Each of the 50 states in the USA has its own motto. The motto might be found on the state seal, or the state flag; more often than not, it might be in Latin, or Spanish, or Chinook; it might be a phrase or a single word. And if you think you know what yours is, check that it is not in fact an advertising slogan.

PRX.org staff reveal their state mottos - or what they thought were their state mottos, until this episode ruined it for them - and how those words have shaped their perception of their state and their selves.

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Thanks also to Podster Magazine and Freshbooks for their very generous contributions to this year's Radiotopia fundraiser. And to you, for supporting this show and the others in the Radiotopia collective! If you'd like to donate, click here.

MAILCHIMP'S RANDOMLY SELECTED WORD FROM THE DICTIONARY:

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