Join Javier Servin, AKA Foo Howser™, as he explores the history, food, places, and people that shape California — from roadside attractions and iconic architecture to hidden gems and the unforgettable stories that define the Golden State.
Hidden Gems, Huell Howser, & the Best Sandwich in L.A.: A Conversation with Chase Wilson of ChasingLA
🎙️ In this episode of the Foo Howser™ Podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite content creators, Chase Wilson, the mind behind ChasingLA, where he mixes Los Angeles history with sharp, dry humor and a love for the city’s hidden gems.
We talk about his journey into content creation, how he decides which landmarks and neighborhood spots to cover, and the research process that goes into his work. From Union Station, Chicken Boy, and Forest Lawn to local favorites like Patra’s Burgers, the Monte Carlo Deli, and Pat & Lorraine’s, Chase has built a library of videos that highlight both the iconic and the lesser known spots of L.A.
We also dive into Huell Howser’s influence, his personal favorite episode, and why the legendary Langer’s #19 is the best sandwich in L.A. and might just be the best sandwich in the world.
You can find Chase here:
www.tiktok.com/@chasingla (http://www.tiktok.com/@chasingla)
https://www.instagram.com/chasingla213 (https://www.instagram.com/chasingla213)
https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingLosAngeles (https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingLosAngeles)
🔗 More California history content: FooHowser.com (FooHowser.com)
7 Jul 2025
Big Do-Nut Drive-In, Programmatic Architecture, & L.A. Noir: A Conversation with Historian and Author Don Solosan
Host Foo Howser interviews historian and author Don Solosan about Los Angeles history, programmatic architecture, and his noir novel, revealing the city's hidden stories and architectural gems.
4 Jul 2025
Welcome to Foo Howser™ (Formerly Californiography)
Host Foo Howser introduces the podcast's new name and direction, focusing on California's history, food, and culture, promising listeners continued exploration of the Golden State.
25 Jul 2023
Interview with Eric Craig from The South LA Recap
Host Foo Howser interviews Eric Craig of The South LA Recap, who shares his background and a one-day South L.A. itinerary for foodies and history buffs.
11 Jul 2023
Duelin' Dips: The History of the French Dip Sandwich
Foo Howser explores the competing origin stories of the French dip sandwich from two Los Angeles restaurants, examining historical evidence to determine the most credible claim.
26 Jun 2023
Interview with Bobby Ruiz of My Whittier
Social media expert Bobby Ruiz discusses his platform My Whittier and shares his local perspective on Whittier, CA, in an interview with host Foo Howser.
20 May 2023
"Harpin' Boont:" The Secret Language of Boonville, California
Foo Howser explores the origins and evolution of "Boontling," the unique secret language developed in Boonville, California, revealing its cultural significance and colorful vocabulary.
5 May 2023
Menagerie Madness: The Animal Farms of the Southland
Foo Howser explores the history of popular early 20th-century animal farms in the Southland, highlighting Gay’s Lion Farm, Cawston Ostrich Farm, California Alligator Farm, and Monkey Island.
18 Mar 2023
Los Chorizeros of East L.A. and the Importance of Baseball in Mexican American Communities
Foo Howser explores the cultural significance of Los Chorizeros and baseball's crucial role within Mexican American communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
24 Feb 2023
Programmatic Architecture or What Do a Tamale, Windmill, Chili Bowl, and Dinosaurs Have in Common?
Foo Howser explores programmatic architecture, connecting diverse structures like tamales and windmills to reveal the history behind these iconic buildings.
16 Feb 2023
The History of Founders Memorial Park
Foo Howser explores the intriguing history of Whittier's Founders Memorial Park, built on the grounds of two cemeteries where the bodies still remain.
8 Feb 2023
The History of the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe
The podcast episode explores the rich history of the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe in Montebello, revealing its connections to significant historical events and figures in Southern California.
3 Feb 2023
What is Californiography and Who is Foo Howser?
Host Javier "Foo Howser" introduces the Californiography podcast, explaining its meaning and focus.
Who has been a guest on Foo Howser
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Don Solosan
Eric Craig
Bobby Ruiz
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
360,812
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact Foo Howser
Guest appearances
Books guests
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