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.

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

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