Join Snakes and Otters as they take a look at the beginnings of Manifest Destiny in the United State. What was Manifest Destiny? What drove the people of the day to expand the U.S. from "sea to shining sea"?

Join Snakes and Otters as they take a look at the beginnings of Manifest Destiny in the United State. What was Manifest Destiny? What drove the people of the day to expand the U.S. from "sea to shining sea"?

Episode 201 ”Manifest Destiny”

Listen in as the Mirror Universe version of Snakes and Otters takes over our 200th episode!   SERPENTS AND BEAVERS!!!!

Listen in as the Mirror Universe version of Snakes and Otters takes over our 200th episode! SERPENTS AND BEAVERS!!!!

Hoopajoob! Our 200th Episode! - SERPENTS AND BEAVERS

Join the boys for a discussion of meaningful quotes that take us deep into what it means to be human, to be a good person or just stuff people should ponder once in a while. 

Join the boys for a discussion of meaningful quotes that take us deep into what it means to be human, to be a good person or just stuff people should ponder once in a while.

Episode 199 ”Code of Honor July 2023”

Snakes &amp; Otters expands to five! Cajun and Marcus Aurelius join Martin, Robert and Francis in the Official Brotherhood of Snakes and Otters to talk about one of, if not THE, greatest dynasties in history: The Hapsburgs. 

Snakes &amp; Otters expands to five! Cajun and Marcus Aurelius join Martin, Robert and Francis in the Official Brotherhood of Snakes and Otters to talk about one of, if not THE, greatest dynasties in history: The Hapsburgs.

Episode 198 ”The History of the Hapsburgs IS the History of Europe”

Martin captains and the guys analyze some great quotes about what it means to have good government.

Martin captains and the guys analyze some great quotes about what it means to have good government.

Episode 197 ”Code of Honor June 2023: Good Government”

Francis stands in the prow of the boat and the guys work through all the phases of figuring out the question: "Ok, we won, now what?" Also, big news on discussion as well. 

Francis stands in the prow of the boat and the guys work through all the phases of figuring out the question: "Ok, we won, now what?" Also, big news on discussion as well.

Episode 196 ”After the Revolution: Making a Government”

Robert leads a special edition of Code of Honor with quotes about honor. Of course it runs 90 minutes. 

Robert leads a special edition of Code of Honor with quotes about honor. Of course it runs 90 minutes.

Episode 195 ”Code of Honor May 2023”

Francis takes command and we talk Benedict Arnold, John Andre and other scumbags of the American Revolution. 

Francis takes command and we talk Benedict Arnold, John Andre and other scumbags of the American Revolution.

Episode 194 ”Scumbags of the Revolution”

Episode 193 ”Code of Honor April 2023”

Take on the most power empire of the time? Sure, no problem for a bunch of merchants and farmers on the other side of the world.

Take on the most power empire of the time? Sure, no problem for a bunch of merchants and farmers on the other side of the world.

Episode 192 ”Audacity and the American Revolution”

A pointless discussion of eternal questions, with Martin, Robert, Francis, Cajun and Marcus Aurelius. Join us as we tackle everything from English history to comic books. More on www.snakesandotters.com.

Impressed with the fun range of topics these guys discuss. So different from niche podcasts.

Good stuff

I heard about this from some friends and really like it! These guys know enough about all sorts of stuff and have a great time discussing it! Love their bourbon talk too... I highly recommend giving them a try...

If you love history discussions, this is for you

A pointless discussion of eternal questions, with Martin, Robert, Francis, Cajun and Marcus Aurelius. Join us as we tackle everything from English history to comic books. More on <a href="http://www.snakesandotters.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.snakesandotters.com</a>.

Snakes & Otters Podcast

Code of Honor time again listeners and Francis captains us through Spock, William F. Buckley and the Gospel of Matthew. Bonus, we get to hear all about why Robert despises the ST:OS episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." And there are glasses raised to writer DC Fontana, RIP. Our quotes this time: Robert – “Change is the essential process of all existence.” (Spock) Martin – “Don’t immanentize the eschcaton.” (William F. Buckley) Francis – “Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do to me.” (Matthew 25)

Code of Honor time again listeners and Francis captains us through Spock, William F. Buckley and the Gospel of Matthew. Bonus, we get to hear all about why Robert despises the ST:OS episode "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let That Be Your Last Battlefield</a>." And there are glasses raised to writer DC Fontana, RIP. Our quotes this time: <ul><li>Robert – “Change is the essential process of all existence.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spock</a>)</li> <li>Martin – “Don’t immanentize the eschcaton.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Buckley_Jr." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William F. Buckley</a>)</li> <li>Francis – “Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do to me.” (Matthew 25)</li></ul>

Episode 033 "Code of Honor: Quotes to Live by for January 2020"

Robert captains and lets Martin start off linking some Clint Eastwood (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly) words with Huey Newton. Francis moves from there to David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia to eviscerate tribalism and Robert hones in on sinfulness and selfishness. And it all connects. In other words, same thing we always do. Our quotes this time: Martin – “There are two people in this world, those with loaded guns and those who dig.” – (Sergio Leone) Francis – “So long as the(y) fight tribe against tribe, so long will they be a little people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel, as you are.” ( E. Lawrence) Robert – “A liberal is someone whose interests are not at stake at the moment.” (Unknown)

Robert captains and lets Martin start off linking some Clint Eastwood (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Ugly-Anniversary-Special-Blu-ray/dp/B0716XZB2B/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3B155UM1DX38G&amp;keywords=the+good+the+bad+and+the+ugly&amp;qid=1582071822&amp;sprefix=the+good+the+bad%2Caps%2C202&amp;sr=8-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Good, The Bad and The Ugly</a>) words with Huey Newton. Francis moves from there to David Lean's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lawrence-Arabia-UHD-Peter-OToole/dp/B00SJUTL08/ref=sr_1_2?crid=HIL3CSBPWL75&amp;keywords=lawrence+of+arabia&amp;qid=1582071752&amp;sprefix=lawrence%2Caps%2C201&amp;sr=8-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lawrence of Arabia</a> to eviscerate tribalism and Robert hones in on sinfulness and selfishness. And it all connects. In other words, same thing we always do. Our quotes this time: <ul><li>Martin – “There are two people in this world, those with loaded guns and those who dig.” – (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Leone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sergio Leone</a>)</li> <li>Francis – “So long as the(y) fight tribe against tribe, so long will they be a little people, a silly people - greedy, barbarous, and cruel, as you are.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._E._Lawrence" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> E. Lawrence</a>)</li> <li>Robert – “A liberal is someone whose interests are not at stake at the moment.” (Unknown)</li></ul>

Episode 042 "Code of Honor for March 2020"

Francis takes the big chair and we talk life lessons from Jean Luc Picard. Includes some hat tips to the writers and show runners who made these words meaningful to us. We even have kind words for Wil Wheaton. Bonus: Much love for Marina Sirtis too. 

Francis takes the big chair and we talk life lessons from Jean Luc Picard. Includes some hat tips to the writers and show runners who made these words meaningful to us. We even have kind words for Wil Wheaton. Bonus: Much love for Marina Sirtis too.

Episode 040 "The Wisdom of Jean Luc Picard"

Fourth week so that means a pop culture episode! The guys wax nostalgic about all the great Christmas TV specials from The Grinch to A Charlie Brown Christmas. The guys drink a toast to all the great creators and voices of these shows, from Charles Shultz to Thurl Ravenscroft. Merry Freaking Christmas All! 

Fourth week so that means a pop culture episode! The guys wax nostalgic about all the great Christmas TV specials from The Grinch to A Charlie Brown Christmas. The guys drink a toast to all the great creators and voices of these shows, from Charles Shultz to Thurl Ravenscroft. Merry Freaking Christmas All!

Episode 031 "Merry Christmas from Snakes & Otters"

Fifth Friday and that means we do a Hoopajoob! Martin captains a *lengthy* discussion on our favorite fuel, good Kentucky bourbon. Freewheeling, hard drinking, all manly bourbon talk. In other words, perfect hoopajoob. 

Fifth Friday and that means we do a Hoopajoob! Martin captains a *lengthy* discussion on our favorite fuel, good Kentucky bourbon. Freewheeling, hard drinking, all manly bourbon talk. In other words, perfect hoopajoob.

Episode 036 "Hoopajoob Time! Let's Talk Bourbon"

Martin, Robert and Francis dive in to the long term legacy of Rome in the last of the 4 part series. There's also a glass raised to Terry Jones of Monty Python. 

Martin, Robert and Francis dive in to the long term legacy of Rome in the last of the 4 part series. There's also a glass raised to Terry Jones of Monty Python.

Episode 037 "The Legacy of Rome"

That's right listeners, pop culture time and Francis is thrilled that we put this one on the schedule. We talk about the appeal and cultural impact of the James Bond Franchise, including the original Ian Fleming novels and the Eon Productions films. "Do you expect us to talk?" "No, Snakes &amp; Otters, I expect you to die."

That's right listeners, pop culture time and Francis is thrilled that we put this one on the schedule. We talk about the appeal and cultural impact of the James Bond Franchise, including the original Ian Fleming novels and the Eon Productions films. "Do you expect us to talk?" "No, Snakes &amp; Otters, I expect you to die."

Episode 044 "Bond, James Bond"

William Tecumseh Sherman

Martin leads the way in an exploration of General W. T. Sherman. Prickly, irascible, narcissistic, yet devoted to Grant and Lincoln. Political connections all over, but no interest in a political career. Yet he was key to saving the Union in the Civil War.  Martin focuses on Lee Kennett's Sherman: A Soldier's Life and Victor Davis Hanson's The Savior Generals to get the guys started. 

Martin leads the way in an exploration of General W. T. Sherman. Prickly, irascible, narcissistic, yet devoted to Grant and Lincoln. Political connections all over, but no interest in a political career. Yet he was key to saving the Union in the Civil War.  Martin focuses on Lee Kennett's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sherman-Soldiers-Lee-B-Kennett/dp/0060930748/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lee+kennett+sherman&amp;qid=1582071932&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherman: A Soldier's Life</a> and Victor Davis Hanson's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Savior-Generals-Commanders-Ancient-Greece/dp/160819342X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TSUOX76AK299&amp;keywords=the+savior+generals+by+victor+davis+hanson&amp;qid=1582071996&amp;sprefix=hanson+savior%2Caps%2C155&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Savior Generals</a> to get the guys started.

Episode 043 "Our Heroes: William Tecumseh Sherman"

The episode you have been waiting for. In this special code of honor episode, the guys talk about what "Strength and Honor" really means. 

The episode you have been waiting for. In this special code of honor episode, the guys talk about what "Strength and Honor" really means.

Episode 038 All About "Strength And Honor"

Charlton Heston

"Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!" Martin, Robert and Francis dig in a major appreciation of Chuck Heston. We talk his craft, his life and the way he stood firm for what he believed in. "Ideals not causes" indeed.  Pick up Heston's terrific autobiography In The Arena to get what the guys are on about. 

"Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!" Martin, Robert and Francis dig in a major appreciation of Chuck Heston. We talk his craft, his life and the way he stood firm for what he believed in. "Ideals not causes" indeed.  Pick up Heston's terrific autobiography <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Arena-Autobiography-Charlton-Heston/dp/0684803941/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=in+the+arena+heston&amp;qid=1580076105&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In The Arena</a> to get what the guys are on about.

Episode 039 "Our Heroes: Charlton Heston"

Martin captains an episode on the pivotal elections of 1824 and 1828. The guys then turn it into a character study of Old Hickory, Andrew Jackson. 

Martin captains an episode on the pivotal elections of 1824 and 1828. The guys then turn it into a character study of Old Hickory, Andrew Jackson.

Episode 045 "Dirtiest Elections: The Story of 1824 and 1828"

Benjamin Disraeli, Helmuth von Moltke (the Elder) and Ronnie James Dio. Yep. The guys take quotes from a British statesman, a German field marshal and a rock n roll singer to give you April's words to live by. And like always, it works.  Our quotes this time: Francis – “Don’t complain, don’t explain.” (Benjamin Disraeli) Martin – “If you listen to fools, the mob rules.” (Ronnie James Dio) Robert – “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” (Helmut Von Moltke the Elder)

Benjamin Disraeli, Helmuth von Moltke (the Elder) and Ronnie James Dio. Yep. The guys take quotes from a British statesman, a German field marshal and a rock n roll singer to give you April's words to live by. And like always, it works.  Our quotes this time: <ul><li>Francis – “Don’t complain, don’t explain.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Disraeli" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Benjamin Disraeli</a>)</li> <li>Martin – “If you listen to fools, the mob rules.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_James_Dio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ronnie James Dio</a>)</li> <li>Robert – “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmuth_von_Moltke_the_Elder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helmut Von Moltke the Elder</a>)</li></ul>

Episode 046 "Code of Honor for April 2020"

Want a challenge? Try talking about Winston Churchill in less than an hour. The guys examine the life of British statesman Winston Churchill. There's a lot to unpack. Martin doesn't mention it, but he's read what's considered the sine qua non of modern Churchill bios, Martin Gilbert's 1 volume Churchill: A Life.

Want a challenge? Try talking about Winston Churchill in less than an hour. The guys examine the life of British statesman Winston Churchill. There's a lot to unpack. Martin doesn't mention it, but he's read what's considered the sine qua non of modern Churchill bios, Martin Gilbert's 1 volume <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Churchill-Life-Martin-Gilbert/dp/0805023968/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=martin+gilbert+churchill&amp;qid=1584814970&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Churchill: A Life</a>.

Episode 047 "Our Heroes: Winston Churchill"

Pop culture episode and Francis takes the reins to talk Samurai Cinema and what it meant in Japan, both pre and post WWII. The guys salute famed director Akira Kurosawa, and talk the way the Samurai movies became the basis for revisionist Westerns, Clint Eastwood and antiheroes. 

Pop culture episode and Francis takes the reins to talk Samurai Cinema and what it meant in Japan, both pre and post WWII. The guys salute famed director Akira Kurosawa, and talk the way the Samurai movies became the basis for revisionist Westerns, Clint Eastwood and antiheroes.

Episode 052 "3 Ronin: Snakes & Otters Talks Samurai Movies"

"In the dark days during the spread of the Covid 19 virus, three brave men decided to risk everything by talking about it . . . Well, we're not quite THAT brave, but we do talk a lot about the Great Covid Quarantine of 2020. Join the guys as we talk about how things are going, and some of the important things they've learned so far in what the old Chinese curse called "interesting times". And you can see a special video version with the guys in their quarantine getup on our YouTube channel! Just search Snakes and Otters on YouTube to find us!

"In the dark days during the spread of the Covid 19 virus, three brave men decided to risk everything by talking about it . . . Well, we're not quite THAT brave, but we do talk a lot about the Great Covid Quarantine of 2020. Join the guys as we talk about how things are going, and some of the important things they've learned so far in what the old Chinese curse called "interesting times". And you can see a <a href="https://youtu.be/evcNoo16QO4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">special video version</a> with the guys in their quarantine getup on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRiRe3VZIkwCfDEXrQ48XA?view_as=subscriber" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>! Just search Snakes and Otters on YouTube to find us!

Covid 19 Quarantine Special

Robert captains the first of 4 Civil War episodes, discussing the pivotal battles that led from the dismissal of George McClellan to the rise of US Grant. In today's episode we talk Ambrose Burnside and the disaster that was Fredricksburg. Some sources we use include The Civil War by Geoffrey Ward with Ric and Ken Burns, and we heartily applaud Jeff Shaara's Gods and Generals.

Robert captains the first of 4 Civil War episodes, discussing the pivotal battles that led from the dismissal of George McClellan to the rise of US Grant. In today's episode we talk Ambrose Burnside and the disaster that was Fredricksburg. Some sources we use include <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-bestselling-War-based-celebrated-dp-0679755438/dp/0679755438/ref=mt_paperback?_encoding=UTF8&amp;me=&amp;qid=1586896235" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Civil War</a> by Geoffrey Ward with Ric and Ken Burns, and we heartily applaud Jeff Shaara's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Generals-Novel-Civil-1861-1865-ebook/dp/B000FC1IDG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9S0UH59AKF8I&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=gods+and+generals&amp;qid=1586896345&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=gods+and+gen%2Cstripbooks%2C147&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gods and</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Generals-Novel-Civil-1861-1865-ebook/dp/B000FC1IDG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9S0UH59AKF8I&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=gods+and+generals&amp;qid=1586896345&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=gods+and+gen%2Cstripbooks%2C147&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Generals.</a>

Episode 049 "Burnside's Folly: The Battle of Fredricksburg"

The guys look back with nostalgia at the old classic TV cop shows and what they meant. 

The guys look back with nostalgia at the old classic TV cop shows and what they meant.

Episode 048 "Who Loves You Baby? Classic Cop Shows"

Second Friday once again so time for another "words to live by" episode. Robert starts us off this time, and we consider the nature of freedom and humanity through the words of Shakespeare, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and J. Michael Straczynski.  Yes, we're serious.  Our quotes this time: Robert – “Respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church) Martin – “Men at sometimes are master of their fates, the fault, my dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” (Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar) Francis – “No dictator, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand. Though it take a thousand years, we will be free.” ( Michael Straczynski)

Second Friday once again so time for another "words to live by" episode. Robert starts us off this time, and we consider the nature of freedom and humanity through the words of Shakespeare, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and J. Michael Straczynski.  Yes, we're serious.  Our quotes this time: <ul><li>Robert – “Respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.” (<a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catechism of the Catholic Church</a>)</li> <li>Martin – “Men at sometimes are master of their fates, the fault, my dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar_(play)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar</a>)</li> <li>Francis – “No dictator, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand. Though it take a thousand years, we will be free.” (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Michael_Straczynski" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Michael Straczynski</a>)</li></ul>

Episode 029 "Code of Honor: Quotes To Live By for December 2019"

Remember when the networks would advertise sitcom episodes with "Tonight on a very special 'Blossom'" or "Tonight on a very special 'Facts of Life'" and it meant a character was going to smoke weed or lose her virginity? Yeah, well we aren't doing that. What we are doing is staking a claim to our podcast ground. Give a listen. This is who we are and what we're about.

Remember when the networks would advertise sitcom episodes with "Tonight on a very special 'Blossom'" or "Tonight on a very special 'Facts of Life'" and it meant a character was going to smoke weed or lose her virginity? Yeah, well we aren't doing that. What we are doing is staking a claim to our podcast ground. Give a listen. This is who we are and what we're about.

Tonight on a Very Special Snakes & Otters

Frederick III

Martin captains an episode examining the life and reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II's father, Frederick III. He reigned only 99 days, but if he had lived, could he have transformed the nascent German empire from Prussian militarism to a model constitutional monarchy? Would that have transformed Europe and prevented (or mitigated) the cataclysm of World War I?  Although they don't mention it in the episode, the guys highly recommend Our Fritz: Emperor Frederick III and the Political Culture of Imperial Germany by Frank Lorenz Muller from 2011 as an excellent source not only about Frederick's life, but also about all of the many cultural considerations that they guys discuss here as well.

Martin captains an episode examining the life and reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II's father, Frederick III. He reigned only 99 days, but if he had lived, could he have transformed the nascent German empire from Prussian militarism to a model constitutional monarchy? Would that have transformed Europe and prevented (or mitigated) the cataclysm of World War I?  Although they don't mention it in the episode, the guys highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-Fritz-Frederick-Political-Imperial/dp/0674048385/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=frederick+iii&amp;qid=1575316861&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Fritz: Emperor Frederick III and the Political Culture of Imperial Germany</a> by Frank Lorenz Muller from 2011 as an excellent source not only about Frederick's life, but also about all of the many cultural considerations that they guys discuss here as well.

Episode 020 "What If? . . . Frederick III Lives and Transforms the Late 19th Century?"

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!