I recently discovered a right-up-my-alley podcast called “I Love You, California”. The host, William Hoffknecht, travels to far-flung places and tells about the people and places that make California unique. At time of writing there are 30 episodes which include both well-known people like John Muir and Sir Francis Drake and the more obscure Mokelumne City and the Pulgas Water Temple (a local site).

we bring you into the beauty, history, and weirdness of the state of California. … Through my travels for work, pleasure, and photography I have visited many of the most famous locations as well as the weird little nooks and crannies in attempts to feel closer to my home.

from the show description on Stitcher

The bite-sized episodes usually cover a single place, event or person and deliver the historical context as well as reflections on the (lasting) cultural impact.

I find the episodes to be a great, quick way to be transported to another place – particularly valuable these days as I’m at home so much due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quite appropriately the show opens and closes with song clips from the regional anthem (and official state song) of the same name: