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E Pluribus Motto

E Pluribus Motto

Written by: John Hodgman and Janet Varney
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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!2024 Maximum Fun Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • Episode 26: Nebraska- "Equality Before the Law"
    Jun 24 2026

    Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to chew up some corn on this journey through Nebraska!

    There’s a lot of history to sift through with this one… but I think you’ll see that we’ll eventually decide that this motto makes us stand up and yell “Oh Yeah!”

    Plus we get some wonderful audio notes from some native Nebraskans, including one conversation that’ll leave you hungry for more.

    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 our bonus episodes 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Episode 25: Florida - "In God We Trust"
    Jun 9 2026

    Grab that panhandle, Janet Varney and John Hodgman are cruisin’ through Florida!

    If the state motto looks familiar that’s because it probably is! Our hosts are not terribly big fans of it and its lack of originality is only part of the reason why.

    But thankfully, there’s so much more to appreciate on our journey through the sunshine state: oranges, gators, critters, and mammals… but there is action that must be taken IMMEDIATELY in the state bird department.

    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 our bonus episodes 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Episode 24: Alabama - "Audemus jura nostra defendere"
    May 26 2026

    Roll 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins
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