California Now Podcast

• Only-in-California Events

  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 moments over the years. “A big highlight for me personally was in 2013 when we had Paul McCartney headline the festival,” shares Scott. “It felt like most of the festival was there singing, ‘Hey Jude’ and I had tears in my eyes.” The two also offer a preview of what attendees can expect this year, including major headliners, immersive art installations, and unexpected features that make Outside Lands a truly San Francisco experience. Beyond the music, the duo highlight the festival’s impressive food, wine, and beer offerings. Next, travel journalist Katrina Brown Hunt joins the show to share her list of unusual and entertaining events happening across California this summer and fall. From fruit-themed festivals to offbeat cultural celebrations and epic sporting events, Hunt highlights fun, family-friendly happenings that showcase the state’s creativity and character: “Where else are you going to find some good garlic ice cream in the middle of the summer?” Finally, Johnson welcomes Paolo Di Croce, director general and festival organizer for the Terra Madre Americas food festival, a slow food festival making its U.S. debut this September in Sacramento. Di Croce outlines what visitors can expect from the event’s first U.S. edition, including hands-on workshops, international tastings, live music, panel discussions, and appearances by celebrity chefs. “The goal is really to be open to learn and to try something different,” says Di Croce.

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• Native American Travel Experiences in California

  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 story behind her boutique winery, which she runs alongside her wife, and how their wines reflect a deep connection to the land and heritage. “I'm always trying to find that connection between the land and the grapes,” Gomez says. “It's like a part of me.” She goes on to describe the unique terroir of the region, her commitment to sustainability, and how visitors can experience her wines for themselves. Next, Johnson heads north to the Klamath River to talk with Pergish Carlson, a Yurok tribal member and owner of Blue Creek Guide Service. Carlson discusses the significance of the river and how it offers insights into Yurok culture. “It's our lifeline and every meal that we eat— it's usually based on the river,” Carlson says. He also shares how visitors can experience the river firsthand through his guided salmon and steelhead fishing trips, scenic river tours, eco-cultural tours through the redwoods, and even snorkeling excursions. “You get to snorkel in crystal-clear water and you can take underwater photos that will rival any saltwater clear photos by far,” says Carlson. Then, Johnson travels to the Capay Valley with Jim Etters, director of land management at Séka Hills, an enterprise of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Etters guides listeners through the tribe’s award-winning olive oil production. “From the time the olives arrive at the mill, to the time oil comes out of the spigot is usually about 45 minutes to an hour,” Etters says. He gives details about the mill’s interactive olive oil tastings and discusses how sustainability and cultural stewardship go hand in hand. Finally, Johnson chats with Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Rupert offers a broader view of Indigenous-led travel in California, highlighting meaningful experiences like exploring the Anza National Historic Trail, visiting the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, and attending tribal Pow Wows. She also shares essential tips on how travelers can respectfully engage with tribes and tribal lands. “I think that when somebody is looking at visiting one of our Indigenous communities or our businesses that it's always good to do some research beforehand, learn a little bit about who you'll be visiting,” says Rupert.

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• California Road Trip Adventures

  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 to experience California. “You could come up with dozens of different themed road trips just within the state of California, and that's what makes it amazing,” says Dundas. He then dives deep into California’s extraordinary range—recommending a route that begins in the artsy neighborhoods of San Francisco and travels east to Yosemite National Park. He also highlights the surreal beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and shares an itinerary that links California’s desert, mountains, and forests. Next, Johnson catches up with Scott Clark, the chef and owner of Dad’s Luncheonette, a beloved roadside eatery in Half Moon Bay. Clark talks about leaving the fast-paced fine dining world to open Dad’s Luncheonette, a cozy spot in a red train caboose along California’s coast. “I wanted to make food that felt like home, but that you’d actually want to eat,” he says. Clark also shares highlights from his new cookbook Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip, including stories about foraging in Monterey, making frequent stops at oyster shacks, and exploring hidden coastal gems. Finally, Johnson chats with Alessandra Martinez, a digital creator who recently embarked on a four-day theme park road trip with her husband and four kids. Their high-energy itinerary hit Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and LEGOLAND California. Martinez offers tips for navigating theme parks with kids of all ages and reflects on how to make road trips feel magical for the whole family. “Let everyone pick one thing they’re most excited for—and make sure it happens,” she says.

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• Kristi Yamaguchi’s Golden State

  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 surrounded by family, friends, and longtime supporters. Yamaguchi also discusses her nonprofit, Always Dream, which promotes early childhood literacy through book donations, digital reading tools, and personalized coaching for underserved families. “Reading does truly unlock the ability to dream,” she shares. She also opens up about writing her bestselling children’s book Dream Big, Little Pig and the honor of being immortalized as a Barbie doll in Mattel’s Inspiring Women series. A proud Californian, Yamaguchi highlights some of her favorite local experiences, including hiking near Mount Diablo, catching a musical in San Francisco, and cheering on the San Jose Sharks. “Oracle Park, if you're a baseball fan—or even if you're not—you’ve got to go visit and you’ve got to watch some of those splash landings from the home runs,” she says. Finally, she recommends her favorite local rinks for skaters of all skill levels.

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• California’s Can’t-Miss Restaurants

  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 runs the full gamut of good eats, from L.A. institutions to standout sandwich shops and high-end spots. “I just want to give people a good time and help them discover something delicious,” she says. She also takes listeners east, highlighting her favorite newcomers and old-school dining establishments in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Next, Johnson welcomes Mackenzie Chung Fegan and Cesar Hernandez, food critics at the San Francisco Chronicle and the duo behind the paper’s much-anticipated Top 100 Restaurants list. They reflect on their process of curating the list and their goal to highlight culinary excellence across price points, cuisines, and regions—from Oakland to San Jose to Healdsburg. “We wanted to make sure that there were plenty of affordable restaurants on this list,” says Fegan, “that it wasn’t just a list of places to eat out for special occasions.” Hernandez echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of lifting up both legacy and new restaurants. “We also wanted to represent places that have been around for at least 10 or 15 years instead of just the ones that are new.” Together, the critics highlight standout picks, ranging from local taco shops to classic Bay Area mainstays and Michelin-starred meals.

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