Marisa Roman

3 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Trent Jonas |Melanie Johnson |Melissa Mahoney |Marisa Roman

Welcome to Small Business Spotlight, our celebration of the ingenuity and innovation of small business owners across the country. From well-established restaurants to brand-new specialty stores and everything in between, these businesses—and the hardworking proprietors at their helm—are truly an inspiration. I love places that offer combinations of my favorite things, like books and beer, coffee and dogs, coffee and beer - you get the idea.

3 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Trent Jonas |Melanie Johnson |Melissa Mahoney |Marisa Roman

I grew up in Iowa, and I recall many ways that we welcomed the end of winter: watching the Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament (often); looking for the blooming of Dutchmen's breeches; and after a little rain and a couple of warm days, hunting for elusive morels in the hardwood forests and river bottoms of eastern Iowa. What I always looked forward most, though - absent seeing the Hawkeyes in the Final Four (rare) - was the return of American white pelicans to the area.

4 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Andrea Verschuyl |Megan Todaro |Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver

I doubt I'm the only Pacific Northwesterner who emerges from winter like a creature crawling out of hibernation. Still, when I'm finished squinting through the sudden sunshine, I remember to be grateful for the break in the drizzle. The emergence of spring doesn't just reawaken long-dormant flowers — it also coaxes us to seek new experiences once more. Could there be a better way to bid winter farewell and feed our curiosity than to make something beautiful?

4 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver |Kelly Carroll |Megan Todaro

The States of Discovery podcast, brought to you by Only In Your State, is your ticket to an audio adventure where curiosity meets exploration. Hosted by the adventure-loving duo, Marisa and Sara, each episode takes you on a journey to uncover the hidden narratives of our country—one story at a time. Whether it's diving into the minimalist charm of van life or broadcasting live from the bustling Wisconsin State Fair, this podcast shines a light on the untold stories that surround us.

4 weeks ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Megan Todaro |Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver

I’ve always believed that history isn’t just shaped by grand events — it’s shaped by bold individuals. And when it comes to Hawaii, some of the most powerful change-makers were women. From fighting for civil rights to preserving cultural traditions, they left legacies that still shape the islands today. Here are seven remarkable Hawaiian women whose courage, determination, and vision continue to inspire. 1.