2: An interview with "Simpsons" writer, co-producer Joel Cohen

Well, the second TV Talk Machine is up and running, this time featuring an interview with Joel Cohen, a writer and co-executive producer. Cohen is in his eighth year writing for "The Simpsons" and before he came to San Francisco for a lecture, he took some time to chat about everything from what it's like inside a highly competitive writing room, to the new "Simpsons" movie and his brief stint writing on "Suddenly Susan," which I immediately held against him but then forgave him for. Cohen was a good sport and anytime you can talk about The Best Show Ever, well, you take it. "The Simpsons" is the longest running comedy that is currently on television and the longest running animated series in television history. In May, "The Simpsons" will air its 400th episode, which is just staggering. Based on renewals, "The Simpsons" will eventually top "(The Adventures Of) Ozzie & Harriet" which racked up 435 episodes, to become the longest running comedy ever on TV. As well it should. "The Simpsons" is currently in its 18th season. I talk with Cohen a bit about how some fans perpetually complain about the early years being better, and the fact that some people have watched the show their whole lives. And by the way, if you haven't been to "The Simpsons" website in a while, you should. A person can burn up a lot of time there.