DISGRACELAND: Introducing Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

Release Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Double Elvis Productions
Special Guests: Nancy Cartwright, Sophie Kurtz

Episode Overview

This special DISGRACELAND episode introduces listeners to Nancy Cartwright’s new podcast, Simpsons Declassified. Cartwright, the legendary voice of Bart Simpson, takes us behind the scenes of The Simpsons, promising never-before-heard stories, deep dives into fan theories, celebrity guests, and explorations of the show’s uncanny predictions. Alongside her co-host, Sophie Kurtz, Cartwright invites fans to journey into the heart of America’s most iconic animated series, uncovering the creative sparks, wild inspirations, and enduring mysteries that have kept The Simpsons vibrant for over three decades.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Simpsons and Music Legends

• Elvis (Host) opens by connecting DISGRACELAND’s music history focus to The Simpsons’ legacy of featuring real musicians and referencing iconic music moments.
• "Many of the subjects that we have covered in Disgraceland have been featured in the Simpsons, which is wild. David Crosby. The Who, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Keith Richards, Aero Smith." (Elvis, 00:55)
• The cross-pollination of music history and The Simpsons’ guest stars underlines the series’ impact both on pop culture and real-world music legends.

2. The Genesis of Simpsons Declassified

• Nancy Cartwright describes the vision: to reveal what really happens behind the scenes of the world’s longest-running sitcom, going beyond the polished TV image.
• "For over 35 years, The Simpsons has defied time, trends, and even logic. But what really happens behind the scenes of the longest running sitcom in history? On Simpsons Declassified, we pull back the curtain like never before." (Nancy Cartwright, 01:39)

3. The Show’s ‘Predictions’ and Conspiracies

• One recurring fan obsession is the show’s tendency to make eerily accurate predictions.
• Sophie Kurtz highlights the wildest:
  • "The craziest one is the theory that we knew 9/11 was coming." (Sophie Kurtz, 02:00)
• The team will explore the reasoning and creative process behind these so-called predictions, debunking myths and analyzing storytelling methods.

4. The Creative Process and World-Building

• Nancy and Sophie tease deep dives into how the show maintains its world, giving nearly infinite room for character exploration.
• "Or how we consistently maintain a world that provides near limitless opportunities to deep dive into the inner lives of fictional characters. Who better to ask than the show's creators?" (Nancy Cartwright, 02:05)
• The podcast will feature interviews with writers, cast, directors, and guest celebrities to unpack the magic behind Springfield’s longevity.

5. The Role of Celebrity Guests

• Humor and celebrity cameos remain central to The Simpsons’ identity.
• Sophie jokes about favorite guests:
  • "Unless they're Conan, I'm sure Conan must have been amazing." (Sophie Kurtz, 02:22)
• The podcast aims to gather insights from both behind and in front of the mic.

6. Personal and Fan Stories

• The dynamic between Nancy and Sophie promises a mix of industry insider stories and relatable, sometimes serendipitous, fan experiences.
• "So I had to take my second choice job, which was the Simpsons play." (Sophie Kurtz, 02:36)
• The show will engage fans and their hot takes:
  • "Hot takes from you, the fans. It's a volume business this prediction." (Sophie Kurtz and Nancy Cartwright, 02:44-02:46)

7. How to Listen and What to Expect

• The episode ends (before ad breaks) with an open invitation to follow the new podcast for “all the declassified insiders”—teasing an insider, community feel.
• "Be sure to follow and listen to Simpsons Declassified with me, Nancy Cartwright, and wherever you get your podcasts." (Nancy Cartwright, 02:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elvis, on The Simpsons’ music legacy:
  "As a fan of the show, you probably remember legendary Simpsons episodes that feature musicians like Keith Richards, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger... The list goes on and on." (00:22)

• Nancy Cartwright, on lifting the curtain:
  "For over 35 years, The Simpsons has defied time, trends, and even logic. But what really happens behind the scenes of the longest running sitcom in history?" (01:39)

• Sophie Kurtz, on conspiracy theories:
  "The craziest one is the theory that we knew 9/11 was coming." (02:00)

• Nancy Cartwright, on creative longevity:
  "Or how we consistently maintain a world that provides near limitless opportunities to deep dive into the inner lives of fictional characters." (02:05)

• Sophie Kurtz, on guest stars:
  "Unless they're Conan, I'm sure Conan must have been amazing." (02:22)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:05–01:20 — Elvis introduces Simpsons Declassified, remarks about The Simpsons & music guest stars.
• 01:39–02:46 — Nancy Cartwright and Sophie Kurtz preview Simpsons Declassified, discussing predictions, world-building, and celebrity guests.
• 02:46–02:57 — Closing invitation to listeners from Nancy and Sophie.

Tone & Style

The episode has a warm, playful, and energetic tone, mixing nostalgia and humor. The discussion is lively, with Nancy Cartwright’s distinctive charisma and Sophie’s candid, fan-focused questioning. The show promises the inside scoop “from the inside,” direct from voices who lived it, aimed at hardcore fans and curious newcomers alike.

Summary

This DISGRACELAND episode serves as a cheerful, insider-packed preview of Simpsons Declassified, positioning it as a must-listen for fans of The Simpsons, pop culture, and those curious about the odd, true, and hilarious history woven into the show’s DNA. Nancy Cartwright and Sophie Kurtz set out to demystify the show’s lore, predictions, and legacy through insider interviews and fan engagement, promising to entertain and enlighten listeners in a way only The Simpsons—and their inner circle—can.