Hidden America with Jonah Ray (2016 - 2017)

They call it the Second City and Jonah's here to find out why. He digs into Chicago's vast history of corruption as it relates to politics. It's historical relevance to the Prohibition Era party scene. As well as taking in the city's famous improv theaters, bars and nightlife.

Jonah takes in the epicenter of counter-culture. Renting a room in the heart of the city from a hip, young couple gives him an instant entrée into the city’s unique spectrum of indulgence. Be it the remnants of the hippy scene, the vibrant wine culture, or a 2nd generation vegan chef, this truly is a city of diverse interests.

Jonah heads down the Mississippi River to the Jewel of Gulf, New Orleans. He learns about the major impact that Mardi Gras has on the city and its inhabitants. Also, he spends time with the locals and discovers more about the devastating effects Hurricane Katrina. All, of course, while taking in the music, the food, and the smells.

This week, Jonah shows off the city he’s called home for the past 15 years. He aims to prove that the lady known as Los Angeles is one of the most misunderstood of cities. By exploring the city’s rich history, culture, diverse neighborhoods and parks, he hopes to prove people wrong. Beaches, Tacos, and Cinema are only a fraction of what make this place great.

Jonah goes back to where he became a man, Denver. The mountain town where Jonah went to college. He reconnects with an old friend who runs a successful, legal weed shop while staying at Denver’s most haunted hotel. Music, Drinking on bikes, and old friends? It’s good to be back home.

Jonah heads to Atlanta, the capital city of the south. Here, he explores the city’s fascination with death throughout history – dating all the way back to the Civil War and up until modern times with zombies and a unique point of view on gun culture. Jonah also grabs southern cooking with an Olympic legend and indulges in some Ethiopian cuisine.

Jonah’s last stop of the tour is Austin, Texas. His favorite city in the union. Jonah sees a different and unexpected side of the city’s popular “Keep Austin Weird” mantra. But, this wouldn’t be a trip to Austin without eating BBQ, Shooting Guns, and hanging with some biker gangs. All roads have led Jonah to this…