Chris Prynoski: Beavis and Butt-Head, Titmouse, Vox Machina & Building an Animation Empire

Animation powerhouse Chris Prynoski, founder of Titmouse, joins Nancy Cartwright for a hilarious and fascinating conversation about breaking into animation, working on Beavis and Butt-Head, building one of the industry's most influential independent animation studios, and helping creators bring some of today's most original animated worlds to life.

Chris takes us back to the early days of adult animation, when he began working as a storyboard revisionist on Beavis and Butt-Head at MTV in the 1990s. He shares what it was like learning the craft before today's digital production tools, working with film and tape, and realizing he was part of a groundbreaking series during an era when shows like The Simpsons were redefining what television animation could be.

The conversation dives into the unlikely origin of Titmouse, which Chris reveals wasn't originally intended to become an animation studio at all. What began as a small T-shirt business eventually evolved—with an important push from his wife, Shannon—into a creative powerhouse with studios in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Paris. Chris also explains what he looks for when evaluating new projects, revealing why the creators behind an idea can matter even more than the concept itself.

Chris also shares some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories, including an absolutely wild Snoop Dogg recording session that ended with the fire department arriving at the studio. He and Nancy talk about casting, pitching projects, navigating setbacks, working with writers and artists, and why even a "bad day" in animation can still mean getting paid to come up with creative ideas.

The episode also touches on The Legend of Vox Machina, Motorcity, Metalocalypse, the lasting influence of The Simpsons, and Titmouse's exciting partnership with Meow Wolf, including experiential projects and a television series. And, naturally, there are donuts, fan questions, Bart Simpson, animation memories, and the surprisingly philosophical question everyone eventually has to answer: Are you a ghoul or a pastry?

Whether you're an animator, aspiring creator, longtime Titmouse fan, or simply fascinated by how animated shows actually get made, this episode is packed with industry insight, creative inspiration, hilarious stories, and a rare look inside the world of one of animation's most influential creators.