United Tastes of America

iHeartPodcasts
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Food
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UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA Welcome to iHeart’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart’s comprehensive celebration of America’s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 . For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America. These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents. These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe. iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America. For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish. We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips. These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart’s You Tube page. Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States. It’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 40: Indian Tacos, Chili Dipped Cinnamon Rolls and German Pastries in South Dakota

    This episode of United Taste of America explores South Dakota's history, economy, and regional foods, shaped by Native, German, Czech, Scandinavian, and ranching traditions. Along the way, we visit the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore and pair the journey with a South Dakota-themed playlist.Host Rick K. Jones covers the state's settlement, Native American history, agriculture, and cattle culture—with a tasty tour of signature dishes like Indian tacos, chislek, and German pastries. Key topics South Dakota's cattle and ranching heritage—and how rail lines helped connect the industry to Omaha. The Black Hills and Badlands, central to the state's history and tourism. Native American history, including the Sioux and the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the influence of Indigenous food traditions. The Black Hills gold rush, Deadwood, Wild Bill Hickok, and the region's frontier legacy. Tourism favorites including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, camping, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and dude ranches. South Dakota food traditions: lefse, bierocks, kuchen, kolaches, and chili-dusted cinnamon rolls. Regional specialties including Indian fry bread and Indian tacos, chislek, pheasant, and walleye. Restaurants to know: Meridian Corner in Freeman, Alpine Inn in Hill City, and Grey Goose Store and Social Club in Pierre. A playlist featuring South Dakota-connected songs and artists, including Dwight Yoakam, the Bee Gees, Shawn Colvin, Myron Floren, and Bob Dylan. Timestamps (00:00) South Dakota vs. North Dakota: cattle, towns, and railroads (01:38) Tourism, the Badlands, and the state's early appeal to European visitors (02:09) Gold in the Black Hills and the road to statehood (02:37) Wounded Knee, Deadwood, and South Dakota's frontier legacy (03:28) Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and modern tourism (04:24) South Dakota songs and the episode playlist (05:14) Immigrant dishes: lefse, bierocks, kuchen, and kolaches (06:13) Chili cinnamon rolls, pheasant, walleye, and chislek (07:41) Native food traditions and the history behind Indian fry bread (08:39) How to make an Indian taco (09:08) Cheyenne Crossing and the Cheyenne-to-Deadwood stagecoach route (10:35) Fire, restoration, and recognition as Restaurant of the Year (11:41) Meridian Corner in Freeman and its lamb chislek (12:07) Alpine Inn in Hill City and German heritage cooking (13:03) Grey Goose Store and Social Club in Pierre and prime rib

  2. Oct 7

    Episode 39: North Dakota

    Check Out Our North Dakota Playlist: HERE Rick K. Jones explores North Dakota's story—from Native communities and French fur traders to homesteading, railroads, and statehood—through the people, landscapes, and foods that shaped the state. Discover how German-Russian and Scandinavian settlers influenced North Dakota's food traditions. The episode serves up a tempting tour of lefse, kuchen, Norwegian krumkake, hot dish, cheese buttons, walleye, Juneberry and strawberry-rhubarb pies, and chippers—chocolate-covered potato chips. Rick also shares where to try local favorites, from scratch-made lefse in Fargo to bison dishes in Bismarck and Medora.

  3. Sep 30

    Episode 38: Rocky Mountain Oysters, Denver Omelets and Coors Beer in Colorado

    Listen to Our Colorado Playlist: Here Explore Colorado's geography, history, music, and food with Rick K. Jones. From the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountains, this episode traces the forces that shaped the state—from Native American history and the mining boom to ski culture and Colorado's evolving identity. Then it's time to eat. Rick highlights Palisade peaches, sweet corn, Pueblo chiles, the Denver omelet, Coors beer, and the storied Buckhorn Exchange—including the dish that may make some listeners squirm: Rocky Mountain oysters. Along the way, he shares personal stories and recommendations for memorable Colorado stops.

  4. Sep 23

    Episode 37: Runza, Ruebens and BIG ole Steaks in Nebraska

    Check Out Our Playlist Inspired by: NEBRASKA Nebraska is known for Runza, Ruebens and Big Ole Steaks. Not to mention Cinnamon Rolls, Raisin Pie and for being the birthplace of Kool-aid but there's more to this state than meets the eye. Join Rick K. Jones as he takes a trip to Nebraska to discover the 37th state's fascinating history and most iconic bites.

  5. Sep 16

    Episode 36: Prime Rib, Onion Rings and Celebrity Chefs in Nevada

    Check Out Our Nevada Playlist: HERE It's been said that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, Rick K. Jones is going to break that sacred rule to share some of the most delicious must try places in our 36th state: Nevada. Rick takes us on an exciting journey through Nevada's history and explains why you find onion rings, hot dogs and of course..BEEF just about every where you go. As always, rock out to our Nevada themed playlist and stay tuned for "Three From Me". Buckle up because we're heading out to the Wild Wild West on United tastes of America.

  6. Sep 9

    Episode 35: West Virginia : Coal, Country Roads, and the Pepperoni Roll

    West Virginia Playlist In this episode, Rick K. Jones explores West Virginia's history, culture, food, and music, showing how the state's Appalachian roots shaped everything from coal mining to country cuisine. He connects the Scotch-Irish settlement of the region to its independence, its musical traditions, and its iconic dishes. We discuss why West Virginia became its own state, how coal and railroads transformed the economy, and why the pepperoni roll became the state's signature food. The episode also highlights favorite West Virginia destinations, from mountain resorts to classic Italian restaurants.

  7. Sep 2

    Episode 34: Kansas

    Check Out Our Playlist Inspired by: KANSAS  Join Rick K. Jones as he explores the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Kansas, from Native American roots to modern aviation and iconic foods like fried chicken and Kansas City Style barbecue. Stay tuned for Rick's "Three From Me" to discover some incredible spots to try next time you find yourself somewhere over the rainbow in Kansas.

  8. Aug 26

    Episode 33: Oregon

    Today's Playlist All About Oregon: Listen On today's episode Rick K. Jones takes us through Oregon's place in America's culinary history, connecting the state's landscape, settlement history, and immigrant influence to its food culture. Rick highlights some of Oregon's signature seafood, iconic restaurants and world-class wine that can be found all across the state.. From Dungeness crab mac and cheese to hazelnuts, berries, and Pinot Noir tune in to discover the most delectable side of Oregon.

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About

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA Welcome to iHeart’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart’s comprehensive celebration of America’s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 . For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America. These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents. These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe. iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America. For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish. We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips. These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart’s You Tube page. Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States. It’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    United Tastes of America