Episodes

  • Jim Meskimen: Master of Voices, Impressions & Springfield Shenanigans

    Jim Meskimen: Master of Voices, Impressions & Springfield Shenanigans
    Dec 4 2025
    Legendary impressionist Jim Meskimen (Parks and Rec, America’s Got Talent) joins the show for a fast-paced, hilarious, and insightful deep dive into the craft of voices and impressions. From his earliest days imitating Tiny Tim to voicing iconic characters for Disney, Jim breaks down how he studies vocal patterns, physicality, pitch, and personality to bring celebrity impressions to life—sometimes within seconds. Jim and Nancy jump into rapid-fire Simpsons challenges, reimagining Bart catchphrases as delivered by celebrity voices, plus dramatic reenactments, Krusty Burger clashes, and Springfield improv that only a world-class mimic can pull off. He also shares stories about stepping into Robin Williams’ Genie roles, meeting actors he imitates, and the surreal moment he “lost” an impression the same day the real performer passed away. Beyond impressions, Jim opens up about his artistic roots, his mother Marion Ross, his early animation days at Hanna-Barbera, and how he approaches acting in both comedy and drama. He explains why authentic humanity—not tricks—makes performances memorable, and how he prepares characters for film, TV, and his upcoming projects. Whether you’re a Simpsons fan, a voice-acting nerd, or someone who loves celebrity impressions, this episode is packed with technique, nostalgia, storytelling, and nonstop comedy from one of the greatest vocal performers working today. 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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    57 mins
  • Spencer Grammer on Multiverses, Nepo Babies & The Art of Voice Acting

    Spencer Grammer on Multiverses, Nepo Babies & The Art of Voice Acting
    Nov 20 2025
    In this episode, Rick and Morty star Spencer Grammer sits down to talk voice acting, growing up in a Broadway family, and her dad Kelsey Grammer’s iconic Simpsons role as Sideshow Bob. She shares behind-the-scenes insights on improv in animation, how episodes are rewritten and re-recorded, and what it’s like performing emotional turns in the booth. Spencer also opens up about recovering from a life-changing injury, finding music as healing, and building her band Bell and Chain. You’ll hear hilarious Simpsons × Rick and Morty crossover improv, movie scene reenactments, and Spencer’s spontaneous song “Sunshine.” Fans will love her thoughts on multiverses, Easter eggs, and why Springfield is in “every state.” This fun, heartfelt, and creatively wild episode is packed with comedy, storytelling, and exclusive insights from one of animation’s most dynamic voices. 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
  • Timmy Turner Crashes the Simpsons|Featuring Tara Strong

    Timmy Turner Crashes the Simpsons|Featuring Tara Strong
    Nov 13 2025
    Ever wondered what happens when Bart Simpson collides with the queen of cartoon multiverses? Nancy Cartwright sits down with Tara Strong for a wild, heartfelt romp through voice-acting mayhem—Timmy Turner, Harley Quinn, Raven, Bubbles, Batgirl, Miss Minutes, and more. Tara shares fangirl moments (singing with Jodi Benson in Little Mermaid II), origin stories (Hello Kitty’s first English voice!), and the craft behind “singing in character.” She opens up about fandom’s real impact—from tear-jerker con hugs to helping a bullied My Little Pony artist find her community. Then chaos ensues in “Fanfiction Theater,” as Tara and Nancy swap voices, trade Bartman bars, and mash up Springfield with Toy Story, The Shining, and a Harley-babysits-Bart scenario that would definitely set the town on fire. Tara even pitches a new Springfield resident—Nova, a cosplay-rock star who pulls Lisa out of her shell. It’s jokes, joy, and genuine magic with one of animation’s most beloved voices. 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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    50 mins
  • Voice of Michael Jacksons Character In Stark Raving Dad Kipp Lennon Opens Up

    Voice of Michael Jacksons Character In Stark Raving Dad Kipp Lennon Opens Up
    Nov 6 2025
    Ever wondered who really sang for Michael Jackson’s character on The Simpsons? Nancy Cartwright welcomes legendary vocalist Kipp Lennon—the hidden voice behind Stark Raving Dad’s unforgettable tunes. Kipp shares the wild story of how he ended up channeling the King of Pop in Springfield, from the day he got the call to performing live years later at The Simpsons Take the Bowl concert. Along the way, he dishes about his musical roots as a founding member of the harmony-rich band Venice, and drops hilarious behind-the-scenes tales—like the time Conan O’Brien and Weird Al turned a hallway into an impromptu jam session. This episode hits every note: nostalgia, laughter, and pure Simpsons magic 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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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Legendary Treehouse of Horror animator Mark Kirkland opens the crypt

    Legendary Treehouse of Horror animator Mark Kirkland opens the crypt
    Oct 30 2025
    Ever wondered what happens when the voice of Bart Simpson sits down with the director who helped make Treehouse of Horror iconic? Nancy Cartwright welcomes Simpsons legend Mark Kirkland for a spooky, laugh-packed deep dive into Springfield. Mark lifts the lid on classic Halloween segments—from “The Omega Man” to “Easy-Bake Coven”—sharing how colonial research, crooked sets, and even the color of falling leaves shape the scares. He recalls his path from Hanna-Barbera to CalArts mentors, treating animators as “actors with a pencil,” and why sitcom timing beats long crosses every time. The trio play a chaotic “Simpsons Catchphrase: Halloween Edition,” revisit Bart-the-Fly’s squeaky register, and reveal how lines are stitched together take by take. Mark shouts out Suzie Dieter’s Grinch homage, dishes Easter-egg signage lore, answers fan mail (yes, “The Shinning” wins), and crowns donuts the ultimate studio “candy.” Plus: his favorite to direct (“Last Exit to Springfield”) and what he’s creating in his fine-art life now. FOLLOW NANCY: https://www.instagram.com/nancy_cartwright/ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnancycartwright https://x.com/nancycartwright https://www.facebook.com/Nancy.Cartwright.Official/ Produced and showrun by Monica Gil-Rodriguez. From Audacy Podcasts and CRE84U Entertainment—this is your all-access pass to Springfield. 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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    57 mins
  • Secrets from The Simpsons Writers Room (w/ Legend John Vitti)

    Secrets from The Simpsons Writers Room (w/ Legend John Vitti)
    Oct 23 2025
    Today’s episode features one of the original architects of The Simpsons, John Vitti! A true comedy writing genius, John penned some of the show's most iconic and beloved episodes, including "Bart the Genius," "Bart Gets an F," "Mr. Plow," "Cape Feare," and "Lisa's Substitute." In this unforgettable interview, John and Nancy Cartwright geek out about the show's legacy and its chaotic-yet-brilliant origins. Jon also shares what it was like to pitch to James L. Brooks, why the full-face shot of a Simpson character is never a good idea, how much the voice actors, like Nancy, shaped characters like Ralph Wiggum and Mr. Burns, and those high-pressure days writing early-season episodes. Plus, Nancy and John play a hilarious writer's room game, pitching plots for ultimate crossover episodes: "Jaws at Springfield Lake," "The Godfather at Springfield’s Mob Summit," and "Star Wars at Springfield Space Expo!" 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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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • The West Wing's Allison Janney Gets a Simpsons Crash Course

    The West Wing's Allison Janney Gets a Simpsons Crash Course
    Oct 16 2025
    Ever wondered what happens when an Oscar-winning actress meets the voice of Bart Simpson? Allison Janney and Nancy Cartwright sit down for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation talking about The Simpsons, I, Tonya, West Wing, Minions, and more. In this exclusive interview, Allison shares her experience guest-starring on The Simpsons and pitches wild new ideas for the show, including a character for herself and a storyline involving a new dog for the family. Nancy, a voice-acting legend, offers Allison tips on character voices and reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the show's history. They also reminisce about their shared connections to their hometown, from local pizza joints to the Kenley Players theater. They put their skills to the test in a chaotic game of "Simpsons or Real Life" and even attempt to rap! FOLLOW NANCY: https://www.instagram.com/nancy_cartwright/ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnancycartwright https://x.com/nancycartwright https://www.facebook.com/Nancy.Cartwright.Official/ Produced and showrun by Monica Gil-Rodriguez. From Audacy Podcasts and CRE84U Entertainment—this is your all-access pass to Springfield. 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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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Reno 911!'s Cedric Yarbrough talks The Boondocks, Batman, and Bart with Nancy Cartwright (Simpsons Declassified Ep. 4)

    Reno 911!'s Cedric Yarbrough talks The Boondocks, Batman, and Bart with Nancy Cartwright (Simpsons Declassified Ep. 4)
    Oct 9 2025
    Join Nancy Cartwright and the incredible Cedric Yarbrough (Deputy Jones on Reno 911!, Colonel H. Stinkmeanor on The Boondocks) for a hilarious and insightful conversation about their careers. In this episode Cedric and Nancy dive deep into the art of voice acting, discussing how they find the voice, breath, and truth for characters ranging from a mob boss in the animated Batman series to the unforgettable Deputy Jones. They explore the chaos and genius of improvised comedy on Reno 911! and the longevity of The Simpsons. Then, prepare for an incredible improv moment as they recreate the phone call from Taken as Bart and Deputy Jones, and sing Broadway-style songs as their iconic animated characters! Plus, Cedric shares the emotional story behind his most meaningful live-action role on Speechless and what it was like to work with Clint Eastwood on Juror No. 2. FOLLOW NANCY: https://www.instagram.com/nancy_cartwright/ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnancycartwright https://x.com/nancycartwright https://www.facebook.com/Nancy.Cartwright.Official/ Produced and showrun by Monica Gil-Rodriguez. From Audacy Podcasts and CRE84U Entertainment—this is your all-access pass to Springfield. 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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    1 hr and 22 mins