Behind the Bastards' Robert Evans & The Iran-Contra Arms Dealing Scandal (Part I)

Mars Orbiter and the Probe to Nowhere

Jun 16, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, the host explores the catastrophic 1999 failure of the Mars Climate Orbiter, a mission that ended in the loss of a 125-million-dollar spacecraft. The podcast details how a simple, yet monumental, mathematical error led to the orbiter's destruction. Because the engineering team at Lockheed Martin provided thruster performance data in English units while the navigators at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory processed the information in metric units, the spacecraft veered off course and disintegrated upon entering the Martian atmosphere. The episode examines the institutional pressures of the 1990s, specifically NASA’s faster, better, cheaper mandate, which prioritized lean budgets and rapid timelines over thorough oversight. Helms discusses how this culture of extreme efficiency led to fragmented communication and an environment where critical errors went unnoticed. Beyond the specific unit mismatch, the episode highlights how systemic underfunding and poor management contributed to the mission’s collapse. Ultimately, the story serves as a profound cautionary tale about the dangers of bureaucratic pressure, the necessity of clear communication in complex scientific endeavors, and the inherent risks of space exploration when corners are cut.

William Morgan & Our Favorite Murder (with Karen and Georgia of My Favorite Murder)

Jun 10, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms is joined by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the beloved hosts of My Favorite Murder. The trio kicks off the episode by discussing their shared history in the comedy scene and the serendipitous start of their own long-standing friendship, which was forged through a mutual fascination with true crime documentaries. The main focus of the episode is the mysterious disappearance of William Morgan, an event from 1826 that escalated from a small-town scandal into a massive political upheaval. Morgan, a self-proclaimed Freemason with a penchant for tall tales, stirred up controversy by announcing his plan to publish a book exposing the secret rituals of the Freemasons. Helms recounts the suspicious night Morgan was bailed out of a modest jail cell by unknown men, only to be heard screaming for help as he was whisked away, never to be seen again. Throughout the narrative, the hosts reflect on human nature, the dangers of male-dominated secret societies, and the absurdity of historical screw-ups that continue to echo through the modern American political system.

Chappaquiddick & The Real Reason Ted Kennedy Never Became President (with Pete Holmes)

Jun 3, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms sits down with comedian and podcast host Pete Holmes to dive into the tragic and controversial history of the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident. Helms, who portrayed Joe Gargan in the 2017 film Chappaquiddick, shares the story from the perspective of an actor who lived through the narrative on screen, providing an intimate look at the gravity of the event. The conversation explores the life and political trajectory of Senator Ted Kennedy, tracing his rise as a "lion of the Senate" alongside the heavy shadow of his brothers' assassinations and the pervasive "Kennedy curse." The hosts discuss the events of that fateful July weekend, specifically the reunion of the "Boiler Room girls"—a group of highly capable and accomplished strategists from RFK’s campaign—and how a night meant to celebrate and reconnect transformed into one of American history’s most significant political downfalls. Throughout the episode, the duo navigates the complex blend of privilege, personal failings, and the immense public legacy that ultimately derailed Ted Kennedy’s presidential aspirations.

Behind the Bastards' Robert Evans & The Iran-Contra Arms Dealing Scandal (Part II)

May 27, 202636 minSummary

In this episode, Ed Helms sits down with Robert Evans of Behind the Bastards to conclude their deep dive into the Iran-Contra affair. The discussion centers on the complex web of political maneuvering during the Reagan administration, specifically the secret arms-for-hostages deal with Iran and the illegal diversion of those funds to support Contra paramilitaries in Nicaragua. The hosts explore the chaotic fallout that occurred once these interconnected scandals were exposed. They highlight the administration’s desperate attempts at damage control, including President Reagan’s televised denials and the subsequent investigation led by Attorney General Edwin Meese. A focal point of the conversation is the absurdity of the legal proceedings, particularly the shredding of evidence by Oliver North and John Poindexter. The episode scrutinizes how the government’s own investigation strategies, including the granting of immunity to key figures in exchange for testimony, ultimately hindered accountability. Helms and Evans reflect on the nature of political scandal, the efficacy of congressional oversight, and the frustrating reality of how high-level officials often escape real consequences while lower-level operatives serve as sacrificial pawns.

Who Killed Charles Francis Hall? The Polaris Expedition's Arctic Whodunnit (with Jad Abumrad)

Apr 8, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms sits down with acclaimed audio storyteller and former RadioLab creator Jad Abumrad to unravel the bizarre and tragic history of the 1871 USS Polaris expedition. The discussion centers on the mysterious death of the expedition’s leader, Charles Francis Hall, a man whose volatile personality and obsession with Arctic discovery led him on a perilous journey to reach the North Pole. Helms and Abumrad examine the complex dynamics aboard the Polaris, detailing a motley crew divided by national allegiances, professional rivalries, and a fundamental lack of clear leadership. With a cast of characters ranging from seasoned whalers to a skeptical German scientific team, the expedition was plagued by internal conflict long before it became trapped in the unforgiving Arctic ice. The episode explores the darker side of human exploration, touching on the fine line between the noble pursuit of discovery and a toxic, ego-driven drive for fame. Through historical analysis and a touch of modern scientific inquiry, the hosts set the stage for a classic whodunnit, investigating the circumstances surrounding Hall’s sudden demise and the enduring mysteries left behind in the polar frost.

Lord Dunmore and the Proclamation That Ignited Revolution (with Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers)

Apr 1, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Snafu, host Ed Helms is joined by musician and historian Bob Crawford, a founding member of The Avett Brothers, to examine the political turbulence of pre-Revolutionary Virginia. The conversation centers on John Murray, the fourth Earl of Dunmore, and his tenure as the crown-appointed Royal Governor. Crawford and Helms trace how Lord Dunmore’s series of tactical miscalculations—from his dismissive attitude toward colonial society to his heavy-handed dissolution of the House of Burgesses—served to alienate even moderate colonists. The discussion highlights how Dunmore, much like colonial authorities in Massachusetts during the Powder Alarm, consistently underestimated the determination of the American people. The episode focuses specifically on Dunmore’s controversial 1775 proclamation, which offered freedom to enslaved people who joined the British cause. While the move was a strategic attempt to cripple the colonial economy and secure military reinforcements, it ignited deep-seated fears among the plantation elite and fundamentally escalated the revolutionary fervor. By analyzing these events, the hosts explore the theme of how authority figures often accelerate their own downfall by attempting to forcefully suppress the very populations they are meant to govern.

Ivan Boesky: The Wall Street Legend Who Crashed and Burned (with Rory Scovel)

Mar 18, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms sits down with comedian and actor Rory Scovel to explore the meteoric rise and scandalous downfall of Ivan Boesky, the Wall Street figure who served as the primary inspiration for the iconic villain Gordon Gekko in the film Wall Street. The hosts discuss the intense, high-stakes environment of 1980s finance, contrasting the era’s "greed is good" mentality with the societal consequences of such unchecked ambition. They examine Boesky’s background, from his upbringing in Detroit to his relentless drive to outperform his critical father-in-law, which ultimately led him to become a titan of corporate arbitrage. Helms and Scovel share reflections on the nature of ambition and success, noting how Boesky’s workaholic tendencies and single-minded focus eventually spiraled into a catastrophic ethical collapse. Throughout the conversation, they weave in cultural commentary on the 1980s, the evolution of the modern wealth gap, and the fascinating intersection of human hubris and historical failure, providing an engaging look at one of the most notorious stories in financial history.

What Went Wrong on the Hindenburg Luxury Airship (with Chelsea Handler)

Mar 11, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms is joined by comedian and author Chelsea Handler for a deep dive into the history and ultimate demise of the Hindenburg airship. The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about their shared love for travel and the peculiarities of staying on the road, before transitioning into the technical and historical nuances of Zeppelins. Helms and Handler examine the Hindenburg as a monument to human hubris, comparing its grand scale and luxury accommodations to other historical tragedies like the Titanic. They explore the fascinating, albeit dark, engineering choices behind the airship, including the use of highly flammable hydrogen due to a global helium shortage, and the presence of prominent swastikas that reflected the Nazi propaganda of the era. Throughout the episode, the duo maintains an engaging and humorous tone, questioning the human obsession with bigger being better, while reflecting on the Hindenburg's status as a marvel of its time. The conversation provides a unique look at how a supposed pinnacle of luxury travel transformed into one of history’s most iconic and catastrophic failures.

Air Transat Flight 236: The Azores Glider That Ran Dry (with Adam Scott)

Mar 4, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of SNAFU with Ed Helms, host Ed Helms is joined by actor Adam Scott to dissect the harrowing true story of Air Transat Flight 236. The conversation begins with a lighthearted discussion about the guest's career, his transition from comedy to dramatic roles, and shared reflections on flying. The narrative shifts to the dramatic events of August 2001, when a Canadian Airbus A330 lost all engine power while over the Atlantic Ocean. Helms explores how a routine maintenance oversight involving an incorrectly installed fuel line—exacerbated by a failure to follow manufacturer service bulletins—led to a catastrophic fuel leak mid-flight. The episode highlights the pivotal moments when the pilots, suspecting a mere sensor malfunction rather than a structural failure, made a series of difficult decisions while navigating toward the Azores. Helms and Scott examine the human element of this crisis, contrasting the crew’s training with the unpredictable nature of mechanical failure. By combining a deep dive into aviation history with candid, conversational insights, the episode offers an engaging look at how human error and hubris can turn a standard commercial flight into a life-or-death situation.

S4E19: Former KGB Spy Jack Barsky