Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

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

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

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

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

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