Millions of movie buffs knew Robert Osborne as the elegant, erudite film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, but few knew that he spent time as a struggling actor, was mentored by comedy legend Lucille Ball, and even appeared in the pilot of “The Beverly Hillbillies” — a show he was certain would “never catch on.” Some years ago, Gilbert sat in as TCM’s “Guest Programmer” and Robert generously returned the favor by traveling to Manhattan’s Society of Illustrators on a hot July evening t...
Jan 26, 2026•1 hr 27 min
Gilbert and Frank visit the New York City apartment of “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross to talk about some of his favorite roasts and roast jokes (he also couldn’t resist the urge to roast his two interviewers). Jeff also recalls his friendships with showbiz icons Buddy Hackett, Bea Arthur, Sid Caesar and Milton Berle, including the time he was treated to a sneak peek of Uncle Miltie’s legendarily large appendage. Also, Gilbert chimes in on his infamous performance at the Hugh Hefner roast and th...
Jan 22, 2026•1 hr 20 min
Throughout the late 1950’s and 60’s, the comedy duo of (Marty) Allen & (Steve) Rossi performed to sold-out Vegas crowds, recorded best-selling comedy albums and made hundreds of TV appearances (44 of them on “The Ed Sullivan Show"). Sadly, Steve Rossi had passed away earlier in 2014, but Gilbert and Frank tracked down the other half of the legendary team, 92-year-old Marty Allen, to talk about his 60+ years in the business, his brushes with Elvis and the Beatles and the origin of the his sig...
Jan 19, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Musician, comedian, actor and composer Paul Shaffer was heavily influenced by the musical (and comedy) acts he grew up watching on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” so it was only fitting that we interviewed him in the “Ed Sullivan Room” of the famed New York Friars Club. Not many people can say they worked with James Brown, John Belushi, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Brian Wilson, Mickey Rooney AND the infamous Phil Spector, but Paul has — and he shares memorable anecdotes about every one of them. Also,...
Jan 15, 2026•1 hr 24 min
Frank welcomes 2026 with GGACP Rewind , a full replay of The Amazing Colossal Podcast from the very beginning. Plus, more Fun For All Ages. Subscribe to Fun For all Ages 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-santo...
Jan 13, 2026•3 min
Gilbert and Frank visit the Manhattan apartment of 91-year-old comedy legend Larry Storch to talk about his days in nightclubs and burlesque, his gift for accents and dialects, his decades-long friendships with Tony Curtis and Don (“Get Smart”) Adams and his memories of everyone from Lucille Ball to Orson Welles. Also, Larry shares some of his all-time favorite jokes and joins the boys for an impromptu (and practically on-key) rendition of the “F-Troop” theme. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Jan 12, 2026•56 min
Actor and alleged wiseguy Gianni Russo, who played the traitorous Carlo Rizzi in 1972's "The Godfather," stops by the studio to talk about people he's bumped off in real life (two, maybe three that he’ll admit to), sleeping with Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Monroe (!?) and taking acting lessons from Marlon Brando. Also, crime boss John Gotti and Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega get mentions! (Did you know that Liza and Noriega briefly toured together in the ’80s? Okay, we made that part up). Lear...
Jan 08, 2026•1 hr
In the debut episode of GGACP, comedian, author and talk show icon Dick Cavett drops by Gilbert’s Manhattan apartment to sip Merlot and share personal memories of Groucho Marx, Johnny Carson and John Lennon, among others. Dick also talks about the time a guest dropped dead on his set (yes, it happened) AND favors Gilbert and Frank with some dead-on impersonations of his favorite obscure character actors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 05, 2026•1 hr 6 min
In connection with this week’s “Fun For All Ages” encore episode about Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday, GGACP revisits part one of this wide-ranging 2019 interview with comedian-historian and host of “The Carson Podcast,” Mark Malkoff.In this episode: Mel Brooks takes on Tony Bennett, Ed Ames performs a “bris,” the mystery of the Zsa Zsa Gabor story, and Johnny turns down “The King of Comedy”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 01, 2026•25 min
GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 30) of Emmy-winning television director James Burrows with this ENCORE of an interview from 2019. In this episode, James talks about the importance of the “straight man,” the influence of his legendary dad Abe Burrows, the societal impact of “Will & Grace” and the winning formulas behind “Taxi,” “Friends” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Also, Andy Kaufman comes to dinner, Woody Harrelson changes the game, Norman Lear writes a fan letter and James meet...
Dec 29, 2025•1 hr 36 min
GGACP celebrates Christmas Day by revisiting this fan favorite extravaganza from 2017 as holiday fixture Mario Cantone drops by the studio to chime in on everything from the infamous Bette Davis-Joan Crawford feud to the not-so-special effects of “Mighty Joe Young” to the strange predilections of Frosty the Snowman. Also, Dracula plays heavy metal, Carol Kane plays Gilbert’s wife, Mario learns the Perfecto Telles story (!) and the co-hosts rank the best (and worst) adaptations of “A Christmas Ca...
Dec 25, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Don't miss any of the fun! Full episode available on Fun For All Ages. Links below 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 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgv...
Dec 23, 2025•6 min
GGACP welcomes Christmas 2025 with this ENCORE of the final (2021) GGACP holiday show featuring actor, singer and fan favorite Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario discusses a sackful of topics, including the joys of Albert Finney’s “Scrooge,” the enduring appeal of the Snow Miser, the genius of Stephen Sondheim and the 100th birthday of Judy Garland. Also, Mel Gibson celebrates Hanukkah (!), Gilbert replaces Kim Cattrall, Bette Davis makes like Maria von Trapp and Emannuel Lewis learns the tru...
Dec 22, 2025•1 hr 33 min
GGACP celebrates the 2025 holiday season by revisiting this short but sweet mini-episode from 2018, as Gilbert gleefully opens Christmas gifts from worshipping fans — including coffee table (!) books, collectible magazines, homemade holiday CDs, hand-drawn greeting cards and other goodies. Also in this episode: Chick Tracts presents “The Death Cookie,” the music of the Johnny Gregory Orchestra, Gilbert warbles the Chock Full O’ Nuts jingle and the first mention of future staffer-funster Michele ...
Dec 18, 2025•27 min
GGACP makes merry with this ENCORE of a memorable and musical mini-episode from way back in 2016, as the irrepressible Mario Cantone joins the boys for a loving look at Christmas novelty songs, including timeless classics and tuneless clunkers. Also in this episode: Dueling Dylans! Dominick the Donkey! Gilbert gets a Christmas tree! The return of Bob Hope’s ‘Jack Frost’! And Tony Curtis puts the moves on Bette Davis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Dec 15, 2025•32 min
To coincide with this week's "Fun for All Ages" salute to 1960s and '70s New York television, GGACP revisits this 2014 interview with a legend of local broadcasting, the one and only Joe Franklin. In this episode, Gilbert and Frank drop in on Joe’s infamously cluttered (an understatement!) Times Square office to nosh on chicken salad, dodge falling stacks of collectibles and ask the “King of Nostalgia” about his memories of Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Buster Keaton, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Strei...
Dec 11, 2025•57 min
GGACP celebrates the 2025 holiday season with this ENCORE of a mini-show from 2017 as Gilbert and Frank (with an assist from Raybone) explore some lesser-known (and deservedly so, in some cases) Christmas flicks, including “Susan Slept Here,” “Pocketful of Miracles,” “A Carol for Another Christmas,” “Santa Claus vs. the Devil” and “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t.” Also in this episode: The cinema of Sonny Fox! Grizzly Adams to the rescue! Gilbert dons a Santa suit! Frank Capra cries plagiarism...
Dec 08, 2025•29 min
To coincide with this week's "Fun for All Ages" episode about 1960s and '70s New York-based kiddie shows, GGACP revisits this tribute to local TV legend Chuck McCann from 2018. In this episode: “Cool McCool”! Rootie Kazootie! Stan Laurel comes to America! “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter”! And Chuck founds The Sons of the Desert! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 04, 2025•40 min
GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 1st) of writer-director Larry Charles (“Borat,” “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2019. In this episode, Larry joins the boys for an engrossing conversation about humor as a survival tactic, the hazards of guerrilla filmmaking, the persuasive powers of Sacha Baron Cohen and the Netflix show, “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy.” Also, Mel Brooks sends up Bill Cullen, Jerry Lewis inspires Bob Dylan, Gilbert gues...
Dec 01, 2025•1 hr 40 min
GGACP celebrates Thanksgiving 2025 by revisiting this ridiculously in-depth 2018 analysis of some genuine "golden turkeys," featuring one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite topics: apes and gorillas. In this episode: Gilbert breaks down “Old Dracula," Jerry Lewis threatens to sue Sammy Petrillo, Raymond Burr turns into a gorilla and Bela Lugosi tries his hand at comedy. PLUS: "Return of the Ape Man"! William "One Shot" Beaudine! The strange case of Barbara Payton! And the unusual proclivities of Li...
Nov 27, 2025•39 min
To coincide with this week's long-awaited "Fun For All Ages" Jackie Martling-Billy West reunion, GGACP turns back the clock to 2019, when the boys made their first joint appearance on the "Amazing Colossal Podcast." In this episode, Jackie and Billy talk about the cinema of George Pal, the versatility of Paul Frees, the uniqueness of Peter Sellers and the enduring legend of Joe Franklin. Also, Jonathan Winters disses Don Adams, Jack Carter guests on “Ren & Stimpy,” Billy meets The Man from U...
Nov 24, 2025•1 hr 35 min
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic Neil Simon comedy “The Sunshine Boys” (released November, 1975) by revisiting this memorable interview with the film’s co-star, actor-director Richard Benjamin. In this episode, Richard looks back on his six-decade career in Hollywood and recalls memories of working with Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Mike Nichols and Orson Welles. Also, James Mason pulls a fast one, Walter Matthau plays the ponies, George Burns orders the soup and J...
Nov 20, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Don't miss any of the fun. Subscribe to Fun for All Ages now for a new episode every Tuesday! 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 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=...
Nov 18, 2025•3 min
GGACP celebrates the birthday (November 19th) of 4-time guest and friend of the podcast, the legendary Dick Cavett, by presenting this ENCORE of a fascinating interview from 2019. In this episode, Dick shares delightful (and hilarious) anecdotes about Jack Benny, Stan Laurel, Truman Capote and Walter Winchell (among others) and looks back on memorable sit-downs with Orson Welles, John Lennon, George Harrison and Laurence Olivier. Also in this episode: Peter Lorre fails the audition, Lily Tomlin ...
Nov 17, 2025•1 hr 58 min
In connection with this week's "Fun for All Ages" conversation about "The Day the Clown Cried," GGACP revisits this 2015 interview with illusionist, filmmaker and comedian Penn Jillette. In this episode, Penn opines on a host of offbeat topics ranging from Jerry Lewis' ill-fated pet project to strippers’ tricks of the trade, the comedy of Dennis Miller, the cinema of the Three Stooges and failed attempts to summon the spirit of Bela Lugosi. Also: Penn debunks “cold readings,” exposes phone scams...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 1 min
GGACP celebrates National Aviation Month (!) by revisiting the infamous Pat McCormick helicopter story in this ENCORE of an interview with legendary writer-actor-director Buck Henry. In this episode, Buck looks back on his 50+ year career and shares hilarious anecdotes about Orson Welles, James Mason, John Belushi and Jonathan Winters (among others). Also: Buck adapts “Catch-22,” praises Richard Benjamin, invents the Cone of Silence and co-directs “Heaven Can Wait." PLUS: “Captain Nice”! “Samura...
Nov 10, 2025•1 hr 12 min
To coincide with this week's "Fun for All Ages" episode about movie musicals of 1980, GGACP revisits this hilarious conversation from 2017 about Gil and Frank's' favorite musical misfires. In this episode: Burt Reynolds sings Cole Porter, Gene Kelly laces up his skates, Nipsey Russell follows the yellow brick road and Carol Channing covers the Beatles. PLUS: "Grease 2"! "Paint Your Wagon"! And Gilbert meets Mr. Baseball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Nov 06, 2025•37 min
GGACP squeezes a few extra scares out of spooky season with this ENCORE of a 2016 interview with the “King of Splatter,” makeup effects wizard Tom Savini. In this episode, Tom reveals the secret of onscreen suspense, shares his admiration for legendary makeup artists Dick Smith and Jack Pierce and explains how “Midnight Cowboy” changed his life. Also, Tom praises George Clooney, defends Jerry Lewis, laughs it up with Tony Curtis and shakes hands with the Three Stooges. PLUS: Joe Spinell! “Dr. Te...
Nov 03, 2025•1 hr 22 min
GGACP celebrates Halloween 2025 with this ENCORE of a mini-ep from 2015, featuring Gilbert and Frank's Halloween movie recommendations. In this episode: Lon Chaney Jr. fills Karloff's boots, Walter Huston meets Agatha Christie, Gilbert’s nana praises Barry Fitzgerald and the strange passions of Lionel Atwill. PLUS: The boys (finally) track down Janet Ann Gallow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 30, 2025•14 min
GGACP celebrates Halloween week by revisiting this conversation from 2021 as Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 90th anniversaries (1931-2021) of Universal Studios’ original “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” with Oscar-winning makeup creator Rick Baker and late author-historian David J. Skal. In this episode, Rick and David talk about sympathetic monsters, mad scientists (real and imagined), the genius of Jack Pierce and the premature deaths of Colin Clive, Dwight Frye and Lon Chaney. Also, David interv...
Oct 27, 2025•1 hr 52 min
