talkingsimpsons posts
TalKing of the Hill - Husky Bobby
On this week's episode of TalKing of the Hill, Bobby finds his calling when he's scouted for the modeling industry in a plus-size clothing store. Obviously, Hank isn't thrilled about this, and to make things worse, Bobby's big fashion show moment of fame could end in tragedy if his dad doesn't race to the rescue. Listen in and learn about the advanced polymers used in making giant overalls, the mysterious contents of Bobby's scrapbook, and just how much love it takes to crush a little boy's dream. So sit back, and re...
Talk to the Audience?!? - April 2021
It's the end of the Fishmas season, which means it's once again time for our monthly community podcast. Listen in as we discuss the passing of yet another member of the Simpsons' creative team, Julio's new voice actor, The Simpsons' recent Morrisey slam, the latest in a long line of episode-specific oral histories, the never-made Krusty spinoff, and more! And, as always, we respond to your questions and comments from our most recent round of episodes. So wave "hello" to Funky Winkerbean and get ready for another grea...
What A Cartoon Movie! - Shrek
Hey, you're an all star! 2001 was a huge year in countless ways, and one of the many reasons was the arrival of Shrek, the CGI ogre who changed animation forever. Love him or hate him, theatrical animation was never the same after Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and the rest first appeared in theaters. We look back on how Jeffrey Katzenberg's vision for animated films slowly was born in Shrek, the many alterations made along the way, and if this film is still a shooting star that breaks the mold!This episode originally went out with a very minor ...
A Preview of What A Cartoon Movie for Shrek
Hey now, it's a preview, of a podcast, 'bout Shrek! Yes, this month's premium podcast for the Talking Simpsons Network is about the 20th anniversary of one of the most influential (and memed) films of the millennium! This month our $10+ Patreon subscribers get to hear us talk about 2001's Shrek! Listen now to this free extended preview of the adventures of an ogre, a donkey, and a princess. Then subscribe at the $10 level (or up your current pledge to $10) to hear the whole thing and all of our previous What A Cartoon Movie podc...
The What A Cartoon Schedule is Changing!
Hey everyone, the podcast embedded in this post provides an audio version of this update, but if you want a text-based version that's easier to reference, we're more than happy to provide it below.Starting in July of 2021, we're changing the What A Cartoon schedule a bit—and don't worry, the PTA has not disbanded. As we did at the start of 2020, we're scaling back What A Cartoon a bit to better suit our production pipeline, and because of that we'll soon be producing two episodes of What A Cartoon every month. (And the...
Talking Futurama - The Luck of the Fryrish With Karen Chu
This month, we're covering a surprisingly touching episode of Futurama that looks all the way back to Fry's adolescence in the late '80s. And we're joined by Karen Chu of the podcast Good Job, Brain! When Fry needs to turn his luck around, the search for his fabled seven-leaf clover leads him to discover that his brother has stolen it and Fry's name... or has he? Listen in and learn the best way to get through 'Nam in style, why you shouldn't bet on a yawning horse, and the value of John Larroquette's spine! Now ...
TalKing of the Hill - Jumpin' Crack Bass (It's a Gas, Gas, Gas)
This week, Hank unwittingly becomes a crack consumer in his search for a surefire way to catch fish—but his naivete lands him in trouble with the law when he's caught scoring more rocks for his latest fishing expedition. Listen in and learn the horrifying conditions of factory worm farms, the proper way to commit non-obvious arson for the sake of insurance fraud, and the history of the real-life creative sentencing judge that inspired this episode. All this, and important information about the flag in our newest miniseries podcast!
Talking Simpsons - The Computer Wore Menace Shoes With Travis View
This week's episode is all about online conspiracy theories, and our guest is an expert: Travis View of the investigative podcast QAnon Anonymous! As Homer becomes the unknown arbiter of online rumors, this episode is all about the dangers of bull plop on a then relatively young internet of 2000. Learn how much things have changed and what stayed the same, plus a ton of stuff about the cult classic The Prisoner! So don't be a caterpillar in our buttermilk, listen now!
What A Cartoon! - The Savage Dragon "She-Dragon"
Chosen by premium Patreon subscriber James, we're exploring both the edgy comics of the '90s and the USA Network in the forgotten Savage Dragon adaptation! The series resurfaced unexpectedly on Peacock's streaming service, so we dive into its strange creation, the early '90s comic boom, as well as some tangents about the weirdest stuff that's happened in Savage Dragon comics. Listen now for a ride on the Cartoon Express!
TalKing of the Hill - Hilloween
It's a classic battle of Good versus Candy on this week's TalKing of the Hill, as Hank's favorite holiday gets threatened by an Evangelical Christian with a hatred for Halloween. Listen in and learn all about Mega Lo Mart's generous hole-punching policy, why backspin is so important when it comes to throwing toilet paper, and how a hate crime can be when someone hates you, specifically. So sit back, and remember: it's just liver—it's not going to KILL you!
Talking Simpsons - Dead Putting Society With Mike Hanford
We all grab our putters for this week's episode as we welcome comedian and writer Mike Hanford from the band/podcast The Sloppy Boys! This is the first major Ned Flanders episode, as Homer becomes much angrier than usual while forcing Bart to play mini-golf. With Lisa's help, Bart finds inner peace and ultimately learns a lesson while Homer and Ned wear dresses. All this, plus the sound of one hand clapping! It's a weird but important episode, so listen along to learn a ton of historical firsts for this week's Mr. Putter-approve...
What A Cartoon! - Death Note "Rebirth"
This week, we're covering a crossover anime hit sponsored by premium patron Loki! On the surface, the premise for Death Note sounds absurd: a magical notebook that kills someone if you write their name in it. Despite the outlandish premise, this hit manga series captured the attention of readers worldwide with its cat-and-mouse psychological thriller antics—all built on the foundation of very sound internal logic. And thankfully, the anime version adapts this compelling story as faithfully as possible. So listen in as we discuss the very ...
TalKing of the Hill - Arrow Head
When Hank unwittingly digs up a Native American arrowhead, his simple quest for a new rototiller blade leads him down a dark path that results in the total destruction of his yard and a potential emotional affair for Peggy. Listen in and meet a smarmy new character played by Maurice LaMarche, learn about the many uses of hemp, and have Bill teach you how to properly get rid of possums. So sit back and get ready for a podcast that'll make your brain swell up as big as it'll go!
Cool World Will Be Our What A Cartoon Movie Episode for May 2021!
The results are in! Thanks to your votes, next month's episode of the What A Cartoon Movie podcast will be 1992's Cool World. Folks on the $5 level of our Patreon can hear the extended free preview of this podcast when it goes live on Monday, May 31, but $10 subscribers will be able to access the whole thing and also access our extensive back catalog of What A Cartoon Movie episodes.And don't forget: This month's episode of What A Cartoon Movie, all about the 2001 Dreamworks classic, Shrek, will launch on Monday, April 26! Look ...
Talking Simpsons - Homer vs Dignity With Nick Wiger
This week's episode is one of the most controversial Simpsons ever, and we lean upon the insights of returning fave Nick Wiger from the great podcasts Doughboys and How Did This Get Played?! Homer becomes Burns' prank monkey for high pay and low dignity, leading to perhaps the lowest moment in Simpsons history. How does it fare today? How does it reflect the comedy of 2000? And what about The Noid? We discuss it all in this tapioca-covered podcast!
What A Cartoon! - Get A Life "Girlfriend 2000"
Happy April Fools 2021 as we continue our podcast tradition of covering a live-action cartoon, and we've got a real cult classic for you! Created by Chris Elliott, Adam Resnick, and David Mirkin, Get A Life was a weird and transgressive Fox sitcom from 1990, and it has grown as a cult icon in the years since AND had immense influence on some of the best years of Simpsons. Listen now to learn how to stand in the place where you live!
TalKing of the Hill - Texas City Twister
This week, we're looking at a Twister-inspired, action-packed episode of King of the Hill where Hank squares off against one of the deadliest forces of nature! Listen in and learn how the Egyptians un-tipped the pyramids, the terrifying tale of Humpty's Revenge, and how to start a man's heart with a downed power line (there's really no wrong way to do it). So sit back and listen to this week's podcast, rated level four by the Fujisaki Scale!
Vote On The May 2021 What A Cartoon Movie!
It's another new month, meaning tons more stuff is coming to the Talking Simpsons Network! As we enter April (and while still appreciating Nina Matsumoto's excellent art above), we're on track for another of our monthly $10 premium podcast, and we'll need your help to decide what we'll be covering in May.Currently, we're so far ahead in podcast recordings that we've already recorded April's What A Cartoon Movie! (Shrek), meaning that in April we have enough extra time to record our May 2021 movie podcast, and we ...
Talk to the Audience?!? - March 2021
What a big month of podcasts we just had, and not to mention a ton of Simpsons news to reflect on. The show got renewed, there was the 700th episode, and controversy about continuity. We'll discuss all that plus some fun teases about future podcasts, we discuss what we played/watched during the month, AND we respond to some of our favorite Patreon comments! So listen now!
What A Cartoon! - The April 2021 Schedule
Spring has sprung once again, and for the first time in a while it looks like the world is changing for the better. Thankfully, there's still plenty of time for podcasting, and we've got quite a lineup for you on the What A Cartoon Podcast this month. We kick things off with our traditional April Fool's podcast about a live-action cartoon (one very important to the history of The Simpsons), then move on to a crossover anime hit about a notebook from hell. And for the back half of April, we'll look into a forgotten cartoon about ...
A Preview of What A Cartoon Movie for DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
Another month has passed at the Talking Simpsons Network, and that means we've got another awesome podcast about an animated feature film! This month, our $10+ Patreon subscribers get to hear us talk about 1990's DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp! Listen now to this free extended preview, and then subscribe at the $10 level (or up your current pledge to $10) to hear the whole thing and all of our previous What A Cartoon Movie podcasts. Sign up today!
What A Cartoon Movie! - DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
The early '90s brought about an opportunity for Disney to stop being so precious with their content in the form of MovieToons: cheaper, smaller movies that could be done outside of Burbank. And while this new brand eventually led to direct-to-video billions, it all started with 1990's DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp. The first and only DuckTales theatrical outing, Treasure of the Lost Lamp amounts to a big learning process for Disney—and some growing pains for their soon-to-be-notable French studio struggling with their...
Talking Futurama - A Tale of Two Santas
This month, it's Christmas in March as we look at an episode so hated by Fox that it was booted to a later time slot during the next broadcast year of Futurama! In this second Xmas episode, Santa returns—though John Goodman doesn't—and Bender soon finds himself in the killer robot's role. Listen in and learn the importance of paradox-absorbing crumple zones, what the traditional Kwanzaa gift is, and how to dislodge a toy from your brain. So sit back and start dreaming of a red Xmas with another great podcast!
TalKing of the Hill - How to Fire a Rifle Without Really Trying
Welcome to the season premiere of TalKing of the Hill Season 2 Part 1! This week, we're covering King of the Hill's gun episode—which could have ended up "very special," but it's 1997 and the show takes place in Texas. Listen in and find out where to find the children's guns section in your local superstore, how to fit into a father/son poncho, and the amount of points you lose by blowing away an entire picnicking family. Thanks again for your support, and look forward to another great miniseries!
Talking Simpsons - Dancin' Homer (Revisited) With Mike Carlson
We head out to the ball game with our returning guest, Podcast: The Ride's Mike Carlson! Mike helps us understand the magic of baseball, the history of small-town mascots, and more in this week's classic episode of Homer becoming a Minor League star. All that plus we try to deconstruct the weird editing of this episode's framing device, all in one nutty coo-coo super king of a podcast!
Reminder: TalKing of the Hill Season 2 Part 1 is Coming this Friday!
Our Spring 2021 podcast miniseries is just around the corner! That's right, we're covering the first half of King of the Hill's second season over the next eleven weeks—and you can only hear it if you sign up at the $5 tier or higher. We're so excited to return to King of the Hill that we even commissioned Nina Matsumoto to create new promotional art that captures us in the classic Mike Judge style.Here are the episodes King of the Hill Season 2 Part 1 will cover when this weekly miniseries starts on Friday, March 26: How to F...
What A Cartoon! - Gerald McBoing Boing & Rooty Toot Toot
Chosen by premium Patreon subscriber Alex, we explore some defining works of Golden Age animation from UPA. We cover the complex history of UPA and its two best directors, and then explore two of their most beloved cartoons, the original Gerald McBoing Boing and the jazzy Rooty Toot Toot! Listen now before HUAC makes us name names!
TalKing of the Hill - The Wes Archer Interview
We're about to do a new TalKing of the Hill podcast miniseries on Patreon, making this the perfect time to interview KotH's Supervising Director Wes Archer! Not only was Wes the first animator ever hired to work on Simpsons during the Ullman days, but Archer is also the creator of the Twister Mouth, director of some of the best episodes in the first seven Simpsons seasons, defined the look of King of the Hill, and still works on shows like Rick & Morty and Disenchantment to this day. Wes Archer tells us all about it, and if you enjoy th...
Talking Simpsons - Lisa The Tree Hugger With Kat Bailey
This week's environmental episode is joined by the returning Kat Bailey, our friend and co-host of the newly relaunched Axe of the Blood God podcast! We cover the ultimate episode about the show punishing Lisa for believing in something, plus we discuss Homer doing a bunch of weird stuff and the career of Joshua Jackson. Listen now or we'll sit in a tree for weeks in protest!
What A Cartoon! - Batman Beyond "Black Out"
We're heading back to the DCAU for one of the most successful creations ever born out of a stupid executive's idea! Yes, it's the teen Caped Crusader of the future show, or Batman-meets-Spider-Man-meets-Akira, all in one shiny package. We revisit this retro-future, dig into its history, and discuss the third episode, Black Out! Listen now, it's totally schway!

























