Podcast
E Pluribus Motto
Hosted by John Hodgman and Janet Varney · EN
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!
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 24: Alabama - "Audemus jura nostra defendere"
2w ago01:20:59Tap to summarizeRoll Tide? War Eagle? Dare to hear Janet Varney and John Hodgman on their journey through Alabama! In case your latin is a little rough, the state motto of the Yellowhammer state translates to “We Dare Defend Our Rights.” And that absolutely raises some eyebrows. But you’ll learn why there’s a bit more to it than the loaded history of the South would suggest. John will tell us more about the multitude of state symbols, including our first state cake and official state mascot! And then, be prepared for what may be the best collection of cryptids yet. To hear more conversations from Janet and John, become a MaxFun Member at maximumfun.org/joinmotto! It costs as little as $5 a month. And for that you get access to the bonus content library and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make this show possible. Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media: Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →Episode 23: New Hampshire - “Live Free Or Die”
4w ago01:31:36Tap to summarizeOur regularly scheduled season three journey has resumed. Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to visit the granite state of New Hampshire! First of all, how about that motto? It’s certainly tough as granite! And it’s one those from the state take a lot of pride in. But how does it compare to some of the other great ones that have been discussed on this show? Plus, there’s an abundance of symbols to look at, including the dangerous romance of the state spider. They’ll explain. Then, Janet talks to not one, but TWO figures in New Hampshire: One retired teacher whose class helped establish the state beverage… and one state representative who aims to establish more symbols soon. To hear more conversations from Janet and John, become a MaxFun Member at maximumfun.org/joinmotto! It costs as little as $5 a month. And for that you get access to the bonus content library and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make this show possible. Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media: Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
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#MaxFunDrive 2026: The State of the TV shows!
Apr 3001:23:56Tap to summarizeTurn on the tube! Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to celebrate the 2026 MaxFun Drive! Now is the best time to go to MaximumFun.org/joinmotto to become a MaxFun Member for as little as $5 a month. With that recurring contribution you’ve helped ensure that this show will continue and earned access to our bonus content library. After wrapping up the movies that best represent each state, it’s time to move on to TV shows! But this time, they’re headed to the states in season one. Get ready for a discussion of famous settings that include everything from “Gilmore Girls,” to “E/R” to “Law & Order” and so much more. Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media: Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
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#MaxFunDrive 2026: The State of the Movies!
Apr 2201:49:20Tap to summarizeJanet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to celebrate the 2026 MaxFun Drive! Now is the best time to go to MaximumFun.org/joinmotto to become a MaxFun Member for as little as $5 a month. With that recurring contribution you’ve helped ensure that this show will continue and earned access to our bonus content library. Our hosts will take a look at each state from season 2 to discuss which movies best exemplify them. There’s so many films to touch on and tons of time to explore them on this charming detour in the middle of season 3. Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media: Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →
Casters on Casters: John Hodgman, Dan McCoy, Jesse Thorn, and Stuart Wellington
Apr 2000:29:02Tap to summarizeIt's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters. Jesse Thorn and Judge John Hodgman know a thing or two about podcasting, and in this very important podcasting event, they reveal ALL the tricks of the trade. They're joined by podcasting veterans Stuart Wellington & Dan McCoy (The Flop House). It goes without saying these four gentlemen have a very funny, and delightful, conversation. But they also get vulnerable. What does that mean? You'll have to listen to find out! If this glamorous, in-depth journey into what makes your favorite hosts tick inspires you, support them by joining as a member at maximumfun.org/join. Edited by Marissa Flaxbart and Produced by Jennifer Marmor for Maximum Fun. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
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Episode 22: California - “Eureka”
Apr 1401:18:10Tap to summarizeProspector Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to talk about all the GOLD in them thar hills! That’s right; the show is back on the west coast, to spotlight California; everything from gold, bears, and even a cryptid or two. In fact, California is on its way to having an official cryptid– Big Foot. But this is a monster that other states may feel a stronger claim to, even if the legislation is completely pushed through. But no matter how that shakes out, let’s appreciate that amazing motto. Whether you’ve just pulled a shiny nugget or you’re just feeling good, it sure is fun to shout, “Eureka!” Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media: Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →Episode 21: Puerto Rico - “Joannes est nomen ejus”
Mar 3101:02:43Tap to summarizeIt’s season 3 of E Pluribus Motto! Janet Varney and John Hodgman are back with a brand new collection of states and their mottos, iconography, animals, and so much more. Our first state of this season… isn’t a state at all! It’s the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, birthplace of legends like Rita Moreno, Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny, whose INCREDIBLE Superbowl performance showcased the island’s rich culture. Puerto Rico is also home to adorable frogs, delicious cuisine and one of the most iconic cryptids of all time: The Chupacabra. Season three is starting off with a bang. Sorry, season three is starting off with una explosión. Produced by Julian Burrell. Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher. For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options: Email - Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org Voice Message - speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Social Media Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →
E Pluribus Motto Season 3 begins March 31st!
Mar 1200:03:17Tap to summarizeSeason 3 of E Pluribus Motto begins March 31st with Puerto Rico! After that, expect new episodes of the show every other Tuesday. Here's the full schedule: March 31: Puerto Rico April: 14: California April 20: MaxFun Drive! May 12: New Hampshire May 26: Alabama June 9: Florida June 23: Nebraska July 7: Washington July 21: Ohio August 4: Michigan August 18: North Dakota If you'd like to get involved in the show with everything from emails, voice notes and bulletin boards, just go to maximumfun.org/mottos-info. Plus, you can follow us instagram and tiktok Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →E Pluribus Motto LIVE at SF Sketchfest!
Dec 2300:01:40Tap to summarizeCan't wait for Season 3 of E Pluribus Motto? Neither can we!And the first stop of the next season of the show will be Janet and John recording a LIVE episode of the show at SF Sketchfest.They'll be giving the spotlight to the state of California, talking all about mottos, symbols, cryptids and more. And they'll be joined by Adam Savage, of "Mythbusters" fame!Tickets are available now. We hope we'll see you there. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
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Episode 20: Nevada - “All for our Country”
Nov 1101:30:31Tap to summarizeJanet Varney and John Hodgman are ready for the season finale of the podcast! And where better to visit than a state full of slot machines, deserts, ghost towns and cryptids (possibly): Nevada!There’s so much to get into here, including Janet doing her best to get through the pronunciation of said state and John recounting a heroic tale that involves a slot machine that Peter Dinklage graced with his voice.All of this and so much more including the last cryptid of the season (awwwwwww). It’s time for the Silver State to receive the spotlight!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 Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org. You can also leave a voice message for us at speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto. Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinmotto
Transcribe →