Yeardley Smith
Yeardley Smith is the voice of Lisa Simpson and the host of Small Town Dicks. Follow her on Twitter here. Follow Small Town Dicks on Twitter here.
Describe Small Town Dicks in ten words or less.
Every case is told by the detective who investigated it.
How is it different from other true crime shows?
It’s a deeply personal, behind-the-scenes look at how these detectives pull out all the stops to make sure every the domino is lined up perfectly, so that justice can be served.
What do you, Dave, Dan, and Paul each bring to the show? (How are you different?)
Dan investigated violent crimes and is an expert in how to process a crime scene and how to connect the seemingly random dots that will ultimately lead him to the suspect.
Dave investigated sex crimes and child abuse and has given hundreds of talks on how sexual predators groom children IRL and online. He also had a knack for getting suspects, who’ve done the unthinkable, to trust him and keep talking during interviews,
Paul is a brilliant cold-case investigator who brings his extensive knowledge of DNA and criminal psychology to the conversation. He’s also a walking true-crime encyclopedia.
Together, they are the ultimate Dream Team.
Me? I’m the outlier. I try to ask all the questions you, the listener, would ask if you had a seat at the table. Including, where does the not-normal job of seeing people on their worst day everyday live in the heart and soul of these investigators?
If people haven’t listened to an episode yet, which one should they start with?
This is a terrible question! It’s like asking me which, of our over-700 episodes, is my favorite “Simpsons” episode? Ugh. But I’ll try to answer… Today – because it could be different tomorrow!-- I’m going to say, start with RAMPAGE in Season 4. Detective Dave was the lead on the case and in order to gain the suspect’s trust, Dave eats lunch with this man who’s just killed multiple people during the suspect interview, which is part of the episode. You’ll be on the edge of your seat.
If Lisa were to start a podcast, what would it be?
I think it’d be something about animals. Like, maybe she’d team up with a pet psychic and a DJ and then go around the world making life better –through music!– for pets and zoo animals everywhere.
What has making Small Town Dicks taught you about the world?
Trust no one. Just kidding! (Sort of). But I have learned to be hyper-aware of my surroundings whenever I leave the house.
What’s a podcast you love that not enough people know about?
Dark Downeast. It’s a true crime podcast hosted by Kylie Low who does extensive research when she covers a case, all of which take place in Maine and New England. It’s beautifully edited and always includes one or several people connected to the case offering their thoughts and insights.
What do you love about podcasting?
I believe everyone has a story, and I want to hear it.
Is there anything I didn’t ask you that you want to say?
I often get asked “What’s the secret to having a successful podcast?” The real answer is: I don’t know. But, if I were to draw on my own experience, I would say there are there 3 key things I podcast by:
Play the long game. Because with tens of thousands of podcasts to choose from, it might take a while for people to find you.
Record on the best equipment you can afford. Podcast listeners these days are extremely sophisticated and if your sound quality is bad they won’t stick around.
Last, and most importantly, do a podcast about something you love. Because if you don’t, and the podcast doesn’t succeed, now you’ll have lost twice. But if you love what you’re doing and the podcast still doesn’t take off, at least you spent your time and energy doing something you care about.
Thanks, Yeardley!