LEGOLAND California, Pacific Crest Trail, Bay Area Boutiques

When you think of your dream job, does it involve playing with LEGO bricks? It certainly does for P.J. Catalano, who joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this week's episode. In it, Catalano describes his working life as a Master Builder at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. From constructing North America’s tallest LEGO tower to trading minifigures with guests, it's fair to say that his job is pretty unique.

Johnson is next joined by Mark Larabee, who knows the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail like the back of his hand. He's the Associate Director of the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the author of The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail. Larabee shares a few tips for finding hidden gems along the iconic trail that runs down the Golden State’s spine.

And finally, Johnson talks shop—literally—with lifestyle blogger Erica Chan Coffman. From quirky horticulture shops to cushion stores to shoe wonderlands, the HonestlyWTF creator takes Johnson to her favorite spots in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, and beyond.

Guests

• P.J. Catalano, Master LEGO Builder at LEGOLAND California
• Mark Larabee, Associate Director of the Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Erica Chan Coffman, blogger and creator of HonestlyWTF

Resources

Master Builder P.J. Catalano shares some of his favorite spots at LEGOLAND California.

• Miniland USA
• LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure
• LEGO Movie World
• Minifigure Trading

The Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mark Larabee talks about must-sees along the almost 3,000-mile trek.

• Pacific Crest Trail
• The Pacific Crest Trail, Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail
• Wild
• Ansel Adams Wilderness
• Kearsarge Pass
• Trinity Alps Wilderness

Lifestyle blogger Erica Chan Coffman of highlights the Bay Area's must-visit boutiques.

• Honestly WTF
• Bryr
• Freda Salvador
• Metier
• Temescal Alleys
• Esqueleto
• Dopp
• The Vintage Rug Shop
• Crimson Horticulture Rarities
• Tail of the Yak
• Prevalent Projects
• Marin Country Mart
• Well Made Home
• Ojai Visitors
• deKor & Co.
• Summer Camp
• In the Field
• Ojai Valley Inn and Spa

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis, Calif., in 2016 and is just getting to know his surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.