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 state’s page last week, this is an episode made to celebrate YOU—our readers, travelers, and local lovers.

What We Cover in This Episode:

 * The origin story of Only In Your State
 * Behind the scenes of how we write and curate articles
 * The most unforgettable moments from the past 10 years
 * What’s coming next for OIYS (spoiler: we’re just getting started!)

Shoutouts:

 * A huge thank-you to our incredible writers and editors across all 50 states
 * Special mention to readers who’ve shared feedback and travel tips with us over the years
 * Our OIYS community for helping us build a local travel brand like no other

📌 Links & Resources:

 * 🔗 Explore Your State [https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/]
 * 🔗 Join Our Newsletter [https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/newsletters]
 * 🔗 Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/onlyinyourstate]

10 Years of Local Wonders: Celebrating a Decade of Only In Your State

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 hearts.

Episode Highlights:

 * The Dive Bar Vibe: Discover the history of the term “dive bar” and how these establishments evolved from disreputable dives to cherished community spaces. Learn why dive bars resonate as places of authenticity, camaraderie, and connection.
 * Evolving with the Times: Dive bars have always been inclusive, but they’re adapting even more to modern times. We discuss the rise of mixology in these unpolished gems and the growing popularity of non-alcoholic options like those we discovered at The Agency in Milwaukee.
 * Stories That Define Them: Behind every dive bar is a tapestry of tales—from the owners who pour their passion into these spaces to the regulars who make them feel at home.
 * Looking Ahead: With changing neighborhoods and rising costs, we examine the future of dive bars and how they’re finding ways to stay relevant for new generations.

Special Features:

 * Clips from dive bar enthusiasts and owners sharing their unforgettable experiences.
 * Personal favorites from Marisa and Sara, including dive bars from their travels.
 * Industry insights into the non-alcoholic beverage trend, a growing force in the bar world.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own fair memories and suggestions for future episodes with us!

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Thanks for listening to States of Discovery. Until next time, cheers! 🍻

Revisit an Episode: Dive Bars: Where Community, Nostalgia, and Inclusivity Collide

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 daring destinations in the United States, and the ways we balance risk and reward in travel. Whether you’re a storm chaser, a solo survivalist, or just curious about what drives people to leap from planes or dine suspended in mid-air, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

 * Today’s extreme travel trends: from unique accommodations to once-in-a-lifetime thrill rides
 * Adrenaline-fueled U.S. destinations, including National Parks and beyond
 * The spectrum of adventure: comparing casual risk-takers to extreme thrill-seekers
 * The psychology of thrill-seeking and insights from Psychology Today
 * How to test yourself on the Sensation Seeking Scale – past and present
 * Real examples of high-risk travel: ice climbing, storm chasing, deep wilderness survival
 * The role of cost, comfort, and access in choosing your adventure

Resources Mentioned:

 * Sensation Seeking Scale – Zuckerman Test (Classic Version)
 * Updated Sensation Seeking Personality Tests
 * Psychology Today Article on Thrill-Seeking Behavior

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Listener Question:
Are you an adrenaline junkie or do you avoid risk altogether? Share your most extreme travel experience—or your most grounded one—by emailing us or tagging us on Instagram!

Living on the Edge: The Rise of Extreme Travel Trends

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 Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, home to giant colons and soapified bodies
 * The hilariously sincere Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts
 * Idaho’s love letter to the potato at the Idaho Potato Museum
 * Extraterrestrial encounters at the International UFO Museum in Roswell
 * Neon nostalgia at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas
 * And yes—even the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin

Plus, we dig into how these wonderfully weird places actually stay open—spoiler: it involves passionate collectors, creative funding, and a whole lot of merch.

Why You'll Love It:

If you’ve ever taken a roadside detour to see the world’s largest ball of twine, this episode is your jam. It’s a celebration of niche passions, local flavor, and the power of the peculiar. Whether you’re into science, food, folklore, or just good ol’ fashioned weirdness, there’s something here for every curious traveler.

Stay Curious:

Got a favorite bizarre museum in the U.S.? Know a hidden gem with an eyebrow-raising backstory? Send it our way! We’re always on the hunt for America’s strangest attractions.

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

The Museum Nobody Asked For: Quirks, Kitsch & Question Marks

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 people of color are shaping the industry today.

In This Episode, We Cover:

 * The science behind tattoos—how ink stays in your skin and what it's made of.
 * The history of tattoos, from ancient civilizations to modern trends.
 * The myths about tattoos and employment—can you really not get a job if you have one?
 * Traditional tattoo techniques, including hand-poked and batok tattooing.
 * The rise of women-owned and queer-owned tattoo shops creating safe spaces.
 * How the tattoo industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own tattoo stories and suggestions for future episodes with us!

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

🎧 Tune in now and join us on this deep dive into tattoo culture, history, and artistry!

Inked in History: Tattoos, Myths, and Modern Culture

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 vast, remote landscapes, the lack of centralized missing persons data, and the complexities of jurisdiction. They also provide crucial safety tips for park visitors and discuss the growing impact of tourism on these protected lands. The episode concludes with a reflection on how these stories influence public perception, inspiring curiosity and conservation rather than deterring visitors.

In This Episode, We Cover:

 * The most infamous true crime cases in national parks, including unsolved disappearances and shocking murders.
 * How investigators navigate the difficulties of solving crimes in remote wilderness areas.
 * The challenges of jurisdictional overlap and missing persons databases within the National Park System.
 * Practical safety tips for hikers, campers, and adventurers who want to explore national parks responsibly.
 * How national parks are dealing with modern challenges, from overcrowding to budget cuts.

Featured Guests:
🎙️ National Park After Dark [https://www.npadpodcast.com/]– A podcast exploring the dark history, strange happenings, and true crime stories of national parks.
🎙️ Crime Off the Grid [https://crimeoffthegrid.com/] – A podcast dedicated to criminal cases that occur in remote and off-the-grid locations.

Resources & Cases Mentioned:
🔎 Cold cases in national parks: NPS Cold Cases [https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/cold-cases.htm]
🔎 Yosemite’s severed hand mystery: Outside Online [https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/national-parks/national-park-mysteries/]
🔎 The mysterious disappearance of Grand Canyon newlyweds: History HowStuffWorks [https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/mysterious-case-newlyweds-who-vanished-in-grand-canyon.htm]
🔎 Missing 411 theories & unexplained vanishings: Reddit Discussion [https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimeBullshit/comments/14pu32l/missing_411_and_national_park_disappearances/]
🔎 The tragic case of Gabby Petito: A modern national park crime that shook the world.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own fair memories and suggestions for future episodes with us!

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Thanks for listening to States of Discovery. Until next time, stay safe!

Dark Mysteries & Chilling True Crime Cases from America’s National Parks

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, the rise of mukbang videos, and the role of culinary influencers in shaping our tastes and habits.

What We Cover:

 * How social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have democratized culinary innovation.
 * Viral food trends, including TikTok’s feta pasta, Dry January, and Veganuary.
 * The global economic impact of food trends, such as increased demand for specific ingredients.
 * The rise of mukbang videos and their reflection on consumerism and spectacle.
 * How social media trends drive awareness about sustainability, cultural appreciation, and the ethics of consumption.
 * A discussion on whether food trends are performative or purposeful—and how they influence industries.

Notable Statistics & Insights:

 * In 2021, TikTok’s viral feta pasta video amassed over 600 million views and caused a surge in feta cheese sales globally.
 * 81% of Americans reported discovering new foods or recipes online in 2020 (Pew Research Center).
 * Studies show that 69% of millennials photograph their food before eating, reflecting the visual culture social media has fostered.
 * Veganuary 2024 saw an estimated 25 million participants, with many adopting plant-based diets long-term.

Discussion Questions:

 * Are food trends on social media purely for entertainment, or do they drive meaningful change?
 * Have you ever participated in a food trend or tried a recipe just because it was trending?
 * What do you think the next big food trend will be?

Connect with Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Thanks for listening to States of Discovery. Until next time, bon appetit! 

Food Trends, Virality, and Impact: The Social Media Revolution in the Culinary World

Dive Bars: Where Community, Nostalgia, and Inclusivity Collide

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 behind Millennials and Gen X's obsession with all things haunted. Featuring an insightful interview with Sarah McCosham, an editor at Only In Your State, this episode promises to illuminate why Halloween captivates us year after year.

Listen in as we cover:

 * The bewitching legends and lore that define Halloween.
 * How places with dark histories, like Salem and the Ohio State Reformatory, have transformed into popular tourist destinations.
 * The significant impact of Millennials and Gen X on Halloween celebrations and spending.
 * The psychological thrill of horror films and their connection to the Halloween experience.
 * Personal anecdotes and insights from Marisa’s trip to Salem.
 * A chilling interview with Sarah McCosham about her visit to the haunted Ohio State Reformatory.

Key Highlights:

 * The transformation of tragic histories into thriving tourist attractions.
 * Why Halloween has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with record spending in recent years.
 * The role of social media in amplifying Halloween enthusiasm among younger generations.
 * The science behind why we enjoy being scared and how horror movies tap into our primal instincts.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own fair memories and suggestions for future episodes with us!

Connect With Us:

 * Phone Number: 805-298-1420 [tel:805-298-1420] - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
 * Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Join us on this spooky journey as we uncover the fascinating stories and experiences that make Halloween a beloved cultural movement!

The Haunting Appeal of Halloween: Lore, Legends, and the Rise of Spooky Tourism

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 preparedness to the fascinating history of these extreme weather events. Watch along as we break down the episode's most intriguing moments and discuss ways to stay safe in the face of nature's fury.

Also, make sure to listen to the previous Chasing Storms podcast episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xNBnZKqea0t9aBN9Mz69C?si=f8e663435f6449d3] first! Also, take a look at our latest weather preparedness article, What You Should Know About Hurricane Preparedness, From Our Local Experts [https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/usa/what-you-should-know-about-hurricane-preparedness-from-our-local-experts?q=1234].



Reaction Video: Chasing Storms: Understanding Natural Hazards and Disasters Across the U.S.

Embark on an adventure with States of Discovery, where education and curiosity about the world collide. Our veteran adventure-loving hosts, Sara and Marisa, will take listeners on a quest to discover the country’s hidden narratives - one story at a time. From minimalist van life to podcasting live from the Wisconsin State Fair, this show will illuminate the untold stories of the world around us. If you’re familiar with our sister podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, [https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/not-your-average-bucket-list-podcast/] then you’re going to love this!

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