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Artwork for History of California Podcast

History of California Podcast

Jordan Mattox
California
Los Angeles
Gold Rush
Civil War
Leland Stanford
Transcontinental Railroad
Central Pacific Railroad
John Steinbeck
California History
Environmental History
Republican Party
Maynard Dixon
Great Depression
San Francisco International Airport
California and the Civil War
Nevada Museum Of Art
San Francisco
Port Of Los Angeles
To a God Unknown
Hollywood

The History of California Podcast is hosted by Jordan Mattox and explores the history of the state through narrative histories and in-depth conversations with experts. linktr.ee/historyofcapodcast

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for History of California Podcast

Latest Episodes

California had 1,000 wineries in 1910. By 1965, it had 225. The story of how the industry collapsed, came back, and quadrupled past 4,800 wineries today runs straight through one Piedmontese immigrant family — and Kevin Ferguson's.

In this episode, ... more

Historian Peter Richardson joins Jordan Mattox to discuss his new book, Brand New Beat: The Wild Rise of Rolling Stone Magazine, and to situate the magazine within the broader cultural and political history of the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Richards... more

California wine is often wrapped in romance—rolling vineyards, pioneering families, and world-class vintages. But beneath that familiar story lies a far more complex history of conquest, labor, race, and power. In this episode of the History of Calif... more

In this episode of the History of California Podcast, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Ann Carlson to explore the history and legacy of air pollution regulation in California, as told in her book Smog and Sunshine.

The conversation traces the trans... more

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Recent Guests

Kevin Ferguson
Writer on Substack about California wine; descendant of the Gemello winemaking family
Gemello Winery / Gemello Winery family archive
Episode: 180 - Kevin Ferguson, The Gemello Winery and A History of California Wine
Peter Richardson
Author of Brand New Beat: The Wild Rise of Rolling Stone Magazine
Author, Brand New Beat
Episode: 179 - Dr. Peter Richardson, Brand New Beat: The Wild Rise of Rolling Stone Magazine
Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon
Historian and author of The Grapes of Conquest
Historian/Author
Episode: 178 - Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon, The Grapes of Conquest: Race, Labor, and the Industrialization of California Wine
Ann Carlson
Professor of Environmental Law at UCLA School of Law; former NHTSA official
UCLA School of Law
Episode: 177 - Ann Carlson, Smog and Sunshine: The Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air
Jenny Chan
Founder of the Pacific Atrocities Education Program
Pacific Atrocities Education Program
Episode: 176 - Jenny Chan, Founder of the Pacific Atrocities Education Program
Dr. Monica Sandler
Film scholar focusing on the history of the Academy Awards and the film industry
Independent scholar, visiting lecturer
Episode: 175 - The History of the Academy Awards with Dr. Monica Sandler
John Boessenecker
Historian and author, a former police officer with expertise in 19th-century Western history.
Episode: 173 - John Boessenecker, Bring Me the Head of Joaquin Murrieta: The Bandit Chief Who Terrorized California and Launched the Legend of Zorro
Dr. Laureen Hom
An urban planner and scholar who authored 'The Power of Chinatown, Searching for Spatial Justice in Los Angeles'.
Author of The Power of Chinatown
Episode: 172 - Dr. Laureen Hom, The Power of Chinatown: Searching for Spatial Justice in Los Angeles
Dr. Michael Zeitler
Literary scholar, British literature specialist, deep Steinbeck reader
Former Monterey Bay Aquarium bookseller
Episode: 171 - Steinbeck Book Club: Tortilla Flat with Dr. Michael Zeitler

Host

Jordan Mattox
Host of History of California Podcast

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 156 ratings
  • Recording

    History of California Podcast is such an interesting and informative podcast. I appreciate Jordan leaving the “bloopers or retakes” when recording the intro. Thank you Jordan for your hardworking in bringing us history of California. My daughter is getting her masters degree in history, I like to think because of my love of history and researching history as a detectorist. Thank you Jordan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    suberdave
    United States3 months ago
  • I love this podcast

    I have been listening to this podcast for a few years and it is definitely one of my favorites. It is an excellent source of information about the history of California. My favorite part is the book recommendations at the end of each podcast- as an avid reader these are priceless.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I really hate this app 01
    United Statesa year ago
  • early podcasts disappeared

    I really enjoyed the podcast that I listened to (episode 1). When I try to find it again, i could not locate episode 2 — the earliest was episode 49. Is there a way to start at the beginning?

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    KBSPhred
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great Podcast!

    I’ve listened to this show for years. I haven’t found another podcast on California history that is anywhere near as good, interesting and accessible. So far as I can tell, he does not have an agenda (political, economic, social), he does not avoid controversial issues and problems, but he doesn’t seek them out either. Very interesting and a fun way to learn about California history.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CP DeWolf
    United States2 years ago
  • LA bias…and it’s annoying but great!

    Love the local history of CA! We have such a diverse state, inevitably, comparisons are natural but when a historian in recent interview is asked if LA is center of CA and supports it with LA and LB ports feed warm weather trains, has he not know about tunnels over Donner pass? Snow doesn’t stop northern traffic! I’d like to see more Northrn CA topics.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Localhistoryissexy
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality storytelling and archival detail
Well-researched, accessible histories with strong guest lineups
Listeners appreciate book recommendations and practical takeaways
Some critiques about occasional insertion of modern-day political views

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

180 - Kevin Ferguson, The Gemello Winery and A History of California Wine
Q: What led to the 2001 rematch and what did that resurgence mean for the Gemello story?
A journalist sought to address criticisms of the 1976 tasting; Gemello Cabernet was re-evaluated and emerged as a standout, highlighting long-term value and recognition for family-founded wines.
180 - Kevin Ferguson, The Gemello Winery and A History of California Wine
Q: How did Prohibition affect California winemaking knowledge and continuity in families like yours?
Prohibition caused a loss of viticulture expertise and disrupted generational handoffs, a challenge the Gemello family navigated as they rebuilt operations post-1933.
180 - Kevin Ferguson, The Gemello Winery and A History of California Wine
Q: Can you describe the Judgment of Paris and how it shifted perceptions about California wine?
The event showcased California's rise on a global stage, with Chateau Montelena and Stag's Leap delivering unexpected victories and reshaping prestige and pricing for California wines.
180 - Kevin Ferguson, The Gemello Winery and A History of California Wine
Q: So, Kevin, to start, are wineries better when they're a family business?
He suggests that family stories provide a strong narrative backbone, but notes that rising costs and succession dynamics increasingly complicate maintaining a family-run operation.
176 - Jenny Chan, Founder of the Pacific Atrocities Education Program
Q: What kind of impact have you seen on students and the public from your programs?
We've seen survivors share their experiences publicly through lectures and conferences, which helps with healing and awareness, and students have produced documentaries and projects that reveal underrepresented histories.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About History of California Podcast

What is History of California Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A history-focused show that blends narrative storytelling with expert interviews to illuminate California's past. Recent episodes map broad themes—from wine and the state's agricultural evolution to media histories, labor struggles, environmental policy, and Indigenous rights—through archival memories, scholarly insights, and personal narratives. A notable strength is the diverse roster of guests, including historians, librarians, authors, urban planners, and researchers, which helps unpack complex histories with depth and accessibility. Shorter, focused episodes make it easy for listeners to consume one-off histories or follow broader threads across series. Potential sponsors or guests may find value in the show's emphasis on California's ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to History of California Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with History of California Podcast:

1. Fresh Air
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. The Daily
4. All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
5. American History Tellers

How many episodes of History of California Podcast are there?

History of California Podcast launched 7 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on History of California Podcast?

Recent guests on History of California Podcast include:

1. Kevin Ferguson
2. Peter Richardson
3. Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon
4. Ann Carlson
5. Jenny Chan
6. Dr. Monica Sandler
7. John Boessenecker
8. Dr. Laureen Hom

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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