Season Two begins in Denver, Colorado—the capital city where Erin was born and the place she still calls home. From the gold rush and the Mile High Capitol to explosive growth, changing neighborhoods, and the mountains that continue to draw people west, this episode explores the Colorado dream—and what happens when everyone wants a piece of it.
Taking a quick pit stop between seasons for a little Q&A! 🚗 We’re talking solo travel, road-trip snacks, state capitols, my very strong opinions on full albums, why Ike has basically become a member of the family, and a few lessons I’ve picked up somewhere along the way. Nothing too serious—just a fun 24 minutes from the road before we jump into Season 2.
In this season finale of 50 States in the Rearview, I leave Ike behind and trade the open road for the open ocean as we head to Juneau, Alaska—the only state capital on the North American mainland that cannot be reached by road. Along the way, we explore the Inside Passage, the understated Alaska State Capitol, Juneau’s gold-mining roots, and the complicated history behind Seward’s Folly. We travel to Sitka, once the capital of Russian America, and look at the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions that shaped Southeast Alaska long before Russia or the United States arrived. From monumental cedar poles and canoe routes to Denali, earthquakes, salmon runs, and the limits of modern technology, Alaska keeps returning to the same lesson: people may build the roads, write the laws, and draw the maps—but here, the land still sets the terms. Grab a Diet Coke, head for the water, and join me for one final trip in season one.
In this special episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I leave the state capitols behind and head to Abilene, Kansas—the hometown of America’s 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Walking through his presidential library and museum, we trace the remarkable journey of a small-town boy who never planned to become a five-star general or president, but who met every opportunity with humility, preparation, and quiet determination. From West Point and World War II to D-Day, the Interstate Highway System, NASA, and the Civil Rights Movement, we explore how one man’s character shaped the course of history. Grab a Diet Coke and join us as we discover why, sometimes, the greatest leaders aren’t the ones who seek greatness—they’re the ones who simply answer the next call to serve.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I roll into Cheyenne, Wyoming—a place shaped by relentless wind, wide-open land, cowboy culture, and the constant reminder that nature is still in charge. We explore the sandstone State Capitol, Wyoming’s identity as both the Cowboy State and the Equality State, and the people who helped shape its complicated Western story, from Chief Washakie and Esther Hobart Morris to Nellie Tayloe Ross. Along the way, I revisit childhood memories of Cheyenne Frontier Days, pancake breakfasts, rodeo nights, and the country music that helped plant the West in my imagination. Grab a Diet Coke, hold onto your hat, and join us as we discover why Wyoming’s real strength is not controlling the land—but learning how to move with it.
11: New Hampshire – Granite, Grit, and Going First
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Erin and Ike head to Concord, New Hampshire — a capital city where independence is more than a motto. From the charm of Main Street and the restored clock at Eagle Square to the granite State House known as “the People’s House,” this episode explores how New Hampshire’s famous “Live Free or Die” spirit shows up in its history, landscapes, and people. Along the way, we meet figures like Franklin Pierce, John Stark, Daniel Webster, John Parker Hale, Christa McAuliffe, and Alan Shepard — each one showing a different side of a state built on self-reliance, responsibility, and the courage to go first.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I roll into Raleigh, North Carolina, expecting to find another state capitol—but discovering a city whose story stretches far beyond the halls of government. We explore the understated beauty of the historic Capitol, uncover the origins of the Tar Heel State, and walk through a downtown where museums, universities, and public spaces tell the story of a state built on education, innovation, and community.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I roll into Jefferson City, Missouri—a capital built not from growth, but by design. From barbecue rivalries and baseball pride to the deep currents of the Missouri River, we explore a state that doesn’t agree with itself—and somehow thrives because of it. We trace Missouri’s role as the gateway to the West, its place at the center of America’s toughest conversations, and the quiet strength behind a simple phrase: “Be just and fear not.” Grab a Diet Coke, hit the road, and join us to discover how a patchwork of identities doesn’t fall apart—it holds.
No capital this time—just a detour to a rain-soaked log fort at the very edge of the continent. Erin heads to Fort Clatsop to trace where the Pacific Northwest became American, sharing stories of true survival, absolute tolerance, and the incredible bond of a crew stuck in a 50-by-50 wet wooden box. It’s a look at a legendary turnaround point that reminds us that while the destination is what gets you moving, it’s the journey—and the people in your corner—that matters.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I roll into the Evergreen State to explore Olympia, Washington. Trading the coastal mist for a walking tour of a magnificent 54-acre park campus, we dive into the state’s rich history—from the sustainable economies of indigenous nations to the fierce self-reliance of free African American pioneer George Bush. We explore a city where the monumental Capitol dome isn’t a sterile seat of government, but an approachable monument completely woven into a flowing sanctuary designed by the visionaries behind Central Park. We’ll discover how a massive system of water powers everything from vital salmon runs to data-hungry tech titans, all while sitting right on top of an active tectonic grid. Grab a Diet Coke, leave the bustle behind, and join us to find out how the innovative, nature-reverent spirit of the people anchors a cutting-edge future in a deeply rooted past.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I roll into America’s Dairyland to explore Madison, Wisconsin. Ditching the truck for a walking tour of the unique, lake-bound isthmus, we dive into the rough-and-tumble history of the “Badger State” miners to trailblazing civil rights icons. We explore a city where the massive Capitol dome isn’t just a seat of government—it’s completely woven into the everyday community. Grab a Culver’s burger or some local ice cream, and join us to find out how the fierce, educated, and progressive spirit of the people keeps this totally alive city moving forward.
In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, we head to West Virginia and explore the story behind Charleston’s gold-domed capitol. Often reduced to stereotypes, West Virginia reveals itself as something far deeper—a place built on independence, resilience, and quiet pride. From its unlikely birth during the Civil War to the coal miners and communities that helped power America, this episode uncovers the truth behind one of the country’s most misunderstood states.
Most people come to Nashville for the music, the neon lights, and nights that don’t end until sunrise. But just a few blocks away, sitting high above it all, is something most visitors never even notice—the Tennessee State Capitol. In this episode of Fifty States in the Rearview, Erin explores the surprising contrast between Nashville’s vibrant, welcoming culture and a capitol building that feels anything but accessible. From its roots as the “Athens of the South” to the complicated legacy of presidents like Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson, this stop reveals a different side of Music City. It’s a story about power and people, history and identity—and how sometimes the real heart of a place isn’t found where decisions are made, but where life is actually lived.
No capital this time—just one of the most incredible places in America. Erin heads to the Grand Canyon for a few days off the grid, sharing stories from the trails, the people met along the way, and what it’s like to experience a place that doesn’t exactly want you there—but changes you anyway.
In Episode 4, Erin and Ike head into the heart of the Sonoran Desert to see if they can survive the “Valley of the Sun”. Phoenix isn’t like the older, greener capitals of the East; it’s a sprawling metropolis engineered to defy the desert.
From the “hostile” heat of the open road to the surprisingly modest State Capitol, Erin explores a city that values the future more than the past. But amidst the modern tech giants and the endless grid, she finds a deep, emotional core at the Capitol Mall—honoring the unbreakable code of the Navajo Nation and the enduring memory of the USS Arizona.
Is Phoenix a welcoming oasis or a land that forces you to adapt or leave? Erin shares her “hot take” on why this capital feels more like a test than a home—and why she’s already looking toward the horizon.
In Episode 3 of 50 States in the Rearview, we head deep into the heart of Louisiana—where the air is thick, the culture runs deeper than the Mississippi, and Baton Rouge tells a story you can’t ignore. From French colonization and the rise of Cajun culture to the towering legacy of Huey P. Long, this episode explores how a place shaped by water, exile, and resilience became one of the most unique corners of America. Along the way, we walk the grounds of Louisiana’s striking capitol, uncover the meaning behind “Red Stick,” and discover why this state refuses to be defined—or controlled. Love it or hate it, Louisiana leaves its mark. And once you feel it, you don’t just pass through… you carry it with you.
Dover, Delaware might be easy to overlook—but it was the first to shape a nation. In this episode of 50 States in the Rearview, we explore the quiet capital of the First State, where colonial streets, historic greens, and everyday life all intersect. From the legendary overnight ride of Caesar Rodney to the moment Delaware became the first to ratify the Constitution, this is a story about more than history—it’s about identity. Because here, the past isn’t preserved behind glass—it’s still part of the present. And from its earliest days to the way it operates today, Delaware has built a legacy on one simple idea: when the moment comes, don’t wait—decide.
The road stretches across the Kansas prairie, where endless sky meets a quiet city with a powerful past. In this first episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Erin and her trusty truck Ike roll into Topeka to explore the Kansas State Capitol and the stories that shaped the Sunflower State. From the prairie women who helped build frontier communities to the violent clashes of “Bleeding Kansas,” and from Abraham Lincoln’s connection to the territory to the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, Kansas has stood at the crossroads of American history more than once. Along the way, we’ll reflect on life on the prairie, the quiet resilience of small towns, and why some people still choose to build their lives under the biggest skies in America. Because here in Kansas, the motto says it all: Ad Astra Per Aspera — To the stars through adversity. So climb in, buckle up, and take the long way with us.
Meet Erin and her Ford F-150, Ike, as they kick off a journey through the heart of the American story. > 50 States in the Rearview isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about the transformation that happens between the mile markers. From the “stone history” of our state capitols to the comfort of a Diet Coke and a familiar hotel chain, this episode sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to grounded curiosity and solo-travel empowerment. Throw it in drive—we’ve got some history to uncover.
