E Pluribus Motto

Janet Varney and John Hodgman chat about the start of the #MaxFunDrive! This episode is being released on the first day of the drive– March 17th. Now is the time to go to maximumfun.org/join to become a MaxFun Member. For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure that this podcast continues and earn great gifts in the process. Then, it’s Janet’s full conversation with filmmaker Amy Holden Jones...

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…...

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 allowe...

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 Lam Ryan Lloyd C.N. Josephs Produced by Julian Burrel...

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 freshl...

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:  Lizzi...

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 wol...

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...

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...

It’s Janet Varney ’s turn to present to John Hodgman ; it’s the biggest little state in the union: Rhode Island! While Rhode Island does have a limited presence in pop culture, it still has a lot of great songs devoted to it. And we’re happy to showcase a few. We’ll find out what exactly a “stuffy” is and why this state motto is so simple and yet perfect. Plus, we’ll hear from Julian Fellowes , cr...

It’s the very first episode of E Pluribus Motto! John Hodgman and Janet Varney ’s first stop on their tour of every state, commonwealth and territory in the United States is Connecticut. Why Connecticut first? They’ll explain. Hear more about its legendary rich, sandy loam, the grape-filled seal, and its many attempts to create a state motto that sticks. Plus, Janet speaks with Amy Holden Jones ,...

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...