Episode 21: Puerto Rico – “Joannes est nomen ejus”

Episode 21

31st March 2026

It’s season 3 of E Pluribus Motto! Janet Varney and John Hodgman are back with a brand new collection of states and their mottos, iconography, animals, and so much more. Our first state of this season… isn’t a state at all! It’s the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, birthplace of legends like Rita Moreno, Ricky […]

Episode notes

It’s season 3 of E Pluribus Motto!

Janet Varney and John Hodgman are back with a brand new collection of states and their mottos, iconography, animals, and so much more.

Our first state of this season… isn’t a state at all! It’s the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, birthplace of legends like Rita Moreno, Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny, whose INCREDIBLE Superbowl performance showcased the island’s rich culture.

Puerto Rico is also home to adorable frogs, delicious cuisine and one of the most iconic cryptids of all time: The Chupacabra.

Season three is starting off with a bang. Sorry, season three is starting off with una explosión.

Produced by Julian Burrell.

Senior Producer at MaxFun is Laura Swisher.

For all things E Pluribus Motto, visit maximumfun.org/mottos-info.

Want to tell Janet & John something about an upcoming state? Or send a voice memo, photo, or cherished memory? There are lots of options:

Email – Emailpluribusmotto@maximumfun.org

Voice Message  – speakpipe.com/epluribusmotto.

Social Media

Instagram and TikTok.

And if you want to purchase Bulletin Board as a small business in any state this season, you can do so here.

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!

Get involved in the show here!

Cover art by Paul G. Hammond
Music by Zach Burba

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