This week, Mad Magazine's Casey Boyd joins us to chat about Homer the Vigilante. We'll discuss the work of John Swartzwelder at length – and how his writing has influenced a very specific type of voice in comedy. We'll also chat Conan, dog songs, and Detective Pikachu. It's the last episode of 2018 and we're glad that we get to end it with a Swartzwelder episode. Cheers!
Dec 31, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 169
It's our first ever solo-host show. Don't worry Allie will be back next week … the only thing you have to fear this week is – cults. Comedian Lisa Curry and Julia discuss Movementarianism, Blisstonia, and dive deep into some real life cults. Things get a little freaky, but don't worry we'll guide you along. Join us! Join Us! Join Us!
Dec 24, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 168
It's crazy to think we've been doing this podcast for so long and no one has picked the first episode of The Simpsons. That's all about to change! This week, Alonso Duralde relives his memories of watching "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire." You know Alonso as a film critic for the The Wrap. He's also one of panelist on "Who Shot Ya?" from Maximum Fun, and the co-host of the pod Linoleum Knife. Most importantly for today's purposes Alonso is a Christmas expert and has a book to prove it called ...
Dec 18, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 167
This week, comedian Allen Strickland Williams dishes his favorite moments from HOMЯ. Allen has been featured on Conan, and was recently named Comedy Central Comic to watch. Make sure to keep an eye out for Allen's new Comedy Central half hour special in January. Allen explains why this episode is a lot sadder than he recalls when he first saw it as a kid. Plus, Allie explains why Bing.com is naughty and Julia discusses the joys of Shark Tank. Don't worry there's plenty of Simpsons, too! Relive t...
Dec 11, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 166
This week, Emmy-award winning voice actor Maurice LaMarche chats about his voiceover appearances in The Simpsons. If you don't know Maurice by name you certainly know his iconic voice work – he's probably best known as The Brain in "Animaniacs" and "Pinky and the Brain." His work can also be heard on "Futurama," "Disenchantment" and many other video games, animated series, television shows and films. He'll tell us the personal connection he had to the character he voiced in "What Animated Women ...
Dec 04, 2018•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 165
The holidays are right around the corner! This week, we get in the spirit of the holidays and chat with longtime Simpsons writer Michael Price about a Christmas episode he wrote for the Simpsons back in 2003. He'll discuss his love/hate relationship Christmas specials, and give us a behind the scenes look at Simpsons writers room. He'll also explain why this episode was a breakthrough moment for him as a Simpsons writer. Michael is also the creator of "F is for Family" – you can check out the ne...
Nov 27, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 164
With the holidays right around the corner we've got a special treat to show how thankful we are for all of you. This week, we're bringing back Al Jean! The longtime Simpsons showrunner returns to the Max Fun studios – this time around he joins us to discuss his contributions to "It's Garry Shandling's Show." We'll get the scoop on this cult hit, which shares a lot of DNA with the Simpsons. And just like last time he'll sprinkle in some Simpsons trivia throughout our conversation.
Nov 19, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 163
This week, we'll welcome long-time Simpsons storyboard artist John Mathot. His credits are insane – John has been a storyboard artist for animated shows like Futurama, Family Guy, Dilbert, Phineas and Ferb, Hey Arnold, and many more. He'll talk about the collaborative process in the Simpsons writers room. And you don't wanna miss when he breaks down one of the storyboards he created in this very classic Simpsons episode. Plus, he'll tell us some of the animation quirks that tick off Matt Groenin...
Nov 13, 2018•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 162
This week, we dig into the ECUS archives! We know people are already setting up holiday decorations… but we are still craving Halloween candy. Nick Wiger (Comedy Bang Bang, I Love You America with Sarah Silverman, Doughboys) spooks Allie and Julia with a discussion on Treehouse of Horror V! This episode was produced before "Everything's Coming Up Simpsons" was on the Max Fun Network.
Nov 06, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 161
Stand-up comedian and writer Blaine Capatch joins us this week to talk about "The Mansion Family." It's not from the golden era, and it's newer episode than most episodes we usually discuss. Which is weird to say considering the episode is actually 18 years old. We'll discuss the Britney Spears cameo in this episode, why it's important to read the Hardy Boys book series, and the funniest things ever to happen in international waters. Plus, what it's like to sit in on a Simpsons table read accord...
Oct 30, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 160
This week, Ben Blacker (The Thrilling Adventure Hour, Dead Pilots Society) joins us to talk about his favorite Treehouse of Horror episode. We'll break down the three segments from this episode: "The HΩmega Man," "Fly vs. Fly," and "Easy-Bake Coven." We'll learn how The Simpsons educated kids everywhere about the Salem witch trials. Just in time for the spooky time of the year, Ben will also discuss his new comic book "Hex Wives" from DC Vertigo, which is available on Halloween.
Oct 22, 2018•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 159
We've got a supersized episode recorded live in Austin, Texas with special guests Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young of Night Attack. It's a night of Spinal Tap references, bus driver men, and Otto age theories. Is he 25 or 66… somewhere in between? We'll get down to the bottom of it! Plus, there's a marriage proposal – you'll never guess who's tying the knot.
Oct 16, 2018•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 158
We're doing something a little different this week. As you know each week we usually discuss our guests favorite episode. Joel Kim Booster is a casual Simpsons fan … he's more of a Futurama kind of guy if you ask him. Instead of discussing an episode he loves we're diving into an episode he's not the biggest fan of. This might be a first for @simpsonspod! Don't worry we still found plenty reasons to enjoy this episode. And maybe we even convinced Joel Kim Booster to give the Simpsons another cha...
Oct 08, 2018•50 min•Ep. 157
It's cannon guys … Bart speaks french! This week, we'll welcome Luke McGarry. He's a long time friend of the show, but has never actually been on to talk Simpsons. If you're in Los Angeles you've probably seen his work on billboards – his work has been used for countless concerts put on by Goldenvoice. His illustrations have also be featured in Sports Illustrated, MAD Magazine, Playboy, and he's the guy behind our podcast artwork – which is pretty cool, too! Join us as Bart subconsciously learns...
Oct 02, 2018•59 min•Ep. 156
This week, we'll chat with Mad Magazine editor in chief Bill Morrison. Titan Comics recently released a graphic novel adaptation of " The Beatles: Yellow Submarine " written and illustrated by Bill. He'll give us all the details on the new book, which has been in the works for the past 20 years. Plus, he'll tell us about his days as a former Disney artist, and what it was like to be asked to collaborate on Bongo Comics long before The Simpsons became a household name. Keeping with The Beatles th...
Sep 24, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 155
This week, we'll welcome comedian Adam Cayton Holland – go buy his amazing new book "Tragedy Plus Time: A Tragi-Comic Memoir" now! We'll talk about one of the best self-deprecating guest star cameos of all time. Plus, the genius of a "My Dinner with Andre" arcade game, and everyone's childhood fantasy of drinking a Super Squishee made entirely out of syrup.
Sep 18, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 154
A couple weeks ago we discussed a classic Sideshow Bob episode… and this week we're back at it with another terrifying episode featuring Sideshow Bob! Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait joins us to discuss "Sideshow Bob Roberts." In the episode, Sideshow Bob is unveiled as the Republican candidate for the Springfield mayoral election. It's safe to say things will get a little political in this episode. If you're a fan of old school election campaign jingles you're in for a real treat! You can check out ...
Sep 10, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 153
This week, we'll welcome someone with a very special culinary contribution to the record-breaking episode – "Forgive and Regret." With this episode The Simpsons officially surpassed "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running scripted American prime time television series. The episode features a very special apple pie recipe from Mona Simpson. In real life the recipe was provided by author, chef, restaurateur, and radio host of KCRW's Good Food – the wonderful Evan Kleiman! She'll give us a behind the sce...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 152
Welcome to the show this week Diana Wright! If you have ever played "The Simpsons: Tapped Out" mobile game then you might have seen her work! She'll give us the scoop on how she became a writer for the game, and a behind the scenes look at some of the episodes she has written for the app. We've got a classic Sideshow Bob episode to discuss, too. Allie and Julia will break down one of Diana's favs – "Black Widower." We'll learn the value of watching The Simpsons together as a family. Plus, Diana ...
Aug 27, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 151
This week, we'll welcome Production Designer and Producer of BoJack Horseman – Lisa Hanawalt! As you'll learn she loves any episode where the Simpsons get a new pet. As a horse lover she was so happy to be able to talk about "Lisa's Pony." We'll take a deep dive into Lisa Simpsons' and Lisa Hanawalt's love of ponies and horses. Julia recalls precious memories from her childhood asthma camp talent show. Did you ever participate in your elementary school talent show? We'd love to hear from you @si...
Aug 20, 2018•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 150
Jury duty fans rejoice! Comedian and writer Alec Owen (Five Second Films, Dude Bro Party Massacre III) joins us to talk about "The Boy Who Knew Too Much." In this episode, Bart ditches school and learns more than he ever bargained for about Freddy Quimby… Sure, Freddy may be a jerk, he isn't a criminal. And Bart is the only one who can save him in a court of law. Allie explains the joys of jury duty. For some odd reason Julia and Alec talk about Reba McEntire. Plus, do you remember Marge's uncle...
Aug 13, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 149
We got a special treat for you guys this week! One of our favorite guests returns for another fun-filled episode of ECUS. We welcome Jordan Morris from "Jordan, Jesse, Go" and "Bubble," Max Fun's first ever scripted comedy podcast. This episode was recorded live from Max Fun Con 2018 in Lake Arrowhead. Jordan joins Allie and Julia to talk about "Burns' Heir," and discusses what he says are two of the funniest jokes ever told. Plus, find out why Julia and Allie have dubbed Jordan the Banana Boy. ...
Aug 06, 2018•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 148
If you're a fan of Simpsons podcasts, oh boy, do we have a treat for you! This week, we'll welcome Bob Mackey and Henry Gilbert of the podcast Talking Simpsons! It's the Simpsons Pod crossover you never knew you needed. Eight seasons into the series, Skinner and Krabappel take their relationship to the next level. You know, it's the episode where they're in the closet making babies and we see one of the babies and the baby looks at us! We'll also talk about permanent records, the joys of looking...
Jul 30, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 147
This week, Scott Gairdner (Podcast:The Ride, Moonbeam City) joins us in the studio to talk about Two Bad Neighbors. In 1992, President George Bush famously gave a campaign speech declaring he wanted to have American families be “a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons.” This episode, which aired in 1996, was inspired by the animosity towards the show by the Bushes. Of course, the episode paints Bart as "bad little boy," and makes us considers what made The Simpsons so danger...
Jul 23, 2018•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 146
J.Keith van Straaten joins Allie and Julia to talk about a classic episode from season one of The Simpsons – Life on the Fast Lane . He's a big fan of the series and has seen every single episode in the series. Join us as they break down the complexities of Marge in this very early episode. They'll also talk about the brilliant voice work of the comedy genius Albert Brooks. J. Keith's work has been featured in the LA Times and on the NPR game show "Ask Me Another." He's also the content producer...
Jul 17, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 145
Comedian Hampton Yount swings by the Max Fun studios to talk about one of his favorite episodes "The Cartridge Family." In the midst of the FIFA World Cup hope you guys are ready for some soccer! This episode was very controversial when it first aired for it's neutral depiction of guns. Yep, the soccer riot episode is the same episode as the gun obsessed Homer episode. Is it as odd as you remember? Plus, We'll tell you why we love a big angry mob … only in cartoons, of course!
Jul 10, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 144
We're doing something a little different this week! Al Jean – yes, that AL JEAN – swings by the Max Fun studios to discuss the short-lived cult classic series "The Critic." In 1994, Al co-created the series alongside Mike Reiss. The animated show follows the life of film critic Jay Sherman, voiced Jon Lovitz. He'll break it down for us, including: why the show was originally planned to be a live action sitcom, how the series came to be, what it was like to work with Lovitz, and why the premise o...
Jul 02, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 143
This week, we'll welcome comedian, actor and filmmaker Hari Kondabolu! Last year, you might have seen his documentary called "The Problem with Apu," which aired and can be streamed on TruTV. Join us as he discusses one of his favorite episodes - "Homer the Smithers." Plus, we'll dive deep into his complicated relationship with the Simpsons over the years. Check out Hari in his new comedy stand-up special on Netflix called "Warn Your Relatives."
Jun 26, 2018•48 min•Ep. 142
Writer, director, and comedian - Allan McLeod joins us to talk about "Homer Defined." He'll tell us why he loves the nuclear power plant, and how this episode is different than he remembers when he first saw it when he was a kid. Let's just say he came for the Homer story, but what sucked him in was the gut-wrenching Bart story. You can see Allan on "You're The Worst" as Paul on FXX, which is releasing it's fifth and final season later this year.
Jun 18, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 141
Writer and comedian Melanie Bracewell joins us to talk puppies and dogs playing poker from the classic Simpsons episode "Two Dozen and One Greyhounds." We've got your Simpsons fix … plus, we'll talk about dogs eating spaghetti, relating to your grandma via shingles, why Project Runway doesn't use real fur in its competition, a spoiler free look at the this seasons finalists of Rupaul's Drag Race, film credits raps theme songs from the 90's, and a shoutout to Greg - who works at the Simpsons Ride...
Jun 11, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 140