Episode 15: New Mexico – “Crescit eundo”

Episode 15

2nd September 2025

Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to talk all about “The land of enchantment”: New Mexico! Or as the locals call it, “The land of entrapment.” Even if you know nothing about New Mexico, the one thing you’ll immediately recognize is its absolutely gorgeous state flag. But did you know that prior to its […]

Episode notes

Janet Varney and John Hodgman are ready to talk all about “The land of enchantment”: New Mexico! Or as the locals call it, “The land of entrapment.”

Even if you know nothing about New Mexico, the one thing you’ll immediately recognize is its absolutely gorgeous state flag. But did you know that prior to its current flag, it also had one of the worst flags we’ve seen yet?

That’s just one other story we’ll hear today, including some stunning hot air balloon commentary, some scary insect stories, and so much more.

And hey, have you purchased some of the books that Philip Varney has written about ghost towns yet?

Episode cover art provided by:

Thien An-Vu

Laura Swisher

Marissa Flaxbart

Produced by Julian Burrell.

Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.

Find E Pluribus Motto on Instagram and TikTok.

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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