Bi-weekly podcast
A Local’s Guide to Orange County
55min
2 days ago
Discover Orange County’s hidden treasures, from forgotten landmarks to top-notch shopping spots, through the eyes of three locals
A Local’s Guide to Orange County
On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson learns about Orange County’s wide range of travel offerings from three locals.
First, Johnson engages with Chris Epting, a seasoned travel writer and historian known for his extensive works on Orange County. Epting sheds light on a few lesser-known attractions, from live oak forests to the county’s only grove of redwoods, each with intriguing histories. Epting also shares insights on local beach culture and the charming towns that dot the coast. “Every beach city here has such a different personality... Each one of them is really worth a visit," he explains. Epting also shares his favorite eateries, as well as a few quirky attractions from the past—including the tale of a fake ski mountain.
Next up, Johnson talks with Chelsea Raineri, style and home editor at Orange Coast Magazine and the host of its podcast, The Zest. Raineri discusses Orange County’s standing as a premier shopping and fashion destination, highlighting everything from luxury shopping malls to local boutiques. She raves about South Coast Plaza as a world-renowned shopping destination: “They have more than a dozen West Coast–exclusive boutiques. It's incredible,” she remarks. Raineri also explores alternative shopping experiences, from bargain hunts to vintage finds, and shares her personal favorite shopping spots in the area.
Lastly, Johnson chats with Leslie Liao, an up-and-coming stand-up comedian with Orange County roots. Liao shares her unique journey from corporate life to comedy, influenced by her upbringing in an Asian household amid local skater and surfer culture. She recommends comedy show venues and secret pop-ups for catching a show, and expresses her love for performing in her hometown: “I love an O.C. crowd. They are there to laugh and drink and smile, and I couldn't love them more,” she enthuses. Liao wraps up by sharing her go-to restaurants in the area.
GUESTS
Chris Epting, travel writer, historian, and author of Lost Landmarks of Orange County
Chelsea Raineri, style and home editor at Orange Coast Magazine
Leslie Liao, stand-up comedian
RESOURCES
Chris Epting is a travel writer, historian, and author of Lost Landmarks of Orange County, where he shares legendary locations that once spanned the region.
Mario’s Mexican Food & Cantina
La Capilla Mexican Family Restaurant
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
The Newport Harbor Buffalo Ranch Statue
The Original Hass Avocado Tree
Chelsea Raineri is the style and home editor at Orange Coast Magazine and the host of their podcast, The Zest.
Vision Electric Boat Rental at Lido Marina Village
The Salt Horse Farmer’s Market
Leslie Liao is an Orange County native and stand-up comedian who has appeared on The Tonight Show and the Netflix comedy series, Verified Stand-Up.
ABOUT THE HOST
Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.
OUR TEAM
Host, Soterios Johnson
Editorial Director, John Godfrey
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos
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