Few entertainers wear as many hats—or voices—as Harry Shearer. Emmy-winning actor, writer, musician, and master of political satire, Shearer has carved out a one-of-a-kind career spanning decades of comedy, commentary, and cultural critique. Known to millions as the voice behind some of The Simpsons’ most iconic characters, and to cult film fans as the bassist of This is Spinal Tap, Shearer’s talent for blending sharp wit with sharp insight is unmatched.

In 2002, Shearer joined Mark Gordon in the studio to talk about Teddy Bears’ Picnic, a satirical film he wrote and directed that takes a hilariously incisive look at power, secrecy, and the absurd rituals of the elite. In this candid conversation, he reflects on the making of the film, the real-world inspirations behind it, and how comedy can be one of the most potent tools for truth-telling.