From the biblical serpent who supposedly got us kicked out of Eden to Hollywood’s endless snake pits and slithering sidekicks, snakes have carried the “evil” label longer than any other animal. In this episode of Framed by Fables, we dig into how that reputation took hold and what real snakes are actually like.

Comedian Helen Hong and Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny are joined by Hollywood Snake Wrangler Jules Sylvester, the man behind the serpents in Indiana Jones, Snakes on a Plane, and dozens of other films. Together, they unpack the myths, the science, and the pop‑culture portrayals that turned snakes into storytelling’s OG villains.

But here’s the real plot twist: Once snakes get their long‑overdue PR makeover, Jo talks about another animal that actually does have some questionable behaviors (at least in human terms!)  Which one it is may surprise you! 

 Follow the show so you never miss an episode — and share it with a friend who loves animals, fairy tales, or pop culture.

Credits
Hosts:  Helen Hong & Dr. Jo Wimpenny
Guest: Jules Sylvester 

Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis 

Producer: Emily Orr 

Line Producer:  James Lovewell 

Editor:  Alex Ivany

Artwork: Cliff Barrett  

End Card Music:  Wolves of Glendale  "I'm a Reptile Guy" 

Special Thanks:  Second Floor Studios 

Why do pigs get stuck with all the worst labels? From idioms like “greedy pig,” “filthy pig,” and “pigging out” to the political satire of Animal Farm, pigs have been cast as gluttons, mess-makers, for centuries. In our first full episode of Framed by Fables, we dig into how these ideas took hold  and what real pigs are actually like.

Comedian Helen Hong and Zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny are joined by Eric Bauza, the Emmy‑winning voice actor behind Looney Tunes’ Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and more. Together, they unpack the history, the science, and the pop‑culture portrayals that shaped pigs’ reputation, all with a comedic twist.

And stick around because once pigs are cleared, Jo reveals which animals actually deserve the “dirty,” “greedy,” or “gluttonous” labels. The real culprits will surprise you.

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode — and share it with a friend who loves animals, fairy tales, or pop culture.

Credits 
Hosts:  Helen Hong & Dr. Jo Wimpenny
Guest: Eric Bauza

Exec Producers: Robin M. Henry, Aaron Mervis 

Producer: Emily Orr 

Editor: Alex Ivany
Artwork: Cliff Barrett 

And Special Thanks to Second Floor Studios and Charlotte Lee

FIRST EPISODE DROPS JUNE 23 -- How Pigs Got Screwed  

 Fairy tales have been lying about animals for centuries  and we’re finally calling them out. Framed by Fables is a comedy‑meets‑zoology podcast hosted by comedian Helen Hong and zoologist Dr. Jo Wimpenny, joined each episode by a special guest.

This short promo gives you a feel for the show’s playful tone and the humor at the heart of every episode. No previews, no spoilers  just a taste of the fun and the format. 

Join us as we fix animal reputations one episode at a time. Follow now so you don't miss an episode.