Back to Blog

America 250: A Journey Through 50 States and 50 Stories That Live In Us (Season 2 Trailer)

america 250 podcast Jul 22, 2025

What if I told you that the real story of America isn't just found in history books, but is living right now in your family tree?

As we approach America's 250th birthday on July 4th, 2026, I'm thrilled to announce something extraordinary: Season 2 of Stories That Live In Us will take you on a remarkable journey across all 50 states, not in an RV (though that would be fun, wouldn't it?), but through the intimate family stories that shaped each corner of this country.

Watch the Season 2 Trailer

*Ready to embark on this 50-state journey? Watch the full trailer above, then keep reading to discover what awaits you in Season 2.*

A Journey Unlike Any Other

Starting July 24th, we'll explore America through the lens of real families whose stories are woven into the very fabric of our nation. We'll begin with a story that will transport you to the Hawaiian Islands, then make our way up to Alaska, down to Arizona and New Mexico, out to Oklahoma and beyond. We’ll follow the reverse order of when each state was admitted to the Union, ending July 2026 with Delaware.

Over 50 weeks, you'll meet families whose stories reveal:

Tales of immigration and migration that echo through generations
Moments of courage and community that defined entire family lines
Stories of resilience that still inspire us today
The profound truth that American history isn't just about famous names and places. It's about real families whose choices and experiences still live in us today

Why This Season Matters Now

After sharing 68 powerful family history stories in our first year, I've learned something profound: when we tell our stories, we strengthen the bonds that connect us. But there's something even more powerful happening when we connect our family stories to the places that shaped them.

Every family tree holds stories connected to places and times that can:

Fuel our imagination about what our ancestors experienced
Inspire our resilience when we understand what they overcame
Deepen our family connections through shared heritage and place

As we prepare for America's semiquincentennial (did you know that was a word?) celebration, there's never been a better time to explore how your family's story intersects with the American story.

What You Can Expect

Each episode will take you to a different state through the eyes of a family whose story is connected to that place. You'll discover how:

Geographic locations shaped family destinies
Historical events touched individual families
Migration patterns created the America we know today
Local traditions and challenges molded family identities

Whether you've been listening since the beginning (thank you!) or are just discovering the power of family storytelling (welcome!), this season will inspire you to look at your own family history with fresh eyes.

Join Our 50-State Adventure

I'm inviting you to make this journey with us. As we explore each state, consider:

Which states appear in your own family tree?
What stories might be waiting to be discovered in those places?
How did geography and history shape your ancestors' choices?
What connections might you uncover between your family's story and America's story?

Get Ready for the Journey

"Every family tree holds stories connected to places and times that can fuel our imagination, inspire our resilience and deepen our family connections."

So find your coziest spot, settle in, and join me for Season 2 as we discover, from sea to shining sea, the stories that live in us.

Ready to discover how your family's story connects to America's story? Subscribe to Stories That Live In Us wherever you get your podcasts, and don't miss the Season 2 premiere on July 24th. If you're excited about this 50-state journey, please share this post with family members who might want to join us. Because the best family stories are discovered together.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know, what state are you most excited to explore? Let's start mapping our collective family journey across America!