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Check latest episodes from SNAFU with Ed Helms podcast

S4E1: Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, and the Lost Nuke

2025/10/08

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey really miss shooting The Office. So, Ed tells them the story of a lost nuke off the coast of Japan, which ends up eerily reminiscent of a workplace comedy. Except we're trading cubicles for a thousand foot warship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and paper jams for hydrogen bombs. 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.

S4E2: Nick Kroll and Shackleton's Failed Expedition

2025/10/15

Nick Kroll is not so great in a crisis, especially a family fishing trip. So naturally, Ed wanted to bring NIck back to the sea for the harrowing story of Ernie Shackleton's failed expedition to Antarctica, complete with dogloos, stowaway cats, and a chance to celebrate the explorers who push humanity forward. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E3: Jordan Klepper and Teapot Dome

2025/10/22

Jordan Klepper gives a shit about politics. Ed takes him through Teapot Dome, one of the most sensational political scandals of early American history, a tale of presidential corruption and bribery that's absolutely nothing like our world today. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E4: Paul Scheer and the Johnstown Flood

2025/10/29

Paul Scheer is an OG podcaster about movies. Ed tells him the story of the snooty country club project that ends up inciting the Johnstown Flood -- and becomes fodder for an epic silent film on its own. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E5: Desi Lydic and the 1977 NYC Blackout

2025/11/05

Desi Lydic thrives in the chaos of New York City. Ed invites her back to one of the city's darkest times, quite literally. It's the 1977 NYC Blackout, a SNAFU showcasing the best and worst of humanity in the Big Apple. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E6: Mike Schur and Tammany Hall

2025/11/12

Mike Schur knows how to run a show or two - but could he handle Tammany Hall?? Ed takes Mike on a journey to visit with old Boss Tweed, one of the most divisive - and dare we say cartoonish? - political figures of 19th century New York City. Subscribe to the SNAFU YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SNAFUPodBuy the SNAFU book: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E7: Kal Penn and the Republic of Rough and Ready

2025/11/19

Kal Penn has worked everywhere from Hollywood to the White House. In this joint episode of SNAFU and Kal's new podcast, HERE WE GO AGAIN, Ed tells Kal the story of a small town that decided to secede from America, only to realize their desire to buy beer and party would win out in the end Then, they call up U.S. historian Richard Kreitner to learn about secession movements in America today, like Calexit, Texit, and the Greater Idaho Movement. You can check out HERE WE GO AGAIN here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E8: Live at 92NY with Samantha Bee

2025/11/26

Samantha Bee is as lively as ever. And on this special episode of SNAFU, Sam helped take Ed's book tour to the big apple, LIVE at the 92NY in New York City. They reminisce on their early days at The Daily Show together, and naturally touch on some of the most bonkers chapters in Ed's book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups. Don't miss out this holiday season, and buy the New York Times Bestseller wherever you get your books, or go to: www.snafu-book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E9: Jake Tapper and the Sinking of the Lusitania

2025/12/03

Jake Tapper is tapped in to the pulse of current events. Ed takes him out to sea to assess the historic disaster that was the sinking of the Lusitania: a chaotic, cataclysmic act of treachery that ignited wartime efforts faster than you can say "U-Boat." 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.

S4E10: Dan Taberski and the Great Molasses Flood

2025/12/10

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.

S4E11: Sophia Bush and the Mona Lisa Heist

2025/12/17

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.

Rachel Maddow and ULTRA

2025/12/24

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.

S4E13: Jon Lovett and the Donner Party

2025/12/31

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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E14: Sarah Spain and Napoleon's Russian Blunder

2026/01/07

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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S4E15: Jenny Slate and the Flight to Varennes

2026/01/14

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.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read SNAFU with Ed Helms podcast reviews

4.6 out of 5

1619 reviews

Longhairbarefeet 2025/11/30

Thank you

I am so grateful for you and this podcast, in particular-so far- for season 2. This story needs telling. This podcast is a gift.

luvvagoodstory 2026/01/27

Sinking fast :-(

What happened? Early seasons had me hooked, but season 4 is a full-stop. Get rid of the consultant that is steering this ship- asap! I’ve tried to ...

Theelborn 2026/01/25

Has become too political. No longer fun.

This podcast was good. There are great stories, but Ed has decided to start throwing in politics. The Jake Tapper episode shows how Tapper is very bia...

222rv 2026/01/07

It was one of the best

I’m still listening hoping that this season ends up being just a fluke and this goes back to being one of the best podcasts ever. 1-3 are fantastic an...

RDT1980 2025/12/09

Season 4 is a let down

Seasons 1-3 are brilliant. Great stories. Wonderful story telling. Excellent narrator. Season 4 is trying to be Greatest Escapes with Arturo Castro bu...

Satchiko-1 2025/12/04

Original concept! Interesting content! Too many ads!

I just listened to the episode about the lost nuclear weapons. It was really interesting! I would like to listen to more of this show, however, there ...

buzyb33 2025/12/04

Miss the original format

I loved the original deep dive into a SNAFU for a season. It takes a lot of time and research to create such a well produced topic. Not loving the new...

More history pls! 2025/11/24

Started off well, now declining

I love Ed Helms & the concept of learning SNAFU history through his delightful personality. Season 1 was phenomenal. Season 2 however is disappointing...

Mrs. Edsmom 2025/11/28

Hate The New Format

Unfollowed. Let me know when you ditch the chatter.

Oscarmaine 2025/11/23

Seasons 1-3 were better.

I really enjoyed seasons 1-3. I’m not as much of a fan of season 4. I prefer the long story format. Season 4 just seems like one podcast in a sea of p...

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