Snakes & Otters Podcast

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."

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. 

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)

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.

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. 

"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. 

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

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. 

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. 

Francis takes the captain's chair and we do a fun episode on some great old movies that always grab our attention.