Actor, comedian, writer, and producer Ed Helms joins us in conversation with podcast host and producer Greta Johnsen to discuss his new book SNAFU, which brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history’s greatest screwups. Helms steps in as unofficial history teacher diving into each decade’s craziest SNAFUs like planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies to weaponizing the weather.

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Read the podcast transcript

CW: Mature language and subject matter

Photo: Ed Helms (right) and Greta Johnsen (left) on stage at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple at the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival in May 2025.

Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Kait Samuels Live event produced and mixed by Dan Glomski Production assistance by Carl Herzog / Hope Mignini Podcast edited and mixed by Katherine Kermgard Voiceover by Anthony Fleming III

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Ed Helms on the World’s Biggest SNAFUs