Episodes

  • Monica Gil-Rodriguez: Hollywood Gatekeepers, Star Wars & The Truth About Producing

    Monica Gil-Rodriguez: Hollywood Gatekeepers, Star Wars & The Truth About Producing
    Feb 12 2026
    In this eye-opening episode of Simpsons Declassified, producer Monica Gil-Rodriguez pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to survive—and succeed—in Hollywood. From navigating studio politics to developing major franchise films, Monica shares candid stories about her journey through the entertainment industry, including her pivotal role in championing projects at the highest level. She discusses the realities of being a producer, the difference between creative vision and corporate pressure, and why persistence matters more than prestige. The conversation dives into what studio executives actually do, how projects get greenlit (or killed), and what aspiring filmmakers misunderstand about breaking into Hollywood. Monica also reflects on female leadership in entertainment, career pivots, and the moments when trusting your instincts can change the trajectory of a film—or even a franchise. As always, Simpsons Declassified blends insight with fun, so expect laughs, behind-the-scenes industry truths, and a few unexpected turns along the way. Whether you’re a die-hard movie fan, an aspiring producer, or simply curious about how Hollywood really works, this episode delivers honest advice, inspiring perspective, and a rare look inside the machine. A must-listen for filmmakers, creatives, and anyone who’s ever wondered how stories actually make it to the screen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Dave Mirkin Unfiltered: Writing Bart, Guest Star Legends & The Human Soul of The Simpsons

    Dave Mirkin Unfiltered: Writing Bart, Guest Star Legends & The Human Soul of The Simpsons
    Feb 5 2026
    In this deep-dive Ask Me (Bart) Anything episode of Simpsons Declassified, legendary showrunner and writer Dave Mirkin joins Nancy Cartwright for an uncensored, laugh-packed, and surprisingly emotional conversation about what truly made The Simpsons endure. Pulled directly from fan questions, the episode explores how iconic characters like Bart, Homer, Marge, Ralph, and Lisa were written—and why Bart’s rebellious genius came straight from Dave’s own childhood as a “school terror.” Dave explains why Bart isn’t dumb, just misunderstood, and how that philosophy shaped some of the show’s most memorable episodes. Fans get rare behind-the-scenes stories about celebrity guest stars, including why stars like Paul McCartney, James Taylor, and Sting only appeared briefly, and how Meryl Streep’s turn as Bart’s girlfriend became one of the show’s most unforgettable performances. Dave also shares hilarious, candid stories about directing legends like Kirk Douglas and Mickey Rooney, plus the real rules behind cameo casting versus full-character roles. The conversation dives into the evolution of animation, from hand-painted cels to digital color—and why Dave believes modern perfection has stripped away some of the “human breathing” that made early Simpsons episodes feel alive. He also tackles AI, technology, and why human imperfection is essential to art. Of course, no Simpsons Declassified episode is complete without chaos: expect multiple donut tastings, brutally honest ratings, one donut declared a “hostile food,” and another crowned a true Homer-level classic. Thoughtful, hilarious, irreverent, and deeply insightful, this episode is a must-listen for Simpsons fans, animation writers, voice actors, and anyone who loves the messy humanity behind great storytelling. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • Maurice LaMarche: Pinky, The Brain, Burps, Donuts & Taking Over the World

    Maurice LaMarche: Pinky, The Brain, Burps, Donuts & Taking Over the World
    Jan 29 2026
    Voice acting legend Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama, The Simpsons, Zootopia) joins Nancy Cartwright for an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud episode of Simpsons Declassified packed with fan questions, iconic voices, and surprising emotional depth. From the very start, Maurice dives into classic characters as fans ask about world domination schemes, the genius of Pinky and the Brain, and why the show’s rare moments of heart made it so timeless. He breaks down why the writing was so strong that ad-libbing was rarely needed—and how the “informed idiot vs. uninformed idiot” dynamic made the series work. Simpsons fans will love the deep cuts, including Maurice’s first Simpsons contribution (yes, it involved legendary burps), behind-the-scenes stories from The Critic crossover, video game voice sessions, theme park recordings, and why writers eventually “write to the actor’s voice.” There’s also a masterclass in belch technique, complete with live demonstrations and tongue placement tips you probably didn’t know you needed. Of course, no Simpsons Declassified episode is complete without chaos—enter multiple donut tasting segments, complete with synchronized bites, accidental finger chomping, brutally honest ratings, and one donut that earns a historic minus-one score. The episode takes a powerful turn as Maurice opens up about loss, recovery, creativity, and resilience, sharing why comedy matters—especially now—and how making people laugh for even a few minutes can genuinely change lives. He also teases future projects, including Zootopia 2, possible Futurama returns, and a deeply personal one-man show inspired by his own life journey. Funny, raw, nostalgic, and unexpectedly moving, this episode is a must-listen for Simpsons fans, animation lovers, voice actors, and anyone who believes laughter really can save the world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Bart Simpson and Pinky Answer Fan Questions

    Bart Simpson and Pinky Answer Fan Questions
    Jan 22 2026
    Legendary voice actor Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) joins Nancy Cartwright for a wildly funny, deeply moving, and fan-driven episode of Simpsons Declassified. Packed with Ask Me (Bart) Anything–style questions, this episode blends laugh-out-loud improv with genuine life wisdom from one of animation’s most beloved voices. Rob and Nancy answer fan questions ranging from the weirdest lines ever requested, favorite Bart Simpson prank calls, and unforgettable recording moments that nearly broke the cast with laughter. Simpsons fans and animation lovers alike will enjoy rapid-fire improv, classic character voices, and spontaneous moments that only happen when two animation legends are in the room together. The episode takes a heartfelt turn as Rob opens up about his battle with stage-three throat cancer, sharing how humor, gratitude, and perspective carried him through the most difficult chapter of his life. His story is powerful, hopeful, and deeply inspiring—especially for creatives navigating fear, uncertainty, or major life challenges. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes masterclass in voice acting, auditioning, and character creation, as Rob explains how voices evolve, why bold choices matter, and what makes animation such a uniquely collaborative art form. From Animaniacs reboot stories to reflections on Phil Hartman, Steven Spielberg, and decades of animation history, this episode is packed with insight and nostalgia. Of course, no Simpsons Declassified episode would be complete without chaos—enter the donut tasting segment, complete with ratings, laughter, and some truly questionable bite coordination. Funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and uplifting, this episode celebrates creativity, resilience, and the simple power of making people laugh—straight from two of the most iconic voices in animation history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Ask Bart Anything: Nancy Cartwright Answers the Fans

    Ask Bart Anything: Nancy Cartwright Answers the Fans
    Jan 15 2026
    In this special Ask Me (Bart) Anything episode of Simpsons Declassified, Nancy Cartwright—the iconic voice of Bart Simpson—is joined by Sofy for a fan-driven conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, laughs, and classic Simpsons energy. Pulled straight from fan questions, this AMA covers everything fans have always wanted to know about Bart, voice acting, and life inside Springfield. Nancy shares candid insights into performing Bart across decades, switching between characters, and how she keeps the voice fresh after thousands of episodes. Along the way, she reflects on career lessons, creative instincts, and the unexpected moments that shaped one of television’s most recognizable voices. The episode blends heartfelt storytelling with playful banter as Nancy and Sofy react to fan prompts, riff on Bart’s personality, and explore what makes The Simpsons endure across generations. From vocal technique and character evolution to fan culture and personal growth, this AMA feels intimate, funny, and unscripted—just like Bart himself. Whether you’re a lifelong Simpsons fan or discovering the magic behind Bart Simpson for the first time, this episode delivers insider knowledge, warmth, and plenty of “Eat My Shorts” energy—straight from the source. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • D&D in Springfield with Critical Role's Matt Mercer

    D&D in Springfield with Critical Role's Matt Mercer
    Jan 8 2026
    Legendary voice actor, Dungeon Master, and Critical Role creator Matt Mercer joins Simpsons Declassified for an unforgettable crossover of animation, fantasy, and storytelling. From rolling dice to reimagining Springfield as a tabletop campaign, this episode blends Dungeons & Dragons, voice acting, and The Simpsons in a way only Matt Mercer can. Matt walks listeners through a live D&D roleplay demo, guiding Nancy Cartwright into an improvised fantasy adventure that perfectly explains how tabletop storytelling works—choices, dice rolls, danger, humor, and heart included. Whether you’re brand new to D&D or a longtime fan, this segment makes the magic instantly click. The conversation dives deep into world-building, including how Matt created Exandria (Zandra), his inspirations from Tolkien, sci-fi legends, Final Fantasy, and why fantasy worlds can empower people to make the real world better. He explains the difference between preparing as a Dungeon Master versus a player, how NPCs are born, and why unused ideas are never wasted. Simpsons fans will love the crossover chaos as Matt answers fan questions like: • What D&D class would Bart Simpson be? (Spoiler: Bart the Bard) • Which Critical Role character would thrive in Springfield • How Bart would interact with the Mighty Nein’s chaos gremlins The episode also tackles serious, timely topics—especially AI voice cloning, ownership of performance, and why technology can never replace the heart, soul, and humanity behind real voice acting. Matt and Nancy share powerful insights on protecting creative integrity in an evolving industry. And yes—there’s donuts. A full donut tasting segment with expert-level descriptions, crunch analysis, and surprisingly passionate scoring adds pure Simpsons-energy fun to the episode. Packed with laughter, improv, fan questions, heartfelt reflections, and storytelling wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for D&D fans, Critical Role viewers, voice actors, animators, gamers, and Simpsons fans alike. 🎲 Eat your shorts… and roll for charisma. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • Bart Simpson crashes Christmas Vacation with Beverly D'Angelo

    Bart Simpson crashes Christmas Vacation with Beverly D'Angelo
    Dec 18 2025
    Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Simpsons) joins Simpsons Declassified for a hilarious, revealing conversation that jumps from Springfield to Hollywood—and straight into the stories fans beg for. Beverly finally explains the infamous “crotch grab” moment on Christmas Vacation, why she did it, and how it accidentally became the take they had to use. Then the episode dives deep into her Simpsons legacy as Lurleen Lumpkin, including the wild truth that Beverly wrote “Finally Bagged Me a Homer” with her brother in about ten minutes—and how that song became a long-term “gift that keeps on giving.” You’ll also hear how she met Matt Groening through Frank Zappa, why musical theater rules made the Lurleen episode work so well, and what it was like recording in the early days of the show (plus the best Simpsons perks—yes, the luggage!). The conversation turns personal as Beverly shares advice she’d give her younger self: self-validate, trust your creative engine, and don’t conform for approval. Packed with classic improv, behind-the-scenes trivia, and real-life wisdom—this one’s a must-listen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • The Most Asked Simpsons Questions Answered

    The Most Asked Simpsons Questions Answered
    Dec 11 2025
    In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Nancy Cartwright goes fully “behind the yellow curtain” to answer fan questions about The Simpsons, voice acting, and the real-life mischief that shaped Bart Simpson. Nancy reveals how she accidentally became Bart: originally called in to audition for Lisa, she spotted the description of “10-year-old, school-hating underachiever and proud of it” and instantly knew that was her character. One bold ask later, Bart’s now-iconic voice was born on the spot in front of Matt Groening. From there, Nancy dives into her early days on the speech team, discovering she could create characters, win trophies, and literally pay for college with her voice. She shares a hilariously “very Bart” story about getting busted for writing something awful on a school bathroom stall in brown marker—and the painfully creative punishment that followed. Fans also get rare behind-the-scenes insights, including: How she combined Ralph Wiggum and Nelson Muntz to build new characters Why Nelson is the biggest vocal “throat ripper” to perform How multi-character scenes with Bart, Rod, Todd, and Ralph pushed her early in the series The secret reason some couch gags run extra long What it was really like working with Michael Jackson on “Do the Bartman” and the “Happy Birthday Lisa” song Nancy also talks about Bartmania, early anonymity, her first big voice job as Gloria on Richie Rich, the mentorship of voice legend Daws Butler, and why the show’s integrity and emotional center—especially Lisa as the moral compass—are a huge part of The Simpsons’ long-term success. Packed with stories, confessions, and fan-favorite lore, this AMA is a must-listen for anyone who loves Bart, animation, or the craft of voice acting. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins