SNAFU with Ed Helms

Jenny Slate is a connoisseur of finer things. Ed invites her to revisit an epic failure on the part of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette as they attempt to flee revolution, yet cling to their superfluous lifestyle. Will they make it to the city of Varennes or lose their lavish heads in the process? Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Spain knows a thing or two about winning. But sadly for ol' Napoleon Bonaparte, he managed to do anything but win this war. Ed and Sarah trudge into the tundra to follow Napoleon's epic screwup in his campaign to conquer Russia. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Lovett is a prominent podcaster and political commentator -- and, a survivor. (Get it?). Today, Ed brings Jon along to help commentate on the ill-fated journey of another group who was simply trying to survive: The Donner Party. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Maddow, Emmy Award-winning political commentator and host of the podcast Ultra, dives into the chilling details of the 1944 Great Sedition Trial. She reveals why this significant event has faded from public memory and discusses her journey tracing the roots of Holocaust denial in the U.S. Their conversation touches on the recurring themes of right-wing authoritarianism, the power of audio storytelling, and the connection to contemporary events like January 6. Maddow also shares insights on adapting her work into film, emphasizing the importance of transparency and informed citizenry in protecting democracy.

Sophia Bush, an actress and passionate activist known for her civic engagement, joins Ed Helms to dive into the intriguing 1911 heist of the Mona Lisa. They explore how Bush’s advocacy work intertwines with her passion for history. The conversation highlights the chaos of the investigation, the surprising suspects, and the eventual recovery of the iconic painting. They also reflect on the Mona Lisa's surge in fame post-theft and discuss the ethics surrounding cultural repatriation. It's a delightful mix of art, history, and advocacy!

Dan Taberski, an acclaimed documentarian and podcaster, joins to recount the bizarre and tragic Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston. Ed and Dan explore why molasses was crucial during WWI and the rushed, faulty construction of a massive tank. They vividly describe the catastrophic wave that devastated the neighborhood, the chilling rescue attempts, and the community's resilience. The shocking aftermath includes lawsuits against corporate negligence and the flood's lasting place in folklore, painting a fascinating portrait of this sticky disaster.

Join filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, known for classics like This Is Spinal Tap, and actor-musician Michael McKean as they dive into the legendary mockumentary's making and its sequel. They reveal the art of 'schnadling,' a unique improvisational technique, and discuss how affection for their characters has fueled a 40-year legacy. With laughs aplenty, they share anecdotes about on-set mishaps and reflect on Spinal Tap's impact on comedy, even addressing early reactions from real rock stars.

Kal Penn chats with Michael Lewis, a bestselling journalist renowned for his insights on finance and the 2008 crisis. They delve into the complexities of subprime mortgages and the moral dilemmas behind them. Lewis reflects on Lehman Brothers’ collapse and the characters involved, highlighting why few were prosecuted. He warns about risks moving into private markets and the shortcomings of post-crisis regulations. They also discuss trust in institutions, where Lewis invests his money, and share rapid-fire trust ratings for various media outlets.

Jake Tapper, a prominent CNN anchor and author of "Race Against Terror," dives into the harrowing story of the Lusitania's sinking. He and Ed Helms unravel the chaos of World War I, from the ship's luxurious design to the moral dilemmas of mixing civilians with wartime munitions. They explore the torpedo strike's mysteries and the devastating loss of life. Tying the past to the present, they consider how singular historical events can ignite broader consequences, highlighting parallels with today's intelligence operations.

Samantha Bee, an Emmy-winning comedian known for her sharp political satire, joins Ed Helms in a lively live conversation at 92NY. They reminisce about their time on The Daily Show and delve into entertaining and bizarre historical snafus from Ed's book. Topics include hilarious CIA schemes involving cats and pigeons, the surprising success of ozone layer recovery, and the chilling legacy of MKUltra. Together, they explore themes of hubris and secrecy while sharing a mix of humor and optimism about resilience amid political chaos.