California's What

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.

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?

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!

Episode 2 features the rest of my interview with native Santa Claritans Cody & Keegan, as well as my Hot Tips on what to see, do, and eat in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The premiere episode of California's What features an introduction to the show and part one of a two part interview with native Santa Claritans (*not* Claritians- we asked!) all about the underrated Southern California region of Santa Clarita.