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...
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]
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58:45
South Carolina - Dum Spiro Spero & Animis Opibusque Parati
John Hodgman presents to Janet Varney the state that’s obsessed with having an excessive amount of mottos: South Carolina!It features two mottoes, two official state drinks, two official state marine mammals and more. And that’s before we discuss how busy the state seal is.Yet for all that, the state has a very tastefully reserved flag and a really charming fondness of the creatures like the wolf spider.So settle into your little burrow and grab a pile of boiled peanuts.Produced 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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52:28
Virginia - Sic Semper Tyrannis
Janet Varney presents to John Hodgman the commonwealth of Virginia!What a creature filled state! Everything from tiny bats with big ears, directional cardinals and water-based horses. But before we can get to any of that we have to discuss that motto. Sure it’s a little aggressive and has some unfortunate historical baggage; but you’ll hear why it’s actually a very hopeful message. Plus, we’re joined by Dimitry Pompée, one of the hosts of the MaxFun podcast “Eurovangelists,” which is all about the song contest: Eurovision. He’s also a longtime resident of Viriginia. And even though he’s loved living elsewhere, he’ll tell us why he just can’t quit the Mother of States. And before you ask… yes, this podcast is for lovers.Special thanks to Laura Kicklighter and Denise Sumiel for supplying episode art this week!Produced 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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1:00:29
Massachusetts - Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem
John Hodgman presents his home commonwealth to Janet Varney. It’s time to spotlight Massachusetts!Keep your Boston accents to yourself (for now) because we’ll learn more about how its motto was born from was born from an incredibly aggressive guest book entry and the numerous songs that have fought status within Massachusetts.Plus, John will chat with Kate Lorch. As an elementary school student she struck a major political victory: getting Massachusetts an official state muffin. Special thanks to Denise Falbo for supplying episode art this week!Produced 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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