What is California?

The 25-year-old Berkeley city councilmember talks about the infamous recent lawsuit against UC Berkeley and why the city captivates the imagination of California—and the world.

The writer of the "Essential California" newsletter at the LA Times talks about bringing untold stories, fresh perspectives, and crucial representation to his audience across the state.

The founder of Eat Cho Food drops by to talk about discovering herself in California and the influential Chinese bakeries at the heart of her new book "Mooncakes & Milk Bread."

The "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" writer, "Keep It" podcaster and viral "Jeopardy!" sensation drops by to talk about how California makes the perfect place to practice his unusual (and hilarious) skill set.

The creator of the "Desert Oracle" magazine and radio show talks about the magic, myth and mystique of the Mojave, and what the raw, wild beauty of the desert reveals about the contrasts within California.

One of California's top rural county leaders talks about what actually defines a "rural" county, the pending recall of s Shasta County supervisor, and her 4,800-year-old favorite Californian.

Baratunde Thurston joins the show to discuss his diverse resume of podcasting, writing, comedy, and the 10th anniversary of his memoir/satirical social critique "How to Be Black."

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain on extreme weather, the future of snow, and what the present tells us about the future of climate in California.

Dr. Monica Gandhi of UCSF talks about the challenges of being in the COVID spotlight, why your anger might be grief, and why she's considering leaving San Francisco after 25 years.

"What is California?" winds up its first season with its inaugural Year in Review roundtable, featuring special guests Gustavo Arellano of the LA Times, Serena Dai of the SF Chronicle, and Emily Hoeven of CalMatters.