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Actor, comedian, and proud Californian Josh Meyers has been hitting the road (and the mic) as the new host of the California Now podcast — and what better way to celebrate than with Visit California at Wheelhouse in West Hollywood — one of LA’s most storied properties (formerly Bette Davis’ party villa).

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA: (L-R) Rembrandt Flores, host Josh Meyers, and Tyler Posey celebrate the “California Now” podcast with Visit California at Wheelhouse on Thursday, January 15th , 2026. Photo Credit: Jennifer Johnson

The intimate celebration brought together a crowd of travel insiders, creatives, and media tastemakers for an evening that felt equal parts Hollywood throwback and modern California cool. With its old-Hollywood backstory, lush courtyard, and legacy as a gathering place for bold personalities and glam soirees, Wheelhouse set the scene for a podcast rooted in storytelling, discovery, and a deep love of place.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA: Marcel Vigneron celebrates the “California Now” podcast with Visit California at Wheelhouse on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photo Credit: Jennifer Johnson

Meyers took the floor to share his excitement about stepping into the host role, speaking candidly about his decades-long relationship with California and his enthusiasm for exploring more of the state through the podcast.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA: “California Now” podcast host Josh Meyers and wife McKenzie Meyers celebrates with Visit California at Wheelhouse on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photo Credit: Jennifer Johnson

“Josh’s charisma, humor and genuine love of California make him a natural storyteller and the perfect host to carry the podcast into its next chapter,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “His energy and perspective will spark curiosity and inspire travelers to discover the Golden State in new and exciting ways.”

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA: (L-R) Marisa Hebert, Lauren Goldenberg, and Derek Warburton celebrate the “California Now” podcast with Visit California at Wheelhouse on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

This season, Meyers will swap stories with Michelin-starred chefs, trade laughs with celebrities, and dive deep with cultural tastemakers and local experts — all while spotlighting the places, people, and quirks that make California endlessly compelling. Expect insider tips, unexpected detours, and plenty of playful banter as Meyers explores both iconic destinations and under-the-radar gems.

The new season comes with some notable upgrades. For the first time, California Now will be available to watch on YouTube, giving fans a visual front-row seat to the conversations. Even better, three “On Location” episodes will take listeners (and viewers) out of the studio and into the wild — with episodes filmed along historic Route 66, at Mammoth Mountain, and in destinations preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA: Angelique Cabral celebrates the “California Now” podcast with Visit California at Wheelhouse on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photo Credit: Jennifer Johnson

Listeners can catch up and tune in to new episodes, including:

• California Myths, Legends & Lore (Oct. 21, 2025)
• San Francisco Peninsula (Nov. 11, 2025)
• Route 66 Centennial (Dec. 2, 2025)
• How to See Live Shows (Jan. 27, 2026)
• Will Forte (Feb. 17, 2026)
• Mammoth Mountain (March 10, 2026)
• 2026 FIFA World Cup (April 21, 2026)
• Comic-Con with Kevin Smith (June 16, 2026)

ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA

Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor’s Guide, go to visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.