Listen to this weeks 'Companion Playlist' featuring songs inspired by: Pennsylvania

In this episode of the United Taste of America podcast, host Rick K. Jones delves into the rich culinary and historical tapestry of Pennsylvania, the second state in the union. He begins by discussing the state's early settlement by Quakers and its pivotal role in the American Revolution, particularly through Philadelphia, which hosted significant events like the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights key figures such as Benjamin Franklin and the hardships faced by soldiers during the winter at Valley Forge, emphasizing the state's historical significance in shaping the nation.

As the episode progresses, Rick explores Pennsylvania's diverse culinary landscape, shaped by waves of immigration. He discusses the influence of the Pennsylvania Dutch, Italian immigrants, and Eastern Europeans on the state's food culture, highlighting iconic dishes like shoo-fly pie, cheesesteaks, and pierogies. The episode wraps up with recommendations for must-visit eateries, including the famous Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's, both renowned for their cheesesteaks, and other notable restaurants that showcase the state's culinary heritage. This episode serves as a delicious journey through Pennsylvania's history and its vibrant food scene.

 


Chapters

00:00 Exploring Pennsylvania's Culinary History
09:02 The Role of Pennsylvania in American Independence
14:54 Immigrant Influences on Pennsylvania Cuisine
28:42 Iconic Foods and Culinary Landmarks in Pennsylvania

Listen to this weeks 'Companion Playlist' featuring songs inspired by: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1M5ZN8CtMhP40axko5LCKC?si=5vM0ojGHQxyDkRcMIifyNA">Pennsylvania</a>
In this episode of the United Taste of America podcast, host Rick K. Jones delves into the rich culinary and historical tapestry of Pennsylvania, the second state in the union. He begins by discussing the state's early settlement by Quakers and its pivotal role in the American Revolution, particularly through Philadelphia, which hosted significant events like the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights key figures such as Benjamin Franklin and the hardships faced by soldiers during the winter at Valley Forge, emphasizing the state's historical significance in shaping the nation.
As the episode progresses, Rick explores Pennsylvania's diverse culinary landscape, shaped by waves of immigration. He discusses the influence of the Pennsylvania Dutch, Italian immigrants, and Eastern Europeans on the state's food culture, highlighting iconic dishes like shoo-fly pie, cheesesteaks, and pierogies. The episode wraps up with recommendations for must-visit eateries, including the famous Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's, both renowned for their cheesesteaks, and other notable restaurants that showcase the state's culinary heritage. This episode serves as a delicious journey through Pennsylvania's history and its vibrant food scene.
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 Chapters
00:00 Exploring Pennsylvania's Culinary History 09:02 The Role of Pennsylvania in American Independence 14:54 Immigrant Influences on Pennsylvania Cuisine 28:42 Iconic Foods and Culinary Landmarks in Pennsylvania

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA

Welcome to iHeart’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart’s comprehensive celebration of America’s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 .

For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America.

These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents.

These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe.

iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America.

For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish.

We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips.

These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart’s You Tube page.

Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States.

It’s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA
Welcome to iHeart&rsquo;s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA new podcast series. This is part of iHeart&rsquo;s comprehensive celebration of America&rsquo;s 250th birthday all year long in 2026 .
For over 400 years, people from all over the world have crossed the ocean and entered the United States through the New York harbor and other Gateway harbors seeking a new life in America.
These people arrived not only with their hopes and dreams, but also with their culinary cuisines, customs, preferences, and talents.
These varied culinary traditions have created our own unique American cuisine with a blend of foods from around the Globe.
iHeart is proud to bring you this series of the best-of-the-best food dishes across America.
For this series and special event, we are visiting each of the 50 states to find one unique dish that best showcases the culinary history of that state. And to find one special restaurant to prepare this dish.
We will also showcase three additional restaurants from each state for wonderful culinary road trips.
These stories will be shared via both video and audio podcasts each week and a special video vignette distributed on iHeart&rsquo;s You Tube page.
Additionally, each weekly podcast will include a musical playlist of songs from or about that state because like food, music has played such a great role in telling the story of the history of the United States.
It&rsquo;s UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA exclusively from iHeart.

United Tastes of America

Episode 2: Pennsylvania

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/82d87f96-e6bc-4f0f-8387-b3d80167db0f/transcript