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 - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
• Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

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 - 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!

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 – A podcast exploring the dark history, strange happenings, and true crime stories of national parks.
🎙️ Crime Off the Grid – 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
🔎 Yosemite’s severed hand mystery: Outside Online
🔎 The mysterious disappearance of Grand Canyon newlyweds: History HowStuffWorks
🔎 Missing 411 theories & unexplained vanishings: Reddit Discussion
🔎 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 - 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!