California Now Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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California Now Podcast

Visit California

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/22d. Total Eps: 136

Hosted by actor, comedian, and proud Californian Josh Meyers, the California Now Podcast offers a fresh and entertaining take on the Golden State. Known for his sharp wit and natural curiosity, Josh brings a playful yet thoughtful energy to every conversation, whether he’s swapping stories with a Michelin-starred chef, uncovering hidden gems with local guides, or chatting with fellow celebrities about their California favorites. Each episode delivers equal parts inspiration and insider tips–helping listeners dream, plan, and truly experience their next California adventure.

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https://www.visitcalifornia.com/newsletter-request
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https://www.visitcalifornia.com/podcast
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https://californiagrown.org/farmer-and-farmworker-month/
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Score global : 62%

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Exploring the San Francisco Peninsula

Season 1 · Episode 127

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 43:26

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores San Mateo County, aka the San Francisco Peninsula, with two local experts.

He starts off the episode chatting with Nick Calderon, director of Parks and Recreation for San Mateo County. Calderon shares recommendations for the area’s vast outdoor offerings. “You can start your morning on a remarkable run or bike ride along the bay and end your night sitting on the beach in Half Moon Bay or in the mid-coast area having some food or a drink.” From camping in San Mateo to hiking in Half Moon Bay and surfing Mavericks in Pacifica, Calderon shares some of his favorite, low-key spots for outside fun.

Next up, Meyers dives into the peninsula’s food scene with SFGate food editor Jessica Yadegaran. “I would travel down Highway 1 and make my way to a cultural landmark, an institution…that is the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world.” From Pescadero to Woodside, Yadegaran plans a food lover’s three-day weekend through the peninsula, suggesting breweries, historic taverns, and one-of-a-kind eateries—plus memorable stops and excursions to enjoy between meals.

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Weird California: Uncovering the Myths, Legends, and Lore in the Golden State

Season 1 · Episode 126

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • Duration 47:46

On his debut episode of the California Now Podcast, new host Josh Meyers dives head-first into the weird and wonderful folklore that stretches across this state from the hub of spiritual tourism in Mount Shasta to UFO sightings in the Mojave Desert.

First up, Meyers chats with Zach O’Brien, founder of the digital publication Active NorCal. A Lemurian expert, O’Brien explains how Northern California’s mystical landscape inspires imagination and legend, noting that “as soon as you get into these different areas of Northern California — be it Mount Shasta, the Redwoods, or Lake Tahoe — there’s a palpable feeling, and so much can run wild in your imagination when you see these places.”

The conversation then turns to one of the most enduring legends: Bigfoot. O’Brien also touches on Tahoe’s “Tessie” and where travelers can explore these myths firsthand.

Next, Meyers heads south to the Mojave Desert to chat with Ken Layne, host of the radio show The Desert Oracle. Together, they break down the haunting story of Yucca Man. “Yucca Man is one name for a phenomenon that’s been experienced all over the world in wild, desolate places—eight feet tall, colorless, with glowing red eyes and a terrible roar,” Layne explains.

Layne also recounts a chilling close encounter of his own on a stretch of desert highway. “I slowed down, stopped, and those lights just sat there behind me — then backed away at impossible speed, eight miles down the grade in seconds.” The region’s otherworldly landmarks are also accounted for as Layne plots out some of more surreal spectacles tucked away behind the desert foothills, from the mysterious Giant Rock near Landers to the iconic Integratron in nearby Joshua Tree, a hand-built dome said (by some) to channel alien energy.

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Exploring Sacramento

Season 1 · Episode 118

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 48:41

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson dives into the best of Sacramento’s food, culture, and outdoor scene with three expert insiders.

First up, Johnson is joined by Benjy Egel, the food and drinks writer for The Sacramento Bee. Egel explains how the area’s agricultural abundance helps fuel its thriving farm-to-fork dining scene. “So much of the U.S.’s produce comes from the Sacramento region and the Central Valley as a whole, and so we have this wealth of tomatoes and asparagus and even caviar here in the region,” says Egel. He then dives into where to grab some local good eats, from neighborhood favorites in Little Saigon to Michelin-starred joints in Midtown.

Next, Johnson is joined by Ashley Shult Langdon, author of Mildly Scenic, a trail guide to Sacramento's Lower American River. The outdoor enthusiast and longtime Sacramentan describes what aspects of the river continue to surprise and delight. “Just within a 10-minute walk from the city, you can feel like you're out in the wilderness,” says Langdon. Langdon gets into her favorite spots and the family activities that visitors can enjoy along the lower half of the American River.

Last, Johnson talks arts and culture with Hillary Louise Johnson of Sactown Magazine. The seasoned writer discusses Sacramento’s growing creative landscape. “There's such a density of public art [in Midtown], in part because Sacramento's pretty mural-crazy,” says Johnson. She then goes on a culture-fueled walking tour throughout the city’s artsy neighborhoods with stops for coffee and shopping along the way.

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San Diego Zoo, Bishop, Mount Shasta

Season 1 · Episode 28

Monday, October 7, 2019 • Duration 38:05

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.

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Cowboy Culture, Highway One, Bikes and Hikes LA

Season 1 · Episode 27

Monday, September 23, 2019 • Duration 46:54

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.

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California Surfing Day, Ryan Robinson, Glamping

Season 1 · Episode 26

Monday, September 9, 2019 • Duration 48:00

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.

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California Wine Month

Season 1 · Episode 25

Monday, August 26, 2019 • Duration 42:08

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 County, Anderson Valley, and beyond. Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours in Paso Robles, delivers a customized itinerary for this buzzy Central Coast city, offering tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to get around town. Listeners looking for more info on great wine experiences should check out the California Wine Month hub.

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Michelin Guide, Central Coast Road Trip, LGBTQ Travel

Season 1 · Episode 24

Monday, August 12, 2019 • Duration 46:03

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 establishments receive one, two, or three stars. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes at a revered restaurant establishment, and the timing couldn’t be better since Michelin recently released its 2019 California Michelin Guide, the first statewide collection of restaurant reviews in its long history. Our guest—we call him “Mr. Inspector”—shares all sorts of insights about what it takes to make the grade, and why California is such a dynamic dining destination.

Food is a focal point for his second guest, too. Aida Mollenkamp, the host of Food Network’s Ask Aida and the editorial director of Salt & Wind Travel, leads listeners on a Central Coast road trip that begins in Los Angeles, stops in Ventura and Santa Barbara, and ends in Paso Robles. Along the way she points out the best places to grab strawberries, oysters, Pinot Noir, tri-tip, and much more.

The episode also includes an insightful conversation about LGBTQ travel in California. Scott Gatz, the CEO and founder of the travel site Gay Cities, discusses the Golden State’s long history as a welcoming destination. He and Johnson talk about some of California’s most popular gay-friendly cities—including the Castro in San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Palm Springs—as well as some lesser-known locales.

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Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls

Season 1 · Episode 23

Monday, July 29, 2019 • Duration 37:38

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, organ music, and a sculpture garden picnic. Plus, she shares insider tips to get the most Balboa bang for your buck.

The episode shifts to a blissful note thanks to John Wogan, Special Projects Editor for Travel + Leisure, who discusses the burgeoning trend of wellness vacations. Find out his selections for California resorts focusing on self-improvement, spiritual awakening, spa luxury, and more. Wrapping things up, Johnson is joined by David Sobon, founder of Wide Open Walls, an annual outdoor arts festival in Sacramento. Sobon shares why the 11-day celebration in August is a must-see, and he explains how to best experience Sacramento’s 85-plus murals any time of year.

Pro tip: Subscribe to the Visit California e-newsletter to stay abreast of all the latest updates in California travel.

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Road Trip: Music to Wine on 99

Season 1 · Episode 22

Monday, June 17, 2019 • Duration 35:37

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 States. Johnson samples both during his time there.

His next stop is Fresno, where he tours a one-of-a-kind garden where citrus trees grow 25 feet underground. After an award-winning Fresno taco or two, Johnson continues north to Stockton, where he enjoys just-picked cherries and peach pie from a family-owned farm stand. Johnson then drives to Lodi, a historic wine region and home of Jessie’s Grove Winery, founded in 1889. After sampling some Zinfandel and Cinsault, Johnson settles in for the evening at Wine & Roses, a scenic hotel located just down the road.

To order a copy of California Road Trips: 50 Life-Changing Adventures, a high-end publication that includes more about this itinerary (and 49 others), please visit Amazon.com.

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California Now Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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California Now Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other8

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Other8

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities