50 States in the Rearview

Erin

50 States in the Rearview is a journey across America—one state capitol at a time. From the steps of each capitol building, host Erin explores what these places reveal about the states they represent: the history, the landscapes, the people, and the stories that shape them. Part travel, part reflection, and part road trip, this podcast looks at the country from a perspective most people pass by too quickly. It’s travel for people who care more about the road and the place than the reservation. Because sometimes you understand a place best once it’s in the rearview.

Episodes

  1. 08: Washington - The Capitol of Duality

    5d ago

    08: Washington - The Capitol of Duality

    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.

    25 min
  2. 07: Wisconsin - The Capitol without a Front Door

    Jun 2

    07: Wisconsin - The Capitol without a Front Door

    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

    30 min
  3. A Memorial Day Detour

    May 26

    A Memorial Day Detour

    Erin takes a moment to honor the meaning behind the holiday—and the lives that made everyday freedom possible.

    4 min
  4. 06: West Virginia - It Outsmarted the System

    May 19

    06: West Virginia - It Outsmarted the System

    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.

    30 min
  5. 05: Tennessee - Music City vs The Hill

    May 12

    05: Tennessee - Music City vs The Hill

    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.

    28 min
  6. DETOUR: The Grand Canyon

    May 5

    DETOUR: The Grand Canyon

    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.

    27 min
  7. 04: Arizona - The City That Shouldn’t Exist

    Apr 28

    04: Arizona - The City That Shouldn’t Exist

    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.

    26 min
  8. 03: Louisiana - French Roots in the Bayou

    Apr 21

    03: Louisiana - French Roots in the Bayou

    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.

    31 min
  9. 02: Delaware - The First to Say Yes

    Apr 14

    02: Delaware - The First to Say Yes

    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.

    34 min
  10. 01: Kansas - To the Stars Through Adversity

    Apr 7

    01: Kansas - To the Stars Through Adversity

    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.

    21 min
  11. The View in the Rearview

    Apr 7

    The View in the Rearview

    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.

    18 min

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    The Journey Begins: 50 States in the Rearview

    Most people travel to get somewhere. They’re chasing reservations, five-star reviews, or passport stamps. I spent the last few years chasing something else. I’ve stood on the granite steps of all 50 state capitols, and along the way, I fell in love with the parts of America most people pass by too quickly—the places that actually shape us. 50 States in the Rearview is a podcast for the history nerds, the road-trippers, and the people who care more about the journey than the itinerary. My mission isn’t to impress you; it’s to show you that you’re capable of exploring this country on your own terms. The journey officially begins April 7, 2026. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single mile.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

50 States in the Rearview is a journey across America—one state capitol at a time. From the steps of each capitol building, host Erin explores what these places reveal about the states they represent: the history, the landscapes, the people, and the stories that shape them. Part travel, part reflection, and part road trip, this podcast looks at the country from a perspective most people pass by too quickly. It’s travel for people who care more about the road and the place than the reservation. Because sometimes you understand a place best once it’s in the rearview.

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