Advertise on podcast: Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

Chris Parnell joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious conversation spanning Saturday Night Live, Rick and Morty, Archer, voice acting, comedy, and the unforgettable sketches and characters that have defined his career. From the truth behind SNL’s legendary “More Cowbell” sketch to playing Jerry Smith across the multiverse, Chris shares stories from a career that has made him one of comedy and animation’s most recognizable voices. Chris takes Nancy behind the scenes of “More Cowbell,” revealing how Will Ferrell wrote the sketch, why Christopher Walken was the perfect host for it, and how Ferrell made one very important wardrobe choice: getting his famous shirt a size or two too small. Chris remembers struggling to keep a straight face as Ferrell played the cowbell inches away from him, while Jimmy Fallon famously cracked up in the background. He also clears up one important piece of SNL history: no, that wasn’t actually Chris singing the Blue Öyster Cult track. The conversation also explores Chris’s years on Saturday Night Live, including the painful experience of being fired—and the remarkable story of fellow cast members reportedly going to bat for him before he was eventually rehired. Chris discusses why he memorized his scripts instead of relying heavily on cue cards, how that once backfired when a sketch was rewritten without anyone telling him, and why live television leaves very little room for improvisation. Animation fans get plenty, too. Chris talks about recording multiple versions of Jerry Smith in Rick and Morty, his early exposure to voiceover through his father’s home recording studio, and landing Archer, where he spent 14 years playing Cyril Figgis. He also reflects on conventions, his castmates, and the strange experience of people recognizing Jerry’s voice without necessarily recognizing the man behind it. Chris and Nancy also compare the worlds of The Simpsons, SNL, and animated television, talk about raising kids around video games, auditions, anonymity, musical comedy, and what it takes to stay working in entertainment for decades. And naturally, there are donuts—including an extremely serious debate over whether Chris is more of a ghoul or a pastry. Chris also looks ahead to new projects, including the animated series Breaking Bear and a dramatic role in the film Wake, offering a glimpse at a performer who continues to find new territory after decades of making audiences laugh. Whether you know Chris Parnell from SNL, Rick and Morty, Archer, Anchorman, “Lazy Sunday,” or “More Cowbell,” this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, comedy history, voice acting insight, and plenty of laughs.

Voice acting legend Steve Blum joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply personal conversation about Cowboy Bebop, Wolverine, Venom, Star Wars, anime, video games, and the extraordinary career that made him one of the most prolific voice actors in the world. From painful character voices and wild recording sessions to vulnerability, mentorship, and finding purpose through fans, this episode goes far beyond the microphone. Steve opens up about his Guinness World Record for voice acting, explaining how a career he never planned grew into thousands of performances across games, animation, and anime. He shares how he first discovered that voices could be a kind of superpower while dealing with bullies as a kid, then accidentally stumbled into voice acting years later after being offered free pizza to perform a creature in a Japanese animated project. The conversation dives deep into Cowboy Bebop and the role of Spike Spiegel, one of the performances that changed Steve's life. He explains how director Mary Elizabeth McGlynn pushed him to access a level of vulnerability he had never been comfortable showing before, and how that breakthrough changed both his acting and his personal life. Steve also shares how the English dub of Cowboy Bebop came together with unusual creative freedom, helping turn the series into a landmark title for generations of anime fans. Steve also reveals the physical demands behind characters like Venom, Green Goblin, and Wolverine, including why some sessions are limited to just an hour or two to protect his voice. He recalls an audition where he screamed so hard that he actually passed out in the booth, only to discover weeks later that the recording of the incident had been passed around among engineers. Nancy and Steve also talk about Star Wars, Call of Duty, Digimon, Transformers, fan encounters, conventions, their shared love of animals, and the importance of keeping creativity playful. Steve explains why imagination is still at the heart of his process and why he teaches aspiring actors to rediscover the kind of fearless play they had as children. Along the way, Steve shares stories about being recognized in bathrooms and hardware stores, an underwater wedding in Hawaii, disastrous stunt burps, elaborate donuts, and the unexpected moments with fans that gave his career a deeper sense of purpose. He also talks about Blumvox Studios, where he mentors aspiring voice actors and brings in working professionals from across the entertainment industry. Whether you're a fan of Cowboy Bebop, Wolverine, Star Wars, anime, video games, or voice acting, this episode is packed with unforgettable stories, laughter, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare look inside the life of one of the most iconic voices in entertainment.

Disney Legend Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy and Pluto for nearly 40 years, joins Nancy Cartwright for a funny, nostalgic, and surprisingly moving conversation about A Goofy Movie, Disney history, voice acting, and the extraordinary journey that took him from small-town Kansas to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in animation. Bill shares how he started out studying broadcast journalism and electronics, worked in small-town radio, became a stand-up comedian, and eventually took a chance on Hollywood. Just months after arriving, he was asked if he could do any Disney characters. He chose his childhood favorite, Goofy, studied the original performance by Pinto Colvig, and walked into an audition without knowing that roughly 1,100 other actors had tried out. Nearly four decades and thousands of performances later, he's still Goofy. The conversation dives deep into A Goofy Movie and the unexpected emotional legacy it has built across generations. Bill reveals how Disney originally experimented with changing Goofy's voice to make him a more conventional father before ultimately finding the balance between the classic character and the emotional performance the story needed. He also shares the touching memory of watching an early pencil-test screening with his five-year-old son, Austin, who burst into tears when Goofy went over the waterfall because he thought it was actually his dad. Bill and Nancy reminisce about their early years together in animation, including Goof Troop and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, while Bill shares memories of Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor, working with celebrities like Alice Cooper, and performing as Goofy before 17,500 people at the Hollywood Bowl. The episode also explores the craft behind the characters. Bill credits legendary voice acting teacher Daws Butler with teaching him one of the most important lessons of his career: voice acting is acting. He and Nancy discuss performance, emotion, confidence, improvisation, and why aspiring voice actors need more than the ability to imitate a voice. But some of the most powerful moments come from Bill's encounters with fans. He recalls meeting Muhammad Ali, who called Bill his hero after learning about his work with children, and tells the emotional story of a fan who said A Goofy Movie helped him through an extremely dark period and ultimately gave him hope to keep going. Those experiences changed how Bill views his work: it's not simply about performing a character—it's about what that character can mean to someone else. Of course, there are plenty of laughs along the way, including Goofy and Bart swapping famous lines, Pluto impressions, wild Disney recording stories, fan questions, and a strawberry cronut so good that the usual 1-to-10 donut rating system completely falls apart. Whether you're a fan of Goofy, Pluto, A Goofy Movie, Disney, The Simpsons, or the art of voice acting, this episode is packed with animation history, laughter, heart, and unforgettable stories from a true Disney legend.

Geek culture icon Felicia Day joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious, heartfelt, and candid conversation about The Guild, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, voice acting, anxiety, independent filmmaking, and what happens when creators stop waiting for Hollywood's permission. Felicia looks back at how The Guild helped prove that creators could make their own shows, build their own communities, and succeed outside the traditional entertainment system. Nearly two decades later, she reflects on seeing a new generation of filmmakers follow that path and why she believes creators have more opportunities than ever to connect directly with audiences. She also opens up about the Kickstarter behind her return to The Guild, the realities of financing an independent movie, and why she's putting the project directly in the hands of fans rather than changing her creative vision to satisfy executives or industry expectations. Felicia shares the incredible story of how a nerve-racking audition for Buffy the Vampire Slayer unexpectedly became one of the most important breaks of her career. After struggling with her original audition, a spontaneous cold read landed her the role of a Potential Slayer and helped her realize that her wonderfully nerdy, unconventional self had a home in Hollywood. The conversation gets personal as Felicia discusses the anxiety that followed her through the early years of her career and the pressure she put on herself as both an actor and creator. She reveals what she wishes she could tell the younger version of herself making The Guild on a tiny budget and why learning to stop anticipating disaster changed her perspective on creativity and success. She also tells a brutal-but-transformative Hollywood story about showing up to work on a major network comedy pilot only to discover that her character had been written out—and nobody had told her. That painful experience ultimately helped push Felicia toward investing in The Guild, her own creative work, and the community already waiting for what she wanted to make. Meanwhile, Felicia turns the tables and interviews Nancy about the origins of Bart Simpson, including Nancy's original audition for Lisa, recognizing herself in Bart instead, and landing the role on the spot. They also revisit the earliest Tracey Ullman Show recording sessions and how those tiny animated shorts eventually became a television phenomenon. And, of course, things get wonderfully ridiculous. Felicia shares the hilariously humbling experience of seeing her "Do You Want to Date My Avatar" costume displayed at the Smithsonian, only to stand beside it unnoticed while museum visitors focused on Xena. Nancy and Felicia also talk My Little Pony, memorable fan encounters, rate donuts, and perform an unexpected crossover featuring Nelson Muntz applying to join The Guild.Felicia also discusses her graphic novel The Lost Daughter of Sparta, what's next for The Guild, and why creating art can have an impact far beyond anything its creator could ever predict. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Guild, Buffy, Supernatural, My Little Pony, The Simpsons, or simply someone chasing a creative dream, this episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned wisdom, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the best response to a closed door is to build your own.

Animation powerhouse Chris Prynoski, founder of Titmouse, joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious and fascinating conversation about breaking into animation, working on Beavis and Butt-Head, building one of the industry's most influential independent animation studios, and helping creators bring some of today's most original animated worlds to life. Chris takes us back to the early days of adult animation, when he began working as a storyboard revisionist on Beavis and Butt-Head at MTV in the 1990s. He shares what it was like learning the craft before today's digital production tools, working with film and tape, and realizing he was part of a groundbreaking series during an era when shows like The Simpsons were redefining what television animation could be. The conversation dives into the unlikely origin of Titmouse, which Chris reveals wasn't originally intended to become an animation studio at all. What began as a small T-shirt business eventually evolved—with an important push from his wife, Shannon—into a creative powerhouse with studios in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Paris. Chris also explains what he looks for when evaluating new projects, revealing why the creators behind an idea can matter even more than the concept itself. Chris also shares some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories, including an absolutely wild Snoop Dogg recording session that ended with the fire department arriving at the studio. He and Nancy talk about casting, pitching projects, navigating setbacks, working with writers and artists, and why even a "bad day" in animation can still mean getting paid to come up with creative ideas. The episode also touches on The Legend of Vox Machina, Motorcity, Metalocalypse, the lasting influence of The Simpsons, and Titmouse's exciting partnership with Meow Wolf, including experiential projects and a television series. And, naturally, there are donuts, fan questions, Bart Simpson, animation memories, and the surprisingly philosophical question everyone eventually has to answer: Are you a ghoul or a pastry? Whether you're an animator, aspiring creator, longtime Titmouse fan, or simply fascinated by how animated shows actually get made, this episode is packed with industry insight, creative inspiration, hilarious stories, and a rare look inside the world of one of animation's most influential creators.

Actor Patrick Renna, forever beloved as Hamilton "Ham" Porter from The Sandlot, joins Nancy Cartwright for a nostalgic, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about one of the most iconic baseball movies ever made, building a career in Hollywood, raising a family, and finding a whole new audience through social media. Patrick shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming The Sandlot, including the unforgettable baseball boot camp that brought the young cast together, how he landed the role, and why the cast remains close friends more than three decades later. He also talks about stepping onto the field with the wildly popular Savannah Bananas, reliving baseball memories, and discovering that the magic of The Sandlot continues to resonate with multiple generations of fans. The conversation also explores Patrick's career beyond acting, from producing films and television projects through his production company to creating highly successful comedy content across social media. He explains why authentic storytelling and making people laugh remain at the center of everything he creates, and how connecting directly with audiences has opened exciting new creative opportunities. Nancy and Patrick swap stories about Hollywood, family life, baseball, classic films, and The Simpsons, while sharing hilarious fan questions, tasting some memorable donuts, and revisiting the legendary line, "You're killing me, Smalls!" Along the way, Patrick offers insight into balancing career, creativity, fatherhood, and the importance of continuing to create work that genuinely brings joy to others. Whether you grew up quoting The Sandlot, love behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, enjoy great comedy, or simply appreciate conversations filled with humor, nostalgia, and heart, this episode delivers plenty of laughs and unforgettable moments with one of America's most recognizable childhood stars.

Legendary voice actress Jennifer Hale joins Nancy Cartwright for an inspiring, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation about four decades in entertainment, the evolution of voice acting, and the unforgettable characters that have defined gaming and animation. From Commander Shepard in Mass Effect to Jean Grey in X-Men '97, Ashe in Overwatch, and countless animated favorites, Jennifer shares the remarkable journey behind one of the most celebrated careers in the industry. Jennifer reflects on stepping back into the Marvel Universe for X-Men '97, explains how the creative team balanced honoring the beloved 1990s series while modernizing the performances, and shares what it feels like watching a new generation discover the X-Men alongside longtime fans. She also opens up about the unique camaraderie within the voice acting community, where iconic roles are often shared across generations of performers. The conversation explores Jennifer's unlikely path into voice acting, from struggling with self-doubt and booking her first animated series, Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in video games. She discusses the intense demands of game performance, recording battle sequences, creating memorable characters from almost no context, and why acting—not simply creating funny voices—is the foundation of great voice work. Jennifer also shares her passion for helping the next generation of performers through SkillsHub.Life, the voice acting education platform she co-founded. With guidance from working actors, casting directors, and voice directors, the platform is designed to help aspiring and professional voice actors develop their craft and build sustainable careers. Learn more at https://acting.skillshub.life/. Nancy and Jennifer reminisce about classic animation, Animaniacs, Scooby-Doo's Hex Girls, Powerpuff Girls, Rugrats, and the golden era of voice acting, while swapping stories about mentors, creative risks, career setbacks, and the importance of continually investing in yourself as an artist. Along the way, they enjoy donuts, perform hilarious crossover skits featuring Bart Simpson and Jean Grey, and share priceless behind-the-scenes stories from decades in entertainment. Whether you're a fan of Mass Effect, X-Men '97, Overwatch, animation, gaming, or simply love hearing how extraordinary creative careers are built, this episode is filled with laughter, wisdom, and fascinating behind-the-scenes moments from one of the most accomplished voice actors of all time.

Voice actor Zach Aguilar, the English voice of Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer, joins Nancy Cartwright for an energetic, funny, and inspiring conversation about anime, gaming, voice acting, and what it's like to become the voice of one of the biggest franchises in the world. From landing his breakout roles to meeting Stan Lee and navigating overnight success, Zach shares the journey behind his remarkable career. Zach opens up about booking Demon Slayer before anyone knew it would become a global phenomenon, watching the series explode in popularity during the pandemic, and the surreal experience of walking into conventions where thousands of fans were suddenly dressed as Tanjiro. He also explains the surprising technique behind creating Genos' iconic deep voice in One-Punch Man and how years of online gaming accidentally became part of his voice acting toolkit. The conversation explores Zach's early acting career, from skipping school for auditions as a child to winning a voice acting competition at Anime Expo that launched his professional career. He shares valuable advice for aspiring performers, emphasizing that voice acting starts with becoming a great actor, embracing creativity, and never being afraid to make bold choices behind the microphone. Nancy and Zach also dive into anime dubbing, convention culture, gaming, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Blue Box, and the unique challenges of creating unforgettable characters. Along the way, they swap hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, perform character voices, debate anime, rate maple bacon donuts, and share unforgettable moments—including Zach's chance encounter with Stan Lee and one very awkward fan interaction in an airport bathroom. Filled with laughter, career advice, animation history, and heartfelt stories about believing in yourself, this episode is a must-listen for anime fans, gamers, aspiring voice actors, and anyone chasing a creative dream.

Award-winning voice actress Kari Wahlgren joins Nancy Cartwright for a fun, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation about building one of the most versatile careers in animation, anime, gaming, and television. From Rick and Morty and Mortal Kombat to Disney, Marvel, anime, and countless beloved animated characters, Kari shares the unexpected moments that shaped her incredible journey in voice acting. Kari reveals how a single improvised line during a Rick and Morty recording session unexpectedly transformed Rick's spaceship into one of the show's most memorable recurring characters. She also discusses voicing iconic video game characters like Kitana and Mileena in Mortal Kombat, becoming Aunt May in Marvel's Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and the creative freedom that comes with bringing hundreds of unique characters to life across animation, anime, and games. The conversation dives into Kari's early career, from moving to Los Angeles with big dreams to landing the Disney series that changed everything. She reflects on learning from legendary performers, building confidence in the booth, and why preparation and persistence are often the difference between missing an opportunity and launching a lifelong career. Nancy and Kari also swap stories about Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, classic Disney animation, anime, auditioning, conventions, voice acting techniques, and the surprising ways fans recognize their voices in everyday life. Along the way, they share memorable behind-the-scenes moments, career advice for aspiring performers, donut ratings, and plenty of laughter—including one unforgettable audition story that proves perseverance sometimes means pushing through the most embarrassing moments imaginable. Whether you're a fan of animation, anime, video games, Disney classics, Rick and Morty, or simply love hearing how creative careers are built, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and fascinating behind-the-scenes insights from one of the industry's most accomplished voice actors.

Legendary voice actor Bob Bergen, the voice of Porky Pig, joins Nancy Cartwright for an unforgettable conversation celebrating animation, storytelling, and the incredible craft of voice acting. With decades of experience bringing iconic Looney Tunes characters to life, Bob shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, career-defining moments, and the lessons that helped him become one of animation's most respected performers. Bob reveals that he knew he wanted to become Porky Pig when he was only five years old. That childhood dream led him on an extraordinary journey that included tracking down Mel Blanc's phone number as a teenager, secretly observing a recording session, studying under legendary voice actor Daws Butler, and eventually inheriting one of the most beloved characters in animation history. The conversation explores Bob's work on Space Jam, Tiny Toon Adventures, Looney Tunes, and countless animated projects, along with fascinating insights into how classic cartoon voices evolved over decades. Bob explains the art behind Porky Pig's famous stutter, why voice acting is really about acting—not funny voices—and why even after more than three decades, he still auditions to keep the role. Nancy and Bob also dive into the history of animation legends including Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, June Foray, Joe Alaskey, Chuck Jones, and Friz Freleng, sharing personal memories that offer a rare glimpse into the golden era of cartoons and the people who built the industry. Along the way they discuss The Simpsons, audition techniques, protecting your voice, performance psychology, and the importance of taking creative risks. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments—including donuts, customs agents, weddings officiated by Porky Pig, Ryan Seacrest auditions, and some unforgettable celebrity impressions—this episode is a love letter to animation and the artists who have entertained generations of fans. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, lifelong Looney Tunes fan, or simply love hearing incredible Hollywood stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, nostalgia, and pure fun.

Actor, comedian, musician, and Big Time Rush fan-favorite Stephen Kramer Glickman joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious, inspiring, and surprisingly emotional conversation about resilience, creativity, and embracing unexpected opportunities. From nearly starring as Shrek on Broadway to becoming Gustavo Rocque on Big Time Rush, Stephen shares the winding path that shaped his remarkable career. Stephen opens up about one of the biggest disappointments of his life—being cast as Shrek in the Broadway development of Shrek the Musical, only to be replaced before opening night. What felt like a devastating setback ultimately led to a life-changing opportunity when a chance meeting and a powerful piece of career advice helped open the door to Nickelodeon and Big Time Rush. The conversation dives into Stephen’s experiences touring the world with Big Time Rush, performing in front of massive crowds, working in animation, voice acting, stand-up comedy, and building a successful career across multiple entertainment industries. He shares stories about bullying, persistence, learning to appreciate the journey rather than focusing only on the destination, and finding success in unexpected ways. Stephen also reveals the incredible story behind his viral TikTok music success, how a simple cover song unexpectedly climbed the Billboard charts, and how that momentum helped launch a new chapter in his music career. Along the way, he reflects on working with legends like Mel Brooks, collaborating with top creators in animation, and why maintaining perspective is essential in a business filled with ups and downs. Nancy and Stephen exchange stories about animation, auditions, creative risks, Broadway, social media, family support, career reinvention, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Filled with laughter, donuts, memorable fan questions, and inspiring career lessons, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring performers, creatives, and longtime fans alike.

Grammy-winning superstar Michael Bublé joins Nancy Cartwright for a warm, funny, and deeply personal conversation about music, fame, family, creativity, and the lessons that come with a life in the spotlight. From his experience coaching on The Voice to his love of classic standards, songwriting, and country music, Michael shares stories and insights that reveal the heart behind one of the world’s most beloved entertainers. Michael reflects on his journey from aspiring performer to international music icon, discussing how success arrived later than many people realize and why those formative years helped shape the person he became. He opens up about balancing ambition, ego, family life, and personal growth while remaining grounded despite global fame. The conversation explores Michael’s passion for songwriting, his admiration for legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash, and the creative process behind writing songs that connect with audiences around the world. He also shares stories about coaching young artists on The Voice, mentoring aspiring performers, and helping his own children discover music and creativity. Nancy and Michael swap stories about early career milestones, memorable fan encounters, Christmas traditions, artistic perseverance, and the importance of embracing both success and struggle. Along the way, they tackle fan questions, perform hilarious musical skits, rate donuts, and dive into heartfelt discussions about resilience, gratitude, and living a meaningful life. Whether you're a fan of Michael’s music, The Voice, classic crooners, songwriting, or inspiring stories about pursuing your dreams, this episode is packed with laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable moments from one of music’s most charismatic performers.

Legendary voice actor Jim Cummings joins Nancy Cartwright for a nostalgic, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about the characters that shaped generations of animation fans. From Winnie the Pooh and Tigger to Darkwing Duck, Taz, and beyond, Jim shares stories from his incredible four-decade career bringing some of the world’s most beloved characters to life. Jim reflects on becoming the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, reveals what it was like stepping into iconic roles that already had a rich history, and explains how he approaches preserving the heart and soul of classic characters. Along the way, Nancy and Jim swap stories about the early days of animation, recording sessions, conventions, fan encounters, and the evolution of the voice acting industry. The conversation also dives into Jim’s surprising journey into entertainment, from competitive speech competitions and singing in cover bands to working with John Williams on Hook and eventually becoming one of the most recognizable voices in animation. Nancy and Jim reminisce about Disney Afternoon classics like Darkwing Duck, Bonkers, Goof Troop, and the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons. Of course, the episode wouldn’t be complete without fan questions, donut breaks, character impressions, behind-the-scenes stories, and a hilarious skit featuring Bart Simpson, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Darkwing Duck all sharing the same conversation. If you grew up with Disney cartoons, Winnie the Pooh, Darkwing Duck, Looney Tunes, or simply love voice acting and animation history, this episode is packed with laughs, nostalgia, and unforgettable stories from one of the most legendary performers in the business.

Liam O’Brien joins Nancy Cartwright for an unforgettable conversation about Critical Role, voice acting, fantasy storytelling, and the incredible impact stories can have on people’s lives. From hilarious behind-the-scenes tabletop RPG chaos to heartfelt reflections on creativity, fandom, and family, this episode is packed with laughs, inspiration, and nerdy goodness. Liam shares how Critical Role began as a casual game night between voice actor friends and unexpectedly grew into a worldwide phenomenon. He opens up about returning to Dungeons & Dragons as an adult, the magic of collaborative storytelling, and the unforgettable moments where entire campaigns went wildly off the rails. Nancy and Liam also dive into fandom culture, convention stories, and the unique bond that animation and storytelling create between generations. The episode also explores Liam’s love of dark fantasy, musicals, fairy tales, and character creation, while Nancy shares iconic Ralph Wiggum lines and stories from decades on The Simpsons. Along the way, there are donut breaks, tabletop roleplay skits, psychic donut score predictions, and thoughtful conversations about leaving the world better than you found it. If you’re a fan of Critical Role, The Simpsons, animation, Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy storytelling, or voice acting, this episode is filled with hilarious moments, emotional insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the industry’s most beloved performers.

This week on Simpsons Declassified, Nancy Cartwright welcomes acclaimed actor Tony Revolori for a hilarious, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining conversation that spans everything from The Grand Budapest Hotel to Spider-Man, Wes Anderson, voice acting, fandom, and even donut critiques. Tony opens up about his unforgettable experience working with Wes Anderson, revealing how nervous he was on the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel that he memorized the entire script — including everyone else’s lines. He shares an incredible behind-the-scenes story about helping Ralph Fiennes perfect a monologue and how Fiennes later taught him the rhythm and musicality of Shakespearean dialogue. Tony also reflects on the kindness and mentorship he received as a young actor surrounded by Hollywood legends. The conversation dives into Tony’s love for fantasy films, indie dramas, and voice acting, which he says would be his number one choice if he ever had to pick between genres. He discusses growing up obsessed with Spider-Man 2, eventually joining the Marvel universe himself, and hilariously admits to once giving a police officer a Marvel spoiler just to avoid getting a speeding ticket. Nancy and Tony also bond over animated classics, conventions, fandom culture, and the magic of cartoons. Tony shares memories of memorizing The Lion King as a child and performing scenes for his family, while Nancy reflects on early animation/live-action breakthroughs like Mary Poppins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Along the way, the two reenact a goofy Spider-Man/Bart Simpson skit, swap convention stories, and discuss the surprising realities of being recognized in public. The episode is filled with inspiring advice for aspiring actors and creatives. Nancy shares her “six alien steps for successful survival” in voice acting, emphasizing passion, professionalism, mentorship, trusting your instincts, and embracing change. Tony adds thoughtful insight about growth, discomfort, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who help you evolve personally and professionally. Listeners also get a glimpse into Tony’s exciting future projects, including a new film with Matthew McConaughey, a K-pop-inspired movie, and his dream project: developing his own anime series. His passion for storytelling and animation shines throughout the episode, making this conversation both deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. Of course, no episode would be complete without the show’s famous donut breaks, where Tony and Nancy passionately analyze pastries with the seriousness of film critics. Between laughter, heartfelt moments, industry stories, and pure nerdy joy, this episode is a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the magic of entertainment.