California Now Podcast

On this special on-location episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s most legendary highway with a road trip across California’s stretch of Route 66.He kicks off the adventure in the Mojave Desert with Kyle Okura, keeper of Roy’s Motel & Café and the desert town of Amboy. Okura shares the remarkable father-son story behind preserving this Route 66 landmark—reflecting on its history, future plans for Roy’s, and why keeping travelers connected to the Mother Road still matters today. Meyers also hikes to the top of nearby Amboy Crater, one of the region’s most striking landscapes.Next, Meyers heads to Oro Grande to meet Elliot Flag, who carries on his father’s whimsical vision at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Flag walks Meyers through the folk-art forest of colored glass and scrap-metal sculptures, telling the origin stories behind the ranch’s most memorable objects and celebrating the creativity that has made this stop beloved by Route 66 travelers.The journey continues to San Bernardino for a visit to Mitla Cafe, where Meyers sits down with co-owner Michael Montaño. Montaño shares the rich family legacy behind the restaurant his grandmother opened in 1937—a spot that famously inspired the very first Taco Bell. He discusses how the cafe came to be, his favorite menu items, and why Mitla remains an essential community gathering place along the historic highway.Finally, Meyers reaches the end of Route 66 sign at the Santa Monica Pier and takes a victory ride on the iconic Ferris wheel.

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.

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.

Big news—California Now is back with a new season and a new host, Josh Meyers! Join Josh as he travels the Golden State, meeting the people and discovering the places that make California so extraordinary. Get ready for fresh stories, hidden gems, and plenty of inspiration for your next adventure.

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.