Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

Tony Revolori on Spider-Man Secrets, Wes Anderson Magic & the Joy of Voice Acting

This week on Simpsons Declassified, Nancy Cartwright welcomes acclaimed actor Tony Revolori for a hilarious, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining conversation that spans everything from The Grand Budapest Hotel to Spider-Man, Wes Anderson, voice acting, fandom, and even donut critiques. Tony opens up about his unforgettable experience working with Wes Anderson, revealing how nervous he was on the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel that he memorized the entire script — including everyone else’s lines. He shares an incredible behind-the-scenes story about helping Ralph Fiennes perfect a monologue and how Fiennes later taught him the rhythm and musicality of Shakespearean dialogue. Tony also reflects on the kindness and mentorship he received as a young actor surrounded by Hollywood legends. The conversation dives into Tony’s love for fantasy films, indie dramas, and voice acting, which he says would be his number one choice if he ever had to pick between genres. He discusses growing up obsessed with Spider-Man 2, eventually joining the Marvel universe himself, and hilariously admits to once giving a police officer a Marvel spoiler just to avoid getting a speeding ticket. Nancy and Tony also bond over animated classics, conventions, fandom culture, and the magic of cartoons. Tony shares memories of memorizing The Lion King as a child and performing scenes for his family, while Nancy reflects on early animation/live-action breakthroughs like Mary Poppins and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Along the way, the two reenact a goofy Spider-Man/Bart Simpson skit, swap convention stories, and discuss the surprising realities of being recognized in public. The episode is filled with inspiring advice for aspiring actors and creatives. Nancy shares her “six alien steps for successful survival” in voice acting, emphasizing passion, professionalism, mentorship, trusting your instincts, and embracing change. Tony adds thoughtful insight about growth, discomfort, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who help you evolve personally and professionally. Listeners also get a glimpse into Tony’s exciting future projects, including a new film with Matthew McConaughey, a K-pop-inspired movie, and his dream project: developing his own anime series. His passion for storytelling and animation shines throughout the episode, making this conversation both deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. Of course, no episode would be complete without the show’s famous donut breaks, where Tony and Nancy passionately analyze pastries with the seriousness of film critics. Between laughter, heartfelt moments, industry stories, and pure nerdy joy, this episode is a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the magic of entertainment. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Adam McArthur on Anime, The Simpsons & the Sweetest First Kiss Ever

Voice actor Adam McArthur joins the podcast for a wildly entertaining conversation filled with anime fandom, martial arts, iconic cartoons, voice acting secrets, and one of the most wholesome first-kiss stories ever told on the show. Best known as Marco Diaz in Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen, Adam brings nonstop energy, heartfelt honesty, and deep love for animation culture in this unforgettable episode. The episode kicks off with Adam revealing that he’s a black belt in Hapkido, instantly bonding over martial arts and discipline before diving into how his martial arts background actually influenced the characters he would later portray. He shares how his first-ever paid voice acting gig came from a Macy’s radio commercial during a SAG commercial strike, leading him to realize he could actually make a living “getting paid to talk.” One of the biggest highlights is Adam’s behind-the-scenes story about landing the role of Marco Diaz in Star vs. the Forces of Evil. He explains how he auditioned alongside Disney’s early casting process for Star Wars Rebels, going through multiple callbacks over several months before finally recording a chemistry read with Eden Sher. Adam reflects on how important it was to support his scene partner during the audition process, emphasizing that good acting comes from helping others succeed in the booth. The conversation dives deep into the beloved relationship between Star and Marco, including the emotional finale that left fans begging for more. Adam talks about why he always believed the characters belonged together and why their slow-burn friendship-to-romance arc resonated so strongly with audiences. He also revisits one of his favorite episodes, “Running with Scissors,” where Marco ages 30 years in another dimension and returns transformed by the experience. Anime fans will especially love Adam’s detailed explanation of how dubbing works behind the scenes. He breaks down the intense production schedules of anime localization, recording episodes only days before release, and the unique challenges of matching completed animation and lip flaps. He also compares the creative freedom of Western animation to the precision required for anime dubbing, calling dubbing “acting inside a box.” Adam shares fascinating stories about working on Jujutsu Kaisen, including recording episodes overseas while traveling internationally. He also discusses meeting his Japanese counterpart from the anime and how differently voice actors are treated in Japan, where they are viewed more like major celebrities and tightly protected public figures. The episode is packed with comedy throughout, including donut tastings, playful debates about The Simpsons predicting the future, impressions, improv scenes, and discussions about gaming, pickleball, and Fortnite crossovers. Adam’s infectious enthusiasm shines in every moment, especially when he describes getting to perform crowd “walla” for The Simpsons and proudly buying Simpsons production art immediately afterward to commemorate the experience. But the emotional centerpiece arrives near the end, when Adam answers Laura Bailey’s question about his first kiss. What follows is an unexpectedly sweet and sincere story about dating his first girlfriend for two years before their parents allowed them to kiss at age sixteen — complete with both families watching and taking pictures. It instantly becomes one of the most charming moments in podcast history. Funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and full of behind-the-scenes animation stories, this episode is a celebration of fandom, friendship, and the voices that shape entire generations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Laura Bailey on Critical Role, The Last of Us & Finding Your Voice

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, acclaimed voice actor Laura Bailey joins the show for an unforgettable conversation about gaming, animation, creativity, and the emotional power of storytelling. Best known for her work in Critical Role, The Last of Us Part II, Dragon Ball Z, Fruits Basket, and countless major video games, Laura brings warmth, honesty, and humor as she reflects on the journey that shaped her career. The episode kicks off with stories about childhood impressions and fake British accents at shopping malls and wineries, immediately showcasing Laura’s playful personality and improvisational spirit. Those early experiments with characters eventually became the foundation for one of the most recognizable voices in gaming and animation. Laura opens up about her lifelong love of video games and how surreal it can feel to play a game featuring her own voice. Sometimes she instantly recognizes herself, while other times she becomes so immersed in the story that she forgets she was even part of it. That immersion, she explains, is the ultimate compliment to the work. One of the episode’s standout moments is her discussion of The Last of Us Part II. Laura describes being a massive fan of the original game before being cast in the sequel and reveals how stressful the audition process became once she realized what project she was reading for. She even recruited Troy Baker—Joel himself—to help rehearse the audition scenes, calling it the ultimate “cheat code.” The conversation also dives deep into Critical Role and the unexpected phenomenon it became. Laura reflects on the joy of seeing characters she created around a tabletop gaming session evolve into animated series, merchandise, graphic novels, and a passionate global fanbase. She speaks lovingly about the collaborative nature of the project and the incredible team behind the scenes that helps bring the world to life every week. Laura shares thoughtful advice for aspiring voice actors, emphasizing that impressions alone are not enough to build a lasting career. She encourages performers to study acting seriously and develop the ability to read scripts cold—sometimes with no context at all. One of her favorite training exercises? Reading books out loud to practice character transitions, timing, and emotional delivery. The episode becomes especially personal when Laura discusses Fruits Basket and how voicing Tohru Honda genuinely changed her outlook on life. She explains that the character’s kindness and optimism influenced her own mindset during a formative period in her career, making the role one of the most meaningful she’s ever played. Fans of gaming will also love hearing Laura talk about dream projects like Dragon Age, her outrageous experiences recording Saints Row, and the evolving artistry of performance capture and cinematic storytelling in modern games. The episode balances comedy with sincerity, including donut tastings, cold-read voice acting challenges, and a surprisingly emotional closing discussion inspired by a question from John DiMaggio about hope and humanity. Laura’s answer—that most people genuinely want better for the world and that optimism still matters—perfectly captures the spirit of the conversation. Whether you know her from anime, AAA games, or tabletop adventures, this episode is a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the voices behind the characters that stay with us forever. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

John DiMaggio on Bender, Jake the Dog & the Heart Behind the Voice

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 [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Sarah Natochenny on Voicing Ash Ketchum, Pokémon & Finding Confidence in Chaos

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 [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]