DETOUR: I Like Ike

DETOUR: I Like Ike

In this special episode of 50 States in the Rearview, Ike and I leave the state capitols behind and head to Abilene, Kansas—the hometown of America's 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Walking through his presidential library and museum, we trace the remarkable journey of a small-town boy who never planned to become a five-star general or president, but who met every opportunity with humility, preparation, and quiet determination. From West Point and World War II to D-Day, the Interstate Highway System, NASA, and the Civil Rights Movement, we explore how one man's character shaped the course of history. Grab a Diet Coke and join us as we discover why, sometimes, the greatest leaders aren't the ones who seek greatness—they're the ones who simply answer the next call to serve.

12: Wyoming - Built to Bend, Not Break

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.

11: New Hampshire - Granite, Grit, and Going First

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.

10: North Carolina - The Quiet Giant

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.

09: Missouri - A Patchwork That Holds

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.