3 California Podcasts You Should Know

It's no secret that California has a lot to offer. But did you know it's a podcasting powerhouse too? Shows about the state, the people, the food, and the culture abound, highlighting everything from Gold Rush history to why some San Franciscans bristle at the term “Frisco.”

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson cozies up to some of those California-themed audio gems. First, Johnson talks to Walt Disney Family Museum's Bri Bertolaccini, host of the WD-FM podcast, and discovers that the museum has a treasure trove of Walt Disney audio recordings that tell fascinating stories about the man behind the Mouse.

After that he connects with Desert Lady Diaries podcast host Dawn Davis, who found a spiritual connection with the California desert and decided to seek out others who had formed a similar bond. Johnson wraps up his audio tour of California-themed podcasts with Olivia Allen-Price, host of the popular KQED podcast Bay Curious, and the two podcasters chat about some of the quirkier aspects of the Bay Area—like its obsession with Dutch Crunch bread and why bison roam Golden Gate Park.

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Guests

Bri Bertolaccini, co-host of WD-FM podcast

Dawn Davis, host of Desert Lady Diaries podcast

Olivia Allen-Price, host of KQED's Bay Curious podcast

Resources

Walt Disney's legacy in California extends well beyond Anaheim, according to Walt Disney Family Museum marketing manager and WD-FM podcast co-host Bri Bertolaccini.

San Francisco

Walt Disney Family Museum

The Presidio

Silverado Vineyards

Napa Valley

Disneyland

Dawn Davis fell head-over-heels in love with the California desert—so she started a podcast about like-minded women.

Mojave National Preserve

Joshua Tree National Park

Crossroads Cafe

Hammer of the Ozz

Twentynine Palms

Joshua Tree Certified Farmers Market

Boo's Organic Oven

29 Palms Inn

Old School House Museum

Oasis of Murals

Death Valley National Park

Zabriskie Point

Lone Pine

Furnace Creek

The Crowbar Cafe & Saloon

Soul Connection

La Palapa

Bay Curious podcast host Olivia Allen-Price had lots of questions about the region, which led to the creation of this wildly popular program.

Golden Gate Park

Sutro Tower

The Buena Vista Cafe

Dutch Crunch

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.