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SNAFU with Ed Helms — History
SNAFU with Ed Helms

SNAFU with Ed Helms, America’s favorite podcast about history’s greatest screwups, returns for Season 4 with even more SNAFUs – one per episode, to be precise. And this time around, Ed ropes in a cavalcade of smart, hilarious guests to help unpack what these blunders, fiascos and faceplants say about who we are (spoiler: we’re basically just toddlers with nukes). Think of it as part history lesson, part hangout pod, and part group therapy for humanity.

Watch on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPod. And check out the SNAFU book at www.snafu-book.com.

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Latest Episodes:

Operation Cottage: The Most Awkward WWII Invasion of... Nothing? (with Kelly Corrigan) Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Kelly Corrigan is all class. As an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and author, her insights are a breath of fresh air. Today, Ed and Kelly cover Operation Cottage, a screwy attempt by American and Canadian forces to recapture the Aleutian Islands during WWII. But when the Allied soldiers arrived, all was not as it seemed.

Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPod
Buy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why the 1920 Palmer Raids Feel...Weirdly Familiar? (with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway) Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway are two titans of podcasting. Their ever-prescient analyses of today's political, technological, and cultural worlds have set an elevated standard for journalists across the board. Today, they help Ed analyze an event from our past that may feel eerily familiar: The Palmer Raids. Although they took place in 1919, their echoes in modern times may just give you goosebumps.

Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPod
Buy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Slate and the Flight to Varennes Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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/@SNAFUPod
Buy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Spain and Napoleon's Russian Blunder Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

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/@SNAFUPod
Buy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Lovett and the Donner Party Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

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/@SNAFUPod
Buy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Maddow and ULTRA Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Happy Holidays from everyone on the SNAFU Team! While Ed and his elves prepare more stories for the new year, warm up with an oldie-but-goodie bonus episode you might have missed: It's Ed's conversation with Rachel Maddow about her podcast, ULTRA. Plus, if you're still in need of a last-minute holiday gift, there's still time to grab a copy of Ed's New York Times Bestseller, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups, wherever you get your books, or at www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophia Bush and the Mona Lisa Heist Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Sophia Bush is a history nerd. Ed and Sophia geek out with an oddly prescient historic whodunnit when they uncover the Heist of the Mona Lisa in 1911. Spoiler Alert: The Louvre never learns. And don't miss out this holiday season, look for Ed's New York Times Bestseller, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups, wherever you get your books, or go to: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Taberski and the Great Molasses Flood Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Dan Taberski isn't just a sweet guy, he's an award-winning podcaster. This week, Ed takes him up to Boston to trudge through one of the sweetest, stickiest, and deadliest disasters in American history. It's the great Molasses Flood! And don't miss out this holiday season, look for Ed's New York Times Bestseller, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups, wherever you get your books, or go to: www.snafu-book.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing Earsay hosted by Ed Helms and Kal Penn Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club is the ultimate book club for audiobook lovers.

This week on Earsay, we're turning it up to 11 with national treasures Rob Reiner and Michael McKean for a deep dive into A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap. They explore the making of the landmark 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap and its long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap Two: The End Continues. Together, they unpack the art of “schnadling” (their term for improvisational riffing), and Ed compares notes from another influential mockumentary — The Office. Rob and Michael reflect on why maintaining affection for these magnificently oblivious characters has made all the difference in the process of building a 40-year mythology around a completely fictional band.

Listen to Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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From Here We Go Again With Kal Penn: Another Economic Crash with Michael Lewis Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

Hey SNAFU fans! We wanted to share another episode from a show that we think you'll enjoy: Here We Go Again with Kal Penn.

Each week, Kal Penn takes today’s trends and headlines and asks: Why does history keep repeating itself? From the new space race and plane delays to fad drugs and movie remakes, our guest's answers will make you feel better about everything.

Back in 2008, it seemed like everyone was talking about the financial crisis. And then came The Big Short, Michael Lewis' book-to-screen story that exposed the corrupt subprime mortgage industry and its impact on the 08 crash. Now, it seems like everyone's wondering: Are we heading towards another big recession? Who would you trust if you were that very man who exposed that broken system in the first place? Kal gets candid with journalist and author Michael Lewis about our financial future, who he trusts with his money, and why.

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