 |
California Now PodcastAuthor: Visit California
The California Now Podcast explores the people and places that make California a unique travel experience. Host Soterios Johnson, veteran radio journalist and former host of NPRs Morning Edition on WNYC in New York City, has recently moved to California and is using his journalism skills to learn every fascinating thing about his new home state. He interviews travel experts, chefs, local guides and many others on his journey of discovery. For more ideas on California travel, go to www.visitcalifornia.com Language: en Genres: Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Kristi Yamaguchi’s Golden State
Episode 122
Tuesday, 20 May, 2025
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with Olympic gold medalist, bestselling author, and Bay Area native Kristi Yamaguchi. The figure skating icon reflects on her childhood in Fremont, her first time on the ice at a Hayward mall, and her unforgettable 1992 World Championship win in Oakland. “It truly was a huge homecoming,” she says, recounting the joy of competing on local ice surrounded by family, friends, and longtime supporters. Yamaguchi also discusses her nonprofit, Always Dream, which promotes early childhood literacy through book donations, digital reading tools, and personalized coaching for underserved families. “Reading does truly unlock the ability to dream,” she shares. She also opens up about writing her bestselling children’s book Dream Big, Little Pig and the honor of being immortalized as a Barbie doll in Mattel’s Inspiring Women series. A proud Californian, Yamaguchi highlights some of her favorite local experiences, including hiking near Mount Diablo, catching a musical in San Francisco, and cheering on the San Jose Sharks. “Oracle Park, if you're a baseball fan—or even if you're not—you’ve got to go visit and you’ve got to watch some of those splash landings from the home runs,” she says. Finally, she recommends her favorite local rinks for skaters of all skill levels.
