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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Throw it in drive—we’ve got some history to uncover.

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.

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