Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright cover art

Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

By: Audacy & CRE84U Entertainment
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About this listen

 Simpsons fans, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. I’m Nancy Cartwright, as the voice of Bart Simpson for over 35+ years—I am finally “spilling the donut crumbs”. My partners and I are here to announce Simpsons Declassified—a weekly podcast that will pull back the curtain on the longest-running, eeriest, most yellow-tinted pop culture phenomenon…EVER! Each week, my co-host, Sofy Kurtz and I will crack open the wild predictions, mind-bending coincidences, fan conspiracies and untold stories from 800+ episodes — jokes that died, lines that lived and moments that shocked even us! Oh and don’t miss our Simpsons-themed games with our guests! Play along and test your Springfield IQ. We will take you behind-the-scenes with writers, directors, guest stars and famous fans. I’ll share how Bart started mirroring my life, the scenes that almost never aired and the surprises that still get me at the mic. Produced and showrun by Monica Gil-Rodriguez. From Audacy Podcasts and CRE84U Entertainment— this is your all-access pass to Springfield. Bring your theories…and your donuts. Follow us along and drop your wildest Simpsons’ theory in a review for a chance to be featured on the show.© CRE84U Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Art
Episodes
  • John DiMaggio on Bender, Jake the Dog & the Heart Behind the Voice

    John DiMaggio on Bender, Jake the Dog & the Heart Behind the Voice
    May 1 2026
    In this dynamic and hilarious episode, legendary voice actor John DiMaggio—best known as Bender from Futurama and Jake the Dog from Adventure Time—joins the show for a conversation that’s equal parts comedy, craft, and heartfelt reflection. From iconic characters to deeply personal stories, John brings an unfiltered and engaging look into the world of voice acting and the unexpected emotional impact of animation. Right out of the gate, John’s personality shines through with humor and authenticity. Whether he’s breaking down his famous “bacon pancakes” ritual or riffing with the hosts, his larger-than-life presence is undeniable. But beneath the jokes is a seasoned performer who has spent decades shaping characters that resonate with millions. One of the standout moments of the episode is John’s reflection on Adventure Time and the creation of Jake the Dog. He describes Jake’s voice as essentially his own, “but with a hug around it,” highlighting how subtle emotional shifts can define a character. That warmth, he explains, is exactly why the show has become such a comfort to fans—many of whom have had deeply emotional reactions just hearing his voice in real life. The conversation dives into the surprising emotional power of animation. John shares how fans often become overwhelmed when meeting him, connecting his voice to meaningful moments in their lives. It’s a reminder that animated characters aren’t just entertainment—they’re companions, especially for younger audiences who form early emotional bonds with them. John also opens up about the creative process behind his roles, including how characters evolve over time through collaboration with writers and producers. He candidly discusses the early challenges of Adventure Time, admitting he initially struggled with the show’s structure and even considered leaving. But as the process became more refined, the experience transformed into something deeply fulfilling—culminating in an emotional goodbye that caught him completely off guard. Of course, no conversation with John DiMaggio would be complete without Futurama. He shares insights into the show’s production, including how it benefited from the legacy of The Simpsons and developed a more streamlined recording process. He also reflects on the unique consistency required to maintain a character like Bender across decades and multiple network revivals. Beyond specific roles, John offers valuable advice for aspiring voice actors. From the importance of breath control to maintaining vocal health, he emphasizes treating your voice like an instrument—one that requires discipline, awareness, and care. He also touches on how the industry has evolved, particularly with the rise of self-taped auditions and home recording setups, which have changed the collaborative nature of the craft. The episode balances humor with sincerity, especially when John reflects on personal experiences, including the loss of his beloved dog and the emotional parallels to storytelling in animation. These moments ground the conversation, revealing the humanity behind the characters audiences love. Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, connection, and the voices that shape our memories. Whether you know him as Bender, Jake, or countless other characters, John DiMaggio proves that great voice acting isn’t just about performance—it’s about heart. 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
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Sarah Natochenny on Voicing Ash Ketchum, Pokémon & Finding Confidence in Chaos

    Sarah Natochenny on Voicing Ash Ketchum, Pokémon & Finding Confidence in Chaos
    Apr 24 2026
    In this nostalgic and high-spirited episode, Sarah Natochenny—the voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon—joins Nancy Cartwright for a lively conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, voice acting insights, and plenty of playful moments. From iconic catchphrases to real-life challenges, Sarah offers an honest and entertaining look at what it takes to bring one of the most beloved animated characters of all time to life. Right from the start, the energy is electric. Sarah effortlessly slips into Ash’s voice, delivering the legendary “I choose you!” moment that instantly transports listeners back to their childhood. It’s a reminder of just how powerful voice acting can be—one line, one tone, and suddenly millions of memories come rushing back. But beyond the nostalgia, Sarah opens up about her unexpected journey into the role. At just 18 years old, she nearly missed her audition entirely, forgetting about it until the day of. With little preparation and no prior experience in dubbing, she walked into what would become a life-changing opportunity. Despite feeling unprepared—and even crying afterward—she landed the role, proving that talent and instinct can sometimes outweigh perfect planning. The episode dives deep into the realities of stepping into an established character. Taking over as Ash Ketchum wasn’t just a technical challenge—it came with intense backlash from fans. Sarah candidly shares how difficult it was to face criticism early on, especially when replacing a beloved voice. Over time, however, that narrative shifted, and she now experiences overwhelming support from fans around the world, especially at conventions where she connects with them face-to-face. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is Sarah’s explanation of dubbing. Unlike traditional voice acting, dubbing requires actors to match timing, emotion, and mouth movements to pre-existing animation—often in another language. Learning this process on the spot during her audition added an extra layer of difficulty, making her success even more impressive. The episode also highlights the differences between voice acting across mediums. From recording Pokémon episodes to performing lines for video games, Sarah explains how each format demands a unique approach. While television allows for more context and storytelling, video games often involve recording isolated lines without knowing the full scene, requiring actors to rely heavily on instinct and consistency. Beyond the technical side, Sarah brings humor and personality to every moment. Whether she’s joking about not driving despite living in Los Angeles, sharing stories about traveling to dozens of conventions, or participating in the show’s signature donut taste tests, she keeps the conversation light, relatable, and fun. At its core, this episode is about perseverance, growth, and embracing the unexpected. Sarah’s journey—from a fan of Pokémon to becoming its most iconic voice—captures the essence of following your passion, even when the path feels uncertain. Whether you grew up with Ash Ketchum or are simply curious about the world of voice acting, this episode delivers a perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, and inspiration. 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
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    50 mins
  • Jay Pharoah on SNL & the Art of Becoming Someone Else

    Jay Pharoah on SNL & the Art of Becoming Someone Else
    Apr 17 2026
    In this high-energy, laugh-out-loud episode, comedian and former Saturday Night Live star Jay Pharoah joins the show for a masterclass in impressions, storytelling, and the mindset it takes to thrive in comedy. Sitting down with legendary voice actress Nancy Cartwright, Jay brings nonstop humor, razor-sharp talent, and surprising depth to a conversation that blends entertainment with real insight into the craft. From the very start, Jay showcases the skill that made him famous—effortlessly transforming into iconic voices like Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy. But beyond the laughs, he breaks down his creative process in a way that’s rarely heard. According to Jay, mastering an impression doesn’t start with the voice—it starts with the laugh. He explains that a person’s laugh is the most authentic and unique part of their identity, serving as the blueprint for everything else that follows, from mannerisms to tone. The episode dives deep into what it really means to “become” a character. Jay describes how fully imagining a person speaking in real time allows him to morph into them naturally, creating performances that feel alive rather than forced. This philosophy gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how elite impressionists operate—and why Jay stands out as one of the best. Of course, the conversation also explores Jay’s journey to Saturday Night Live. He shares how his path wasn’t immediate success, but a grind filled with small gigs, YouTube videos, and persistence. After initially being passed over, his second audition landed him a spot on the show—proving that timing and perseverance are everything. His breakthrough moment came when he realized he was officially part of television history, standing on stage as a cast member and hearing the audience react to his work. Jay also reflects on what SNL taught him beyond comedy. One of his biggest takeaways? The power of relationships. He emphasizes that building genuine connections with people in the industry can shape your entire career, often opening doors years down the line. It’s a grounded, practical lesson for anyone pursuing success in entertainment or any creative field. The episode balances these deeper insights with plenty of humor and spontaneity. From rapid-fire impression games to absurdly funny donut taste tests, Jay keeps the energy unpredictable and entertaining. His ability to switch characters on command creates moments that feel both impressive and hilarious, keeping listeners engaged from start to finish. Beyond the comedy, Jay shares his perspective on purpose and impact. For him, making people laugh isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about giving people a break from their problems, even if only for a moment. That mindset adds a meaningful layer to his work and highlights the emotional connection behind great comedy. Whether you’re a fan of impressions, aspiring to break into comedy, or just looking for a genuinely fun and insightful conversation, this episode delivers. Jay Pharoah brings both talent and authenticity, offering a rare glimpse into what it takes to succeed while staying true to your voice. 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
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    47 mins
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