I'm from NC and it blew my mind to learn that some people pronounce those two differently. I've even specifically asked people from other places to say both and

I'm from NC and it blew my mind to learn that some people pronounce those two differently. I've even specifically asked people from other places to say both and I can only barely hear a difference if I strain. I hear that the pin/pen merger pretty widespread though. I have friends from as far as New Mexico and Washington state that also merge them.