Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

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.

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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.


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In this lively and heartfelt episode, actress Jenn Lyon joins the show for a candid, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about acting, creativity, and the real-life experiences that shape unforgettable characters. Alongside legendary voice actress Nancy Cartwright, the episode blends humor, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes industry insight into a truly entertaining listen.

Jenn shares the story of how she landed her role as Courtney, revealing that success came from preparation meeting opportunity. After her managers initially doubted they could even get her in the room, a chance recommendation led to a work session—and ultimately a screen test. Jenn took it seriously, going above and beyond by creating props and fully immersing herself in the role. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: someone else out there can do what you do—so when the opportunity comes, you have to be ready.

The conversation dives deep into how Jenn builds her characters, especially the small, authentic details that resonate with audiences. She explains that many of Courtney’s mannerisms—like constantly fussing over someone or fixing their appearance mid-conversation—come directly from the women in her own life. These subtle, affectionate habits reflect a deeper truth about relationships, showing how love can be expressed through everyday actions.

Jenn also opens up about her upbringing in the South and how it shaped her performance style. From warm-but-firm communication to colorful expressions and humor, she brings a distinct authenticity to her roles. The episode highlights how Southern culture blends sass, kindness, and emotional intelligence—creating characters that feel both grounded and memorable.

Beyond character work, the episode offers a fascinating look into the craft of acting itself. Jenn explains her approach to performance, emphasizing that great acting isn’t about forcing emotion—it’s about pursuing an objective in each scene. By focusing on what her character wants from another person, she keeps performances dynamic, natural, and alive, whether on stage or on camera.

The discussion also explores the differences between theater and on-camera acting, with Jenn describing how stage performers can “guide” an audience’s attention in real time, while film relies more on editing and camera direction. These insights give listeners a rare look at the technical side of performance that most audiences never see.

Of course, the episode isn’t all technique—there’s plenty of humor and personality throughout. From bizarre fan encounters and donut taste tests to stories about working with icons like Larry David and Kristin Chenoweth, the conversation stays light, spontaneous, and genuinely fun.

Jenn also reflects on navigating difficult personalities in the entertainment industry, sharing how her perspective has evolved over time. While she once tried to “fix” tense situations, she now recognizes the importance of boundaries—offering a grounded, mature take on maintaining professionalism and protecting your energy.

Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a fan of great storytelling, or just love hearing how creative people think, this episode delivers a mix of inspiration, humor, and real-world insight into what it takes to succeed in entertainment.


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In this fan-driven episode, The Simpsons writer and showrunner Mike Scully joins the conversation for an honest, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt deep dive into the creative engine behind one of the longest-running shows in television history. From iconic jokes to emotional storylines, Scully offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how The Simpsons is actually made—and why it continues to resonate decades later.

The episode kicks off with one of the internet’s favorite questions: how does The Simpsons seem to predict the future? Scully breaks it down in a grounded and refreshingly honest way—explaining that these “predictions” are less about psychic foresight and more about writers pulling from real-world trends, cultural moments, and exaggerated satire. Whether it’s Donald Trump becoming president or Disney acquiring Fox, many of the show’s eerily accurate moments started as jokes rooted in what was already happening at the time.

From there, the conversation shifts into the writing process itself, revealing just how collaborative the show truly is. Scully explains how ideas are pitched, broken down in writers’ rooms, and rewritten multiple times before ever reaching the screen. Even when one writer is credited, every episode is shaped by a team—refining jokes, strengthening emotional beats, and constantly reworking scenes to make them better. With production cycles lasting up to nine months per episode, the process is both meticulous and ever-evolving.

One of the most compelling moments comes when Scully shares how personal experiences directly influenced some of the show’s most emotional episodes. He reveals that Bart getting caught shoplifting was inspired by his own childhood, including the guilt and fear of disappointing his mother. That emotional truth helped shape one of the series’ most powerful storylines—showing that behind the humor, The Simpsons has always been grounded in real human experiences.

The episode also explores the evolution of the show itself—from controversial beginnings, where parents didn’t want their kids watching, to becoming a shared family experience across generations. Scully reflects on how changing cultural standards and the rise of edgier shows like South Park shifted perceptions, ultimately positioning The Simpsons as a more wholesome, character-driven alternative.

Beyond the show, Scully shares his unconventional path into the industry—from dropping out of community college after a single day to working odd jobs before eventually finding his way into comedy writing. A standout story involves being placed on stage immediately after Robin Williams during an open mic night—an experience that helped him realize his strengths were better suited for writing than performing.

Throughout the episode, the tone balances humor and insight, with moments like donut taste tests and classic Bart quotes keeping things light while still delivering meaningful takeaways.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about how great comedy gets made, this episode offers a fascinating look into the creativity, collaboration, and persistence behind The Simpsons.


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In this deeply engaging and often hilarious episode, acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker sits down for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the craft of performance, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the unpredictable journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable voices in gaming and animation.

Best known for his role as Joel in The Last of Us, Baker reflects on the powerful relationship between Joel and Ellie, including the unforgettable final moments of the first game—so impactful that he and co-star Ashley Johnson even got matching tattoos inspired by the closing lines. This sets the tone for a conversation rooted in authenticity, connection, and the lasting emotional weight of great storytelling.

Baker opens up about his early life, sharing how insecurity and bullying pushed him to develop his voice as a tool for expression and identity. What started as a coping mechanism eventually became the foundation of a career that spans video games, animation, and beyond. His story is a reminder that sometimes our greatest strengths come from the places we once felt weakest.

The episode dives deep into the philosophy of acting, particularly in interactive media. Baker emphasizes a key principle that shapes his performances: characters don’t know they’re in a game. By treating every moment as real and grounded, he explains how actors can create more believable and emotionally resonant performances—something that has defined his work across major titles.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at the gaming industry, including how personal elements of actors’ lives can influence storytelling. Baker shares how his love for music was woven into Joel’s character, culminating in one of the most iconic scenes in The Last of Us Part II.

Beyond gaming, the conversation expands into Baker’s broader career, including his unexpected path into Fortnite, his experience voicing characters across multiple franchises, and the surreal milestone of working on The Simpsons. His stories highlight how relationships, timing, and persistence often matter just as much as talent.

The episode also touches on the creative process behind voice acting, from developing characters to navigating feedback and audience expectations. Baker reflects on how success can create pressure, but ultimately stresses the importance of staying grounded in truth rather than trying to meet external expectations.

Amid the insightful discussion are plenty of lighthearted moments—from donut debates to improv scenes—showcasing Baker’s humor and personality. But at its core, this episode is about craft, growth, and the human side of performance.

Whether you’re a fan of The Last of Us, an aspiring actor, or simply someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, this conversation offers a rare and honest look into what it really means to bring characters to life.

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