California Now Podcast

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers sits down with two accessible travel advocates to explore the unparalleled experiences California offers for alltravelers—including those with mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, non-visible disabilities, and more.First up, Josh chats with Abbey Romeo, star of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum and autismawareness advocate, and Mary Romeo, Abbey’s cousin and travel companion. Abbey sharesfavorite experiences at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, saying, “I’ve tried thebutter beer—it’s a healthy alternative to ice cream.” Mary also applauds destinations thatprioritize inclusion. “[Disneyland’s] staff there are so well trained… they’re always willing to help and are super accommodating,” says Mary.The two also discuss Abbey’s love of California waterparks like Raging Waters and Soak City.“There’s a slide called Blacksnake Summit—it’s pitch black inside, and you can’t see anything!” Abbey recalls. She also reflects on performing with Kristen Bell and what Autism Awareness Month means to her.Next, Josh talks with Cory Lee, author of Curb Free with Cory Lee and founder of the Curb Free Foundation. Lee, who has traveled to 50 countries and all seven continents in a motorized wheelchair, shares how careful planning and optimism help him navigate travel challenges. He highlights California destinations like Yosemite, Disneyland, Long Beach, and Sonoma, praising accessible lodging, trails, and transportation. “Yosemite blew me away—it’s truly awe-inspiring, and the accessible trails let me feel like I could experience it fully,” Lee says.Lee also discusses his favorite California culinary experiences, standout hotel, and his nonprofit, which provides dream trip grants to wheelchair users. Finally, he imparts his best advice for destinations looking to improve their accessibility offerings.

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers speaks with the woman responsible for packing the house for some of television’s biggest live shows.Meyers sits down with KC Cavarozzi, founder and fan experience expert at On Camera Audiences. Cavarozzi and Meyers reminisce about the joys and challenges of working behind the scenes at MadTV before pivoting to the dos and don’ts of being a great audience member— from bringing the right energy to avoiding all the wrong wardrobe choices.Cavarozzi shares her best advice on how to score seats to some of the hottest tickets in town, including Dancing with the Stars, Jeopardy!, and The Masked Singer. She also recounts memorable moments with Simon Cowell and breaks down what it takes to generate massive audiences for live tapings. “There’s not a job you can go to where you walk into work and there are 1,200 people clapping, cheering, getting hyped, and dancing,” she says.Along the way, catch bonus cameos from America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, who shares what he loves most about sitting behind the judges’ desk, plus insider tips from The Price Is Right contestant producer Hannah Holub on how to “come on down.”

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers welcomes one of his oldest friends: actor, comedian, and writer Ike Barinholtz.The two look back on their early days performing together and how one unforgettable trip to Los Angeles convinced Barinholtz that California was home. “The L.A. I see every day, it's that Get Shorty, late nineties-ish L.A. I still see it through that lens, and I just fell in love with it,” he shares. Barinholtz reflects on his Emmy-nominated role in The Studio, followed by a hilarious only-in-Hollywood story straight from the show itself. He also talks about his love of trivia—from winning Celebrity Jeopardy! to teaming up with his dad to earn $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. “It was a Scrabble question… We had two lifelines left, and one of them was ‘Ask the Host’ and Jimmy Kimmel, as it turns out, is a Scrabble freak,” Barinholtz says. A longtime Angelino, Barinholtz also shares some of his favorite things to do locally, including sunset visits to the Annenberg Beach House, hikes beneath the Hollywood Sign, and family outings to the Original Farmers’ Market. He also highlights beloved getaways like Santa Barbara, Mammoth Lakes, Solvang, and San Francisco. The episode wraps with a lively rapid-fire round.

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.

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.

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.