Everything's Coming Up Simpsons

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 Arthur? Because man, if you don't … you're in for a big surprise. If you like what you hear tweet at us @simpsonspod!

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. If you like what you hear tweet at us @simpsonspod using the hastag #BananaBoi.

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 out windows wistfully, sex cauldrons, and why the Talking Simpsons guys are such huge fans of Martin.

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 dangerous to children … this is meta-humor gold right here.  Plus, Scott tells us how the theme parks from Springfield ran, and why he's obsessed with Simpsons dvd commentaries.Why don’t you come over and listen to this podcast, and we’ll have nachos? And then some beer.

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 for "Funny You Should Ask." And you might best know him as the host for Maximum Fun trivia show "Go Fact Yourself" – a live game show recorded as a podcast for the Max Fun. They've got a couple live shows in NYC this weekend if you're in the area.

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!

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 of the show would only work in the 90's.  Plus, he'll also sprinkle in some Simpsons trivia throughout our conversation, and discuss how he thinks "The Simpsons" series might end. Trust us, this episode doesn't stink!

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."

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.

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 at Universal Studios Hollywood (poor guy ... justice for Greg).

Comedian Ricky Carmona joins Allie and Julia to talk about one of his favorite episodes Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie.  In this episode, Homer forbids Bart from seeing the defining film event of our generation. Ricky reflects on the discipline techniques his parents used when he was growing up, and he'll also discuss a time when movie trailers had much more hype. Plus, we'll take a moment to appreciate the first appearance of Bumblebee Man, and his origins. Don't forget to check out Ricky on Max Fun podcast Who Shot Ya?.

This week, we'll have someone on we've wanted on the show for a very long time… Mike Reiss! He's a four-time Emmy winner who has worked on The Simpsons continuously since the first episode in 1989! He's done it all: starting from the writing staff, and he has served as a showrunner. Now, he's also the author of a new book called  "Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons" which is out on June 12th. Through the power of the internet and skype, he'll join us to talk about what it was like to work on the episode "The Springfield Files," and give us the scoop on his new book!

This week, we're doing something a little different and special! "The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular" celebrated The Simpsons by compiling sequences from episodes throughout the entire series. To celebrate our 138th upload we have a clip show of our own of sorts. But rather than play clips from the show we've asked you all to be part of the show! We'll be playing voicemails of your favorite moments of the podcast and of "The Simpsons." We'll also hear from previous guests of the podcast! And, sorry if you thought we were going to talk about "138th Episode Spectacular," you're just going to have to wait until it's someones favorite! 

This week, we dig into the archives to bring you an episode from long before the podcast joined Max Fun. We're keeping it in the family though, we'll revisit our conversation with Jesse Thorn ("Bullseye," "Jordan, Jesse, Go") on the classic episode "Mr. Plow." We're also announcing that we're adding episodes from the archives to the Max Fun website. Make sure you tune in till the end of this episode; Julia, Allie, and Jesse will sing the Mr. Plow commercial theme song. You don't wanna miss it!

Ryan Quincy joins us to talk about one of his son's favorite episodes. Ryan is a two time Emmy award winning animation director and producer for "South Park." He served as the creator of the IFC animated series "Out There." You can also check out his work on Disney XD's animated series "Future Worm," which will air its series finale later this month. He admits he may not be the biggest Simpsons buff, but he'll talk about how the show has made him closer to his kids. Find out what happens when fandom and fatherhood become intertwined!  

This week, Allie and Julia swing by singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco's home to learn about his love of "The Simpsons." They'll chat about "Lisa the Greek" – in the episode Lisa tries to bond over sports with Homer. Meanwhile, Homer secretly uses Lisa's ability to pick winning football teams to help him gamble. Mac will tell us why he always wanted to be as cool as Bart, and why he related to Lisa. Plus, he'll tells us about some of his Simpsons memorabilia, and why the saxophone is the perfect instrument for Lisa.

This week, Sean O'Connor returns to talk about another one of his favorite episodes – My Sister, My Sitter. In the episode, Lisa takes up babysitting. She does such a good job for everyone in Springfield that Marge and Homer ask her to babysit Bart. Things don't end pretty. Sean recounts a gruesome babysitting story of his own. Plus, he talks about what it's like to be a dad, and why letting other people watch your kids is terrifying. Check out Sean's work on "The Late Late Show with James Cordon" and Comedy Central's "Hood Adjacent" for which he serves as executive producer and head writer. His latest writing can also be seen on Netflix's "Hilarity for Charity."  

Helen Hong joins Allie and Julia to talk about "The Blue and The Grey." You know Helen from Max Fun podcast "Go Fact Yourself," and you might recognize her as a regular guest on NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!." In the episode, Marge discovers she's had grey hair for years. With this new discovery she decides to go all natural. Join us as they talk about the canonical nature of Marge's grey hair, "Sister Act 3," and Valentine's Day in Springfield. Plus, find out why everyone is obsessed with pickles.

Stand-up comedian Sam Wiles joins Allie and Julia to talk about "Lisa's Date With Density." In the episode, Lisa develops a crush on Nelson Muntz. Lisa lets Nelson know how she feels via Milhouse. She asks him to pass a love note to Nelson during class. Things don't end so well for Milhouse. Things get personal when Julia asks Sam and Allie about their childhood crushes. They also discuss Homer's sweet tooth. He tries to pass off candy on his doughnut as sprinkles at the Kwik-E-Mart. And since they're talking candy -- have you guys heard of IT'SUGAR? Find out what it has in common with Spencer's gifts. And, they discuss Mr. Burns hilarious bit in this episode.   The MaxFunDrive wraps up this week! Right now is the best time to support this show and all of the MaxFun podcasts you love by starting a monthly membership or upgrading your existing one! Listen carefully and find out how you can have your very own Horny Marge enamel pin!

April Wolfe joins Allie and Julia to talk about "Principal Charming." You know April from Max Fun podcasts "Who Shot Ya?" & "Switchblade Sisters," so naturally, she picked an episode with a ton of nods to classic films. They'll break down the cinematic pop culture gags for you, including references to: "Terminator," "Vertigo," "Gone With The Wind," and more! In the episode, Homer is tasked with finding Selma  a husband. He finds the perfect mate -- Principal Skinner. Unfortunately, he falls for Selma's identical twin sister Patty instead. April tells us why she loves heart-wrenching episodes like this one. Plus, find out which characters make their first appearances in the series in this episode! The MaxFunDrive is finally here! Right now is the best time to support this show and all of the MaxFun podcasts you love by starting a monthly membership or upgrading your existing one! Listen carefully and find out how you can have your very own Horny Marge enamel pin!