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

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. 

GUESTS

Zach O’Brien, founder of Active NorCal
Ken Layne, host of Desert Oracle Radio 

RESOURCES

Zach O’Brien is the founder of Active NorCal, a digital publication dedicated to outdoor adventure, news, and history in Northern California.

Active NorCal
Mt. Shasta 
City of Mount Shasta
Lemurians
Redwoods of Northern California
Lake Tahoe
Sacramento River
Shasta Dam
Shasta Lake
Lassen Peak
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Redding
Pluto’s Cave
Panther Meadow Loop
Humboldt County
Willow Creek-China Flat Museum & Bigfoot Collection
Highway 96 (Bigfoot Scenic Byway)
Bigfoot Scenic Trail
Dunsmuir

Ken Layne is the host of Desert Oracle Radio as well as the author of the Desert Oracle periodical and field guide. 

Desert Oracle
Yucca Man
Mojave National Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Borrego Springs
Warner Springs Ranch Resort
Borrego Sandman 
Death Valley National Park
Bishop
Amboy
Amboy Crater
Integratron
Giant Rock
Sand to Snow National Monument
White Mountains
Mount Palomar
Jumbo Rocks Campground
Joshua Tree Saloon

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and new host of the California Now Podcast. He also co-hosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Staffan Carlén