Shows
RetrospecticusEpisode 76 – Last Exit To Janet RenoWe’ve got a strike on our hands in “Last Exit To Springfield”, first aired on March 11th 1993, the very same day that Janet Reno was appointed attorney general of the USA. We’ll learn all about American counties, witness too many Batman references, scoff at sexism in education, meet a celebrity gameshow contestant (that isn’t Tom) and a horrendous cult stand-off. But on the plus side, Garreth’s Christmasses come at once with this episode’s chart smash!
2026-02-0446 min
Too Many MoviesToo Many Movies #177 - Retrospecticus 2025 (w/ Bamason)Back again with the retrospecticus! Bamason and I have some thoughts on the films we watched from 2025. Like Supreme Martin, Minecrap and that movie with the guy... no not that one, the other one! No timecodes, just be warned there are spoilers throughout.Bamason's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswSONYFKJSuLKiAss5cn_QBamason's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mr_bamason/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/CitizenHAL/Music Used:ライトと熱の夜- Costavision LO-Fi
2026-01-283h 28
The Review ReviewRETROSPECTICUS 3 - This Just Can’t Be?!Message us ANONYMOUSLY3 whole seasons. Everyone, we’ve reached OVER the top! Now is the perfect time to commit to the bit, and the listen to "RETROSPECTICUS 3: THIS JUST CAN’T BE?!” With the maximum government allowed 33% new audio content! Up to and including, our fabulous “Review Review Rewards” segment, thank yous, some laughs, and not much more! Start the year off in style with us 1/6!****A member of the “Review Review,” family is in the fight of her life, you can help! - TAP/CLICK HERESupport the show**All episodes conta...
2026-01-061h 44The Review ReviewRETROSPECTICUS - So It's Come To This (Guest: Ben Burris)Message us ANONYMOUSLYAfter a calendar year +, and now 37 episodes, it’s come to this…A Review Review Clip Show! Our “Retrospecticus,” offers a look back at every episode so you can Review your Review Review! Ben & Paul offer their “Naughty & Nice,” list for 2023. A phone call from our old pal Ben Burris to settle our age old Alien V Alien$ “Debate Debate." And what you all came here for HARD CORE SIMPSONS REFERENCES1hr 45minsRecorded 1/2024Support the show**All episodes contain explicit language**Artwork - Ben McFaddenReview Rev...
2025-12-231h 45The Review ReviewRETROSPECTICUS 2 - Yabba Dabba Do! We Like Yappin' at You!Message us ANONYMOUSLYWOW. What a year! It's finally time for "RETROSPECTICUS 2: Yabba Dabba Do! We Like Yappin' at You!." Featuring 18% new audio, and the other 82% has 66% more junk stuffed into it! It's barely recognizable/like new!Support the show**All episodes contain explicit language**Artwork - Ben McFaddenReview Review Intro/Outro Theme - Jamie Henwood"What Are We Watching" & "Whatcha been up to?" Themes - Matthew Fosket"Fun Facts" Theme - Chris Olds/Paul RootLead-Ins Edited/Conceptualized by - Ben McFaddenProduced by...
2025-12-231h 59
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingG1 Climax 35 Final and Retrospecticus Part 2WE DID IT! In part 2 of their 3-part G1 Climax 35 spectacular, Daniel and Bonesaw take a fond walk down memory lane in this year's installation of the G1 Climax 35 Retrospecticus, where they discuss opinions on every competitior and the tournament at large! (Part 2 of 3)
www.linktr.ee/njpwpod
This podcast is safe for work.
2025-08-1951 minRetrospecticusEpisode 75 – JoblessIt’s hard times for the UK economy with the announcement that three million people were unemployed on February 18th 1993.
We’re sure they didn’t take any consolation in the debut of “Duffless” in the US that day. In this episode, Homer battles alcoholism and Lisa reprograms Bart’s brain, all of which is funnier than it sounds.
Along the way we’ll tackle dance crazes, guitar faces, sadistic foley artists, Tory sleaze, negative equity and various “black” days. Please listen and share!
2025-05-0654 minRetrospecticusEpisode 74 – I Love Nebiu DemekeIts a warm February in Springfield as we tackle “I Love Lisa”, the one where Ralph receives the infamous “Choo-choo chose you” card. Along the way we examine the mediocre presidents, including one who died after consuming a surfeit of cherries and iced milk.
For the history, Tom revists the oft-forgotten story of Nebiu Demeke, the last man to carry out a transatlantic plane hijacking.
Please listen and share!
2025-03-2947 minRetrospecticusEpisode 73 – World Trade Centre Bombing From The Same PlanetGarreth witnesses Phil Hartman gives a masterclass in “Brother From The Same Planet”, broadcast on February 4th 1993. It’s a bit of an unsung classic, featuring no less than twenty eight memeable moments. It also features what looks like an obvious parody (“You’ve been out galavanting with that floozy of a bigger brother haven’t you? Haven’t you? Look at me!”). Tom talks us through the bombing of the World Trade Centre three weeks later, complete with the capers of some bumbling terrorists. And who’s that having a rap cut from a very famous nineties number one? Why not find
2024-10-0157 minNew Jabroni Pro-WrestlingG1 Climax 34 Final and Retrospecticus Part 2WE DID IT! In part 2 of their 3-part G1 Climax 34 spectacular, Daniel and Bonesaw take a fond walk down memory lane in this year's installation of the G1 Climax 34 Retrospecticus, where they discuss opinions on every competitior and the tournament at large! (Part 2 of 3)
www.linktr.ee/njpwpod
This podcast is safe for work.
2024-08-201h 33RetrospecticusEpisode 72 – Uğur Mumcu’s ChoiceRetrospecticus rides the Whiplash (to be completed in 2026) on January 21st 1993 with Gareth’s thoughts on “Selma’s Choice”, a choice no less impactful for its later reversal, whilst Tom covers the assassination of the fearless Turkish investigative journalist Uğur Mumcu three days later. Along the way we’ll cover the epic history of Türkiye, exclusively reveal the other three of the Seven Duffs, and tell you what we’ve been up to for the last eternity!
If you like the show, please share!
2024-06-0857 min
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingNew Jabroni Pro-Wrestling w/ Daniel and Bonesaw: Final and Retrospecticus Part 3WE DID IT! And it took so long to do it, we had to split this episode into 3 parts! Daniel and Bonesaw end their grueling podcast tour through G1 Climax 33 at the final in RYogoku Sumo Hall, where they discuss thrilling conclusion of the ultimate showdown between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito! Then, as is tradition, the boys take a fond walk down memory lane in this year's installation of the G1 Climax 33 Retrospecticus, where they discuss opinions on every competitior, the tournament at large, and finally, the annual awards ceremony! To all of you who stuck it out...
2023-08-151h 10
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingNew Jabroni Pro-Wrestling w/ Daniel and Bonesaw: Final and Retrospecticus Part 2WE DID IT! And it took so long to do it, we had to split this episode into 3 parts! Daniel and Bonesaw end their grueling podcast tour through G1 Climax 33 at the final in RYogoku Sumo Hall, where they discuss thrilling conclusion of the ultimate showdown between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito! Then, as is tradition, the boys take a fond walk down memory lane in this year's installation of the G1 Climax 33 Retrospecticus, where they discuss opinions on every competitior, the tournament at large, and finally, the annual awards ceremony! To all of you who stuck it out...
2023-08-151h 33
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingNew Jabroni Pro-Wrestling w/ Daniel and Bonesaw: Final and Retrospecticus Part 1WE DID IT! And it took so long to do it, we had to split this episode into 3 parts! Daniel and Bonesaw end their grueling podcast tour through G1 Climax 33 at the final in RYogoku Sumo Hall, where they discuss thrilling conclusion of the ultimate showdown between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito! Then, as is tradition, the boys take a fond walk down memory lane in this year's installation of the G1 Climax 33 Retrospecticus, where they discuss opinions on every competitior, the tournament at large, and finally, the annual awards ceremony! To all of you who stuck it out...
2023-08-1540 minRetrospecticusEpisode 71 – IBM versus the MonorailEpisode 71 sees our regular intro finally come to fruition as Garreth tackles “Marge Vs The Monorail”, an all-time top-tier stone cold classic! They’ll tie themself in knots with a mega Leonard Nimoy crossover and discuss the ominous return of some omnipresent nineties chart-botherers.
After a record number of Memeable Moments, Tom somehow still has the energy to discuss IBM’s record losses, announced in the same week the episode was first broadcast. He’ll give you the 411 on IBM’s history of inventing everything, and how their hubris led to Bill Gates’ inexorable rise. Take ’em over, boys!
2023-03-1955 minRetrospecticusEpisode 70 – The Czech Republic’s Triple BypassEpisode 70, and it’s accidentally seasonal as Garreth looks at the nearest episode to Christmas 1992, “Homer’s Triple Bypass”, and Tom talks “Velvet Divorce” as we wave goodbye to Czechoslovakia. Along the way we’ll address the Twitter elephant in the room, serve up more defenestrations than is strictly healthy and present possibly the worst Randy Savage impression in history. All that and bad cops, this time on Retrospecticus!
2022-12-1953 minRetrospecticusEpisode 69 – Charles and Diana’s First WordIt’s episode 69 – nice! – and we’re playing witness to “Lisa’s First Word”, which first aired on 3 December 1992, just as the final word was being said on Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales’ marriage. Yes, we’re taking the most ill-timed trip to Buckingham Palace ever! (It was taped before last Thursday, we swear…) We’ll also take a look at a mysterious guest star and two unlikely true stories from the episode!
2022-09-1351 minRetrospecticusEpisode 68 – Mr Windsor Castle FireAliens, bio-duplication, nude conspiracies – none of these are why Retrospecticus took a long break, but we’ll explain why, whilst Garreth ploughs through the stone cold classic, “Mr Plow”, with tons of pure West and a visit to Crazy Vaclav’s! Then Tom will talk about the fire at the Royal Family’s second home, Pizza Express in Woking…sorry, we mean Windsor Castle, with a potted history of the royal residence! All that and a Gallic number one, who are you to say no?
2022-03-3155 min
Diaries of a Wedding SingerEp 20!! Screaming Karen and Interview with Steph Fogg!20 episodes, what?! Thank you all for joining us for our 20th episode! Whoo hoo! We bring you Stephanie Fogg today, singer extraordinaire for her Maine function/wedding band, Retrospecticus! Like Ali and Susie, Steph has been performing for weddings for over a decade and has the stories to go with it! Steph took time to talk to us on her vacation in her Maine cabin, so you get to hear some birds and nature sounds throughout the episode. You're welcome :) Find her band on Facebook or online at www.retrospecticus.com or on instagram @retrospecticusband!
2021-11-0146 min
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingNew Jabroni Pro-Wrestling w/ Daniel and Bonesaw: Final and RetrospecticusCrack open the bottles, because Daniel and Bonesaw have finally made it to the end of G1 Climax 31! The boys talk about the tragic results of the G1 Climax 31 final between Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada! Then, after discussing Okada's radical proposal for his future in New Japan, the boys finally dole out awards in this year's biggest ever Retrospecticus! Konpai!
2021-10-242h 17RetrospecticusEpisode 67 – Women Priests on the BlockEpisode 67, and Bart’s got a crush and Homer’s full of shrimp in “New Kid On The Block”, first aired on 12 November 1992 – one day after the Synod of the Church of England voted to ordain women priests! Along the way we’ll go from C and E to C of E, getting an “Eddie Fact” as we do. Content note: this episode includes a mention of Ann Widdicombe.
2021-07-3150 minRetrospecticusEpisode 66 – Marge Gets Mortal KombatEpisode 66, and we’re gassing Tom Jones in “Marge Gets A Job”, first shown on 5 November 1992 – a mere month after Mortal Kombat first cut a bloody swathe through the arcades! Along the way we’ll fight the creature from the wrong lagoon, complain about sexism in fighting games and finally reveal the blood code for the SNES version!* (* = may be a lie)
2021-07-1753 minRetrospecticusEpisode 65 – US Election 1992 The MovieEpisode 65, and we meet the unforgettable Bang Bang Bart in “Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie”, first aired on November 3rd 1992 – the day of a US Presidential election that elected Bill Clinton! Along the way we’ll drink milkshakes, watch Telemundo, find an unusual L7 cover and talk more Bush than you can shake a stick at!
2021-06-2651 minRetrospecticusEpisode 64 – Galileo of HorrorWe’re back… And it’s Halloween again! Garreth takes on apes, zombies and a killer doll in “Treehouse of Horror III”, first shown on 29 October 1992, while Tom takes us through Pope John Paul II’s apology to Galileo a few days later. Featuring manboys at number one and a whole lotta biochemistry! If you like the show, please listen and share!
2021-06-1247 minRetrospecticusEpisode 63 – Charles Taylor the Beauty QueenThis time Retrospecticus heartily endorses “Lisa The Beauty Queen”, which first aired on October 15th 1992, the same day as Charles Taylor launched Operation Octopus in the Liberian Civil War. As you might expect it’s a bloody tale, but there’s a double dip in the nineties charts and acronyms by the bucketload to sweeten the pill!
2021-05-0849 minRetrospecticusEpisode 62 – Mozambique the HereticRetrospecticus is back, as long as no minor royals have died this week, with Homer’s new ways of worship in “Homer the Heretic”, first shown on October 8 1992, four days after the end of the civil war in Mozambique. We’ve got a none-more-nineties number one, the one reason anyone would want to join Britain, and more memes than you can shake a big, toasty cinnamon bun at!
2021-04-2449 minRetrospecticusEpisode 61 – A Streetcar Named Sinéad O’ConnorIt’s episode 61, and “A Streetcar Named Marge” sees Marge treading the boards, while Sinéad O’Connor rips up a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live. Along the way we’ll meet a singing dentist and possibly upset the Catholic Church – probably should have stuck with the singing dentist, then… In all seriousness this episode does feature discussion of child abuse, so do feel free to skip this one and we’ll see you next time for “Homer The Heretic”!
2021-04-1039 minRetrospecticusEpisode 60 – Kamp Fernando Collor de MelloSeason four is upon us! Bart encounters everyone’s favourite non-recurring character Mr Black in “Kamp Krusty”! And meanwhile in Brazil, President Fernando Collor de Mello is in a spot of impeachment bother – so we’ll bring you up to date on the history of Brazil! Anyone got any Vargas? Lovely…
If you enjoy the show, please listen and share!
2021-03-2053 minRetrospecticusEpisode 59 – Black Wednesday Can You Spare Two Dimes?It’s the last show of season 3, for both The Simpsons and us! An embittered Uncle Herb returns in “Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?”, and the UK Government could use use those two dimes as Black Wednesday runs wild! Meanwhile, we jump three months and miss the Summer of Rave, explain short-selling (we think), look at middle age attitudes to sperm and give you what you all came here for: classic Tory sex scandals!
2021-02-0646 minRetrospecticusEpisode 58 – The Space Shuttle Endeavour Falls in LoveHappy 2021 everyone! We’re back to take a look at Bart’s Friend Falls in Love, the episode that sees Milhouse fall in love with Samantha Stinky, sorry, Stanky! It’s the episode that features some excellent sex education courtesy of Fuzzy Bunny, and Homer making use of a metal deely that you use to dig food.
The episode first aired on the same day that the Space Shuttle Endeavour first launched, so for the history we’re taking a look at space travel. It gives us an excuse to look at the life of Werner von Braun, t...
2021-01-1647 min
Don't Lets Chart - Comedy. History. Stupidity.Christmas Chart With The StarsBetween 1958 and 1972, the BBC would run a big programme entitled "Christmas Night with the Stars". In it you could find mini versions of all your favourite shows of the time plus sketches, monologues and other seasonal nonsense. Today, Don't Lets Chart are reviving that tradition with a big beefy feature length special containing bite-sized editions of some of our favourite podcasts including "Retrospecticus", "The Big Beatles Sort Out", "Looks Unfamiliar" and "Round The Archives". There's also an exclusive story from Twitter favourite Darrell Maclaine plus your top presents of all time, the seasonal episodes of a certain sitcom are...
2020-12-251h 26RetrospecticusEpisode 57 – The Betty Boothroyd Show It’s a Christmas special of Retrospecticus! And a special calls for a special guest: writer and broadcaster Tim Worthington joins us to discuss Spinal Tap, as we reach “The Otto Show”, first aired on 23 April 1992 and coinciding with Betty Boothroyd’s arrival as the Speaker of the House of Commons. Along the way we’ll examine tons of ridiculous parliamentary pageantry and an unlikely top ten visit from a band with a very silly name. Merry Christmas everyone!
2020-12-2558 minRetrospecticusEpisode 56 – Fujimori WidowerSideshow Bob makes his first return in “Black Widower”, first shown on 9 April 1992, and we examine the life of Alberto Fujimori, the Peruvian leader who launched a coup against himself four days earlier. Along the way we’ll see the roots of Britpop, solve a mystery about writers that involves mystery writers, and introduce the listeners to Tom’s wide range of impressions!
2020-12-1247 minRetrospecticusEpisode 55 – Colonel Al AtheerWe’re looking at “Colonel Homer” this week, the one that introduces country and western singer Lurleen Lumpkin. Along the way we’ll visit Googolplex cinemas, the Beer ‘n Brawl, and Big Shirtless Ron. For the history we’re covering what happened in Iraq after the Gulf War, culminating in the destruction of the Al Atheer nuclear complex. If you enjoy the show, please listen and share!
2020-11-2837 minRetrospecticusEpisode 54 – Apartheid of DeathIt’s Episode 54, and the prognosis is bleak for Santa’s Little Helper in “Dog Of Death”, broadcast on 12 March 1992, but looking better for South Africa after their Apartheid referendum, which came five days later. Along the way we’ll get Covid tested, visit some dogs with evil owners, marvel at a song that lasts 22 hours and explore the dark history of segregation in South Africa, including the most racist-named man in history.
2020-11-1447 minRetrospecticusEpisode 53 – Contra 3 VocationsThe world goes topsy turvy as Bart goes straight and Lisa flouts the rules in “Separate Vocations” – and meanwhile, Contra 3 drops on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, giving us a great opportunity to cover the history of videogames! Along the way we’ll cover a none-more-1992 single, still not love the police, introduce the… Read More »
2020-10-3152 minRetrospecticusEpisode 52 – Ross Perot at the BatWell Mr Burns had done it…if by “it” you mean wrecked a perfectly good works softball team in “Homer At The Bat”, aired on February 20 1992, the same day as Ross Perot announced his run as an independent candidate for President of the USA. Along the way we’ll drown in memes, find out which of the numerous guest stars is a failed fighter and hear the incredible tale of the man with two – count ‘em, TWO – pairs of shoes!
2020-10-1746 minRetrospecticusEpisode 51 – Hugo Chavez the LoverEpisode 51, and it’s a doozy from the Simpsons side: “Bart The Lover” from 13 February 1992, featuring Woodrow, the swear jar and a world without zinc! Tom then takes us to meet Hugo Chavez and his attempted coup in Venezuela, which reached a crescendo a few days beforehand. Along the way Garreth will try to chat up an 80s pop star who probably isn’t listening, then we’ll get reacquainted with the Maximum Leader and find out where our favourite obscure cocktail ingredients hail from! If you agree with our anti-damn-vegetables stance, please leave us a like and a review whe...
2020-10-0354 minRetrospecticusEpisode 50 – The Maastricht Treaty AloneRetrospecticus has reached the big five-oh, so we celebreate by talking about “Homer Alone”, the episode that sees Marge snap through stress and visit Rancho Relaxo, while Homer tries and fails to look after Maggie.
The episode was first broastcast the day before the Maastricht treaty was signed, so we tell the story of how it came to be and how it almost brought down John Major’s government. We include a discussion on the most metal flag an intragovernmental organisation has ever had! Please listen and share!
2020-09-1945 minRetrospecticusEpisode 49 – Zaire the GreekThis week, Lisa and Homer bet on the Washington Football Team in “Lisa The Greek”, and we take a look at the history of Zaire, plus its bloody history as a colony of Belgium. Somehow we also touch on Pinchy the lobster and the Rumble in the Jungle, plus a king for hire, a genius idea to relaunch an American football team and a look at a very damp band indeed.
2020-09-0547 minRetrospecticusEpisode 48 – Radio Salvadoran Civil War As Britain reels from a Cayman Islands-style heatwave, your perspiring hosts take you back to a colder time – January 9, 1992 – to send our love down the well in “Radio Bart” and witness the merciful end of the Salvadoran Civil War. Along the way we’ll castigate pop stars for their charity efforts, negotiate over ice cream and drop in on the Football War, among many, many, MANY other central American wars and massacres – you have been warned! If you enjoy the show, please share!
2020-08-1549 minRetrospecticusEpisode 47 – I Married the Dissolution of the Soviet UnionSo it’s come to this: the end of the Soviet Union, with a suitably nostalgic partner in “I Married Marge”. Along the way we’ll impersonate a world leader, say another goodbye to Freddie Mercury, and visit with a different Crazy Otto. And you’ll never believe who’s advertising Pizza Hut. If you enjoy the show, please listen and share!
2020-08-0143 minRetrospecticusEpisode 46 – Belavezha Accords Verkaufen der KraftwekWe’re back in the USSR – but not for long! This week, we witness the signing of the Belovezha Accords, one of the last nails in the coffin for the USSR, whilst Springfield says a hearty willkommen bei den Deutschen in “Burns Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk”. Along the way we’ll meet the drummer for every band ever, take an unlikely detour to Lee Harvey Oswald and tell you how the Land of Chocolate ran afoul of the Fox censors. If you enjoy the show, please listen and share!
2020-07-1136 minRetrospecticusEpisode 45 – Flaming Moehemian RhapsodyWelcome to the podcast where happiness is just a Flaming Homer away – yes! It’s time for “Flaming Moe’s”, an episode where greed tears a friendship asunder and Aerosmith play nightly. Plus, Tom looks at the life and times of Freddie Mercury, taking in the history of Zanzibar and some horrific behaviour from the UK tabloids along the way. Please listen and share!
2020-06-2743 minRetrospecticusEpisode 44 – Terry Waite of Thunder This week we’re telling the tale of one Terry Waite, hostage negotiator turned hostage, whose fascinating story we recount along with “Saturdays Of Thunder”, in which Bart and Homer go soapbox derby racing. Along the way we’ll judge the grimness of the North, have a chance encounter with Idi Amin and probably mention that curling episode, AGAIN. Please listen and share!
2020-06-1340 minRetrospecticusEpisode 43 – Robert Maxwell’s Pony It’s episode 43, where Homer pulls double duty in “Lisa’s Pony” and we cover the death of Robert Maxwell, with a dive into his fascinating origins. Along the way we’ll discuss “My Ding-A-Ling” (but not our ding-a-lings, mercifully), the north-east’s top light entertainer, football mergers, Tetris and our old favourites, various totalitarian Eastern European regimes! Please listen and share!
2020-05-3040 minRetrospecticusEpisode 42 – Treehouse of Turkmenistan Let terror commence as we unleash Treehouse of Horror 2 from Halloween 1991, and the independence of Turkmenistan as declared on October 27, 1991! If you thought the former was bizarre, wait until you hear the latter – how to make a sea disappear! Decree after decree after decree! And – we’re not kidding – the door to hell! Please listen and share!
2020-05-1641 minRetrospecticusEpisode 41 – Like Cambodia Like Clown It’s all about reconciliations this time at Retrospecticus, as we cover Krusty building bridges with his dad in “Like Father Like Clown” and the end of the Cambodia-Vietnam war. Along the way we’ll meet a seemingly never-ending prime minister, see the squarest moat ever and discover the traffic warden who changed 90s pop. Please listen and share!
2020-05-0242 minRetrospecticusEpisode 40 – Azerbaijan Defined We’ve made it all the way to episode 40, and we’re taking a look at Homer’s dumb luck in “Homer Defined” and the history of Azerbaijan, in particular its independence, as officially adopted the day after that episode aired! Along the way we’ll eviscerate a Beatle’s son and give you a great reason never to accept the keys to a city. Please listen and share!
2020-04-1842 minRetrospecticusEpisode 39 – Clarence Thomas the MurdererWe’re back up to speed this time, with a look at arguably the dawn of the classic era of The Simpsons with “Bart The Murderer”, and the controversial appointment of Clarence Thomas as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the USA! We’ll also take a wider look at said court and say hello to Springfield’s legitimate businessmen. If you like the show, please listen and share! Stay safe everyone.
2020-04-0451 min
Don't Lets Chart - Comedy. History. Stupidity.Don't Lets Chart 214 - Stop Saying Cumbo!Hello, welcome to containment zone B-37 formerly known as "Don't Lets Chart" and the Don't Lets Charts are off to Liverpool! Or rather they were last week just before the proverbial hit the wossname and it didnt seem quite so ridiculous to jaunt off to the land of Ian and The Zodiacs to meet some of our fellow podcasting friends. Inside this mop-topped package of podcastery are several items recorded around the city as well as some items inspired by the Mersey - such as the sexiest accents of all time, the story of the superlambananas, a top new...
2020-03-2134 minRetrospecticusEpisode 38 – When Bill Clinton FailedNot even a Covid-19 outbreak can derail Retrospecticus! We’ve gone back to our Skype roots to discuss the opening of the Leftorium in “When Flanders Failed”, first aired as Slick Willie himself, Bill Clinton, announced he was running for the presidency of the USA! We’ll also look at other presidents in The Simpsons, be they good, bad or mediocre, and check in with electronic pop royalty!
2020-03-211h 00RetrospecticusEpisode 37 – Mr Lisa Goes to DubrovnikThe Simpsons get political this week, as we discuss Mr Lisa Goes to Washington. Along the way we address the correspondence between Barbara Bush and Marge Simpson, have a thumb through Reading Digest (yes, you read that right) and visit the cesspool on the Potomak.
For the history, we go over the history of the former Yugoslavia right up to the siege of Dubrovnik, a key event in the Croatian war of independence and the break up of the former Yugoslavia. We take a look at the life of Marshall Tito and his run-ins with Joseph Stalin...
2020-02-2944 minRetrospecticusEpisode 36 – Stark Raving Ice Man It’s season three at last, and we’re keeping super cool and staying frosty with Otzi the iceman and then losing said cool over “Stark Raving Dad”. We’ll also tackle Wishbone Ash, mummy ownership and some famous bottoms! Please listen and share!
Warning – we discuss the first episode of series three of the Simpsons, and yes, it’s *that* one. We therefore discuss the history and legacy of one Michael Jackson.
2020-02-1545 minRetrospecticusEpisode 35 – Soviet FeudWe’ve reached “Blood Feud”, the final episode of Season 2 of The Simpsons! Look forward to watered mail, immortal lines and the genealogy of a big ol’ ugly Olmec head! Alon the way we’ll find out what is and what isn’t a real medical condition, and make at least one terrible pun.
For the history we’re back in the USSR, as Tom finally gets to tell the story of the attempted August coup of 1991 which aimed to topple Mikhail Gorbachev from power. Stay tuned for a special surprise at the end of the episode!
2020-01-1843 min
Don't Lets Chart - Comedy. History. Stupidity.Don't Lets Chart 208 - Nixon Quiz Not IncludedIt's Ben's birthday and to celebrate, erm...he's gone to the pub. But he's left a sodden folder of trivia behind so we present a mix of favourite and new quizzes from the last year.
Learn who is the UK's Robin Williams! Enjoy a good Dickens! Duck the BBC bans! Train monkeys to go into space with Hitler! Hear Jethro's real name! Avoid Roger the Dodger's worst exam dodge! Wince at the "Pudsley" eye socket gag! Inhale some Chuckle musk! Wonder where dogs keep getting all those Quavers! Tape over the Dogme 95 version of Lady and The...
2019-12-3036 minRetrospecticusEpisode 34 – Three Men and The Thriving Cult of Greed and PowerIt’s festive fury from a raging Retrospecticus, as we discuss paranoid thriller “Three Men And A Comic Book” and taunt Xenu with the New York Times’ expose on Scientology. Along the way we’ll get disgusted with politics, discuss Flanderization and dump a dead sheep outside the Brit awards. Merry Christmas, everyone!
2019-12-2159 minRetrospecticusEpisode 33 – Angolan Civil War of the SimpsonsThings take a turn for the vulgar this week, as we discuss “War of the Simpsons”, an episode written by the non-existent John Schwartzwelder that sees Homer embarrass himself at a party by getting drunk and lecherous, before winding up at a couples retreat where he almost catches a massive catfish. Along the way we meet the Queen of the Harpies and hear a domestic argument drowned out by the Mexican Hat Dance.
For the history we’re covering Angola, from the feuding kings of the Kingdom of Kongo, through Portuguese colonisation, and finally the civil war that d...
2019-11-3044 minRetrospecticusEpisode 32 – Lisa’s Temporary Provisions Against the Communist RebellionWe’re looking at easily the best episode of season two, as we tackle Lisa’s Substitute, an episode that sees Dustin Hoffman take on the role of substitute teacher Mr Bergstrom, while Bart runs for class president.
For the history, we go over the conflict between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan. Along the way, we’ll visit Qin Shi Huang, go over the drug peddling of the British Empire in the opium wars, and discuss Chairman Mao’s Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.
Along the...
2019-11-1653 min
Don't Lets Chart - Comedy. History. Stupidity.Don't Lets Chart 203 - 65 Fabulous Years of Phil CatterallYour favourite facts 'n' fannying about podcast returns with an all star tribute to six decades of Phil Catterall (aged 39). There are messages from his friends - also Ben is there. Plus Phil's top 20 things of all time ever (that arent giant fighting robots) including some nifty 90s shootouts, which comedy act he went to see instead of revising for his GCSEs, best Bonds, the best foot that can be barely considered a food, Greendale pride, perhaps the most stupid quiz yet and lots more. And because its a 40th celebration, the episode is a slightly longer almost 40 minutes...
2019-10-2839 minRetrospecticusEpisode 31 – Brush with Georgia The podcast so good, you’ll hang it on your wall… yes! Enter Ringo Starr in “Brush With Greatness”, the Simpsons episode that starts in Mount Splashmore and culminates with Marge Simpsons painting Mr Burns in the nude. For the history bit, we tell the story of the exit (from the USSR) of Georgia, who declared independence in April 1991. You’ll hear some right royal epithets and learn how burning birds led to the founding of a city. You’ll also hear Dudley Ringo Starr – it’s another triumph!
2019-10-2650 minRetrospecticusEpisode 30 – Old Birmingham SixEpisode 30 sees us examine Grampa Simpson’s first on-screen romance in “Old Money”, an episode that sees an unjust surplus of Doctor Marvin Monroe, but it does include the debut of one Professor Frink! Tom tells the tale of the Birmingham Six, the six men wrongly imprisoned for the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974 and released just before the episode aired. Come and enjoy the only known podcast to mix a massive distrust of the British judicial system with Chesney Hawkes!
2019-10-1244 minRetrospecticusEpisode 29 – The LAPD Gets An FPolitical tensions are running high in the Retrospecticus powder keg, as we join the Assassins’ conspiracy in “Bart’s Dog Gets An ‘F'” and some police brutality against Rodney King sparks the LA riots. Along the way we’ll take in number ones from jeans adverts, learn some Korean social mores and celebrate animation’s greatest animal noise artist!
2019-09-2844 minRetrospecticusEpisode 28 – Oh Brother Where Art the Provisional IRAIt’s brotherly love and terrorism this week, as we discuss “Oh Brother Where Art Thou?”, the episode of the Simpsons that sees Homer reunited with his long lost half brother Herb Powell, voiced by Danny DeVito. For the history we talk about the bombings of Paddington and Victoria stations by the Provisional IRA, part of the Troubles of Northern Ireland. Along the way Garreth tries to find out something interesting about Oleta Adams, and Tom remembers when it was illegal to broadcast Gerry Adams’ voice on TV. Please have a listen and a share!
2019-09-1453 minRetrospecticusEpisode 27 – Principal Unrepresented Nations and Peoples OrganizationLove and fury are in the air, as we discuss Valentines Day 1991’s “Principal Charming” and the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization between tirades about the death of British democracy. Along the way we’ll take in sodium bonding conundrums, local tapas restaurants and how to invent fictional herbicides without arousing suspicions. You can thank us later.
2019-08-3151 minRetrospecticusEpisode 26 – Homer versus Lisa and Jean-Bertrand Aristide Retrospecticus Mobius loops in on itself as we tackle “Homer vs Lisa and the Eighth Commandment” and the democratic elections in Haiti! We’ll hear all about Haiti’s fascinating history, which is not for the weak of heart, see Columbus being a total bastard as usual, and learn both some commandment facts and a dance that’s real easy to do…
2019-08-1752 min
New Jabroni Pro-WrestlingNew Jabroni Pro-Wrestling w/ Daniel and Bonesaw: G1 Climax 29 Final and Retrospecticus: A G1 JourneyAfter a grueling G1 Climax, we've finally arrived at the finals! We discuss the ultimate showdown between Kota Ibushi and Jay White, and the Bullet Club acquisition that stole the show! Afterwards, a fond look back at the 2019 G1 Climax.
2019-08-161h 37RetrospecticusEpisode 25 – Said Barre We Was Retrospecticus celebrates a quarter century of episodes by taking a trip to the seventies in “The Way We Was” and a trip to Somalia for a return to your regularly-scheduled tale of genocide and corruption. Along the way Garreth will go full Mr Bergstrom and Tom will introduce us to the land of Steve Punt!
2019-07-2753 minRetrospecticusEpisode 24 – One Fish, Street Fighter 2 Fish, Blowfish, Bluefish
It’s a bumper episode of Super Retrospecticus: Turbo Champion Edition, as we tackle Homer’s last day on Earth in “One Fish…” and the release of Street Fighter 2. We’ll teach you all about compound time and tetrodotoxin, stop in with West Brom’s greatest modern forward line, and Tom will sing terrace classics in the opera style. Hadouken!!!
2019-06-291h 04
Scruffy Looking Podcasters: A Star Wars PodcastEp. 74: RetrospecticusIts the James and Ed show (Kev is too good for us).
We talk our week in Star Wars
A little segment on fathers and dads in Star Wars]
Segment: Are You Kidding Me: Ed has something from the making of A New Hope.
Star Wars news:
Star Wars Celebration Anaheim dates and prices announced.
Limited Run partners with Lucasfilm to bring back old school games.
Michelle Rejwan as Senior Vice President of Live Action Development and Production.
Email us at:
s...
2019-06-181h 18RetrospecticusEpisode 23 – Bart gets hit by the Gulf War
An action-packed Retrospecticus this time as the Gulf War starts and Bart gets hit by a car, and dies! Along the way there’s a ton of debuts, an Alliss fact, Stormin’ Norman’s great left hook, a cheap plug for Salad and a discussion of phallic imagery in the theatre of war!
2019-06-1549 minRetrospecticusEpisode 22 – Itchy and Scratchy and the Polish Government in ExileGarreth and Tom both struggle with pronunciation as they tackle Beethoven and Michelangelo in “Itchy and Scratchy and Marge” and the Polish government in exile! They’ll also stumble over Russ Meyer, Winged Hussars, more royal epithets and Denis Thatcher! All this, plus Cliff Richard gets a well-deserved slagging off – unmissable!
2019-05-2552 minRetrospecticusEpisode 21 – Saddam Hussein the DaredevilEpisode 21, and this time out we discuss “Homer Falls Down The Gorge”… I mean, “Bart The Daredevil” and Saddam Hussein’s rise to power. We cover around 8,000 years of Iraqi history, from the Sumerians to the build up to the Gulf War. Also featuring: Asterix! “Steel Justice”! Sergeant Slaughter! And a bonus amount of Rasputin and Wernher von Braun!
2019-05-1148 min
Don't Lets Chart - Comedy. History. Stupidity.Don't Lets Chart 105 - Runaway Puppy Massacre'Boogie Legs' Ben and The All-New Some Biscuits Crew are sure in for a s-s-spooky time when they investigate Old Man Catterall's haunted mine to look for the secret hidden treasure of pop culture charts. And as they've just run past the same hallway twelve times, it must mean it's an Animation Special! In today's episode, we asked you for your top ten biggest Hanna-Barbera jerks, learn movies got inexplicable TV cartoon transfers and burn down the house in answer to 'how many Steamed Hams memes is too many'?
Plus: Green Day Vs. Smash Mouth - an i...
2019-04-2935 minRetrospecticusEpisode 20 – Thatcher vs. ThanksgivingA huge moment in the Retrospecticus timeline as Maggie Maggie Maggie is OUT! OUT! OUT!… And we cover “Bart vs. Thanksgiving”! Featuring loadsa cool Peter Alliss facts, Karl Marx getting mistaken for a Caramac, Marilyn Manson in Milton Keynes and the debunking of a whippy myth. And all the while we ask: where’s Cersei’s elephant?
2019-04-2753 min
Park Leaders Show59 Shades of Color: A Celebration of Parks in PrintIn this edition of the Park Leaders Show, JP Boneyard, Creative Director of The Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series and producer of the National Poster Retrospecticus, discusses how he got into curating, hosting events, and what the screen printing process is like. Stirred by national history and preservation, Boneyard started the Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series, in part, to tour his collection of over 400 hand-printed posters across the globe. A master of handcrafted posters, Boneyard's aim is to draw attention to the beauty of national parks and hopes future generations will continue to find new ways to capture scenic...
2019-04-1624 minRetrospecticusEpisode 19 – Dead Web Page SocietyBe prepared for wrath, feuds, beer and mini golf this week as we tackle Dead Putting Society, a Simpsons episode that sees Homer lose his rag with Flanders and enter into a bet based on the outcome of their sons miniature golf tournament.
In the history bit we’re looking at the birth of the World Wide Web, so expect CERN, Tim Berners-Lee and terrible acronyms a plenty!
2019-04-0649 minRetrospecticusEpisode 18 – Dancin’ AkihitoLet Retrospecticus take you out to the baaaaall gaaaame… No, it’s not that one – it’s “Dancin’ Homer”, and the ascendance of Japan’s Emperor Akihito. Along the way we naturally stop in at an MK Dons nil-nil draw and mourn a fallen Sideshow. Plus Godzilla by the bucket load. This one is a real treat for Japanophiles!
2019-03-091h 01RetrospecticusEpisode 17 – Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on President Mary RobinsonOur new episode is packed with fun for every Joe Sixpack and Sally Housecoat! We discuss the Simpsons episode “Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish” and the ascendancy of Mary Robinson, the first woman to become president of Ireland. Along the way we kick the Beautiful South while they’re down and revisit Ivar the Boneless. All this and a masterclass on photocopier technology, whether those fat cats in the state capital like it or not!
2019-02-2341 minRetrospecticusEpisode 16 – Norwegian Government Collapse of HorrorIt’s a spooktacular episode as we look at ‘Treehouse Of Horror’ and the collapse of the Norwegian Government. But don’t worry, we’ll still have time for digressions such as Brock not being canon, John Schwartzwelder’s ‘The Raven’, the Viking with the least threatening nickname and a horrible feeling of vu deja…
2019-02-0947 minRetrospecticusEpisode 15 – Mikhail Gorbachev and DelilahIt’s a rather hirsute episode this week as we look at the Simpsons episode Simpson and Delilah, which features Homer acquiring a supply of Dimoxinil, growing a full head of hair and gaining a promotion eighties-style. We talk about his assistant Karl and the Simpsons first gay kiss (sort of).
The episode first aired shortly before Mikhail Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, so for the history this week we tell the story of Gorbachev up until 1990, and going over his contributions to world peace.
Listen out for a discussion on a surprising hi...
2019-01-2639 minRetrospecticusEpisode 14 – Transnistria Gets An FRetrospecticus is BACK!!! It’s the start of season two and we’ve got “Bart Gets An ‘F'” and Transnistria to discuss. Along the way we take in our Christmas presents, camera angles in a cartoon, more Irish names than you can shake a stick it, the bad blood between the Moldovan Popular Front and the Popular Front of Moldova and the shocking return of the War of Laws!
2019-01-1249 minRetrospecticusThe Flag SpecialHoist the colours for a very special episode! Garreth and Tom talk flags, both real world and Springfieldian. Along the way we’ll learn why it’s OK for ducks to be racist (sort of), get some tips on the practicalities of […]
2018-12-1255 minRetrospecticusEpisode 13 – Some Enchanted Burmese ElectionEpisode 13 is here, and put a fork in season one, it’s done! We discuss “Some Enchanted Evening” and the Burmese elections of 1990 that didn’t see Aung San Suu Kyi come to power. Along the way we’ll also dicuss QEDcon, fourth wall breaking, a song that was the scourge of nineties clothes shops, the most British-named man in the world and three ways to say “Myanmar” – and we’ll talk to you about the future of Retrospecticus.
If you like the show please share it, and it would be lovely if you could leave us a nice review on i
2018-10-2044 minRetrospecticusEpisode 12 – Krusty Gets the Singing RevolutionIt’s a tongue twisting Retrospecticus this time, as Garreth discovers that “sideshow” and “slideshow” are a deadly combination in “Krusty Gets Busted”, and Tom tries to avoid Baltic names during The Singing Revolution. Plus: wacky early plans for Marge and Krusty, the least essential cultural artefact of the nineties, compound flags and the return of podcast favourites, Andropov and Chernenko!
Is you enjoy the show, please share!
2018-09-2947 minRetrospecticusEpisode 11 – The Crepes of Lothar de MaizièreIt’s episode eleven of Retrospecticus, and we’re discussing Bart’s (first) trip to France in “The Crepes Of Wrath”. Tom tells the story of the election of the first democratically chosen East German prime minister, which hastened the end of the Cold War. We also tackle reds under the bed, laugh at Ian Maxton-Graham’s small automobile, impart some Potsdam Conference Fun Facts and meet the real life Collaterlie Sisters!
If you enjoy the show, please share and give us a nice review on iTunes!
2018-09-1548 minRetrospecticusEpisode 10 – The Poll Tax Riot’s Night OutThis week on the show we discuss “Homer’s Night Out” and London’s Poll Tax Riots. Along the way we take in a schism in the world of international darts, a Simpsons character appearing in the flesh and whether or not anarchy was de riguer at the time (spoiler: it wasn’t). And after ten episodes, the production numbers finally get interesting! If you enjoy the show, please share!
2018-09-0144 minRetrospecticusEpisode 9 – Imelda Marcos on the Fast LaneThis week on the show we discuss “Life on the Fast Lane”, an episode that sees Homer buy a bowling ball for himself as a Birthday present and Marge tempted by Jacques, a suave bowling coach with a French-ish accent. For the history we tell the story of Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines whose lavish spending and shoe collection was legendary. If you enjoy the show, please share!
2018-08-1846 minRetrospecticusEpisode 8 – The Telltale Nicaraguan ElectionThis episode we talk about “The Telltale Head”, a Simpsons morality tale featuring bullying, stealing, terrible life advice and decapitation. For this history bit, we tell the story of the 1990 Nicaraguan election, the background of which contains revolution, counter revolution, hostage taking, dodgy CIA arms dealings, a highly successful literacy program and assassination with a rocket propelled grenade launcher.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show, please email podcast@35.178.47.146 or find us on Twitter. If you enjoy the show, please share it with your friends!
2018-08-0438 minRetrospecticusEpisode 7 – Call of the Restoration of Diplomatic Relations Between the UK and ArgentinaThis week on the show we discuss Call of the Simpsons, the one where Homer buys an RV and eventually gets mistaken for Bigfoot. The discussion ends up meandering into a rant about Mr Blobby, so look out for that!
For the history we talk about the UK and Argentina restoring diplomatic relations, but really it’s just an excuse to talk about the 1982 Falklands war, and another rant about the current lack of counter culture emerges.
If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving us a nice review on iTunes!
2018-07-2147 minRetrospecticusEpisode 6 – Moaning MandelaThis week Tom and Garreth talk about Tom’s favourite episode from Series 1 of the Simpsons, “Moaning Lisa”, an episode which deals with important topics such as video boxing and Lisa Simpson going through an existential crisis. It was first aired on the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison, so naturally the history bit is about South Africa and it’s journey from apartheid to democracy.
Note: this episode contains discussions on depression, the ugly racism of apartheid, and a mention of the “It’s coming home” meme.
Keep your ears peeled for a bonus chat at...
2018-07-0753 minRetrospecticusEpisode 5 – Bart the First McDonald’s in MoscowJoin your hosts Tom and Garreth for another episode of Retrospecticus! On this show we talk about the episode “Bart the General” and discuss the opening of the first McDonald’s in the Soviet Union. Tom corrects himself on some Panamanian flagwrong from the previous episode, Garreth tells us about a conspiracy theory on the existence of Simpsons writer John Swartzwelder, and Tom dispels a few preconceptions about the capitalist institution McDonald’s opening in the heart of Soviet Russia.
If you enjoy the show, please share it, and why not leave us a nice review on iTunes...
2018-06-2346 minRetrospecticusEpisode 4 – There’s No Disgrace Like Manuel NoriegaIn this episode of the show Garreth tackles the rather strange Simpsons episode “There’s No Disgrace Like Home”, the first to be penned by legendary Simpsons writers Al Jean and Mike Reiss. For the history, Tom tells the story of the roller coaster ride that was the life of Manuel Noriega, former military leader of Panama, murderer, cocaine trafficker and CIA agent.
Please note, this episode contains bonus hamsters!
You can now find Retrospecticus on all your favour podcast platforms, including iTunes, Stitcher and Player FM. If you enjoy the show, please share it!
2018-06-0944 minRetrospecticusEpisode 3 – The Morris Worm’s OdysseyThings take a fairly dark turn this episode as we discuss Homer’s Odyssey, which begins with Homer Simpson tying a boulder around his waist and going to a river to commit suicide. Garreth tells us about the legend of John Henry, the steel-driving man. Tom lightens the mood with the story of Robert Tappan Morris, creator of the Morris worm and the first person to be convicted under the United States Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a story which turns out to be surprisingly innuendo-laden!
2018-05-2646 minRetrospecticusEpisode 2 – Bart the Storming of the Stasi HQIt’s our first episode with a special guest! We take a look at the Simpsons episode “Bart the Genius”. Tom has a revelation about the “Staphylococci virus”, Garreth tells us about all things banana related, and we are joined by Simon Singh, author of “The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets” to talk about the maths in the episode.
For the history bit, Tom tells the story of the storming of the Stasi headquarters in the former East Germany, which happened the day after “Bart the Genius” was first broadcast.
“The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets” on Hive
The Good Thin
2018-05-1256 minRetrospecticusEpisode 1 – Simpsons Roasting on a Romanian RevolutionIn the first proper episode of Retrospecticus, we take a look at “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”, the first full episode of The Simpsons and the only one to be broadcast in the 1980’s. For the modern history, we tell the story of the Romanian Revolution that overthrew Nicolae Ceausescu. If you’d like to get in touch with us, you can email us at podcast at retrospecticus.org. If you enjoy the show, please share!
2018-04-2847 minThrowdown ThursdayTTP #53 - RetrospecticusHoly shit snacks, Throwdown Thursday Podcasts celebrates their one year anniversary! In a jam packed episode, the gang take a look down memory lane to discuss their favorite episodes, their favorite guests, and memorable moments throughout their first year of podcasting. They get some special treats from listeners and talk about what will happen in the new year. So come celebrate with us!
2017-06-291h 37