Snakes & Otters Podcast (Snakes & Otters)

Martin, Robert and Francis dig into the appeal of comic culture and make serious fun of Millennials. Why do the comics appeal to us? How have they turned into a multi-billion dollar media franchise?

Even though the guys don't mention it specifically, perhaps the best history of the comic book medium can be found in Tales to Astonish: Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and the American Comic Book Revolution. It's worth checking out!

Join Robert, Francis and Martin as they tell you all about their new "history-philosophy-heroes-pop culture" Podcast called "Snakes and Otters" . . . and why you will love listening!

In this first episode, the guys embark upon a whirlwind tour of what it means to be part of the Snakes & Otters world with a discussion about Arthur Herman's To Rule The Waves and the origins of the modern British Navy!

The guys continue their discussion about who really should get the blame for World War I, using Christopher Clark's The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 as a springboard.

Martin, Robert and Francis take on the big question about who really should get the blame for World War I, using Christopher Clark's The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 as a springboard.

Bonus Feature - Martin calls the Russians "dicks" in the process!

Part 2 of comics and culture! Robert, Martin and Francis talk you through how comics intersect with other media. In other words, we freaking love the MCU! 

And yes, the guys don't mention it again here, but perhaps the best history of the comic book medium can be found in Tales to Astonish: Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and the American Comic Book Revolution. It's worth checking out!

Shakespeare: greatest writer in English language history or political hack? Martin, Robert and Francis rehabilitate Richard III, talk about Tudor Dynasty propaganda and there's Angel's Envy bourbon too! Check out Paul Murray Kendall's Richard III to know what we're on about.

Francis captains an episode on that great American Icon, John Wayne, the man Emperor Hirohito wanted to meet on his trip to the United States in the 1960s. A rugged individualist, a man with a code, a man who believed in American Exceptionalism, but a man with flaws too. 

Robert leads the discussion with a quote from the great G. K. Chesterton. The man is one of the greatest writers you'll ever encounter. Hundreds of books. 9000 essays. Absolute wit and genius from Chesterton.

Francis takes the lead for this month's Code of Honor and the guys discuss his The Godfather movie line, Martin's return to the "Nietzsche well" and Robert's anonymous sources. It works. Trust us . . . 

The King of Cool is today's hero, and Martin leads the discussion. 

Robert is captaining the flatboat this week and the guys do Lincoln quotes to delve into the man's influence and character.

Francis takes the emperor's chair and the guys examine the aftermath of Bonapartism. 

Martin takes charge and the guys talk some words of wisdom for May 2021.

Martin captains a very silly episode (well I mean it is a freaking hoopajoob) and answers the question, Is Cereal A Soup? The guys also dive into some other really bad food ideas (tuna and jello pie?) but eventually come around to some positive notes on German kuchens and steak and eggs and other yummy stuff. 

Martin is large and in charge for this month's Code of Honor. 

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.

Francis sits in the big chair this month for Code of Honor. He starts us with more von Clausewitz, then Martin bookends it with GK Chesterton, and Robert hammers it home like Thor with Mighty Mjolnir using poet Diane Ackerman. This one is Hall of Fame material listeners, download and archive it. 

Our quotes this time:

• Francis – “There are very few men, and they are the exceptions, who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment.” (Von Clausewitz)
• Martin – “I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act, but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.” ( K. Chesterton)
• Robert – “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find I’ve only lived the length of it. I want to live the width of it as well.” (Diane Ackerman)

Robert takes the conn for an exploration of his favorite type of fiction, the 'what if?' story. We examine it from all sort of perspectives, and have a few laughs along the way too. 

"Now he belongs to the ages." Not sure what else we can put in the description. Francis runs the convention here and we talk all things Abe.

Francis sits at the head of the table as the guys are joined by emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius to discuss the last philosopher in our series, John Dewey. 

Francis handles the big chair this week and we discuss the superiority of Marvel's Dr. Doom over all other fictional villains. And yes, Darth Vader is a lackey and a loser compared to Doom.

Francis has the conn and the guys talk life and work of Ernest Hemingway. The craft. the craft. 

Francis takes charge here leading the guys through an in-depth discussion of the philosophical and political ideas of Scottish Enlightenment figure David Hume. 

Robert is in charge and the guys continue talking about George Washington through his own words. 

Andre once again proves his command fitness as he brings not one but three amazing quotations for the guys to chew on!

Join us as we play around with some wise words from Seneca, Carl Jung, Pythagoras and maybe even a few more!

Once again we prove why Snakes And Otters is the best podcast out there for deeps discussion and intellectual repartee par excellence!

Francis takes charge of the buck and half episode and of course very fittingly it is a Code of Honor. Here's where you can find the answer to the opening line: P.J. O'Rourke, Matthew McConaughey and somebody else walk into a bar . . . 

Shatner-paloozza winds up with Francis in the captain's chair as the guys talk the cultural impact of everyone's favorite captain, James Tiberius Kirk. Leadership lessons, favorite moments, and why Kirk reaches us are all on the table. 

The Brotherhood of Snakes & Otters continues the series on Manifest Destiny and its effect on history. Listen in as they discuss not just the California Gold Rush, but also various others throughout history. As always there's bourbon in the middle and discussion on the why and what it all meant. Plus a surprise special guest joins us for this episode.

Martin captains an homage to his north star, George Orwell. Read and learn younger generations. Yes, his novels were a comment on a polity that no longer exists, but the deadly ideas behind the Soviet Union still swirl the bowl of modern intellectualism. 

Join the Brotherhood of Snakes & Otters for another episode of Code of Honor. Francis provides the quote for the guys this episode and he goes back to one of his favorites, Voltaire. The boys don't have a lot of agreement on the chosen quote this time, so the discussion gets lively. 

The 80s nostalgia continues as the guys pay tribute to one of the great entertainers to emerge to mega stardom in the decade. And awesomely, Robin Williams kept it going right up to the second decade of the 21st century. 

Robert has the big chair for our discussion of Enlightenment figure Immanuel Kant.

Martin captains our first "new format" Code of Honor where the Captain now rules!

At Martin's able direction, we go back to forever-flowing well of Friedrich Nietzsche and discuss the general sanity of individuals versus the general insanity of groups.

Things get lively with five guys to bat this one around!

"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. 

Robert chairs the Council of Nicea in this salute to the man who started the Santa legend, St. Nicolas. Don't mess with him, or he'll slap the heresy right out of you.

Francis has Cornell West, Martin has John Milius and Robert hammers it home with Mark Cain in a morality and justice focused episode. Get deeper on the blog! 

Martin gets elected Secretary General and leads the guys on a discussion of the good, the bad and the contemptible of the United Nations. 

Shatner-paloozza begins with words of wisdom from James T. Kirk. 

Robert opens January captaining our history episode on an important Gen X touchstone, the Challenger Disaster. 

Martin captains a Code of Honor that serves as a bit of a continuation of the last week's Nietzsche episode. Francis and Martin quote the man himself while Robert the Hammer blasts him  . . . 

Martin captains an episode about an unlikely hero to the gang, 20th Century foundational poet, playwright and cultural critic T. S. Eliot. I should have been a pair of ragged claws scuttling across the floors of silent seas, indeed. 

Martin captains and the gang talks about gonzo journalist, satirist and general ne'er do well P. J. O'Rourke. Martin reveals the number 1 item on his bucket list is to have a drink with PJ. That's how big a deal this heroes episode is. 

P. J.'s books are too numerous to list here, but head to his website, www.pjorourke.com. His publisher, Grove Atlantic, has a full bio and a list of his stuff. If you take the plunge and buy a PJ, be sure it is one that includes his seminal article "How to Drive Fast on Drugs While Getting Your Wing-Wang Squeezed And Not Spill Your Drink".

Martin takes the big chair this week and the guys run through Mack Bolan, Frank Castle, Bruce Wayne, Paul Kersey and other iconic media vigilantes. Of course we have to figure out how bloodthirsty maniacs out for revenge became cultural icons. 

Martin yada yada yada's the guys through an episode about Seinfeld, the sitcom about nothing. They follow the show's rules, and there's no hugging, no growth. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 

Robert sets the controls for the heart of the sun in this Code of Honor episode. Features words of wisdom from Robert Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Voltaire. Bonus wisdom from Saint Thomas More right from Francis' memory too! 

Robert takes the conn and steers the USS Snakes & Otters into an appreciation of that pioneering TV sensation, Babylon 5. And yes, we do eventually let Francis off the leash. 

Robert and the guys have some 'splainin to do with the first female hero, Lucille Ball. 

Francis captains an episode that takes the S&O guys into the dark heart of that terrible Planet of the Apes (nod to Homer Simpson). We discuss all the great themes and shout out to the important creators of one of the pre-eminent Sci-Fi franchises. This of course includes more bro love for our man Chuck Heston, who's Taylor was way deeper a character than just a man among the monkeys. And always remember, "you blew it up, you maniacs, damn you, god damn you all to hell!"

Join the Brotherhood discussing the films and work of Ridley Scott, genius filmmaker behind Alien, Blade Runner, and especially Gladiator. Three obvious greats of his incredible corpus of work, although we discuss tons more too . . . 

Martin captains a Snakes & Otters style exploration of Friedrich Nietzsche and his influence on history. Martin finds him interesting, Francis is intrigued, but Robert finds him unfulfilling. 

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.

Martin captains the guys through a discussion of the Western as an American art form, including a discussion on the evolution of the genre and how it came to reflect the current moment in American society. 

Francis captains and we talk his favorite Man's Man, Ernest Hemingway and his words of wisdom.

Francis is our tenured professor on this episode detailing the philosophy of the great intellectual and polymath John Locke. Unfortunately, Monty Python didn't include him the ever-awesome philosopher's drinking song so no snappy title to this one. 

Francis has the conn and Mark Twain makes a double appearance. Martin says this one quickly became a favorite Code of Honor.

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

SERPENTS AND BEAVERS!!!!

Martin takes the conn to talk the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Robert captains probably our weirdest hoopajoob yet, wherein the guys talk about what returning a shopping cart to the parking lot corral means for character, society and Nietzschean rebelliousness. 

We kick off our series on philosophers with political theorist Thomas Hobbes. And yes, we've named these episodes after lines from Monty Python's "Bruce's Philosophers Song". Martin mangles the lyrics, Francis ably captains.

Martin takes the helm on an episode exploring American diplomacy and power on the world stage at the turn of the 20th Century. Martin has the guys talking John Taliaferro's All The Great Prizes and Robert W. Merry's President McKinley: Architect of the American Century as a starting point. And a new bourbon makes its first appearance. 

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

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 & Otters, I expect you to die."

Robert is the pit master this episode and the guys talk the joys of smoked meats, great sides and road trips. 

Cajun takes the big chair and discusses his experience at the Superstars Writing Seminar with the guys. 

Francis brings in artist and activist Keith Haring and we talk propaganda vs art. Martin antagonizes the captain a bit. 

Second week of June and time for a Code of Honor boys and girls. Martin, Robert and Francis draw from all kinds of sources and use some great words of wisdom to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Draw nigh and learn. And like always, there's caution but also optimism. 

Our quotes this time around:

• Martin – “Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” ( J. O’Rourke)
• Francis – “In Luckenbach Texas, ain’t nobody feeling no pain.” (Waylon Jennings)
• Robert – “Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.” (Anonymous)

Join the Brotherhood (minus the missing Francis) as they discuss more of those movies they just have to stop and watch whenever they're on. 

Martin takes the conn (Martin is also growing fond of the nautical terms) and steers the guys through a history discussion of the War in the Pacific. Martin wants to talk about John Prados' take that the Solomons Campaign was more important than the Battle of Midway to beating the Japanese. Check the book Islands of Destiny  to see what Martin's talking about. Worth your time. 

Robert takes charge of the troops and the guys discuss the social and economic seeds of the American revolution. 

Robert captains but still goes last and hammers on the great stuff from Francis and Martin. Martin goes super geek Star Trek with a Jean Luc Picard, Francis brings in US Grant, and Robert goes with some old fashioned folk wisdom. 

Our quotes this time:

• Martin – “Your discommendation is a façade to protect less honorable man. It is a lie, lies must be challenged.” (Jean Luc Picard)
• Francis – “If men make X [war] in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail.” (Ulysses S. Grant)
• Robert – “Your problem isn’t the problem; your reaction is the problem.” (Anonymous)

More from the founders. 

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. 

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 charge of this month's Code of Honor. 

The Brotherhood talks resolutions and goals for the New Year. Hear the boys discuss what they're going to do and why Robert absolutely hates the term "resolutions"!

Martin somehow has the job to open the coffin on our fascination with vampire movies. We figure it goes beyond some pale dude that sparkles. Might have something to do with, I don't know, Jesus. 

Martin captains this month's Code of Honor. He pulls in Reagan after the Challenger Disaster, Francis kicks off with Oscar Wilde, and Robertus Malleus does his thing with Herman Melville. 

Martin captains an episode examining the 1972 election. We dig into the Watergate timeline, Nixon's strengths and McGovern's weaknesses. And of course it all ties back to our "What If" episode on Robert Kennedy. 

G. Gordon Liddy's autobiography Will features in the discussion.

On the heels of the last episode talking about the KY Bourbon Fest, the Brotherhood of Snakes and Otters returns to a favorite subject: BOURBON!!!! That's right. We talk about the history of bourbon and the effect it's had on the local region, nationally and of course, us! Cajun also provides a flight of bourbons for us to try. It's a blind taste test. Hear what we have to say.

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 is sovereign this episode and the guys talk quotes from political philosopher Thomas Hobbes. This one really gets Martin's hackles up as he seeks to slay Leviathan. 

The guys risk heading to gaol, as they used to say in Britain, to work through an Oscar Wilde quote. 

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)

Cajun takes the Captain's Chair and takes us on our fourth episode exploring the history of the United States westward expansion.

This time we go deep with perhaps the biggest reasons for why things happened as they did . . . technological innovations in the area of transportation.

Join the guys as they pick this one apart and discuss the western historical legacy and how it informs our world even today!

Martin takes the helm and talks to the guys about Doctor Who. They are the real Whovians and their fandom makes for a fun pop culture episode talking about one of the longest running, most adaptable and perhaps greatest all around science fiction TV show of all time.

Francis mans the barricades and guys examine the second half of the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror and beyond.

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. 

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)

DJ Robert is spinning tunes this episode as the guys talk favorite bands, first concerts, first records bought with own money and all kinds of things rock music. 

Civil rights is a story, and stories have characters. Martin takes the guys through a history episode examining some of those characters, the pioneers, leaders and martyrs of Civil Rights. 

Robert cranks up the Marshall stack and the guys talk landmark and favorite rock bands. 

Francis takes command on the San Juan Hill that is the life and career of Theodore Roosevelt.

Martin leads the discussion on 3 pertinent quotes of John Stuart Mill.

Robert takes the big chair and Martin lets the guys ramble for full on 90 minutes of why Gen X is the best. Sorry Millennials and Boomers. 

Martin captains this episode and chooses a quote from C. S. Lewis for us to toss around for a while. It's a lively discussion and lots of back and forth about the meaning to us and Lewis.

That's right listeners, a fun pop culture episode on Frasier Crane and Company. Discussions of favorite characters and episodes abound as Francis captains and Martin gets to yell "That dingo's got your baby!"

Cajun takes the guys through a discussion of culture clashes and human decency (or lack thereof) with a talk about the post-Civil War western expansion and its effects on the Native American Tribes. 

Francis leads the Knights of Otters and Snakes into battle in a spirited discussion of the Crusades and their aftermath.

Robert takes the head of the table and the guys talk words of wisdom from David Hume. 

Martin has the conn this time Otterites and wants the guys to talk some history of the original Woodstock concert and what it all meant. Time to dis the boomers again.