125: Smithers Has a Boyfriend (Interview with Rob and Johnny LaZebnik)

“Portrait of a Lackey on Fire” (November 21, 2021)

“Portrait of a Lackey on Fire” (November 21, 2021)

Either we traveled to the future or the showrunner of The Simpsons reached out and asked us if we want to preview a new Smithers-centric episode airing this Sunday. Maybe both? This new episode happens to be written by Rob LaZebnik (a straight) and Johnny LaZebnik (his son, a gay), and we spoke with both of them about how they write together, what it’s like growing up gay in the shadow of Smithers and what it means that Helen Lovejoy is down with the gays. 

Follow Rob and Johnny on Twitter!

Watch “Smithers & Beyond: Every LGBT Joke on The Simpsons” if you haven’t already and you have 2.5 hours to kill.

And if we’re talking about stuff we did, listen to the “Glen Writes a Golden Girls” episode.

Also listen to the story about how Gayest Episode Ever helped get Tony Rodriguez cast as the  new Julio on The Simpsons.

We are extra special stoked on the art for this episode, which if you’re not seeing on your podcast app of choice you should check out on the main website. It’s by Ian O’Phelan, who has done all the episode art this season and whom you should hire to draw more cool stuff. Check out his art here.

Episode artwork designed by Ian O’Phelan.