States of Discovery

Episode Summary

What if the best part of your next trip isn't on any "Top 10" list? In this episode, Marisa and Sara make the case for neighborhood-first travel — ditching the tourist traps and leaning into the quirky, culturally rich pockets that give a city its real soul.

What We Cover

• Why "landmark-first" travel is holding you back — and what to do instead
• The do's and don'ts of wandering — ho...

In this lightning-round episode of States of Discovery, we’re diving into the quirky, surprising, and uniquely American details that make exploring the United States endlessly fascinating. From iconic regional foods and cozy winter getaways to overrated tourist traps and unforgettable hiking trails, this episode celebrates the small discoveries that shape how we travel—and how we see home.

After returning from an adventu...

In this final episode of our Orlando travel series on States of Discovery, we explore an adventurous side of Central Florida that most visitors never see. From off-road outdoor experiences and scenic lake adventures to MICHELIN-recognized dining and festive resort celebrations, this episode showcases the incredible diversity of things to do near Orlando.

Join hosts Marisa & Sara as they travel beyond the city center into Clermon...

In this episode of States of Discovery, we continue our Orlando adventure with a journey through the city’s soulful mix of food, art, and local culture. From a MICHELIN-recommended brunch spot to a stroll through Mister Rogers’ beloved alma mater, and from Tiffany glass masterpieces to a Filipino fine dining experience, this episode captures the creativity and community that make Orlando truly one-of-a-kind.

Join hosts M...

In this first episode of States of Discovery, our Orlando adventure begins with a day filled with indulgence, imagination, and unexpected experiences across some of the most unique attractions in Orlando, Florida. From checking into a luxury private villa resort to visiting the world’s largest McDonald’s, soaking in a craft beer spa, and dining at one of Orlando’s most creative restaurants, this episode explores t...

Orlando isn’t just the land of theme parks; it’s a city bursting with creativity, flavor, and unexpected adventures. In this special three-part States of Discovery series, we’re teaming up with Visit Orlando to uncover the experiences that make this Central Florida destination shine.

In this introductory episode, we’re setting the stage for what’s to come: three full days of exploration that take you fr...

Buckle up, States of Discovery listeners—this one’s all about the ride, not just the destination. In this 30-minute episode, we dive headfirst into the quirks, hacks, and downright bizarre realities of modern travel. Ever heard of “raw-dogging” a flight? Wonder why 8 AM mimosas feel perfectly normal in an airport? Or if that shiny travel credit card actually pays for itself? We’ve got you covered.

Here&...

Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the diverse and unique pizza styles found across the United States. From the deep-dish delights of Chicago to the thin, crispy slices of New York, and the unexpected flavors of California, this episode uncovers the rich history and regional twists that make each style special. Whether you're a pizza aficionado or just love a good slice, this episode is sure to tantalize your taste buds a...

In this special 10th birthday episode of our podcast, Sara and Marisa take a nostalgic look back at a decade of Only In Your State. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest travel brands dedicated to uncovering America’s hidden gems, we’re reflecting on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re going next.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just discovered your st...

Dive bars - they’re more than just a spot for cheap drinks. They’re community hubs, cultural icons, and spaces brimming with stories. In this episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the charm, history, and evolving culture of dive bars. From their roots as literal underground hangouts to their role as inclusive, welcoming spaces, we explore why these beloved establishments hold a special place in our h...

In this episode of States of Discovery, we're diving headfirst into the world of extreme travel. From sand dune boarding in the Southwest to white water rafting in remote canyons, thrill-seekers across the U.S. are redefining what it means to take a vacation. But what's behind this hunger for adrenaline? And why are others content to sit back and play it safe?

Join us as we explore the psychology of sensation seeking, the most darin...

In this delightfully offbeat episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa take you on a road trip through America’s weirdest museums—the kind of places that make you do a double-take and say, “Wait… this is real?” From preserved medical oddities to mustard-themed exhibits, we explore the strange, specific, and surprisingly educational corners of the museum world.

You’ll learn about:

• The M...

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, but they continue to evolve in style, meaning, and perception. In this episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa explore the history, science, and cultural significance of body art. From ancient traditions to modern ink trends, they debunk myths, discuss safety concerns, and dive into the shifting landscape of tattoo culture—especially how women, LGBTQ+ artists, and peopl...

In this episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa explore the chilling true crime cases and unexplained mysteries within America’s national parks. They discuss infamous cases like the unsolved murders in Shenandoah, mysterious disappearances in Death Valley, and eerie findings in Yellowstone. Joined by experts from National Park After Dark and Crime Off the Grid, they examine the challenges of investigating crimes in va...

In this all-new episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the deliciously complex world of viral food trends and explore how social media has revolutionized our relationship with food. From TikTok's feta pasta craze to Guinness shortages caused by viral drinking challenges, we uncover these trends' cultural, economic, and societal impacts. Join us as we discuss the performative vs. purposeful aspects of food culture...

Dive bars - they’re more than just a spot for cheap drinks. They’re community hubs, cultural icons, and spaces brimming with stories. In this episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the charm, history, and evolving culture of dive bars. From their roots as literal underground hangouts to their role as inclusive, welcoming spaces, we explore why these beloved establishments hold a special place in our h...

Welcome back to another episode of States of Discovery. In this seasonally apropos episode, our hosts dive into Halloween. But rather than just keeping things surface level here, we’re taking it a step further, uncovering the reasons why Halloween has surged in popularity, and how it has become a billion dollar business. Hosts Marisa and Sara explore the holiday's cultural impact, the allure of spooky tourism, and the reasons...

In this video reaction to the podcast episode "Chasing Storms: Understanding Natural Hazards and Disasters Across the U.S.," we dive into the compelling discussion about natural hazards and disasters. The episode explores the science behind events like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes and how communities nationwide respond to these threats. Our reaction video highlights key insights shared in the podcast, from expert advice on ...

In this episode of States of Discovery, our hosts delve deep into the powerful forces of nature that shape the world we live in. Sara and Marisa explore the critical difference between natural hazards and natural disasters, discussing their causes, effects, and how we can stay prepared. From earthquakes to hurricanes, and from wildfires to floods, these events impact lives, ecosystems, and communities. Joining us are two special gu...