Episodes
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Today we're reviewing Season 6 Episode 1 of The Simpsons "Bart of Darkness". This is the one where Bart breaks his leg and descends into Rear Window-esque paranoia.
We're joined by Australian comedian and actor Ben Russell. He discusses the joys of having a pool growing up, breaking his wrist, and we all reminisce about our time doing comedy in Chicago.
You can follow Ben at imbenrussell on Instagram. You can follow this show at bartannicapod as well.
Ben RecommendsStar Trek TOS Rear Window
Eli Recommends Star Trek: TNG
Harrison RecommendsContested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America by Jeff WiltseGoing SwimmingDames by Busby Berkeley
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We're reviewing Episode 21 of Season 2 of the Simpsons, "Three Men and a Comic Book"; Bart raises money to buy a comic, then eventually splits the cost with Martin and Milhouse.
Our guest is artist David Cooper. David is currently on a mission to draw every Simpsons character ever. We discuss his work, why the Simpsons succeeds as a satire of other sitcoms, and how a Humphrey Bogart movie completely changed the way we see the episode's 3rd act.
Follow David at davidbcooper on Instagram. You can follow this show at bartannicapod on Instagram as well.
David RecommendsThe Radioactive Man comic books by Bongo
Eli RecommendsGoing to a comic book convention
Harrison RecommendsTreasures of the Sierra Madre
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Missing episodes?
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We're discussing a classic episode with a true Simpsons fanatic, Mads Horwath (New Yorker, Guardian). They tell an insane story about tricking their classmates into a Simpsons-related prank, we discuss the weird feeling of visiting other peoples' homes and why the stakes are so high in this episode- it threatens the very nature of the Simpsons' being!
We are reviewing Season 7 Episode 3 Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily from October 1995- this is the one where Bart, Lisa and Maggie are taken to the Flanders for foster care as Marge and Homer fight to regain custody. Stupid Babies Need the Most Attention, America Loves Ted Kennedy, and we love this episode!
Follow Mads @madelinehorwath to see their cartoons and also to order a pet portrait with all proceeds going to help people in need in Gaza.
Follow this show at bartannicapod on Instagram and WATCH THE FULL EP ON YT starting next week! Exciting! Mads recommends: Detectorists
Harrison Recommends:Chucky 2
Eli Recommends: Paco
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We've got a very special episode with a special guest- Eli's fiancée, Devin Leary (THIRST TRAP, The Quiz Show with Julia and Devin). We are discussing Season 8 Episode 7 of the Simpsons "Lisa's Date with Density", where Lisa gets a crush on Nelson Muntz! We talk about the good girl/bad boy trope, our own experiences dating the wrong person, and Harrison watches Rebel Without a Clue.
You can follow Devin at devin_hunter_leary on socials and her substack at: lightdisorder.substack.com. Listen to The Quiz Show with Julia and Devin wherever you get your podcasts.
Devin Recommends: Gilmore Girls
Eli Recommends: Getting Engaged
Harrison Recommends: 10 Things I Hate About You
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Today we're reviewing a very sweet Simpsons episode, and we have a very sweet guest to boot. We're discussing Season 9 Episode 24 "Lost our Lisa" with guest Megan Nolan (Acts of Desperation, Ordinary Human Failings).
We discuss her 2 novels and how she created such a compelling characters. We also talk about the father-daughter relationship at the heart of the episode, and what traits we'd want to instill in Lisa if we were Homer.
We also talk A LOT about Egyptian museum exhibits and buses. And Eli talks about his recent trip to Italy!
You can follow Megan at mmegannolan on Instagram. You can follow this show at bartannicapod.
Megan Recommends: Cider House RulesHarrison and Eli Recommend: Going to museumsReading Megan's books!
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Today we're covering one of the best Simpsons episodes of all time, Season 4 Episode 12 "Marge Vs the Monorail" and we have one of the best people in the whole world as a guest, Mike Finn.
Mike, Harrison and Eli used to do improv as Cool Jacket and have been friends for over a decade. We talk about what Mike does (and doesn't) want his kids watching (including KPop Demon Hunters), watching The Simpsons on The Tracey Ullman Show, and our shared love of watching grass grow.
We also debate if Monorail is truly the best episode of The Simpsons, how the town of Springfield should probably just get some new buses, and Eli and Harrison BOTH read a book about Genghis Khan!
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This week we have one of Harrison's oldest friends, Matt Crowe, on the show! Harrison and Matt have been friends for over 20 years and during that time they've shared over roughly 1,000 Simpsons memes, quotes and clips with each other. It only made sense to have him on the pod to discuss this great episode.
Today we're discussing Season 6 Episode 18 A Star is Burns- this is is the one where Jay Sherman (The Critic) stops by to judge a Springfield film festival: football in the groin, Don't Cry For Me I'm Already Dead, and Boo-urns.
We discuss Matt's love of rewatching old shows, his sense of humor as a nurse, and I discuss some of the MANY movies I watched this week that are referenced in the episode.
Matt Recommends: Tallgrass Film Festival The Critic
Eli Recommends: Siskel and Ebert Reviews
Harrison Recommends:Reel Politk by Nathan GelgudA Man for All Seasons (movie and play)
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Today we're talking about the classic Simpsons' episode from Season 4, Episode 14 and we've got our first ever RETURNING GUEST Clayton Margeson!! The 3 of us discuss why this is the best Simpsons episode we've reviewed so far: "I Love You, Pepsi", Krusty's terrible SNL appearance, and Tom, the perfect Big Brother, full of barely contained rage.
We also talk about why the "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" jokes don't land, Jesus as a hog-caller, and the history of 1900 numbers.
Follow Clayton at king.claz on Instagram, and this show at bartannicapod.
Clayton Recommends: "In Pieces" by Sally FieldsJack Frost- the movie about Michael Keaton as a CGI snowman who looks like George Clooney
Eli Recommends: The Public Enemy starring James CagneyTaking Improv Classes with Clayton
Harrison Recommends: Taking Improv Classes with ClaytonThe kids movie triptych: Mrs. Doubtfire, Liar Liar and the Santa Clause
References: The Sun Won't Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood by Kristen Martin1900-Cry CommercialIndiana Jones Bad Nazi Face Melting Behind the ScenesThe Tommy Westphall Extended Universe
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Today we're reviewing The Simpsons Season 8 Episode 16, "Brother From Another Series": David Hyde Pierce guest stars as Sideshow Bob's brother, Cecil.
We've got a great guest- Rob Grabowski (Hitch*Cocktails, Clued In)! We discuss if Frasier is a show for boys, if Sideshow Bob is really reformed, and why Cecil bombs his Krusty audition.
Follow Rob at robgrabo on Instagram and Threads.
You can follow this show on Instagram at Bartannicapod.
Rob RecommendsSpamalot Diaries
Eli RecommendsWet Hot American Summer
Harrison RecommendsThe HostThis article about dams by Joan Didion
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In honor of Valentine's Day, we are re-sharing this classic episode, now with a new intro with Eli!
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Love is in the air this week as we discuss The Simpsons Season 4 Episode 15, I Love Lisa- after receiving a Valentine from Lisa (out of pity), Ralph Wiggum starts courting her, much to her dismay.
My guest today is Nicole Vespa (Redacted, Voila), an actor and improvisor in Chicago. We talk about parents giving bad advice, unrequited school crushes, and the bizarre death of President Zachary Taylor.
Follow Nicole at @nvespa on Instagram.
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at [email protected].
Nicole Recommends: Drunk HistoryThe Demon of Unrest by Erik LarsonBob's Burgers
Harrison Recommends: To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Eli Recommends:Being in Love
Research for this episode came from:
Accidental Presidents : Eight Men Who Changed America by Jared Cohen
Are You Prepared for the Storm of Lovemaking? : Letters of Love and Lust From the White House by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
By One Vote: The Disputed Election of 1876 by Michael Holt
Combing Through the White House by Theodore Pappas
Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels Edwin Battistella
Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
The Carnival Campaign by Ronald Shafer
The President is Dead by Louis Picone
What Ails the White House: Medical History of the American Presidency by Dr. Jay Murphy
Who’s Buried in Grants Tomb by Brian Lamb
Zachary Taylor : Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest by K. Jack Bauer
For more information about the presidents, check your local library!
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Today marks a new chapter in Bartannica history- Eli Mandel has joined the show! And we have a great episode to kick off this new era: today we're talking about the classic Simpsons episode from Season 2, Episode 5 Dancin' Homer, written by Ken Levine and David Isaacs and directed by Mark Kirkland. This the episode where Homer becomes the official mascot for the Springfield Isotopes. We're talking Tony Bennett, the Capital City Goofball, and Baby Elephant Walk!
We're joined by comedian and artist Asher Perlman. Asher is a cartoonist for the New Yorker, a writer for the late show with Stephen Colbert, a performer with the improvised Shakespeare company, and an alumnus of the second city in Chicago. His second book of cartoons, a follow up to his bestselling debut, has just been released.
We talk about how rare it is to see Homer give a shit about his obsession of the week, why Lisa loves the National Anthem, and if a gorilla could out-pitch The Great Bambino.
You can follow Asher @asherperlman on Twitter, Instagram, and Substack.
You can follow this show @bartannicapod on Instagram.Asher and Eli Recommend: Going to a Minor League baseball game!
Harrison Recommends: Ken Levine's blog (Here) and his podcast Hollywood and Levine
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“When you see one of these kitschy places like TGI Fridays, are they expecting you to be like “Whoa! There’s signs! Crocodiles don’t wear sunglasses!”? But Marge is exactly the type of person those are targeted for.”
Wow what an episode we have for you today! Not only is our guest super funny, not only is he one of my best friends, he’s also the new CO-HOST of the show! Welcome to the show Eli Coyote Mandel! Eli has written for shows like Saturday Night Live and Search Party and performs at UCB in New York.
Today we’re reviewing the Simpsons episode “Bart Sells His Soul” from Season 7 Episode 4. This is the one where Bart sells his soul to Milhouse, and immediately suffers the consequences. This episode has it all: Iron Butterfly, Moe’s Family Feedbag, Ow, My Freaking Ears, and of course the return of Alf (in POG form!). We discuss the wild history of family restaurants with lots of crazy crap on the walls, the search for the human soul, and why After Hours is the most accurate NYC movie ever.
You can follow Eli on Instagram at @elicoyote, on TikTok @elicoyotemandel, and @nickandelicomedy on both.
You can follow this show @bartannicapod on Instagram.
Eli RecommendsAfter HoursSonnetsETIn-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Harrison RecommendsDamn YankeesThe works of Pablo NerudaDr Faustus by Christopher MarloweEli’s Videos:
A Guy The Day After His Server Was Nice to Him
A Disney Channel Original Movie but Dad Took It Too Far
Dad Is Also Scared Of Bullies
Research: Orange Roofs, Golden Arches: the Architecture of American Chain Restuarants by Philip Langdon
The Death of Flair: As Friday's Goes Minimalist, What Happens to the Antiques?
When T.G.I. Friday's Loses Its Flair
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"This extraordinary situation of a car, free time and $600 is enough for Martin, Nelson and Bart and Millhouse to kind of come together."
Today we’re talking Tennessee with a real Tennessianen-ite, Thomas Kelly!
We’re reviewing the classic Simpsons episode from Season 7 Episode 20 “Bart on the Road”- Bart, Milhouse, Nelson and Martin rent a car and road trip to Knoxville, TN for the 1982 World’s Fair. And Thomas is from Knoxville! We talk about seeing your home town on TV, if The Simpson’s anti-Fox satire matters, and if lunch is the funniest meal. We also discuss why Marge needs friends, and why this is one of the all time best Homer/Lisa stories.
You can follow Thomas on Instagram at @thomaskelly.actingman and @sand.improv.
You can follow this show at bartannicapod on Instagram.
Thomas Recommends: Any Quentin Tarantino movie (for the TN references)
Dolly Parton (just, as a person)
Nashville by Robert Altman
Harrison Recommends: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Any of Thomas’ acting performances:
Heart Race (short film by Katelyn Douglass)Amazing Animals Around Chicago (web series starring Kate O’Connor, directed by Thomas)Collection of Improv Promos for Sand ImprovWhen The Annual Work Review Gets Intimate (sketch)
Research:
Fair America by Robert Rydell
Vagabonds: The Story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison's Ten Year Road Trip by Jeff Guinn
Randi Rain YT: Flippin' Fabulous: Reviving the Iconic Acrobatic Toy Dog!
Maxim: Last Tango on Brando Island
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"I think the poor guys just going through changes."
Happy New Year!
Today we're discussing The Simpsons Season 6 Episode 10 Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy from 1994. It's the one where Homer and Grandpa sell their own aphrodisiac in a traveling medicine show.
I'm joined by my new friend Sunset Appleton- we talk about how we've been watching The Simpsons for longer than we can remember (literally), and why the show lends itself to memes and shitposts more than other media. We also dive into the bizarre history of the medicine show- white suits, painless dentistry and the superhero who told kids to drink 16 martinis a day. We also cover the wild history of the twin bed.
You can follow Sunset at complexpastiche on Instragram.
Follow this show at bartannicapod on Instagram.
Sunset Recommends: "Step Right Up" by Tom Waits
Harrison Recommends: The "Simpsons Mental Health" Facebook GroupStep Right Up by Brooks McNamara"Slurf Song" by Michael Hurley Alice In Wonderland test footage - Unbirthday Mad Tea Party - Disney
Research:
A Cultural History of Twin Beds by Hilary HindsHawkers and Walkers by Richardson WrightSnake Oil, Hustlers and Hambones by Ann AndersonQuackery, A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything by Lydia Kang and Nate Peterson
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"Does love outweigh everything else? I guess it has to, if you’re a sitcom.”
Happy Holidays!
Today we’re discussing The Simpsons Season 14 Episode 17 Three Gays of the Condo: when Marge and Homer have a big fight, Homer moves out of the house and into an apartment in Springfield’s gay neighborhood, with sexy results! It guest stars Scott Thompson and Weird Al.
My guest is Jamie Brew (Clickhole, The Onion); we discuss his AI company, Botnik Studios and his current project, Robot Karaoke. We talk about how he started making comedy with predictive text, using Craigslist to generate song lyrics, and the one thing AI art will never be able to properly reproduce.
We also talk about the ups and downs of Marge and Homer’s relationship, and if the show intentionally keeps it from truly changing, why there will never be another Rip Taylor, and how this episode totally wastes a cameo by Weird Al.
You can follow Jamie @jamieabrew on IG/Twitter & @jbrew on Bluesky.
You can follow this show @bartannicapod on IG.
Robot Karaoke
- Regularly in NYC at Wonderville, Boshi's Place and elsewhere
- Every month at The Elysian Theater in LA
See upcoming shows at: https://theweirdalgorithm.com/
Botnik: Seinfeld Script
Botnik: Harry Potter and The Portrait of What Looked Like A Large Pile of Ash
Botnik: Fake Coachella Names
1040: Yesterday
CCK Philosophy: The Simpsons and the Death of Parody
Jamie Recommends:
The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling by Ted Chiang.
Harrison Recommends:
These articles & books about gay neighborhoods-
There Goes the Gayborhood by Amin Ghaziani
Who Are the People in Your Gayborhood by Daniel Baldwin Hess and Alex Bitterman
The Life and Afterlife of Gay Neighborhoods Alex Bitterman
Gay Urban Identity by Paul Ruiz
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“It’s asking you to think both too much and not enough.”
To celebrate the show's 6 month anniversary we've got a great new episode for you. Today we're discussing the format-breaking episode from The Simpsons Season 11 Episode 22 Behind the Laughter. It's a parody of VH1's Behind the Music, where the Simpsons star in a TV show about their life. But they aren't actors, they're just playing themselves in a scripted sitcom, which is The Simpsons tv show we all actually watch. As I'll say more than once, this is a weird idea!
I'm joined by the very funny Alex Nichols, an actor/improviser/photographer based in Denver. We discuss whether this episode succeeds as a parody, the insane reason The Simpsons was banned in Alex's house growing up (it's not why you think!), and if the best part of the whole episode is in the last 5 seconds. We also talk about MC Hammer's unique rise to fame, the album Willie Nelson wrote for the IRS, and why doctors used to spray fire hoses at depressed people.
You can follow Alex on Instagram and Letterboxd at alexnichols. And watch his new sketch, "Miss", on YT: Miss by Nickels and Coal
You can follow this show on Instagram at bartannicapod.
Alex Recommends:
Documentary: Close Up on Internet Archive
Harrison Recommends:
Complex TV: The Poetics of Contemporary Television Storytelling by Jason Mittell
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“Maybe they’re not good or bad parents. Maybe they’re just parents.”
Today we’re talking about The Simpsons Season 4 Episode 6’s Itchy and Scratchy: The Movie. After messing up 1 too many times, Bart is banned from seeing the Itchy and Scratchy movie forever.
I’m joined by an old friend and new mom, Jodi Fabbri. Jodi is our 1st guest who doesn’t like The Simpsons! I loved hearing about her experience watching the show as a non-Simpsons freak. We discuss why Bart is such a little stinker, and how Homer and Marge could help Bart sort himself out. We also talk about the “Where’s the Beef” ads, the great VHS Format Wars of the late 80s, and the terrible thing Bart did to the new kid, Arthur (it involves firecrackers).
You can follow Jodi at jodifayefabbri on Instagram.
You can follow this show at @bartannicapodcast on Instagram.
Jodi Recommends: Mr. Rogers documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”Childcare books by Janet Lansbury “No Bad Kids” and “Elevating Child Care”
Harrison Recommends: “The Explosive Child” by Ross W. GreeneThe podcast "Hit Factory" about 90's movies
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“WE’VE BEEN GOING TO THE SAME PARTY FOR 30 YEARS AND IN NO WAY IS THAT PATHETIC.”
Hi Everybody and welcome to Gamehendge! This week I'm joined by musician, comedian, and certified Phish Fan Steve Plock (The Curls, Tobacco City, Jessica Risker) to chat about all things Phish. We talk about Steve's Phish journey (he's seen them 88 times!!) and why people love to hate on jam bands.
We review The Simpsons Season 13 Episode 16, Weekend at Burnsie's- after being attacked by crows, Homer gets addicted to medicinal marijuana. This leads to him being hired to laugh at Mr. Burns' jokes. Also, Phish is here!
I do a deep dive into the history of medicinal marijuana in America, a totally chill topic that totally won't piss you off hearing how the government treats illegal drugs. And we ask the important question: is stoned Homer a better dad than drunk Homer?
Follow Steve's bands: @thecurls_coolband, @truthzonerecs on Instagram.
And his improv team Dumb John @dumbjohn.
And follow this show @bartannicapodcast.
Steve Recommends: Phish documentary Bittersweet MotelTrey Anastasio interview on Marc Maron
Harrison Recommends: You should listen to Phish- seriously! Also the books below on medicinal marijuana.
Research for this episode came from: High Bias: The Distorted History of the Cassette Tape by Marc MastersYou Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me: Phish, ICP, and My Misadventures with Two of Music’s Most Maligned Tribes by Nathan RabinGreen Rush: The Rise of Medical Marijuana in the United States by Daniel Mallinson and A. Lee HannahWaiting to Inhale- The Politics of Medical Marijuana by Alan BockChristian Nationalism and the Birth of the War on Drugs by Andrew Monteith
Phish/Simpsons Connections- Phish.net
*The above quote is from a review of Phish's 2024 Madison Square Garden show
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Today we're discussing The Simpsons Season 15, Episode 8, Marge Vs Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens, and Gays: After a baby concert becomes a disaster, Lindsay Naegle rallies the town to favor childless adults, but Marge fights back with a voter initiative.
I'm joined by Greg Iwinski, a 2x Emmy-winning TV writer who has worked on The Late Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and the Disney series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. We discuss the late night situation with Stephen Colbert vs the Trump Administration, hating the things you love (Star Wars/Simpsons), and how being a parent has changed since this episode first aired 21 years ago. Greg also points out a joke in this episode that made him laugh so hard he had to leave the room the first time he watched it.
Follow Greg on all socials: @garyjackson
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at [email protected].
Greg Recommends: Terrestrial History by Joe Mungo ReedThis Time Tomorrow by Emma StraubHarlem Shuffle Colson WhiteheadHarrison Recommends: The Baby Boon by Elinor Burkett
References
Frank Nelson and Jack BennyMummenschanz on the Muppet ShowNPR Code Switch: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator'
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It's another presidential-themed episode as we discuss The Simpsons Season 7 Episode 13, Two Bad Neighbors- Ex-President George HW Bush moves to Springfield, much to Homer's dismay.
I'm joined today by Jamison Webb; actor, comedian and fellow prez-head. We talk about his appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bush's best one-liners, and why he's a mix of Flanders and Smithers (spoiler: the man's a wimp!).
Follow Jamison @jamisonw on Instagram.
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at [email protected].
Jamison Recommends: Oliver Stone's W. The 1st 10 minutes of Naked Gun 2The President's Club by Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs
Harrison Recommends: The President's ClubMy Fellow Americans- Jack Lemmon and James Garner
Research for this episode came from: Dinner with the President Alex Prud’HommeRunning on Race Jeremy MayerAmerican Dynasty Kevin PhillipsFamily of Secrets Russ BakerWhat Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted Tevi ToryFrom Mount Vernon to Crawford: A History of the Presidents and Their Retreats Kenneth Walsh
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