bay Area native Kristi Yamaguchi. The figure skating icon reflects on her childhood in Fremont, her first time on the ice at a Hayward mall, and her unforgettable 1992 World Championship win in Oakland. “It truly was a huge homecoming,” she says, recounting the joy of competing on local ice sur...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson digs into the Golden State’s dynamic and diverse restaurants with three experts who know the local food scene inside and out.
First, Johnson chats with Elina Shatkin, food journalist and producer of KCRW’s Good Food in Los Angeles. Shatkin shares some of her favorite restaurants and foodie neighborhoods across the City of Angels. Shatkin ...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson welcomes actor and comedian Josh Meyers, cohost of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers— a podcast he does with his brother, late-night talk show host Seth Meyers. In this engaging conversation, Meyers shares the inspiration behind the podcast, its memorable guests (from Bill Gates to Tiffany Haddish), and why childhood vacations provide such great s...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the wonderful world of sports across the Golden State with three notable experts.
First, Johnson speaks with Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest team making its debut in San Francisco. Nakase, the first Asian American coach in the league’s history, shares her vision for the team and reflec...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson dives into the best of Sacramento’s food, culture, and outdoor scen...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson takes listeners on a journey through Monterey County, chatting with local experts about the best places to explore, stay, and dine in this picturesque stretch of the Central Coast.
First, Johnson chats with Erin Sollecito, the business development director at Monte...
On this special episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with eight L.A. insiders about both the city’s incredible offerings and its resilience in response to the recent wildfires. Plus, hear special shoutouts from some of L.A.’s notable residents.
First, Evan Lovett, the creator of the L.A. in a Minute podcast, brings to life the fascinating history of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Lovett also shares a...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three Golden State insiders who want to help you get the most out of your next trip to the state—no matter you...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson takes listeners on a set-jetting tour of California, exploring the state’s notable TV and film locations with three knowledgeable experts.
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On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to three local experts about how to make the most of a winter trip to Lake Tahoe.
First up, Johnson learns the ins and outs of skiing South Lake Tahoe with Robin Barnes, director of skier services at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Barnes shares what initially drew her to alpine Read more
On this episode of California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson welcomes celebrated character actor and longtime Temecula resident Dean Norris. During their conversation—available on both audio and video platforms—Norris discusses his latest projects, including his work on Ghosts and Law and Order: Organized Crime. He also shares a memorable anecdote f...
On this spine-tingling episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson delves into the captivating stories behind the Golden State’s most iconic haunted attractions with three spooky-season experts.
First, Johnson is joined by John Murdy, the creative director of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Murdy reflects on how his lifelong fascination with movie mo...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with Pattie Gonia, a critically acclaimed drag queen, musician, environmen...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson taps into the wine tasting expertise of three oenophiles.
First up, Johnson chats with Lucy Simon, assistant wine editor at Food & Wine mag...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to two insiders about the latest and greatest happenings at California’s theme parks. Along the way he also discovers tips and tricks for extracting maximum value from a theme park visit, as well as recomm...
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson speaks with Mike Love and Al Jardine, founding members of the most California band of all time, The Beach Boys.
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On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson delves into the wonders of Tuolumne County with insights from three area insiders.
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