Talking Simpsons

1,078
TV & Film #205Film History #11

Join your friends Bob Mackey and Henry Gilbert for a chronological and cromulent exploration of the greatest show ever made! Each week we're joined by funny guests to tackle a different episode of The Simpsons, breaking down every 22 minutes of animated entertainment into an embiggening discussion about Our Favorite Family.

Support us directly at https://Patreon.com/TalkingSimpsons

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • joey sanats
    Great podcast
    It should be called the Johnny heartwig tribute podcast
  • lee overtree
    β™₯️
    To the haters 🀬
  • raeswae
    I am so happy that there is a Simpsons podcast
    I’m obsessed 🀩 with Simpsons πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ€©πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ˜†πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³ πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ₯³πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ€ πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ the end
  • Mr. Tsarnaev
    Podcast favorite
    The Simpsons is one of the best things the U.S. ever did to trick other countries into having positive feelings toward us. This podcast is a wonderful tribute to one of our best cultural products. This podcast should be required listening for millennials.
  • jellyntoasy
    need another griffin Newman guest spot ! Personal favorite guest
    Title :)
  • patreonappsucks
    Guests are better
    But these guys shouldn’t be podcasting 😴😴😴😴😴
  • ueahwahwhahhdjfndowm
    Yay
    Great show! I love the talking of the hill series! Trademarks stuff -they live in the Bay Area -Henry’s mom seems like a nice lady from what henry mentions in every episode -Canada is better (I assume, never been) - non problematic WEEBS -games Overall, I love the podcast. Now get Bret from revolutionary left radio to appear on an episode!!
  • Paul Shear
    Good show
    Normal amount of homosexual talk on the show. 5 stars.
  • jballsa
    β€œZzzzaaap.”
    Content is great but a lot homosexual talk through out the show
  • Enoch "Mr. Boogs"
    Weird
    I’m not saying it’s bad but for me I think it’s just a little weird, let’s go the Simpson show!!!
  • droptop_d_rock
    A long overdue review
    The. Best. Podcast. Bob (and Nina) and Henry are the best. Can’t wait for your episodes each week. Your show has helped grow my level of knowledge, appreciation, and, best of all, enjoyment of my favorite show.
  • Mitokandrea
    Get in Touch with Your 90s Childhood!
    Love the research, love how truly inculcated Henry and Bob get into the show and the zeitgeist of the era that housed the best of the Simpsons. I take a break sometimes because on each episode, a host will make a joke that really makes me laugh, but then it will be almost always be repeated as a piggy-back and deflate the original joke into redundancy. Still, both hosts make four hours go by quickly with a lot of Simpsons info you wouldn’t think of otherwise.
  • RobertDenby
    Ah, infotainment.
    Even if you feel like you know everything there is to know about Simpsons, give this a listen. Talking Simpsons has really come into its own over the past couple years to be one of the best podcasts out there. Incredibly informative and impeccably researched (the interview episodes are particularly good). For good and bad, I’m seeing a lot of the show in a new light. I have to recommend subscribing via Patreon to get the equally excellent and well-researched What a Cartoon and What a Cartoon Movie podcasts. Its a little steep at $10 a month but very much worth it if you like the main feed stuff.
  • KPDowney
    This is a PHENOMENAL show
    Okay, so I figured I’d branch out one day and download random podcasts on a whim. This was by far one of the gems I discovered. In depth analysis of the Simpsons, with commentary on the cultural climate the episode was released in, AND audio clips from the actual episode? This show is a slam dunk if you ask me. It was a very welcome and unexpected trip down memory lane. Thanks guys!
  • StoopKidsAfraidToLeaveHisStoop
    This was once my favorite podcast, but quality has plummeted
    As a massive Simpsons fan, I started listening to this podcast in the very beggining back in 2015, and for years I absolutely loved it. Bob, Henry, and Chris (gone years ago now) were funny and chill, and they talked intelligentally about The Simpsons -- my favorite show. What could be better? It has sadly gone way downhill in the last few years now though. The previously 50 to 90 minute episodes are now regularly pushing 3 HOURS...sometimes they don't even START talking about the episode until nearly an hour in. The time killing is obvious and tedious. They've also fallen way down the rabbit hole of miserable dirtbag leftism in the last few years. You'll find less discussion of The Simpsons than you will endless rants about how the Clintons destroyed America in the 90s. They claim they're doing so from the left but when the content of your argument is basically indistinguishable from the nightly airing of Fox News, what difference does it make? They also keep having those nihilist pervert losers from Crapo Trap House on. Finally, I was actually interested in them moving beyond the show's "golden years" into the more forgotten and controversial latter seasons of The Simpsons, but the progress of the podcast has slowed to a glacial crawl. We used to get 4 or 5 new episodes a month. Now, with the "audience chat" podcast no one cares about, frequent "bonus" episodes no one cares about, and the CONSTANT mixing of new episodes with looped-back rehashes of classic season eps they've ALREADY COVERED, you sometimes only get one-- ONE!!! -- forward-moving episode in an entire month! It is ridiculous. I know I'm sounding like the world's most bitter hater here, but I genuinely loved this podcast. I didn't miss an episode between 2015 and 2021. Now, I'm out and I don't care anymore. It's sad.
  • The braver little toaster
    A soapbox and not about Simpsons.
    All they do is complain about anyone who doesn’t think like them. They are just narrow minded hypocrites that barely qualify as men.
  • Bivymack
    Great knowledge and research
    I have always loved The Simpsons. I watched the β€œgolden years” live, and continue to watch regularly through the magic of DVD. These guys bring a whole new level of knowledge and insight. From different takes on jokes, to delving into references I never got, to producer and writer influence, they are giving me a whole new insight into the show I love. Also, lots of 1 star reviews from people pretending the Simpsons is a politically neutral show. These guys are not leftist extremists. They are level headed, intelligent individuals getting lambasted by bad-faith reviewers.
  • BrokenFusebox
    Podcast All Your Woes Aside
    I originally discovered Talking Simpsons through Matt McMuscles posting a clip on his YT of Bob and Henry’s sister podcast, What a Cartoon!. The show always begins with everyone introducing themselves with a quick nod to something that appears or is said in the episode that is getting reviewed each time. Then, it is followed up by β€œThis Week in Simpsons’s History” where they look at 3 events that happened at the time of each episode’s release date. Occasionally there is a segment for new staff member and information surrounding the production of each episode. Followed by a lengthy, yet insightful overview of each episode. Let me just say that Bob and Henry have MUCH better show layouts and production values than other Simpsons podcasts such as Four Finger Discount, Best Darn Diddly, The Simpsons Show, and Two Bad Neighbors. Compared to Talking Simpsons, all the aforementioned shows can leave town with the Stone of Shame strapped to their necks. Thank you, Talking Simpsons.
  • Logan Monty Burke
    Decent podcast that is occasionally ruined by its guest hosts
    I’ve been listening to this pod since the Laser Time affiliation days, and the new format featuring a different guest every week is a neat idea, as long as they’re interesting. Some guys they bring onto the show are either boring, WAY too chatty (Griffin Newman) or just own crappy quality microphones with unintelligible audio (Nathan Rabin). Most of the time they rarely offer anything to the show other than slowing it down. Recently I listened to a free version of one of their TalKING of the Hill podcast and it was worlds better than what is normally offered by this pod, as it was JUST Bob and Henry. Overall, I still listen pretty often, but some of the guests are SO grating to me.
  • Manu (ManuclearBomb)
    Just read the note
    You are Talking Simpsons.
  • OutlawM
    The definitive Simpsons podcast
    I’ve been listening to this show for years now and have learned a TON about not only the Simpsons but how the animation industry works from writers room to storyboards to animation studio to broadcast. Bob and Henry provide a lot of context as to where the episodes fit in history and explain jokes and references that problem went over your head. You’ll gain an appreciation listening to episodes about seasons you may not even think are good!
  • that's butter
    πŸ’œ
    Love Henry & Bob. Too bad everyone and their uncle is here to whine jn your comments over "politial stuff". Just wait til the dolphins take over. Keep the frank discussion coming!
  • Alex the unknown
    Enough with the political views
    These guys know their stuff. I’m impressed each episode with the amount of history they bring in. They are highly politically charged, and pretty aggressive against anything outside their viewpoint. For a show that I watch to escape a lot of the world, they bring a lot of negativity to it but trying to shove it in 2022 mentality. I’m sorry it’s just too much sometimes.
  • huffinpaintpost
    β€œThat’s a good joke.”
    β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.” β€œThat’s a good joke.”
  • spicegirlonposh
    Everything is coming up Podcast
    Heard you guys on We Hate Movies, have been a listener ever since!
  • Bart Simpson Man
    Way too political i. e. leftist
    I am genuinely impressed with their vast amount of Simpsons knowledge. Very impressive. With that being said, I listen to have fun not to be inundated with leftism. Lay off the politics and focus on the Simpsons and you'll be great.
  • tornillo pros
    Simpsons fans?
    These guys know more about the Simpsons than the vast majority of folks. Sometimes they seem to take it too seriously but I guess that’s why they have a long lived podcast and I don’t.
  • DBL0812
    I don’t know what to say
    If you want people taking about random crap that may have something to do with the Simpsons then this is fine. For the people who make this I wish you would stay on the topic and not go off into the Milky Way and just stick to Simpsons.
  • TrissMerrigold
    Smart hosts fun show
    They know their Simpsons and as a bonus they know games and football. What more could you ask for?
  • Hexploits
    First Time Long Time
    You guys bleed yellow. And I love you for it. πŸ’› And on the subject of some of these out-of-touch crud reviews, sounds like their personal problems go far beyond Eugene and Rusty.
  • dordr
    Sometimes!
    Sometimes it clicks: a good Simpsons episode, an interesting guest, Bob wisely concealing his sense of superiority to the rest of the population. More of that show would be amazing.
  • Stupid Poetic Justice
    Don't Waste Your Time
    The format of the show is just dreadful. Hosts, Bob and Henry, are both "straight man" types and they're joined by a guest. Having a guest would be great if they were involved with animation or were a television/industry critic with a lot of relevant information to share. Instead, they're almost exclusively video game/political podcasters that like The Simpsons, but know very little else. Even pre-pandemic the guest is almost always on the phone so they're more reticent to speak up and it gives the show an awkward and uncomfortable aura. So, you're left with two unfunny hosts explaining the jokes in excrutiating minutae and a guest on the phone lightly chuckling at clips from the episode and offering nothing of substance. They even have a soundclip to play when they get into one of their frequent, pedantic arguments regarding if something is canon or if a character would die from whatever bit of physical humor just took place (it's a funny cartoon, guys). You'd think they'd not want to draw attention to how dull their show is. I literally think Henry doesn't understand the concept of humor. I've lost count of how many times he has completely misinterpreted a joke into something no human would ever conceive. The less said about Bob the better. He is smugness incarnate. If a person exists that Bob doesn't think he's better than I'd be gobsmacked. All of this is moot, however. They've already covered all of the good episodes and they're now doing reruns of the classic seasons with even more stories of how they hate their old jobs/dads. Avoid avoid avoid.
  • Mack SIMPSON 045
    why
    i am seeing so many to many bad revue stop the show is awesome πŸ©πŸ’˜
  • asinine23
    Get a new host
    Far right talking points are vapid
  • thortonwilder00
    The Simpsons pod that won't leave you as depressed about the Scully years
    OK, I really like this pod, pretty much listen every week and have for a while. Great insight from guys that know the Simpsons inside and out and the guests are pretty much always interesting also. They have apparently gotten the message about all of the political crap because they have finally strayed away from bringing that up every 10 minutes (by far my biggest complaint at the time). They get a little sidetracked occasionally, but all pods do and I like how hard they are trying to put a positive spin the Scully year eps that are notoriously crappy.
  • Oluwa-Peters
    Not for everyone; Big Derail
    I got into the podcast because 1. I like the special guests they have on there 2. Animation/pop culture history rules 3. The Simpsons has so much layers of craft to comment about But after 2 years, I don’t listen to the series as much as I used to. I brace myself every time they talk about non entertainment/filmmaking/Simpsons stuff. Like, why do I now know so much detail about a queer 30 something’s life and his estranged Dad? Why do I now know so much about Democrat culture? Why do I know so much about a 30 something’s old office job? Or opinions over a representative in New York City? Opinions over Twitter arguments I’ve never heard of. In short, I love it when they talk about the Simpsons, animation, pop culture.....but I lose my patience with the main duo(and even their special guests) talking about social and political issues, identity, or adolescent angst. I take a lot of breaks with this series, because there’s too much discussions about anything and everything that isn’t a fat yellow village oaf and his funny family.
  • Wolfduder
    Rough
    I want to offer some constructive criticism - just talk about the show. I don’t think many people care what the editor for Nintendo power thinks about Ralph. Also way too much about the host’s lives. If these guys worked on the show or something I could understand, however there’s usually multiple diatribes crying about old bosses or how they hate their lives or whatever. Skip.
  • KayvonPhotos
    You really need to develop better taste in comedy
    The definition of smug... all while making a Simpson’s pod?? Something so unfunny and arrogant about them. Just can’t listen for more than 30 seconds. Sorry guys. I tried, but it’s like listening to extremely annoying grass grow.
  • DylanScottDunn
    Truly are the king of kings...
    Any giant Simpsons fan will absolutely adore this podcast. Deep dives and great insight. Yes, these dudes are nerds and a half, but you’re literally listening to a podcast about The Simpsons by fans... I got news for you chief, you’re a nerd too.
  • yosoyxose
    The Best Simpsons Fan Podcast
    Out of all the simpsons podcasts I’ve listened to, this one’s the first and by extension the best. Also, I guess Bob and Henry are really knowledgeable or whatever.
  • ty.hd
    Informative but "when will they get to the fireworks factory?!"
    I've been listening to this podcast from almost the time it premiered - four years? I've always found the insight Bob and Henry (& Chris?) provide interesting even if it can be way too off course. The guests are however ruining the show. It seems some guests come to do nothing BUT derail the show and ask trivial questions ("has this episode already happened?", "when did ____ happen?", etc). I've been looking forward to the show getting to the seasons past the "golden age" to see how the show evolves. But every guest comes on and mentions how bad the show is at that point, they stopped watching, and then make accusations Bob and Henry have to walk them back from. Why should I continue if I'll I'm going to hear for the next 20 seasons is how the guest doesn't like the show now? I'd prefer they just make Nina, Kat, and Dave rotating guests. Or if you're going to insist on the current format of new guests, maybe at least advise them to not trash the show the whole time. If that's what the show is going to become, then it's stupid of any fan to continue to listen.
  • CopperTopTerror
    I was wrong!
    I’m here to take back a previously posted review with hat in hand and crow in mouth. I initially gave this podcast 2 stars, but after listening to more of it I think definitely deserves 5. It is easily the best podcast about the Simpsons out there, and their other podcasts that cover other series are just as good. Hope you can forgive me!
  • Ardeyguu
    Disappointed
    All they do is criticize every episode. Every joke is offense to them. They virtue single at every opportunity.
  • BondInMaryland
    How did I miss this?
    Sweet merciful crap! How did I miss this podcast? Awesome coverage of the show. Engaging and funny.
  • Skeptical Condor
    An interesting take
    These guys love the Simpsons and I love listening to them talk. They do tend to spend time talking about other things but it’s usually an interesting and enjoyable conversation. And I find much of it funny too. If you’re ok with a meandering dialogue then you should try this show. You just might love it.
  • Artifact Cards .001
    Beep
    Funny how much they bleep names of people. They’re a cowardly anime podcast but a funny one
  • Anna-carpenter
    Good! Just started listening and I rlly vibe w it.
    I wasn’t gonna leave a review cuz I’ve only listened to a couple episodes but when I saw the RIDICULOUS amount of comments that boil down to -> β€œ:( the liberals r touching their dirty commie hands on the Simpsons again boo :(. 1 Star.” So. Consider this a way to even the scales. I haven’t listened to the newer episodes, and maybe these critics have a point abt the show being a little too slow to get to actual topic of the episode, but I for one enjoy the banter and the personal tie-ins from their lives. It feels genuine, like you’re having a real conversation with another Simpsons fan and learning what the show means to them and why. It’s necessary context. Most of these 1-star reviews offer absolutely no genuine critique or complaint abt the show, no real advice, no real effort. It seems like thee conservatives who leave these reviews can’t handle being alienated by the podcast and they think this is.. the hosts fault? Sorry ur politics are deeply immoral and involve no critical thinking skills! Sorry ur mad that someone else actually cares abt being critical abt the things they love .!
  • eboku0i
    One of the best Simpson’s podcasts in town!
    I have been listening to Bob and Henry for a few years now and they are without a doubt my favorite duo to listen to! This series is extra fun for me because of the venn diagram they fill with their love for video games, cartoons, anime and just overall TV pop culture! They managed to get great guests on this too! Some of my favorites include Nina Matsumoto, Matthew Jay, Kat Bailey, Kallie Plagge, Toby Jones, Ian-Jones Quartley, Rebecca Sugar(!!!), the time they crossed over with ’Round Springfield’s Allie Goertz and Julia Prescott and it just goes on! If you’re new to this check out the episode where they cover ”Itchy, Scratchy and Poochie”, it's monumental. The patreon is great too! It’s important to support the artists you like and they without a doubt deliver on a product worth supporting. It's been a real treat being on this journey with them and look forward to more for years to come!
  • Stubstub13
    The Best Simpsons Podcast
    Hosts Bob, Henry, and a wide range of great guests take you episode by episode through America’s longest running and arguably most influential animated series. Even if not every episode of The Simpsons is great every episode of Talking Simpsons is.
  • Deiderin
    The Gucci
    FOUR ONION RINGS!!!
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.