To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re diving deep into the four-fingered, doughnut-fuelled world of The Simpsons—the show that changed TV forever. What began as a quirky sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show grew into a cultural juggernaut that redefined animation, comedy, and family dysfunction for the 90s generation and beyond. In this episode, we trace its chaotic origins, legendary writing, and the surprisingly heartfelt soul at the centre of Springfield.
We revisit The Simpsons' golden age...
To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re diving deep into the four-fingered, doughnut-fuelled world of The Simpsons—the show that changed TV forever. What began as a quirky sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show grew into a cultural juggernaut that redefined animation, comedy, and family dysfunction for the 90s generation and beyond. In this episode, we trace its chaotic origins, legendary writing, and the surprisingly heartfelt soul at the centre of Springfield.
We revisit The Simpsons' golden age—those glorious mid-90s seasons packed with razor-sharp satire, perfect one-liners, and unforgettable episodes like Marge vs. the Monorail and Homer’s Enemy. We also explore its genius for social commentary, and how it tackled everything from class and politics to religion and environmentalism—all while making us laugh out loud and somehow care deeply about a man who once tried to block out the sun.
Of course, we couldn’t talk Simpsons without shouting out the talent behind it—both in the writers’ room and behind the mic. We discuss the impact of legends like Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels, and celebrate the voice actors whose performances gave life to characters who are still household names. From Dan Castellaneta’s existential “D’oh!” to Nancy Cartwright’s eternal troublemaker Bart, these voices became the sound of the 90s.
We also chart the show’s place in pop culture history—from merchandise mania and school bans on “Eat My Shorts” t-shirts, to guest star glory and uncanny future predictions (President Trump, anyone?). The Simpsons didn’t just reflect culture—it bent it around itself, changing how we saw animation and, arguably, ourselves.
So whether you’re a Lisa at heart or more of a Moe, this 100th episode is a tribute to the cartoon that shaped a generation. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, a little bit nerdy—and yes, it’s filled with more Simpsons trivia than Comic Book Guy’s bookshelf. As always, thanks for listening. Now sit back, press play… and don’t have a cow, man.
Talk2TheHand is an independent throwback podcast run by husband and wife, Jimmy and Beth. Obsessed with 90s nostalgia and 90s celebrities, we'll rewind the years and take you back to the greatest era of our lives.
New episodes bursting with nostalgia of the 90s released on Tuesdays.
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Find us on Twitter @talk2thehandpod or email us at jimmy@talk2thehand.co.uk or beth@talk2thehand.co.uk
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