California Now Podcast

Four in-the-know locals share insights about their favorite wineries, restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods

With more than 425 wineries located within its borders, Sonoma County is truly a dream destination for wine lovers. But as Soterios Johnson discovers during this episode of California Now, this...

Listen

Podcast

Family Travel, Idyllwild, Wild North Coast

Join host Soterios Johnson as he discusses Southern California, a hidden gem in the mountains, and a road trip along the northern coast

The Golden State’s astonishing variety is on full display in this episode of the California Now Podcast. Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford kicks things with off with a preview of a...

Listen

Podcast

Skiing and Snowboarding in California

Learn about the best places to play in the powder on the latest episode of California Now

California is known for its surf culture, certainly, but come wintertime, thrill-seekers look to the mountains to ride the slopes on skis, snowboards, and other vehicles. On this episode of the...

Listen

Podcast

Craft Spirits, California Cheese Trail, Asian Cuisine

In this culinary-themed episode, Soterios Johnson learns about Golden State distillers, cheese tourism, and some great ethnic restaurants in SoCal

California distillers have become pretty crafty with their spirits in the last few years. With award-winning distilleries now dotting the state, you're likely to have the chance to try a sip...

Listen

Podcast

LEGOLAND California, Pacific Crest Trail, Bay Area Boutiques

Take in a day in the life of a LEGOLAND Master Builder, explore the Pacific Coast Trail, and discover the hottest shopping spots in and around San Francisco

When you think of your dream job, does it involve playing with LEGO bricks? It certainly does for P.J. Catalano, who joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this week's episode. In...

Listen

Podcast

Emma Gannon, Gold Country, Haunted Sites

See California through a British podcaster’s eyes, discover the riches of Gold Country, and learn about the most haunted places in the Golden State

Millennials enjoy a spontaneous adventure—which makes California a particularly great fit for Ctrl Alt Delete Podcast host and British author Emma Gannon. Hailed as the “spokesperson for the...

Listen

Podcast

San Diego Zoo, Bishop, Mount Shasta

Learn about a San Diego institution’s conservation efforts, discover hidden gems in Bishop, and find spiritual renewal on Mount Shasta

In 1980, there were just 22 endangered California Condors in the wild. Now, there are more than 450 magnificent thunderbirds, thanks in large part to the herculean efforts of wildlife...

Listen

Podcast

Cowboy Culture, Highway One, Bikes and Hikes LA

Learn about cattle-driving in the Central Coast, foodie adventures along the Pacific, and car-less journeys around Los Angeles

When you think of oak woodlands, cowboys on horses, cattle driving, and sleeping under the stars, what comes to mind? For us, it’s California. On this episode of the California Now Podcast,...

Listen

Podcast

California Wine Month

September is harvest season, and the perfect time to embark on a wine tasting tour of the Golden State

There’s never a bad time to go wine tasting in California, but given the perfect weather, abundant activities, and jaw-dropping scenic beauty in September, you may want to consider a visit during...

Listen

Podcast

Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ Travel

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...

Listen

Podcast

Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls

Plan the perfect day in San Diego’s iconic park and explore larger-than-life murals in Sacramento

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...

Listen

Podcast

Road Trip: Music to Wine on 99

This drive through California’s Central Valley features fun-loving music, tasty tacos, mysterious gardens, and delicious wine

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,...

Listen

Podcast

Road Trip: Searching for Stars

Experience the cosmos in San Diego, Julian, Borrego Springs, and Twentynine Palms

On the first-ever road trip edition of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson gets out of the studio and explores Southern California’s awe-inspiring night sky. His stargazing adventure...

Listen

Podcast

Whale Watching, Dog-Friendly Travel, Ironstone Vineyards

Experience incredible marine life just off the coast and explore and under-the-radar wine region

In episode 20 of the California Now Podcast, we set off to sea with Patti Schick of Hornblower Cruises as she discusses whale watching with host Soterios Johnson. The California coastline provides...

Listen

Podcast

Spas, National Monuments, Mission San Juan Capistrano

Join us for a blissful journey through California’s poshest spas and natural wonders

Forbes Travel Guide recently released its Star Awards Winners, and California spas landed at the top of the rankings. In episode 19, Amanda Frasier, Executive Vice President of Standards &...

Listen

Podcast

Butte County, Temecula, San Diego County

Discover the beauty of Butte County as it rebuilds, and learn some insider secrets about Temecula and San Diego County

Join host Soterios Johnson as he gets to know a Northern California region that has shown incredible resilience: Butte County. This corner of the Shasta Cascade region is recovering from last year...

Listen

Podcast

Fascinating Road Trips

Hop in, buckle up, and join us as we motor around the Golden State in search of some amazing drives

Our podcast guests often rave about one very special way to experience California: a classic road trip, where the destination and the journey are one and the same. We’ve compiled some of our...

Listen

Podcast

Culinary Greatest Hits

This episode features food-focused highlights gathered from the first six months of the California Now Podcast

We’ve had so many fascinating food experts on the podcast that we decided to assemble a greatest hits album of sorts—a collection of tip-filled snippets with some true insiders. The episode starts...

Listen

Podcast

California Cuisine, Sonoma County, Yosemite

Food & Wine magazine’s Hunter Lewis shares some tasty recommendations with host Soterios Johnson

Episode 14 of the California Now Podcast offers a culinary history lesson of sorts as Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of Food & Wine magazine, explains what California cuisine is, how...

Listen

Podcast

California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay

Today on the California Now Podcast we showcase some unique experiences with Atlas Obscura

Editor’s note: This episode of the California Now Podcast opens with a Public Service Announcement addressing the recent wildfires in California. For more information on these tragic events,...

Listen