California Now Podcast
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 96 ratingsThe 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
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Episodes
Anderson Valley, L.A. Music Venues, Family Travel
September 07, 2018 19:30 - 35 minutes - 29.2 MBHost Soterios Johnson and Travel + Leisure’s Nathan Lump take an audio road trip from Calistoga to the Mendocino Coast visiting friendly wineries, enjoying memorable meals, and walking in a majestic redwood grove. Rock critic Fred Schruers reveals his top five music venues in Los Angeles. And, Pauline Frommer offers up some family-friendly destinations in the Golden State.
Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
August 24, 2018 19:58 - 37 minutes - 30.6 MBEater LA Senior Editor Farley Elliott dives deep dive into California's culinary treasures--where to find authentic ranch cuisine, why Highway 99 has some of the country’s best Mexican food, and which California town he’d choose for his last meal on earth. Travel writer Ann Marie Brown shares her knowledge of lesser-known beaches and Food and Wine's Ray Isle discusses some of the emerging trends in Napa Valley.
Curtis Stone’s Culinary Tour, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley
August 10, 2018 14:26 - 34 minutes - 28.1 MBWhen Curtis Stone decided to showcase Central Coast wines at Maude, his 24-seat Beverly Hills hotspot, he knew he had to hit the road. Stone and his culinary team ventured north from Los Angeles—tasting wines in Santa Barbara, visiting farms in San Luis Obispo County, and even riding along with a sea urchin diver. Also, host Soterios Johnson talks with Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley about his favorite experiences in Lake Tahoe and maps out the perfect Death Valley National Park itinerar...
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
July 16, 2018 19:54 - 33 minutes - 26.4 MBDennis Mammana lives in Borrego Springs, an International Dark Sky Community located two hours east of San Diego that just happens to be one of the best places in the world to experience the night sky. Former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon explains why California is his favorite place to ride (his rationale involves sunshine and dolphins) and architecture expert Sam Lubell raves about the Mid-Century Modern buildings worth visiting in the Golden State.
San Francisco Dining, Channel Islands, Luxury Hotels
June 18, 2018 21:38 - 35 minutes - 29.5 MBWhat happens when an intrepid food critic is asked to consume 13 Michelin stars worth of cuisine in the space of four days in San Francisco? Amanda Frasier pulls back the curtain on Forbes Travel Guide’s influential luxury ratings program and describes California’s three triple Five-Star rated properties. Author Ken McAlpine shares insights on Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago off the Central Coast that’s rich in wilderness and isolation.
Atlas Obscura, Packing Tips, Wine
April 27, 2018 23:17 - 26 minutes - 9.89 MBEpisode No. 2 of California Now kicks off with a conversation with Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras, a man who specializes in surfacing curious and wondrous travel destinations. Pauline Frommer offers up a few packing tricks she has assembled over a lifetime of travel as co-president of Frommer’s. Acclaimed wine writer Jon Bonné talks about his latest book on wine culture, The New Wine Rules and shares some of his favorite wine destinations in the Golden State.
Bucket Lists, Craft Beer, San Andreas Fault
April 27, 2018 23:16 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBPatricia Schultz, author of 1000 Places to See Before You Die talks about bucket list travel and offers up some Golden State destinations. The director of Craft: The California Beer Documentary, Jeff Smith, takes listeners on a road trip organized around some of his favorite craft breweries. Bob Schneider from Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours discusses his company’s San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour, an experience that transports visitors into a world of geological marvels in Greater Palm Springs.
Big Sur, Waterfalls, Oakland
April 27, 2018 23:14 - 23 minutes - 8.62 MBSamantha Brown, PBS host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love talks about the gorgeous views along Highway One and raves about the area’s iconic destinations and also celebrates some of the hidden gems in the region and shares her insights about how to experience them. Outdoor expert and author Ann Marie Brown, offers essential advice on chasing waterfalls in the Golden State, including what to wear and where to go. And finally, acclaimed chef Tanya Holland takes listeners on a tour of her re...