Springfield: The Later Years

“Treehouse of Horror XXIX” (Season 30, Episode 4) Halloween in August!? It happened…and unfortunately it hasn’t worked out the way Craig and Pat hoped it would. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons, as well as a guy playing the theme to Jurassic Park on a melodica. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Future Drama” (Season 16, Episode 15) “Thursdays With Abie” (Season 21, Episode 9) “Brick Like Me” (Season 25, Episode 20) “Mad About The Toy” (Season 30, Episode 11) Part 2 of our 50th Episode Extravaganza has touched down from its journey through time and space, and it brings tidings from the future…tidings of DOOM! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from various episodes of The Simpsons, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Homer Alone” (Season 3, Episode 15) “Raging Abe Simpson” (Season 7, Episode 22) “A Tale of Two Springfields” (Season 12, Episode 2) It’s finally here! Part one of our 50th Episode Extravaganza begins with this solid collection of early years Simpsons! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from various episodes of The Simpsons and “Winning Moment” by Brand X Music. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Crystal Blue-Haired Persuasion” (Season 30, Episode 23) In an unprecedented first, the guys take a look at the most recent (later years-iest?) episode of the Simpsons they possibly can with this season’s finale. They also continue to hype up a special anniversary that’s around the bend… Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Crystal Blue-Haired Persuasion” and the song “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James & The Shondells. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Fland Canyon” (Season 27, Episode 19) The guys come to blows over their opinions of this later year episode of the Simpsons. Is it hilarious, contrived, or a little bit of both? You decide! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Fland Canyon”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Last Traction Hero” (Season 28, Episode 9) Wow. Just…wow. We’ve seen some weird plot decisions in some of the episodes we’ve covered in this podcast’s short run so far, but this one really takes the cake. And what a bitter cake it is! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Last Traction Hero”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Yellow Badge of Cowardge” (Season 25, Episode 22) After another hiatus (what a year for podcast-derailing life events) the guys are finally back! In today’s episode they tackle a pretty good Simpsons installment, while also wondering if we’re all eventually going to be replaced by memes in the future. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Yellow Badge of Cowardge” and the song “Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Mr. Irresistible” (Season 1, Episode 1) This is a weird one, folks. In an effort to cleanse their pallets of the Simpsons stinkers they’ve recently encountered, Pat and Craig thought it would be funny to take a look at the first episode of the ill-begotten Michael Richards Show. And it was funny alright, but not “Ha-Ha” funny. Strap yourselves in for a bumpy one! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from the Michael Richards Show episode Mr. Irresistible”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Black Eyed, Please” (Season 24, Episode 15) Pat and Craig hike up their short-pants and do their darnedest to not lose their minds during this strange, Frankenstein’s monster of an episode. Also, apologies for the audio quality…we have no idea what happened there.   Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Black Eyed, Please”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Opposites O-Frack” (Season 26, Episode 5) The Simpsons swerve back into “Issues” territory, with this episode which tackles fracking. You can probably guess how it goes. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Opposites O-Frack”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Love Is A Many Strangled Thing” (Season 22, Episode 17) Pat and Craig go back in time to the year 2011! They talk about their past lives, Pat’s new belief in the occult, and a fantastic episode from that year. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Love Is A Many Strangled Thing”, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Alice Cooper, and “Spooky Old Graveyard” by Thomas Grillo. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Simpsorama” (Season 26, Episode 6) After last week’s stinker and dark contemplations, Pat and Craig turn to alcohol to make it through their next outing. And wouldn’t you just know it: this crossover episode is actually amazing! Isn’t that always the way? Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Simpsorama”, a commercial for “Tombstone Pizza”, and the theme (sorta) to “Futurama”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“22 For 30” (Season 28, Episode 17) After having sat through this turd of an episode, and with the show’s one year anniversary looming, Pat and Craig wonder whether their stamina for later-year Simpsons has been drained.     Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “22 For 30” and the song “Basketball” by Kurtis Blow. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Fatzcarraldo” (Season 28, Episode 14) The guys finally tackle Pat’s white whale with this strangely alluring episode. Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Fatzcarraldo”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Kid Is All Right” (Season 25, Episode 6) Craig and Pat get back into the swing of things with this politically charged(??) episode. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle. Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Kid Is All Right” and the song “One” by Harry Nilsson. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Burns Cage” (Season 27, Episode 17) We’re back! Pat’s now a dad, Craig has a new apartment, and we’ve got a pretty decent episode of the Simpsons on the docket. Life is good! Oh, and Jake Martin returns too! Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle, Jake Martin Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Burns Cage” and the song “This Guy’s In Love With You” by Herb Alpert. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Man Who Came To Be Dinner” (Season 26, Episode 10) The guys, and special guest Norah Kennedy, blast off into an episode featuring everyone’s favorite Simpsons alien duo. Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle, Norah Kennedy Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Man Who Came To Be Dinner” and the theme to Star Trek. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Havana Wild Weekend” (Season 28, Episode 7) Craig finally hits rock bottom. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Havana Wild Weekend”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Treehouse of Horror” (Parts 13, 19, 20, & 28) What’s spookier than a Halloween special that airs on Halloween? A Halloween special that airs a week after Halloween. HALLOWEEEEeeeeEEeeen! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from “The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror” (Parts 13, 19, 20, & 28). Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“YOLO” (Season 25, Episode 4) The guys attempt to deal with a shockingly good episode as well as a bone of contention that could end their friendship forever. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “YOLO”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Serfsons” (Season 29, Episode 1) Patrick’s bitterness reaches new heights as he and Craig breakdown last season’s flawed but fun premier. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Serfsons”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Bull-E” (Season 26, Episode 21) Springfield passes an anti-bullying law and Ned finally calls Homer out on his crap. Sounds like a good episode, right? Well…. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Bull-E” and “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Mr. Burns’ Fleeing Circus” (Season 28, Episode 1) Sometimes the episode you never wanted turns out to be the one you needed all along. Or something like that. Anyways, this week Mr. Burns puts on a talent show or something. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Mr. Burns’ Fleeing Circus” and “Oh Dem Golden Slippers” by Frank Luther. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Penny-Wiseguys” (Season 24, Episode 5) Craig survived his travels in Europe and rejoins Pat for an episode that features both an all-time great celebrity cameo and one of the grossest story-lines in recent memory. Hurrah! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Penny-Wiseguys” and “Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2” by Franz Liszt. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Simprovised” (Season 29, Episode 8) Dusty Green returns to help Pat make sense of this head-scratcher of an episode. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Dusty Green. Research by Patrick Brennan Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Simprovised”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Mr. Lisa’s Opus” (Season 29, Episode 8) With Craig living it up in Europe, Pat is joined by not one but TWO guest hosts: the incomparable Chris and Keegan from the new Station Zed podcast Boozing and Bonding! Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Chris Nyarady and Keegan Flick-Parker. Research by Patrick Brennan Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Mr. Lisa’s Opus”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Dad Behaviour” (Season 28, Episode 8) Craig and Pat marvel at this strange episode that somehow manages to use Grandpa Simpson possibly getting someone pregnant as its B-Story. What’s its A-Story? Tune in and find out! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Dad Behaviour”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Homer Is Where The Art Isn’t” (Season 29, Episode 12) Wrestle Daddy Jake Martin stops by just in time to watch this surprisingly wonderful Simpsons send-up of the obscure 1970’s detective show, “Banacek”. Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle, and Jake Martin Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Homer Is Where The Art Isn’t”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Wreck Of The Relationship” (Season 26, Episode 2) After a short summer hiatus, Craig and Pat are back! On this week’s episode they take to the high seas with this quality outing featuring the fantastic Nick Offerman. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Wreck Of The Relationship”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Blazed And Confused” (Season 26, Episode 7) New guest alert! The wonderful Matt Clarke joins us for the Burning Man parody every Simpsons fan has been asking for. FINALLY! Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle, and Matt Clarke Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Blazed And Confused”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Old Blue Mayor She Ain’t What She Used To Be” (Season 29, Episode 6) The Dynamic Duo, plus first-time guest Matt Goodwin, endure record temperatures in Pat’s apartment, but thankfully also get to watch a solid Simpsons episode. Hosted by Patrick Brennan, Craig Mazerolle, and Matt Goodwin Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “The Old Blue Mayor She Ain’t What She Used To Be”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Fears Of A Clown” (Season 29, Episode 14) After a short break to celebrate their home and native land (and to be terribly, terribly sick) the guys return with an episode that is the picture of what you could call a “mixed bag”. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Fears Of A Clown” and the song “Everybody Loves A Clown” by Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Waiting For Duffman” (Season 26, Episode 17) The guys are left wondering if their dreams of a Simpsons parody of “Waiting For Godot” will ever be realized after their hopes get dashed by this crappy episode. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Waiting For Duffman” and the theme to Game of Thrones. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Orange Is The New Yellow” (Season 27, Episode 20) Steve rejoins the guys for this stink-fest of an episode. Also, for some reason Pat thinks Marge’s mom is dead. What a dumb-dumb. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Orange Is The New Yellow” and the Regina Spektor song “You’ve Got Time”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Lemon Of Troy” (Season 6, Episode 24) Pat talks about an episode he initially hated but has grown to love: “Lemon Of Troy”. Hosted by Patrick Brennan Research by Patrick Brennan Produced by Patrick Brennan Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Lemon of Troy”. Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Looking For Mr. Goodbart” (Season 28, Episode 20) In a show first, Pat and Craig butt heads over whether or not this later-year Simpsons episode is a keeper or a reeker.   Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Looking For Mr. Goodbart”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase” (Season 8, Episode 24) Craig lays his heart out on the line for one of the best Simpsons anthology segments ever. Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Homer Goes To Prep School” (Season 24, Episode 9) Fridge-ra-tors! Fridge-ra-tors! On this week’s episode we enjoy yet another surprisingly great later-year Simpsons episode, this one involving Homer joining a gang of Doomsday preppers.   Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Homer Goes To Prep School”, and the song “Underground” by Tom Waits. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Homer the Smithers” (Season 7, Episode 17) Craig reminisces about some of his favorite Simpsons-watching moments, his love of scratched up DVD box sets, and that time Homer was Mr. Burns’ assistant. Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

With the Frinktron 5000 on the fritz, Craig and Pat are forced to improvise and decide to review some random Simpsons-related merchandise. Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Homie the Clown”. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Summer of 4f Ft. 2” (Season 7, Episode 25) The title says it all for this minisode. Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Summer of 4 Ft. 2” Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Cad and the Hat” (Season 28, Episode 15) It might be a weird one but this week’s episode was definitely watchable, and that’s something we can all be happy about. Plus Craig unearths some choice trivia about Michael Richards’ failed solo sitcom. Win-win! Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio clips from The Simpsons episode “Cad and the Hat”, and the song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys. Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Lisa’s Pony” (Season 3, Episode 8) Pat continues his trend of getting overly personal about his personal favorite Simpsons episodes, with this week’s victim being the classic “Lisa’s Pony”. He also makes a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about his life that he technically already made in an early episode but whatever. Hosted by Patrick Brennan Research by Patrick Brennan Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Teenage Mutant Milk-Caused Hurdles” (Season 27, Episode 11) This week, Pat and Craig talk about one of the most mindbogglingly strange Simpsons episode they’ve ever come across. Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Featuring audio from The Simpsons episode, “Teenage Mutant Milk-Caused Hurdles” Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Bart Gets An F” (Season 2, Episode 1) For this week’s minisode, Pat dives into one of his first ever Simpsons viewings and talks about why he thinks Bart is more than just a slingshot and skateboard.  Hosted by Patrick Brennan Research by Patrick Brennan Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“What To Expect When Bart’s Expecting” (Season 25, Episode 19) Remember last week when Pat said there was no way this episode would be about Bart getting someone pregnant? Remember how preposterous that sounded!?! Hosted by Patrick Brennan & Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Homer Goes To College” (Season 26, Episode 19) Time for a new minisode! Today Professor Craig talks about the classic “Homer Goes To College” and specifically how the episode might have turned out if it had been written today. Tune in!   Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“The Kids Are All Fight” (Season 26, Episode 19) New guest alert! Steve Belyea (co-host of The Dust Off podcast, fearless leader of the Station Zed network, and creator of the Frinktron 5000) joins Craig and Pat on today’s episode. Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Itchy and Scratchy Land” (Season 6, Episode 4) Welcome to our first minisode! Every Wednesday Pat or Craig (or maybe even a past guest host) will take a few minutes to talk about an episode of the Simpsons that they consider to be a classic. Today, Craig talks about one of his all-time favorites, “Itchy and Scratchy Land”. Hosted by Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Let’s Go Fly A Coot” (Season 26, Episodes 20) Last week’s Simpsons episode was a surprise hit with Craig and Pat, but if we’ve learned anything so far on our journey together it’s that what comes up must come down. Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly

“Halloween of Horror” (Season 27, Episodes 4) Long-time friend and fellow Springfield-head Dusty Green joins the guys as they approach with optimistic caution (is that a thing?) the very first canonical Simpsons Halloween special! Hosted by Patrick Brennan and Craig Mazerolle Research by Craig Mazerolle Produced by Patrick Brennan Logo by Stephen Belyea Theme – “Children’s TV 2” by Dorian Kelly