Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of a Frank favorite, the western-comedy "Hearts of the West," (released October 8, 1975) co-starring GGACP guest Alan Arkin. In this interview from 2020, Alan (joined by Emmy-winning actor Adam Arkin) talks about portraying villains, directing dark comedies, the precision of the Coen brothers and the Cold War politics of “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.” Also, Pat McCormick hits the hard stuff, Groucho drops in on Second City, Stephen King praises “Wait Until Dark” and Alan (almost) directs “Blazing Saddles.” PLUS: Captain Kangaroo! The brilliance of “The In-Laws”! Adam “reps” Chuck McCann! Alan records “The Banana Boat Song”! And Adam and Alan choose their favorite Arkin performances! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP remembers the late, great television writer Ron Friedman (“The Odd Couple,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “All in the Family,” “Barney Miller”) by revisiting this return engagement from 2019. In this episode, Ron talks about the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism, his years-long friendship with comics legend Stan Lee and the original inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner. Also, Ron regales the boys with all-new stories about Lucille Ball, Lenny Bruce, Tony Randall, Danny Thomas and (of course) Pat McCormick. PLUS: Jack Benny takes a stand! Marilyn Monroe converts! Buster Crabbe teams with Chuck McCann! John Huston tangles with Errol Flynn! And Ron kills off a beloved fictional character!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The team at GGACP bids a fond farewell to our recently departed friend and one of the podcast's favorite guests, comedy writer Ron Friedman (“Get Smart,” “The Odd Couple,” “All in the Family”) by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2018. In this episode, Ron recalls working with everyone from Lucille Ball to Milton Berle to Danny Kaye to Orson Welles and shares the war stories to show for it. Also, Herve  Villechaize packs a rod, Sammy Davis meets Charlie’s Angels, Ron writes “Murder Can Hurt You!” and Pat McCormick takes a…”dip” in Jonathan Winters’ pool. PLUS: Vaughn Meader! Stump and Stumpy! Forrest Tucker introduces “the General”! And Ron creates Paul Lynde’s Uncle Arthur!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keeping with the theme of this week's "Fun For All Ages" game show episode, GGACP revisits this 2017 conversation with "Match Game" writer Dick DeBartolo, who recalls his days as a staff writer-consultant for Goodman-Todson and crafting quips and questions for "Match Game," "Tattletales" and "What's My Line?" Also, the boys look back at some obscure (and largely forgotten) game and quiz shows, including "Don Adams' Screen Test," "The Fun Factory," "The Wizard of Odds" and "The Magnificent Marble Machine." PLUS: The rise and fall of Allan Sherman! Remembering Bobby Van! Sonny Fox hosts "The Movie Game"! And Jackie Gleason apologizes for "You're in the Picture"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of Mel Brooks' short-lived Robin Hood spoof "When Things Were Rotten," starring beloved character actors Dick Gautier and Bernie Kopell. Back in 2016, Bernie joined Gilbert and Frank to talk about that series, as well as his six decades in show business, working with legends Steve Allen, Jack Benny and Phil Silvers and his signature roles on "Get Smart" and "The Love Boat." Also, Charles Boyer apologizes, Raymond Burr takes a seat, Sid Caesar surrounds himself with comedy geniuses and Bernie "gifts" Harvey Korman with a bidet. PLUS: Jose' Jimenez! The world’s slowest agent! Louis Armstrong hails a cab! Jonathan Winters lays down the law! In praise of Dick Van Dyke (and Mary Tyler Moore)! And a surprise guest calls in to the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In connection with the latest "Fun For All Ages" disco episode, GGACP revisits this 2014 interview with the composer of the disco smash “It’s Raining Men,” musician, conductor and comedian (and friend of the podcast) Paul Shaffer. In this episode recorded in the New York Friars Club's Ed Sullivan Room, Paul talks about being influenced by '60s-era variety shows and working with icons James Brown, John Belushi, Sammy Davis, Jr., Brian Wilson AND the infamous Phil Spector. Also in this episode: Remembering Lou Jacobi! Rickie Layne and Velvel! And Paul shares the screen with Mickey Rooney! PLUS: Gilbert and Paul obsess over a Cindy Crawford-Valerie Bertinelli infomercial! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank sets the FFAA time machine back to the decadent and "dancetastic" 1970s as comedian-author Frank DeCaro ("Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under the Mirror Ball") and Grammy-nominated singer Cory Daye (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Kid Creole and the Coconuts) celebrate the songs, artists, movies, nightclubs and cultural impact of the disco era. In this episode: Dr. Buzzard meets James Bond, Ethel Merman records a camp classic, Frank weighs in on Disco Demolition Night and Cory recalls the heyday of the legendary Studio 54. PLUS: Mike Douglas! ABBA trading cards! The genius of Paul Jabara! "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party"! Frank interviews the Queen of Disco! And Cory hangs with RuPaul, Grace Jones and Cab Calloway! Subscribe now on  Apple ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-

GGACP marks the recent 50th anniversary of ABC's "Welcome Back Kotter" (September 9, 1975) with this ENCORE of an 2020 interview with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer and The Lovin’ Spoonful founder (and singer-composer of the "Welcome Back, Kotter" theme song!) John Sebastian. In this episode, John entertains Gilbert and Frank with anecdotes about Cass Elliott, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon and Jim Morrison and reveals the stories and inspirations behind hits like “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” and “Do You Believe in Magic?” Also, Groucho co-hosts “Music Scene,” Richard Pryor plays the Cafe Au Go Go, Art Garfunkel nails a Spoonful cover version and John remembers legendary bandmate Zal Yanovsky. PLUS: Vivian Vance! “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” John plays Woodstock! Boris Karloff plays Captain Hook! And Ed Sullivan introduces the “American Beatles”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In connection with this week's "Fun for All Ages" William Castle tribute, GGACP revisits this 2015 conversation about Castle's 1959 horror "classic" (and longtime Gilbert favorite) "The Tingler." Also in this episode: the sex lives of Batman villains! Vincent Price gives it his all! Roy Scheider replaces Richard Dreyfuss! And the return of Herve’ Villechaize! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank welcomes "Mystery Science Theater 3000" writer-performer Frank Conniff, horror host Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz ("Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story") for a loving look back at the B-movies of legendary producer, director and showman William Castle ("13 Ghosts," "Mr. Sardonicus," "House on Haunted Hill"), his innovative promotional gimmicks (Emergo, Percepto, Illusion-O) and his lasting contributions to the horror genre. Also in this episode, John Waters  introduces "Odorama," Jeffrey hangs with Grandpa Munster, Frank gets spooked by an "Adventures of Superman" episode and Rich attempts to explain the plot of "The Tingler." PLUS: "Rosemary's Baby"! "Carnival of Souls"! The wrath of Joan Crawford! Castle inspires Hitchcock! Hitchcock inspires Castle! And the first acid trip in cinema history! Subscribe now on  Apple ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMU

GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 9) of recurring guest and friend of the podcast, Emmy-winning writer-director-producer Bill Persky by presenting this ENCORE of his very first appearance back in 2014. In this episode, Bill talks about his working relationship with the late, great Carl Reiner, creating “That Girl” with partner Sam Denoff, directing episodes of "Kate & Allie" and "Welcome Back Kotter" and working with virtually EVERYONE in show business — including Julie Andrews, Tim Conway, Bob Hope, Gene Kelly, Mary Tyler Moore, Peter Sellers and Orson Welles (to name but a few). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In connection with the latest "Fun For All Ages" tribute to "The Love Boat," GGACP revisits this 2019 interview with Captain Stubing himself, actor Gavin MacLeod. In this memorable episode, Gavin joins Gilbert and Frank for a candid conversation about paying dues, playing bad guys, crushing on Marilyn Monroe, acting with (and without) a hairpiece and sharing a decades-long friendship with the late, great Ted Knight. Also, Gavin praises Cary Grant, ad-libs with Peter Sellers, cuts the rug with Bing Crosby and breaks into the business with Martin Balsam, Martin Landau and Jack Warden. PLUS: Big Chicken! “Chuckles Bites the Dust”! The brilliance of Blake Edwards! A surprise caller chimes in! And Gavin and Tony Curtis share a donut!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate one of the most popular shows in television history, ABC's "The Love Boat," Frank sits down with author and historian Jim Colucci ("Love Boat Forever: An Unauthorized Tour of the Lido Deck"), actor-comedian Murray Hill ("Somebody Somewhere") and Vicki Stubing herself, actress Jill Whelan, for a lighthearted (and revealing!) conversation about the long-running romantic comedy-drama. In this episode, the panel discusses the generosity of Aaron Spelling, the innocence (and absurdity) of the show's storylines, the gallery of legendary guest stars and the series' lasting impact on popular culture. Also, Murray teams with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jill remembers Leslie Nielsen (and "Airplane!"), Jim shares a special moment with Ricky Martin and Frank shares a very special Jack Jones duet. PLUS: Remembering Ernie Anderson! Jill hangs with Andy Warhol! Debbie Reynolds works blue! Carol Channing eats a Twinkie! And "The Love Boat" inspires the "Amazing Colossal Podcast"!  Subscribe now on  Apple ⁠⁠⁠⁠htt

GGACP celebrates September's National Piano Month with this ENCORE of a 2019 interview with Emmy-winning writer and Tony-winning composer David Yazbek (“The Full Monty,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The Band’s Visit”). In this episode, David joins the boys for a funny conversation about the golden age of kiddie show hosts, the comedy albums of Spike Jones and Allan Sherman, the long-lost era of Top 40 radio and the trials (and triumphs) of composing music for the Broadway stage. Also, Jerry Lewis goes to therapy, Larry David whistles a happy tune, Gilbert remembers Kathleen Freeman and David weighs in on the “Baby, it’s Cold Outside” controversy. PLUS: “The Sammy Maudlin Show”! “Richard Kind Theater”! Moe Howard meets Officer Joe Bolton! And David critiques Gilbert’s “musical” abilities! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of Gilbert's favorite 70s movies, the Gene Hackman-starrer "Night Moves" (released in summer, 1975) by revisiting this discussion from back in 2015. Also in this episode: Kenneth Mars! "Prime Cut"! Arthur Penn tries his hand at film noir! Henry Fonda brings order to the Old West! And Gilbert remembers classic movie posters! (but not the name of his own podcast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank explores his lifelong obsession with breakfast cereals (and breakfast cereal advertising) with the help of author Marty Gitlin ("The Great American Cereal Book") and cereal expert/curator Ami Moyal. In this episode, the boys discuss the golden age of sugary cereals, the showdown between Quisp and Quake, the legendary voices behind Cap'n Crunch and Tony the Tiger and the silliest (and strangest) cereal box prizes of all time. Also, Marty reveals his "cereal rule," Ami plans a menu for Questlove, Quentin Tarantino brings back Fruit Brute (and Kaboom!) and Frank sends away for a "Cosmic Clouder Ray Gun.” PLUS: Oreo O's bite the dust! Franken Berry creates a panic! The Jackson 5 pitch Alpha-Bits! And Snap, Crackle and...Eddie Deezen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GGACP team celebrates the birthday (b. August 24) of Emmy-winning writer, comedian, actor, podcaster and film buff Dana Gould with this ENCORE of an interview from 2016. In this episode, drops by the studio to chat about everything from Hollywood “fixers” to werewolf transformations and to regale Gilbert and Frank with stories about everyone from Dwight Frye to Mark Hamill. Also, Dana meets Merv Griffin, mimics Adam West, befriends Vampira and remembers Roddy McDowall. PLUS: “Mars Attacks!” The genius of Dan Curtis! The sexism of James Bond! Gregory Peck meets Gopher! And the mysterious death of Albert Dekker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GGACP team celebrates the birthday of their late, great colleague Mike "McBeardo" McPadden (b. August 21) by revisiting this deep-dive into Mike's favorite taglines from classic (and non-classic) horror films. Also in this episode: The cinema of Marjoe Gortner! “Humanoids from the Deep”! Henry Fonda goes slumming! And Elvis’ favorite Christmas flick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank and guest co-host Dan Pasternack talk to Emmy-winning writer-actor-director Robert Smigel about his lifelong obsession with Charles Schulz and Peanuts, his preference for "specific" comedy, his working relationship with Lorne Michaels and his unusual friendship with Blackwolf the Dragonmaster. Also, Triumph debates Carl Bernstein, Jesus meets Kathie Lee Gifford, Mr. T auditions for "A Doll's House" and Robert stresses the importance of "embracing oddballs." PLUS: Anne Beatts! Shel Silverstein! The brilliance of Darlene Love! Paul Simon weighs in! Robert turns into Ed Grimley! And Frank and Dan praise the inventiveness of "Leo"! Subscribe now on  Apple ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre/id1824012922⁠⁠⁠ Spotify ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/18EQJNDwlYMUSh2uXD6Mu6?si=97966f6f8c474bc9⁠⁠⁠ Amazon ⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/13b5ed88-d28d-4f0c-a65e-8b32eecd80f6/fun-for-all-ages-with-frank-santopadre⁠⁠⁠

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Tony-nominated actor, singer (and friend of GGACP) Craig Bierko (b. August 18) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2018. In this episode, Craig returns to the show to weigh in on a wide range of topics, including: the lost era of “Clubhouse TV,” the importance of a showbiz “hook,” the generosity of Alan Alda and Carol Burnett and the similarities between Yiddish theatre and “Guys & Dolls.” Also, Jack Paar gets intimate, Steve Martin plays to the cheap seats, Richard Dreyfuss “inhabits” Spencer Tracy and Ted Danson borrows from Dick Van Dyke. PLUS: Peter Tork! In praise of Richard Kind! Craig wows Stephen Sondheim! Gilbert teams with Larry David! And Nathan Lane pays tribute to…EVERYONE!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices