California's What? is a podcast that explores the things and people in the Golden State that make you ask "what?"- in the best way. Your host and guide Cheyanne Gustason is here to answer all your West Coast/SoCal/NorCal/SLOCal/Fresno questions with the aid of a series of interesting, informed, and inimitable guests.
You'll learn some cool spots. You'll meet some awesome people. You'll have your brain tickled a bit and it'll feel good, bro.*
Discover the best of what California has to offer. Explore places you've only seen in your dreams, or maybe on TV. Learn what the Golden State means to the people who live here, the ones that don't, and the ones that wish they did.
Some other questions we'll answer:
Why?
Who is that?
Where is Malibu?
What about Wasco?
What's the best road for a weekend drive in the greater Los Angeles area?
What's up with Northern California coastal architecture?
What is Bakersfield's one redeeming quality?
Why would a Californian move to Nevada?
Where's the best spot for vintage shopping?
How about smoked salmon?
Can you go to Joshua Tree sober?
What is the closest critically-acclaimed BBQ wagon to the oldest living things on Earth?
Why do musicians keep writing songs about California?
Where do they film all those car commercials, anyway?
What is the Reagan Library actually like?
Which Carl's Jr. is the best in the state?
Who the hell thinks this is a good idea for a podcast?
Want the answers? Tune in and find out, they may surprise you!
"California's What?" S2E1: A Muse & The Occult feat. Kieran Leonard
Explore the mysterious and unexpected side of California in this interview with author and musician Kieran Leonard whose book, A Muse, takes the reader on a lush and delirious trip through the Golden State's dark side. This debut epidosde of season two finds host Cheyanne Gustason and her guest delving into a wide range of topics including California history, unexpected encounters, local mysteries, the unexplained in Big Sur and LA, from the Dark Watchers to the Source Family, the nocturnal delights of the Sunset Strip and so much more!
13 Oct 2021
"California's What?" Episode 15: Rosamond in the '70s
After a summer hiatus, we are back baby! And this time we're (almost) live!
Journey to the high desert of California in the 1970s with my mom, who lived it. We recorded this whole episode in real time, and we didn't even have any wine!
Learn about the small desert town of Rosamond, California. It's a one exit town with a hole lot of unexpected treasures! And we're not talking about the Starbucks that just opened.
We discuss:
Willow Springs International Raceway
EFBC's Feline Conservation Center
The International Chili Cook-Off
High Desert Cellars
Dazed & Confused
Elf Owls
Air Quality
Blazing Saddles
Bonanza
Taking It Easy.....
and so much more!
*Title image isn't my mom- it's my bad ass equestrian wise woman maternal grandmother, the lady that made it all happen!
14 Jul 2021
"California's What?" Episode 14: Tehachapi, ft. Bryan Burris (pt. 2)
If you enjoyed the first half of my conversation with comedian Bryan Burris in all things Tehachapi, CA, well, you're gonna like this. That's right, it's the second half- PLUS my Tehachapi Hot Tips! Learn about Tehachapi's best sushi (Kasagiri), the best apples.... in the world? (Pulford's Appletree Orchard), where to get the best local honey (from the nuns!), Bryan's second favorite road in California (it'll be music to your ears), and so much more!
30 Jun 2021
"California's What?" S1E13: Tehachapi, ft. Comedian Bryan Burris (pt. 1)
Visit my hometown! Join me and guy I went to high school with turned stand up comedian Bryan Burris as we talk all thing Land of Four Seasons, that's right, Tehachapi California. In the middle of everything, in the middle of nowhere, Tehachapi has it all and also not much. Learn about this most unique and under-the-radar town in California. There is no way you're gonna regret this.
2 Jun 2021
"California's What?" S1E11: Santa Cruz & Poetry ft. Maria Garcia Teutsch
Join poet Maria Garcia Teutsch as she tells her about her writing, the inspiration of California, her work with Hartnell College and the Henry Miller Library, her home in Santa Cruz, her amazing backyard, and so much more! The greater Monterey Bay area, from the cliffs of Big Sur to the redwoods of Santa Cruz, has been fertile ground for artists and writers for centuries, a heritage Maria is as knowledgeable about as she is a part of it. We discuss Robinson Jeffers' Tor House, the magic of Point Lobos, joining the surfers for the dawn patrol, the best bookstore in downtown Santa Cruz and so, so much more. Plus, major bonus, Maria shares two of her thoughtful and breathtaking poems. It's a treat and a half!
Part two of my interview with *my mom* about growing up in Glendale in the 1960s, my family's century plus history in L.A., and the heritage establishments and fun spots you can still go to!
We discuss:
Bob’s Big Boy
Tallyrand’s
The Tam O’Shanter
Viva’s Cantina
Pickwick
The Swinging Bridge
feminism!
Nudie
Wine
Glass bottom boats of Catalina
Manifest Destiny
Horse ranches in Topanga
Doris Day
Blazing Saddles
Wine
The Rolling Stones
Galloping to the top of Griffith Park
The Manson Murders
Disneyland in the 60s
How my family’s donkey posed for Disney animators in the 1940s
Wine
The Castaway
The Penny Bar in McKittrick
Travel back in time... to the 1960s and beyond! Enjoy part one of this two part special interview with my mom (!) as we talk about the area surrounding Griffith Park, Los Feliz, Toluca Lake, and Glendale and our family's history there over the last century. Don't worry, this isn't your typical family history: we've got movie stars, horseback acrobatics, car accidents, and kidnapping! It's all here folks, and the best part is, most of the locations and businesses my mom and her family have enjoyed for 80+ years are still around and we'll tell you all about them so you, too, can travel back in time. It's a heck of a journey!
21 Apr 2021
"California's What?" S1E8: Laurel Canyon ft. Spike Stewart
Episode 8 is all about LA's coolest neighborhood: Laurel Canyon. Hear stories about the Canyon's past, its present, and why its energy will never change, from longtime resident artist Spike Stewart! Spike and his partner Lilly operate the beloved coffee cart at the Canyon Country Store, the heart of this very special neighborhood. Spike, a native of the area, regales us with stories about singing with Prince, singing the blues, that one time his neighbor kicked John Lennon and Harry Nilsson out of the Troubadour, and his own work, which can be found everywhere from the Country Store itself to MoMA! We talk a lot about the *vibes* of the Canyon, its storied heyday in the 60s, the importance of the Beatles, and how the events of '69 changed it all- Spike knows, too, having gone to high school with one of the Manson Family. Yikes. Thankfully, Spike's nothing but fun fun fun and a heart of gold, with great taste in local restaurants! Sample all this and more, guaranteed satisfaction, or your money back!
7 Apr 2021
"California's What?" S1E7: Benji Hughes' Golden State
Our first California Nonresident guest is.... drumroll please..... bit longer now....... ok good..... yes..... that's right.... yes.... right there.... okay okay..... here he is.... it's Benji Hughes! The North Carolina singer, songwriter, musician & bon vivant regales us with stories about his time spent in California, where he has lived at various points throughout his life & career. He brings his out-of-state perspective, his insider hot tips, and of course, his singular sense of humor. Learn where to get the best flaming margaritas, what it's like to work at Subway in Beverly Hills, and why so much great music comes from California.... so grab your shades, pick up a sensible hydrating beverage, and buckle up, fam, it's a ride!
24 Mar 2021
"California's What?" S1E6: The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest with retired Ranger Lauren Hollen
Did you know the oldest living non-clonal organism on Earth sits on the top of a remote California mountain range? Now you do- and if you listen to Episode 6 (that's this one) you will learn even more about this majestic tree and the otherworldly landscape it calls home, all from none other than former Park Ranger Lauren Hollen! It's a treat, a hoot, and an all round fascinating time. Guaranteed!
10 Mar 2021
"California's What?" S1E5: The Bakersfield Sound with Jimmy Phillips
Episode 5 features a fun & fascinating interview with foundational drummer of the Bakersfield Sound, Mr. Jimmy Phillips. Jim played with such greats as Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, and Red Simpson, recording for years as a session man at Capitol Records and touring around California in some of the state's earliest rock bands. Born in a "Government Camp" to Oklahoman parents who migrated to the Bakersfield area during the Depression, Jim has been playing shows since the 1950s- and he's still going! He's got stories for days, and his side career as the area's most beloved barber (hence his nickname "Jim the Barber"), is just as impressive! How many people do you know played for Buck Owens AND cut his hair? Learn about Jim, the unique musical tradition of The Bakersfield Sound, and some of Bakersfield's most delightful gems- notably, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, where you can experience the Sound, and some very tasty onion rings.
24 Feb 2021
"California's What?" S1E4: California Wine & Agriculture
Episode 4 is all about wine and agriculture- we can't survive without one, and growing food is nice, too. Special guest Aly Pulford, agribusiness maven, viticultural guru and my childhood best friend, regales us with facts and stories about California's wines, wine-making regions, more useful crops, and little a bit about mealy bugs (sorry not sorry). Grab a glass of pet nat (if you don't know what that is, you will), buckle up, simmer down, and enjoy a taste of California's.... What?
10 Feb 2021
"California's What?" S1E3: The Gold Country feat. Joe Bourdet
Explore California's Gold Country with musician Joe Bourdet! Learn about historic Nevada City, the Yuba river, gold mining, social media exploration etiquette, and the gorgeous pastoral folk rock of singer songwriter Joe Bourdet! Features three tracks from his upcoming album Meadow Rock. Buckle up, fam, it's a beautiful ride!
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