Exploring Palm Springs

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson chats with three noteworthy guests and learns what makes Palm Springs such an inspiring destination.

To start, Johnson speaks with Dani Dazey, designer and star of the Discovery+ and HBO Max TV series Trixie Motel. The two discuss behind-the-scenes details from the show, including what it was like working with famed drag queen Trixie Mattel and her celebrity pals. The designer also shares recommendations for the perfect Palm Springs weekend. 

Next, Johnson gets a taste of old-school Palm Springs with Mikael Healey, musical director at Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn. The longtime desert local shares how the city and hotel became a refuge for celebrities like Greta Garbo and Salvador Dalí. Healey also takes listeners back to the Rat Pack era with two improvised piano medleys.

Finally, Johnson chats with Greg Purdy, a longtime staffer with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. From stargazing and hiking to formal dances and fine dining, Purdy and Johnson discuss the incredible activities that await at the top of Mount San Jacinto. Purdy also talks about the remarkable process of building the tramway, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023.

GUESTS

Dani Dazey, interior designer and star of Trixie Motel

Mikael Healey, musical director at Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn

Greg Purdy, vice president of marketing and public affairs for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

RESOURCES

Dani Dazey is the interior designer and star of Trixie Motel on Discovery+.

Palm Springs

Trixie Motel

Trixie Motel (TV show)

Modernism Week

Parker Palm Springs

Norma’s

Saguaro Palm Springs

The Rowan

High Bar

Palm Springs Art Museum

Tahquitz Canyon Trail

Boozehounds

Birba

Cheeky's

Workshop Kitchen & Bar

Caliente Tropics Resort

The Reef

Bootlegger Tiki

Tonga Hut

Ernest Coffee

Koffi

Café La Jefa

Uptown Design District

Re[x]

Sunny Dunes Antique Mall

Desert X

Mikael Healey is a master pianist and the musical director at Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn.

Melvyn’s Restaurant

Ingleside Inn

Mikael Healey Music

Greg Purdy is the vice president of marketing and public affairs for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Mount San Jacinto State Park

Coachella Valley

Salton Sea

Pines Café

Lookout Lounge

Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association

Tram Road Challenge

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 in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.