Episode 14: Kentucky – “United we stand, divided we fall”

Episode 14

19th August 2025

Janet Varney and John Hodgman are here and ready to talk all about some blue grass… sort of. It’s all about Kentucky and it’s slightly complicated branded with its iconography. If you’re looking for excitement, steer clear of the seal and flag; pretty standard fare there. But Kentucky has an absolutely wonderful horse, gem, and […]

Episode notes

Janet Varney and John Hodgman are here and ready to talk all about some blue grass… sort of. It’s all about Kentucky and it’s slightly complicated branded with its iconography.

If you’re looking for excitement, steer clear of the seal and flag; pretty standard fare there. But Kentucky has an absolutely wonderful horse, gem, and soft drink that they’ve made official. Unfortunately the official beverage is milk. Such a shame!

Episode cover art provided by:

Alex Morris

Produced by Julian Burrell.

Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.

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And send us a voice memo, message or photo about an upcoming state to Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org. You can also leave a voice message for us at speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto.

In this episode...

About the show

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!

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Cover art by Paul G. Hammond
Music by Zach Burba

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