Sun, 02 Aug 2026 19:26:20 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2629103 en-us © 2026 Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace yes 342c3211-79e1-5eab-837c-d8a1e609c7ce andrew@donutsonthecouch.com Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge episodic false Former college roommates Thom Partridge and Dr. Andrew Murray revisit every episode of The Simpsons through the eyes of two dads in their 40s, exploring the humor, heart, and surprising depth of Springfield one episode at a time.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge andrew@donutsonthecouch.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/3sdiu0rc7tf9se61oz5l7pcb4kno?.jpg https://www.buzzsprout.com/2629103 Some Enchanted Evening - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E13 In “Some Enchanted Evening,” Marge’s call to Dr. Marvin Monroe sends Homer scrambling to rescue date night with a rose, chocolates, and a babysitter who turns out to be Springfield’s most wanted. Andrew and Thom discuss feeling unappreciated, Homer’s highly selective listening skills, and the strange experience of revisiting an episode originally intended to introduce the entire series. Along the way, they revisit Bart’s prank calls to Moe, Happy Little Elves, alarming childhood television, Penny Marshall’s turn as Ms. Botz, and the kids’ perfectly reasonable decision to bind their babysitter and force her to watch cartoons. Season 1 ends as it should: with the criminal escaping, the Simpsons apologizing, and Homer being identified on the evening news as a “local boob.”

]]> In “Some Enchanted Evening,” Marge’s call to Dr. Marvin Monroe sends Homer scrambling to rescue date night with a rose, chocolates, and a babysitter who turns out to be Springfield’s most wanted. Andrew and Thom discuss feeling unappreciated, Homer’s highly selective listening skills, and the strange experience of revisiting an episode originally intended to introduce the entire series. Along the way, they revisit Bart’s prank calls to Moe, Happy Little Elves, alarming childhood television, Penny Marshall’s turn as Ms. Botz, and the kids’ perfectly reasonable decision to bind their babysitter and force her to watch cartoons. Season 1 ends as it should: with the criminal escaping, the Simpsons apologizing, and Homer being identified on the evening news as a “local boob.”

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559542 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3523 1 13 full false Krusty Gets Busted - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E12 In “Krusty Gets Busted,” Homer witnesses Springfield’s favorite clown robbing the Kwik-E-Mart, sending Krusty from children’s television royalty to public enemy number one. Andrew and Thom discuss Bart’s unwavering faith in his hero, the debut of Sideshow Bob, and the episode’s darker look at celebrity, media frenzy, and how quickly a town will turn on yesterday’s beloved entertainer. Along the way, they revisit clown police lineups, triple-chocolate ice cream, Kent Brockman’s breathless reporting, Krusty’s deeply questionable endorsements, and Sideshow Bob’s attempt to replace lowbrow comedy with educational television. Bart and Lisa ultimately crack the case, proving that sometimes the child who refuses to accept the obvious is the only one paying attention.

]]> In “Krusty Gets Busted,” Homer witnesses Springfield’s favorite clown robbing the Kwik-E-Mart, sending Krusty from children’s television royalty to public enemy number one. Andrew and Thom discuss Bart’s unwavering faith in his hero, the debut of Sideshow Bob, and the episode’s darker look at celebrity, media frenzy, and how quickly a town will turn on yesterday’s beloved entertainer. Along the way, they revisit clown police lineups, triple-chocolate ice cream, Kent Brockman’s breathless reporting, Krusty’s deeply questionable endorsements, and Sideshow Bob’s attempt to replace lowbrow comedy with educational television. Bart and Lisa ultimately crack the case, proving that sometimes the child who refuses to accept the obvious is the only one paying attention.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559470 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2968 1 12 full false The Crepes of Wrath - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E11 In “The Crepes of Wrath,” Bart’s latest prank earns him a one-way ticket to France, where the promised château turns out to offer less fine dining and more child labor, questionable wine additives, and endless buckets of water. Andrew and Thom discuss cultural exchange, exploitation, international espionage, and the episode’s surprisingly ambitious decision to send The Simpsons beyond Springfield for the first time. Along the way, they revisit cherry bombs, Agnes Skinner calling her son “Spanky,” Adil’s effortless assimilation into the Simpson household, and Bart’s discovery that the key to becoming a national hero is apparently learning just enough French to report two criminals poisoning the wine.

]]> In “The Crepes of Wrath,” Bart’s latest prank earns him a one-way ticket to France, where the promised château turns out to offer less fine dining and more child labor, questionable wine additives, and endless buckets of water. Andrew and Thom discuss cultural exchange, exploitation, international espionage, and the episode’s surprisingly ambitious decision to send The Simpsons beyond Springfield for the first time. Along the way, they revisit cherry bombs, Agnes Skinner calling her son “Spanky,” Adil’s effortless assimilation into the Simpson household, and Bart’s discovery that the key to becoming a national hero is apparently learning just enough French to report two criminals poisoning the wine.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559404 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2622 1 11 full false Homer's Night Out - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E10 In “Homer’s Night Out,” Bart’s new spy camera captures Homer at a bachelor party—and turns one bad decision into Springfield’s hottest piece of pre-internet viral content. Andrew and Thom discuss marriage, trust, objectification, and the episode’s surprisingly thoughtful message about how boys learn to view women. Along the way, they revisit darkrooms, seafood-related trauma, Burns’ admiration of Homer’s “animal magnetism,” and the questionable parenting choice of taking your ten-year-old to a strip club in search of a life lesson. It all leads to Homer delivering a genuinely heartfelt message about respect—just before Bart tries to break up the reconciliation.

]]> In “Homer’s Night Out,” Bart’s new spy camera captures Homer at a bachelor party—and turns one bad decision into Springfield’s hottest piece of pre-internet viral content. Andrew and Thom discuss marriage, trust, objectification, and the episode’s surprisingly thoughtful message about how boys learn to view women. Along the way, they revisit darkrooms, seafood-related trauma, Burns’ admiration of Homer’s “animal magnetism,” and the questionable parenting choice of taking your ten-year-old to a strip club in search of a life lesson. It all leads to Homer delivering a genuinely heartfelt message about respect—just before Bart tries to break up the reconciliation.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559391 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2922 1 10 full false The Telltale Head - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E8 In “The Telltale Head,” Bart’s desperate bid to impress Springfield’s resident bad boys ends with one impulsive act, one headless town founder, and a mob that is surprisingly unwilling to hear him out. Andrew and Thom discuss popularity, peer pressure, parental cautionary tales, and the terrible decision-making that can occur around 3:00 in the morning. Along the way, they revisit Homer sneaking football into church, Reverend Lovejoy’s sleep-inducing sermons, the debut of Jimbo, Kearney, and Dolph, and the episode’s impressive ability to make stupidity and brilliance coexist in the same characters.

]]> In “The Telltale Head,” Bart’s desperate bid to impress Springfield’s resident bad boys ends with one impulsive act, one headless town founder, and a mob that is surprisingly unwilling to hear him out. Andrew and Thom discuss popularity, peer pressure, parental cautionary tales, and the terrible decision-making that can occur around 3:00 in the morning. Along the way, they revisit Homer sneaking football into church, Reverend Lovejoy’s sleep-inducing sermons, the debut of Jimbo, Kearney, and Dolph, and the episode’s impressive ability to make stupidity and brilliance coexist in the same characters.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559359 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3284 1 8 full false The Call of the Simpsons - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E7 In “The Call of the Simpsons,” Homer’s jealousy of Ned Flanders leads to an ill-advised RV purchase, a family camping trip, and his eventual identification as a possible missing link. Andrew and Thom discuss high-pressure sales tactics, forced family fun, Maggie’s surprisingly successful life among the bears, and the stark difference between Marge and Lisa’s wilderness competence and Homer and Bart’s complete lack thereof. Along the way, they explore childhood camping memories, traveling with kids, Albert Brooks’ unforgettable Cowboy Bob, and the timeless lesson that keeping up with the Flanderses may end with you naked, covered in mud, and pursued by Bigfoot researchers.

]]> In “The Call of the Simpsons,” Homer’s jealousy of Ned Flanders leads to an ill-advised RV purchase, a family camping trip, and his eventual identification as a possible missing link. Andrew and Thom discuss high-pressure sales tactics, forced family fun, Maggie’s surprisingly successful life among the bears, and the stark difference between Marge and Lisa’s wilderness competence and Homer and Bart’s complete lack thereof. Along the way, they explore childhood camping memories, traveling with kids, Albert Brooks’ unforgettable Cowboy Bob, and the timeless lesson that keeping up with the Flanderses may end with you naked, covered in mud, and pursued by Bigfoot researchers.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559348 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3530 1 7 full false Moaning Lisa - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E6 In “Moaning Lisa,” Lisa finds herself overwhelmed by a sadness she cannot explain—and surrounded by adults who do not quite know how to help. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s remarkably thoughtful portrayal of childhood depression, Homer’s well-intentioned but misguided attempts at parenting, and Marge’s eventual realization that Lisa needs understanding rather than encouragement to simply smile. Along the way, they explore sibling rivalry, vintage video games, jazz as emotional expression, and the importance of giving children space to feel heard.

]]> In “Moaning Lisa,” Lisa finds herself overwhelmed by a sadness she cannot explain—and surrounded by adults who do not quite know how to help. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s remarkably thoughtful portrayal of childhood depression, Homer’s well-intentioned but misguided attempts at parenting, and Marge’s eventual realization that Lisa needs understanding rather than encouragement to simply smile. Along the way, they explore sibling rivalry, vintage video games, jazz as emotional expression, and the importance of giving children space to feel heard.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559327 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 4049 1 6 full false Bart the General - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E5 In “Bart the General,” a confrontation with Nelson Muntz leaves Bart bruised, humiliated, and ready to declare war. Andrew and Thom discuss the code of the schoolyard, Homer’s questionable lessons in fighting dirty, and Bart’s transformation from isolated victim to pint-sized military commander. Along the way, they explore childhood bullying, the importance of grandparents, Herman’s surprisingly elaborate battle strategy, and how the episode balances cartoon warfare with a thoughtful message about the realities of violence.

]]> In “Bart the General,” a confrontation with Nelson Muntz leaves Bart bruised, humiliated, and ready to declare war. Andrew and Thom discuss the code of the schoolyard, Homer’s questionable lessons in fighting dirty, and Bart’s transformation from isolated victim to pint-sized military commander. Along the way, they explore childhood bullying, the importance of grandparents, Herman’s surprisingly elaborate battle strategy, and how the episode balances cartoon warfare with a thoughtful message about the realities of violence.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559315 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3829 1 5 full false There's No Disgrace Like Home - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E4 In “There’s No Disgrace Like Home,” Homer becomes convinced that the Simpsons are Springfield’s most dysfunctional family—and decides that a little professional help might be the answer. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s satire of family normalcy, Homer’s shifting role within the household, and Dr. Marvin Monroe’s unconventional approach to family therapy. Along the way, they explore screen time, picky eaters, workplace culture, Itchy & Scratchy, suspiciously perfect families, and the lengths Homer will go to protect the Simpson family’s reputation.

]]> In “There’s No Disgrace Like Home,” Homer becomes convinced that the Simpsons are Springfield’s most dysfunctional family—and decides that a little professional help might be the answer. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s satire of family normalcy, Homer’s shifting role within the household, and Dr. Marvin Monroe’s unconventional approach to family therapy. Along the way, they explore screen time, picky eaters, workplace culture, Itchy & Scratchy, suspiciously perfect families, and the lengths Homer will go to protect the Simpson family’s reputation.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19559302 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3458 1 4 full false Life in the Fast Lane - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E9 In “Life on the Fast Lane,” Homer’s spectacularly thoughtless birthday gift sends Marge to the bowling alley—and into the path of the charmingly persistent Jacques. Andrew and Thom discuss Marge’s growing dissatisfaction, Homer’s belated realization that his marriage may be in trouble, and the surprising emotional depth of an episode told largely from Marge’s perspective. Along the way, they explore forgotten birthdays, bowling shoes, marital communication, bottled-up feelings, and one of the most meaningful forks in the road of The Simpsons’ first season.

]]> In “Life on the Fast Lane,” Homer’s spectacularly thoughtless birthday gift sends Marge to the bowling alley—and into the path of the charmingly persistent Jacques. Andrew and Thom discuss Marge’s growing dissatisfaction, Homer’s belated realization that his marriage may be in trouble, and the surprising emotional depth of an episode told largely from Marge’s perspective. Along the way, they explore forgotten birthdays, bowling shoes, marital communication, bottled-up feelings, and one of the most meaningful forks in the road of The Simpsons’ first season.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19558396 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3645 1 9 full false Homer's Odyssey - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E3 Homer loses his job at the nuclear power plant and spirals into one of the darkest stories of The Simpsons’ first season—before discovering a new sense of purpose as Springfield’s unlikely safety crusader. Andrew and Thom revisit “Homer’s Odyssey,” discussing unemployment, depression, suicide, and the episode’s surprisingly sincere depiction of a man trying to feel useful again. Along the way, they consider Bart’s tattoo ambitions, the joys and hazards of school-bus field trips, changing workplace culture, rural Wisconsin bar life, and the early appearances of Otto, Blinky, Smithers, and several other future Springfield regulars.

]]> Homer loses his job at the nuclear power plant and spirals into one of the darkest stories of The Simpsons’ first season—before discovering a new sense of purpose as Springfield’s unlikely safety crusader. Andrew and Thom revisit “Homer’s Odyssey,” discussing unemployment, depression, suicide, and the episode’s surprisingly sincere depiction of a man trying to feel useful again. Along the way, they consider Bart’s tattoo ambitions, the joys and hazards of school-bus field trips, changing workplace culture, rural Wisconsin bar life, and the early appearances of Otto, Blinky, Smithers, and several other future Springfield regulars.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19540804 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 3066 1 3 full false Bart the Genius - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E2 Bart switches aptitude tests with Martin Prince and is promptly identified as Springfield’s newest genius. Andrew and Thom revisit “Bart the Genius,” comparing what they noticed as eight-year-olds with what stands out now as middle-aged dads—from standardized testing and schoolyard social hierarchies to cursive writing, morning routines, and the hazards of scientific inaccuracy. Along the way, they explore Bart’s brief life among the gifted, Martin’s complicated role as both victim and tattletale, and the surprising warmth of Bart and Homer’s father-son bond.

]]> Bart switches aptitude tests with Martin Prince and is promptly identified as Springfield’s newest genius. Andrew and Thom revisit “Bart the Genius,” comparing what they noticed as eight-year-olds with what stands out now as middle-aged dads—from standardized testing and schoolyard social hierarchies to cursive writing, morning routines, and the hazards of scientific inaccuracy. Along the way, they explore Bart’s brief life among the gifted, Martin’s complicated role as both victim and tattletale, and the surprising warmth of Bart and Homer’s father-son bond.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19540770 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2751 1 2 full false Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire - Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace S1E1 Andrew and Thom officially begin their journey through The Simpsons with “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” the episode that introduced the world to the Simpson family. They share their memories of watching the show as kids, revisit the episode through the eyes of fathers in their 40s, and explain what they hope to discover while growing up all over again on Evergreen Terrace.

]]> Andrew and Thom officially begin their journey through The Simpsons with “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” the episode that introduced the world to the Simpson family. They share their memories of watching the show as kids, revisit the episode through the eyes of fathers in their 40s, and explain what they hope to discover while growing up all over again on Evergreen Terrace.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19530731 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3032 1 1 full false Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace Preview Episode Meet Andrew and Thom, two longtime friends revisiting The Simpsons from a whole new perspective. In this four-minute sneak peek, they introduce themselves, explain the format of Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace, and share what inspired them to return to Springfield—this time as dads in their forties.

]]> Meet Andrew and Thom, two longtime friends revisiting The Simpsons from a whole new perspective. In this four-minute sneak peek, they introduce themselves, explain the format of Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace, and share what inspired them to return to Springfield—this time as dads in their forties.

]]> Andrew Murray and Thom Partridge Buzzsprout-19520844 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 257 1 trailer false