Episode 213

90s WB Animation with Special Guest Paul Rugg

September 7th, 2026

2 hrs 1 min 45 secs

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warner brothers warner bros television tv writing comedy voice over voice acting freakazoid 90s 1990s animation cartoons cartoon animaniacs

About this Episode

Cartoons from Warner Bros. in the 90s were a little looney, totally insane-ey, and a chance for the creative forces behind them to Freak Out! Guest comedian/filmmaker Tarik Davis (www.tarikrdavis.com) and I are joined by special guest Paul Rugg, credited writer on 76 episodes of Animaniacs, 24 of Freakazoid, and the voices of numerous characters on both shows including Freakazoid himself, for an incredible behind-the-curtain look at the ecosystem of cartoon-making at the WB when it produced some of the most memorable, daring, and flat-out hilarious animation ever.

Find Paul's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/Froynlaven1,

You can find Tarik on NBC's The Amber Ruffin Show, and on his essential podcast, Brothers From Another Planet, see him perform live with Freestyle Love Soupreme.

More importantly, Tarik's short film "Doc - Race, Revolution, Relativity, and the Confessions of a Time Travelling Terrorist" is now out and you can (and should) watch it here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-uBvVgBTIY) The trailer for his new short film, "We're Not In Harlem Anymore", is available here: (https://youtu.be/M6KTil92tX8?si=p1emxuYOa8c7ZQJa)

Be sure to also check out our bi-monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm).

Support us, join the discussion, and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/nostalgium, including the Still Muppeting podcast, Cartoon Therapy podcast, and more!

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Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
Animaniacs Theme - Richard Stone
All score from Animaniacs and Freakazoid! - Richard Stone, Steven Bernstein, Julie Bernstein, Gordon Goodwin, Carl Johnson, J. Eric Schmidt