Listening to E Pluribus Motto is like taking a road trip with friends Janet Varney and John Hodgman. In each episode, they spotlight one state and chat about it...
John Hodgman and Janet Varney are pouring some lovely Tennessee tea on the season finale of E Pluribus Motto!That’s right, Tennessee is the final state and motto of season one. So does it have a strong, compelling and rich phrase to close us out strong? No!But there’s still a lot to discuss, including some personal travel stories through the state, what its flat top shape makes us think of, and… the national treasure that is Dolly Parton.Plus, a chat Tennessee’s own Mark Gagliardi from the podcast “We Got This,” who will be quizzed about his knowledge of his home state.Episode art provided by: TrishJillian St. CharlesKevin LamProduced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected].
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1:20:58
Illinois - State Sovereignty, National Union
John Hodgman and Janet Varney are calling for freedom from the juventocracy as they visit Illinois!It’s got a motto that makes you think but a state seal that’s very confusing and unappealing. But the pair promise to be fair judges.How do you decide what food and critters are good enough to be official representations of your home? Let the children decide of course! That’s right, Illinois allowed the… admittedly middling opinions of elementary school kids to decide on a variety of state symbols.We’ll get into all of those and even discuss some of the famous nicknames for the cities of the Illinoisans.Justice for the 13 striped ground squirrel!Episode art provided by: Hannah OwensClaire O’HanlonRob BondAndroo GardnerProduced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected].
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1:16:30
Georgia - Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation (Unofficial)
John Hodgman and Janet Varney are ready for an episode as sweet as a peach: Georgia! Up until now we’ve dealt exclusively with official mottos. But Georgia just had to buck tradition with an UNofficial motto. Thankfully we’ve still got a lot of symbols that did make the cut. From frogs, dogs, whales and fruit. Episode art provided by: Kevin LamRyan LloydC.N. JosephsProduced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected].
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1:07:19
Vermont - Freedom and Unity
There’s a bit of maple in the air because this week John Hodgman and Janet Varney visit Vermont! Green mountain boys and sea monsters await.Plus: A motto so good that it makes us rethink our opinions about the other mottos we’ve graded so far. (Sorry New York– looks like “Excelsior!” might be inferior).And you know what this episode pairs great with? A big ol’ plate of pancakes with some freshly tapped Vermont maple syrup.Episode art provided by: Jayne KennedyJackie GrayKate ThomasProduced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected].
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51:13
New York - Excelsior!
John Hodgman and Janet Varney are heading ever upward! This week is all about New York!We’re going through a bunch of the Empire state’s historical highlights, from the compelling to the goofy. The two will reminisce about how New York has personally touched their lives and explain why this motto is so Amazing, Spectacular, Incredible and Fantastic. Plus: Beavers!Episode art provided by: Lizzie BarteltCookie LeiblerLiam JeffriesRisa StrobleGerald J. SmithProduced by Julian Burrell.Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to [email protected]
Listening to E Pluribus Motto is like taking a road trip with friends Janet Varney and John Hodgman. In each episode, they spotlight one state and chat about its motto, bird, beverages, songs, and–occasionally–muffins. Plus, you'll hear from residents and guests whose lives or work have been inspired by that state. This podcast is a celebration of regional culture and an homage to the love we all seem to have for the place we call home. Pack your snacks and jump on in!
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