California's What

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!