Phil Rosenthal: Live in California

03/16/20 • 29 min

Phil Rosenthal established himself as a Hollywood player in the mid-1990s when he created the iconic sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. But these days Rosenthal is perhaps best known as the host of Somebody Feed Phil, a Netflix travel show that chronicles his journeys — and dining experiences — around the globe.

In a wide-ranging interview, Rosenthal took California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson behind the scenes of his show, reflecting on his strong belief in the power of travel and the disarming aspect of his everyman persona: “I'm exactly like Anthony Bourdain,” Rosenthal quipped, “if he was afraid of everything.”

Rosenthal dished on an upcoming episode that showcases culinary experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a whirlwind tour through Thomas Keller’s culinary empire in Yountville. Rosenthal also shared some of his favorite haunts in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles, noting that his far-flung travels have inspired him to think of local spots in a totally different way.

Previous Episode

The Pacific Ocean and California Coast

Given its 840 miles of beautiful coastline, California's relationship with the Pacific Ocean is deep and abiding. And if you ask SeaWorld San Diego's Jody Westberg, getting up close and personal with California's sea-dwelling inhabitants is a great way to understand and appreciate the connection between land and sea. In this episode of the California Now Podcast, Westberg—who has helped rescue thousands of wild marine animals over the years—talks with host Soterios Johnson about conservation efforts along the coast.

Johnson also chats with Lauren Bergloff, a tour guide at the oceanfront Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Terranea offers a wide variety of nature experiences along the shore, and Bergloff describes the benefits of tidepooling, kayaking, or simply walking on a trail that hugs the coast.

The episode concludes with an interview with Allison Soergel, a conservation expert with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, who shares insights about this venerable institution’s ongoing research into marine life and habitats along the Central Coast. Soergel also underscores why Aquarium staffers are so eager to have conversations about conservation with visitors.

Next Episode

California's Wide-Open Spaces

Do you dream about spelunking your way through a prehistoric cave? Is glamping under the stars more your style? Whatever your outdoor pleasure, you're sure to find it in California.

And no matter how you choose to commune with nature, exploring by RV is a great way to go, according to Dyana Kelley, who heads up the CampCalNOW RV Park & Campground Alliance. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, she provides host Soterios Johnson with insider information about the state’s many campgrounds and RV parks, sharing a few favorites and providing listeners with essential tips.

Next, Johnson talks to Pinnacles National Park Ranger Chris Symons, who discusses his favorite spots in the state's newest national park (minted in 2013). The diverse landscape of the park, he says, makes for some exciting hikes, breathtaking stargazing, and possibly a glimpse of the rare California condor.

Also on this episode, Johnson talks to Matthew Doyle, who runs tours at Lake Shasta Caverns National Landmark. Formed by flowing water about 200 million years ago, this unique network of caves and caverns is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. From hulking stalactites and stalagmites to the glistening majesty of Shasta Lake, the views are unforgettable.