Encyclopedia Bartannica: A Simpsons Pop Culture Podcast

Three Gays of the Condo with Jamie Brew

"Does love outweigh everything else? I guess it has to, if you’re a sitcom.”
 
Happy Holidays! 
Today we’re discussing The Simpsons Season 14 Episode 17 Three Gays of the Condo: when Marge and Homer have a big fight, Homer moves out of the house and into an apartment in Springfield’s gay neighborhood, with sexy results! It guest stars Scott Thompson and Weird Al. 
My guest is Jamie Brew (Clickhole, The Onion); we discuss his AI company, Botnik Studios and his current project, Robot Karaoke. We talk about how he started making comedy with predictive text, using Craigslist to generate song lyrics, and the one thing AI art will never be able to properly reproduce.
We also talk about the ups and downs of Marge and Homer’s relationship, and if the show intentionally keeps it from truly changing, why there will never be another Rip Taylor, and how this episode totally wastes a cameo by Weird Al. 
You can follow Jamie @jamieabrew on IG/Twitter & @jbrew on Bluesky. 
You can follow this show @bartannicapod on IG. 
 
Robot Karaoke
- Regularly in NYC at Wonderville, Boshi's Place and elsewhere
- Every month at The Elysian Theater in LA
See upcoming shows at: https://theweirdalgorithm.com/
 
Botnik: Seinfeld Script
Botnik: Harry Potter and The Portrait of What Looked Like A Large Pile of Ash
Botnik: Fake Coachella Names
1040: Yesterday
CCK Philosophy: The Simpsons and the Death of Parody
 
Jamie Recommends:
The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling by Ted Chiang. 
 
Harrison Recommends:
These articles & books about gay neighborhoods- 
There Goes the Gayborhood by Amin Ghaziani
Who Are the People in Your Gayborhood by Daniel Baldwin Hess and Alex Bitterman
The Life and Afterlife of Gay Neighborhoods Alex Bitterman
Gay Urban Identity by Paul Ruiz
 

Behind the Laughter with Alex Nichols

“It’s asking you to think both too much and not enough.” 
 
To celebrate the show's 6 month anniversary we've got a great new episode for you. Today we're discussing the format-breaking episode from The Simpsons Season 11 Episode 22 Behind the Laughter. It's a parody of VH1's Behind the Music, where the Simpsons star in a TV show about their life. But they aren't actors, they're just playing themselves in a scripted sitcom, which is The Simpsons tv show we all actually watch. As I'll say more than once, this is a weird idea!
I'm joined by the very funny Alex Nichols, an actor/improviser/photographer based in Denver. We discuss whether this episode succeeds as a parody, the insane reason The Simpsons was banned in Alex's house growing up (it's not why you think!), and if the best part of the whole episode is in the last 5 seconds. We also talk about MC Hammer's unique rise to fame, the album Willie Nelson wrote for the IRS, and why doctors used to spray fire hoses at depressed people. 
You can follow Alex on Instagram and Letterboxd at alexnichols. And watch his new sketch, "Miss", on YT: Miss by Nickels and Coal
You can follow this show on Instagram at bartannicapod. 
Alex Recommends: 
Documentary: Close Up on Internet Archive
Harrison Recommends:
Complex TV: The Poetics of Contemporary Television Storytelling by Jason Mittell

Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie with Jodi Fabbri

“Maybe they’re not good or bad parents. Maybe they’re just parents.” 
 
Today we’re talking about The Simpsons Season 4 Episode 6’s Itchy and Scratchy: The Movie. After messing up 1 too many times, Bart is banned from seeing the Itchy and Scratchy movie forever. 
I’m joined by an old friend and new mom, Jodi Fabbri. Jodi is our 1st guest who doesn’t like The Simpsons! I loved hearing about her experience watching the show as a non-Simpsons freak. We discuss why Bart is such a little stinker, and how Homer and Marge could help Bart sort himself out. We also talk about the “Where’s the Beef” ads, the great VHS Format Wars of the late 80s, and the terrible thing Bart did to the new kid, Arthur (it involves firecrackers).
You can follow Jodi at jodifayefabbri on Instagram.
You can follow this show at @bartannicapodcast on Instagram.
Jodi Recommends: Mr. Rogers documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”Childcare books by Janet Lansbury “No Bad Kids” and “Elevating Child Care” 
Harrison Recommends: “The Explosive Child” by Ross W. GreeneThe podcast "Hit Factory" about 90's movies

Weekend at Burnsie's with Steve Plock

“WE’VE BEEN GOING TO THE SAME PARTY FOR 30 YEARS AND IN NO WAY IS THAT PATHETIC.”
Hi Everybody and welcome to Gamehendge! This week I'm joined by musician, comedian, and certified Phish Fan Steve Plock (The Curls, Tobacco City, Jessica Risker) to chat about all things Phish. We talk about Steve's Phish journey (he's seen them 88 times!!) and why people love to hate on jam bands.
We review The Simpsons Season 13 Episode 16, Weekend at Burnsie's- after being attacked by crows, Homer gets addicted to medicinal marijuana. This leads to him being hired to laugh at Mr. Burns' jokes. Also, Phish is here! 
I do a deep dive into the history of medicinal marijuana in America, a totally chill topic that totally won't piss you off hearing how the government treats illegal drugs. And we ask the important question: is stoned Homer a better dad than drunk Homer? 
Follow Steve's bands: @thecurls_coolband, @truthzonerecs on Instagram.
And his improv team Dumb John @dumbjohn. 
And follow this show @bartannicapodcast. 
Steve Recommends: Phish documentary Bittersweet MotelTrey Anastasio interview on Marc Maron
Harrison Recommends: You should listen to Phish- seriously! Also the books below on medicinal marijuana. 
Research for this episode came from: High Bias: The Distorted History of the Cassette Tape by Marc MastersYou Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me: Phish, ICP, and My Misadventures with Two of Music’s Most Maligned Tribes by Nathan RabinGreen Rush: The Rise of Medical Marijuana in the United States by Daniel Mallinson and A. Lee HannahWaiting to Inhale- The Politics of Medical Marijuana by Alan BockChristian Nationalism and the Birth of the War on Drugs by Andrew Monteith
Phish/Simpsons Connections- Phish.net
*The above quote is from a review of Phish's 2024 Madison Square Garden show

Marge Vs. SSCCATAGAPP with Greg Iwinski

Today we're discussing The Simpsons Season 15, Episode 8, Marge Vs Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens, and Gays: After a baby concert becomes a disaster, Lindsay Naegle rallies the town to favor childless adults, but Marge fights back with a voter initiative. 
I'm joined by Greg Iwinski, a 2x Emmy-winning TV writer who has worked on The Late Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and the Disney series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. We discuss the late night situation with Stephen Colbert vs the Trump Administration, hating the things you love (Star Wars/Simpsons), and how being a parent has changed since this episode first aired 21 years ago. Greg also points out a joke in this episode that made him laugh so hard he had to leave the room the first time he watched it. 
Follow Greg on all socials: @garyjackson
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
Greg Recommends: Terrestrial History by Joe Mungo ReedThis Time Tomorrow by Emma StraubHarlem Shuffle Colson WhiteheadHarrison Recommends: The Baby Boon by Elinor Burkett
References
Frank Nelson and Jack BennyMummenschanz on the Muppet ShowNPR Code Switch: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator'
 
 
 

Two Bad Neighbors with Jamison Webb

It's another presidential-themed episode as we discuss The Simpsons Season 7 Episode 13, Two Bad Neighbors- Ex-President George HW Bush moves to Springfield, much to Homer's dismay.
I'm joined today by Jamison Webb; actor, comedian and fellow prez-head. We talk about his appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bush's best one-liners, and why he's a mix of Flanders and Smithers (spoiler: the man's a wimp!).
Follow Jamison @jamisonw on Instagram. 
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
Jamison Recommends: Oliver Stone's W. The 1st 10 minutes of Naked Gun 2The President's Club by Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs  
Harrison Recommends: The President's ClubMy Fellow Americans- Jack Lemmon and James Garner
 
Research for this episode came from: Dinner with the President Alex Prud’HommeRunning on Race Jeremy MayerAmerican Dynasty Kevin PhillipsFamily of Secrets Russ BakerWhat Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted Tevi ToryFrom Mount Vernon to Crawford: A History of the Presidents and Their Retreats Kenneth Walsh

I Love Lisa with Nicole Vespa

Love is in the air this week as we discuss The Simpsons Season 4 Episode 15, I Love Lisa- after receiving a Valentine from Lisa (out of pity), Ralph Wiggum starts courting her, much to her dismay. 
My guest today is Nicole Vespa (Redacted, Voila), an actor and improvisor in Chicago. We talk about parents giving bad advice, unrequited school crushes, and the bizarre death of President Zachary Taylor.
Follow Nicole at @nvespa on Instagram.
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
Nicole Recommends: Drunk HistoryThe Demon of Unrest by Erik LarsonBob's Burgers
Harrison Recommends: To All The Boys I've Loved Before
 
Research for this episode came from: 
Accidental Presidents : Eight Men Who Changed America by Jared Cohen
Are You Prepared for the Storm of Lovemaking? : Letters of Love and Lust From the White House by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
By One Vote: The Disputed Election of 1876 by Michael Holt
Combing Through the White House by Theodore Pappas
Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels Edwin Battistella
Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
The Carnival Campaign by Ronald Shafer
The President is Dead by Louis Picone
What Ails the White House: Medical History of the American Presidency by Dr. Jay Murphy 
Who’s Buried in Grants Tomb by Brian Lamb
Zachary Taylor : Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest by K. Jack Bauer
 
For more information about the presidents, check your local library!

Last Exit to Springfield with Danielle George

Happy Labor Day (week)! God bless the unions and power to workers around the world. To celebrate, we’re discussing The Simpsons Season 4 Episode 17, Last Exit to Springfield- Homer fights for a worker dental plan, Burns shuts off the city’s power, and Lenny listens to Classical Gas. It’s one of the few pro-union stories you could find on tv in the 90’s, and it still holds up!
My guest today is my sister, Danielle George. Not only has she been a huge help to the podcast, but she volunteered to be my first guest ever. That’s right, you’re looking at the 1st episode we ever recorded! We talk about the history of unions, how 90’s satire is just today’s reality, and how you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become Abe Simpson: teller of long stories that don’t go anywhere. 
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
Harrison Recommends: The books below, and the movies The Pajama Game, 9 to 5, and Norma Rae. 
Also, check out The Working Families Party; they're doing good work. I’ve signed up to attend a virtual rally on Labor Day- this Monday, Sep 1. The event is actually taking place in my old college town, Emporia, KS, which is pretty awesome. If you want to join me, check out workingfamilies.org or this link: https://mobilize.us/s/ydS3d0
Research for this episode came from:Fight Like Hell Kim Kelly- #1 rec. Lots of historical examples of activists who are not just straight white guys. Our Numbers Be Unlimited Sam Wallman- Graphic novel about working for Amazon.A History of America in 10 Strikes Erik Loomis- A good primer. Why Unions Matter Michael Yates- Almost like a text book, in a good way.

Summer of 4 ft 2 with Alison Lynch

Ever see a podcast say goodbye to summer? You have now! 
To commemorate the end of summer, we’re reviewing The Simpsons “Summer of 4ft 2” from Season 7 with guest Alison Lynch (@alisonlunch, @bloomdropla). We discuss her new flower business, Bloomdrop, the power of reinventing yourself, and sibling rivalries. We also dive into the MANY amazing jokes in this episode; "It's a bird thing", Milhouse as The Dud, and more than 1 classic 90’s tv show reference. Sit back and enjoy as we say goodbye to summer 2025! 
Follow Alison @alisonlunch and her business @bloomdropla on Instagram.
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
 
Alison Recommends:“Good Girl Gone Bad” movies: Grease, Easy A, The Craft, etc. 
Harrison Recommends:“Myra Breckenridge” by Gore VidalThe movie “Mermaids” with Cher, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci!

Whacking Day with Sophie Delaney

Snakes, why’d it have to be snakes? Because we’re talking about  The Simpsons “Whacking Day”, that’s why! We’re joined by LA writer, actor and comedian Sophie Delaney to review this Season 4, Episode 20 classic. We talk about playing “Mission Impossible” as kids, if the bass guitar is the funniest instrument of all time, and a REALLY weird Josh Groban song about farts. 
Follow Sophie @sophiewalterd on Instagram and @chompinpod on TikTok.
Follow this show @bartannicapodcast on Instagram, or email the show at bartannica@gmail.com.
 
Sophie Recommends: The Dustbowl documentary by Ken Burns and JFK by Oliver Stone 
Harrison Recommends: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn and The Fruit, The Tree and The Serpent by Lynne Isbell. 
 
Show notes
Josh Groban Song About Beans