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, then you’re going to love this!
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, then you’re going to love this!

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 Marisa & Sara as they explore the heart of Orlando and Winter Park through the voices of the people shaping its story—chefs, curators, and community leaders who remind us that the city’s magic isn’t just found in its theme parks, but in its neighborhoods, kitchens, and art galleries.
Featured Stops in Orlando:
Se7en Bites (Milk District, Orlando) – Chef Trina Gregory shares her story behind this MICHELIN-recommended spot serving nostalgic Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
📱 @se7enbites | se7enbites.com
Rollins College (Winter Park) – Jo Marie Hebeler leads a walk through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, exploring how his time at Rollins shaped his legacy of kindness.
🌐 rollins.edu
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Winter Park) – Arielle-Christine Courtney introduces the world’s most comprehensive Tiffany collection and the story behind American artistry.
📱 @morsemuseum | morsemuseum.org
Boca Winter Park – Dipika Hernandez of Visit Orlando discusses the city’s thriving farm-to-table movement over locally sourced bites and drinks.
📱 @BocaRestaurants | bocarestaurants.com
Park Avenue (Winter Park) – A stroll through boutiques and cafés like Rifle Paper Co., The Impeccable Pig, and Peterbrooke Chocolatier captures the district’s small-town charm.
Alfie’s HiFi (Mills 50 District) – Keith Mawardi explains how this retro vinyl bar revives the disco-era vibe through design, cocktails, and curated sound.
📱 @alfies.hifi | alfieshifi.com
Kaya (Mills 50 District) – Filipino fine dining meets Florida ingredients in a soulful, community-driven experience that redefines “kaya natin” — “we can.”
📱 @Kaya.Orlando | kayaorlando.com
Cocktails & Screams (Downtown Orlando) – A lively nightcap spot to end the day, celebrating Orlando’s creative and eclectic nightlife scene.