Exciting news from SNAFU headquarters: our first book is coming out April 29, 2025. It's called SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups. Spanning from the 1950’s to the 2000’s, Ed Helms steps in as unofficial history teacher with a loving tribute to humanity’s finest faceplants, diving into each decade’s craziest SNAFUs. From planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies to weaponizing the weather, this book will unpack the incredibly ironic decision-making and hilariously terrifying aftermath of America’s biggest mishaps. Make sure to preorder your copy now at SNAFU-Book.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapter 1: What exciting announcement is made in this episode?
Hey there, Snafu listeners. I wanted to jump into our feed here with some big news. Well, huge news, actually. I am beyond thrilled to finally share with you that this coming April, my very first book is coming out. That's right. And it is based on this very podcast. The book is called Snafu, The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screw-Ups. And I am insanely proud of it.
Chapter 2: What is the focus of the SNAFU book?
This glorious compendium is packed with the same delightful chaos and jaw dropping mishaps you've come to love from the podcast. But here's the kicker. Every single chapter is a brand new story we've never told you before. Yep, we're diving headfirst into history's greatest snafus, covering everything from post-World War II era right up to today.
You'll meet the larger-than-life characters behind these wild tales, unpack the social and political mayhem that set the stage, and of course, laugh at all the lessons learned and or blissfully ignored. And because I'm just way too excited to keep all this stuff to myself, I wanted to treat you, dear listener, to a little sneak peek and a moose boosh, if you will, of some of my favorite chapters.
Chapter 3: What are some historical SNAFUs discussed in the book?
First off, back in 1952, a future president got up close and personal with, wait for it, nuclear radiation. Who, you ask? None other than number 39 himself, Jimmy Carter. Before his days in the Oval Office, Carter was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy specializing as a nuclear engineering officer.
When a Canadian nuclear plant suffered a meltdown, Carter and his team were called in to save the day by literally lowering themselves into the reactor to clean up the mess. Now, the radiation was so intense they could only spend 90 seconds down there at a time, which... Let's be honest.
I mean, that isn't much time for a deep clean, but it must have worked out OK because he still managed to become president of the United States, right? OK, so here's another one. A gem from the 80s. Pepsi, yes, the soda company, Pepsi, briefly owned the sixth largest Navy fleet in the world. You heard that right. It is completely true.
Chapter 4: How did Pepsi end up owning a Navy fleet?
It all started when Pepsi pulled off a brilliant publicity stunt, becoming the first American product sold and distributed in the USSR. Now, Soviet teens went wild for the fizzy syrupy goodness and demand skyrocketed. There was just one problem. Soviet rubles weren't considered a legitimate global currency. So the Soviet Union paid for its Pepsi orders with actual battleships and submarines.
Yes, I swear it's true. Now, Coca-Cola, you better watch your back. All right. Finally, here's one from the 2000s. International tensions cranked up when an American spy plane carrying top secret data made an unscheduled pit stop in Chinese territory. Spoiler alert, the welcome committee wasn't exactly rolling out the red carpet. So they had to make an emergency landing.
Chapter 5: What happened during the U.S. spy plane incident in China?
And in this emergency descent, the flight crew had less than 20 minutes to shred, smash and otherwise obliterate as much classified info as humanly possible. What followed? Well, a full blown diplomatic soap opera with the flight crew stuck in the world's most awkward layover and the U.S. and China exchanging icy glares and pointing fingers. That is just a little teaser for you.
But trust me, the details of those stories are even more insane. And I can't wait to share them with you, along with so many more great stories when the snafu book comes out on April 29th of next year. Here's the most exciting news of all. You can pre-order a copy right now. That's right. Just go to snafu-book.com. That's snafu-book.com. There's also a link in our show notes, too.
Chapter 6: Why is pre-ordering the SNAFU book important?
And just a quick word about pre-ordering. It's really important. I know it might seem like, oh, why should I buy this book now if it's not going to show up for four months? And I get it. Believe me, I do. But here's the thing. Pre-ordering is basically the equivalent of leaving a rating slash review in podcast land.
Chapter 7: How can listeners support the podcast?
Pre-orders show bookstores and booksellers that our podcast fans, you, are already super excited for the book to come out. And it helps them give it more attention and support. And if the book does well, well, that also helps the podcast. And really, all I want to do is keep making seasons of this show that bring to light these crazy messed up stories from history.
And of course, to keep giving you guys all something fun to listen to while you're doing chores or commuting to work or whatever it is you like to do while listening to Snafu. So once again, this is my shameless but very heartfelt plug. Please stop by snafu-book.com and pre-order yourself a book or two or a hundred, you know, maybe even a thousand.
Just keep them in the closet whenever you need to give out a cheeky, sophisticated gift. Trust me, these snafus are an absolute thrill ride packed with jaw-dropping moments and tons of laughs. Oh, and before I sign off, one last quick teaser. I'm going to be back right here with Season 3 of Snafu very soon. And when I say soon, I mean very soon. Like, keep your podcast feed refreshed.
So that's it. Thanks so much for tuning in. Wishing you a New Year's filled with joy, laughter, and, well, far fewer snafus than American history. Take care.
A crime makes headlines. People talk about it for a few days, then it disappears. But for the people left behind, their story is just beginning. But at night, we hear the garage opening and my son hears it, we freak out. Honestly, I didn't tell my son this, but I felt that was it. From the Exactly Right Network, this is The Knife. Real stories of crimes ripple effects told by those who live them.
New episodes every Thursday. Listen to The Knife on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Explore the winding halls of historical true crime with Holly Fry and Maria Tremarcki, hosts of Criminalia, as they uncover curious cases from the past. The legend of the highwayman suggests men dominated the field, but tell that to Lady Catherine Ferrars, known as the Wicked Lady, who terrorized England in the mid-1600s. Her legend persists nearly 400 years after her death.
Highwaymen are in the hot seat this season. Find more crime and cocktails on Criminalia. Listen to Criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
I'm Jake Hanrahan, journalist and documentary filmmaker. Away Days is my new project, reporting on countercultures on the fringes of society all across the world. Live from the underground, you'll discover no rules fighting, Japanese street racing, Brazilian favela life, and much more. All real, completely uncensored.
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