SNAFU with Ed Helms

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.

Richard Kreitner, a journalist and historian, shares insights on secession in America, inspired by the quirky tale of Rough and Ready's brief independence in 1850. The discussion drills down into modern movements like Calexit and Texit, dissecting their motivations and seriousness. Kreitner highlights the impact of polarization and distrust in institutions on the rise of secession rhetoric today. He argues that while secession is an American concept, it should remain a last resort, emphasizing the value of national unity.

Mike Schur, renowned for his work on iconic shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, joins the discussion on the intriguing world of Tammany Hall and the notorious Boss Tweed. They explore how Tweed, a master manipulator, garnered support through patronage and corruption, shaping New York’s political landscape. Schur delves into Tweed's ability to maintain popularity despite scandal and the crucial role of satire in exposing corruption, highlighting the enduring power of the press and comedy in politics.

Desi Lydic, a comedian and correspondent for The Daily Show, joins to dive into the chaos of the 1977 NYC blackout. They discuss the event's technical causes, how it unleashed looting and social breakdown, and the stark contrast with the calmer 1965 blackout. Desi shares insights on thriving in NYC's eccentric culture while addressing the emotional toll of satirical news. They also reflect on the blackout as a metaphor for our current societal challenges and Desi's humorous takes on what she'd change if she were mayor.

Paul Scheer, a renowned comedian and podcaster, joins to explore the tragic tale of the Johnstown Flood. They uncover how a country club's dam modifications led to disaster and discuss the chaos of that fateful day in 1889. Ed shares compelling details on the dam's breach, the flood's terrifying speed, and the subsequent fire that trapped victims. The duo reflects on accountability and the evolving safety measures that followed. Plus, they gaze into the 1926 silent film that depicted it all, complete with impressive miniature effects.

Kal Penn chats with Bill Nye, the iconic science educator and TV presenter, delving into the intrigues of the space race. They explore how historical tensions influenced the original competition, discuss the importance of the Voyager Golden Record, and analyze the shift to modern dynamics involving private billionaires and international players. Bill Nye highlights the dangers of orbital debris and the motivations behind space exploration, advocating for Earth's stewardship over interplanetary colonization. It's a fascinating look at how space continues to reflect humanity's aspirations.

Jordan Klepper, an Emmy-winning comedian known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the Teapot Dome scandal, a sensational tale of presidential corruption. He discusses Warren G. Harding's dubious legacy and the secretive dealings of Secretary Albert Fall. The conversation reveals how greed and political maneuvering led to significant scandal and public distrust. They even draw parallels to modern corruption, showcasing the timeless lessons from this historical event. Klepper also shares insights on his current projects and upcoming tour.

Nick Kroll, a comedian known for his sharp wit and hilarious characters, joins for a deep dive into the extraordinary failures of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. He shares a personal fishing trip disaster, adding humor to crisis moments. They discuss wild details like the crew's unusual companions—69 sled dogs and a cat named Mrs. Chippy. The remarkable survival of the crew despite dire circumstances leads to reflections on leadership and resilience. Plus, they touch on the 2022 discovery of Shackleton's shipwreck and the artifacts unearthed from its preservation.

Join Jenna Fischer, beloved for her role as Pam on The Office, and Angela Kinsey, who brought Angela to life, as they reminisce about their time on the show. They share hilarious high school stories and reflect on the creative atmosphere of the set. Ed Helms introduces a gripping tale about a lost nuclear bomb off the coast of Japan, discussing its eerie parallels to workplace antics. The trio dives into the incident's cover-up, environmental concerns, and the political ramifications while balancing humor and history.