50 States in the Rearview

A Memorial Day Detour

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

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.

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.

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.

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.