Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried, a man Stephen King once called “a national treasure,” talks with the show business legends, icons and behind-the-scenes talents who shaped his childhood and influenced his comedy. Along with co-host and fellow pop culture fanatic Frank Santopadre, Gilbert is joined by comics, actors, musicians, talk show hosts, writers and other eyewitnesses to Hollywood history, including Bruce Dern, Chevy Chase, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Adam West, Steve Buscemi, Micky Dolenz, Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow and DOZENS more, for a funny, frenetic, fly-on-the-wall look at showbiz then and now (but mostly then.) Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast was named "Best Podcast of 2015" by the Village Voice and one of iTunes' "Best of 2014." It has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wired and the Los Angeles Times.
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GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. August 6) of actor and director Peter Bonerz, by revisiting this interview from 2018. In this episode, Peter shares his views on the state of television comedy, the pros and cons of laugh tracks and the rights and wrongs of improvisational theater and looks back on his decades-long friendships with Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette. Also, Redd Foxx changes his tune, Carroll O’Connor cashes a check, Woody Allen brings down the house and Peter directs Gilbert in a...
Frank welcomes theme park experience designer Dave Cobb ("Men in Black: Alien Attack") and attraction show writer and author Robert Coker ("Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines") for an in-depth look at the fascinating histories of failed and forgotten amusement parks, including Freedomland USA, The Land of Oz, Pacific Ocean Park, Hanna-Barbera Land and The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, among others. Also in this episode: Soupy Sales hosts a beauty pageant,...
In connection with Frank's “Fun for All Ages” tribute to Joe Flaherty, GGACP revisits this 2018 interview with another "SCTV" icon, actress and comedian Andrea Martin. In this episode, Andrea talks about the long-lost era of variety television, the strange world of Internet celebrity, the proposed “SCTV” reunion and the origin of classic characters Edith Prickley and Perini Scleroso. Also, Merv Griffin signs off, Bob Dylan overstays his welcome, Lee Grant crushes on Gilbert and Andrea remembers ...
Gilbert Gottfried and Frank Santopadre celebrate their favorite classic TV series, starting with Nat Hiken's beloved Car 54, Where Are You? They then delve into the iconic 1966 Batman series, discussing its unique charm, all-star guest villains like Cesar Romero, and the show's enduring legacy. The hosts share humorous anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights from both beloved comedies.
Frank is joined by Emmy-winning writer-producer Dick Blasucci ("Mad TV," "The Larry Sanders Show") and Emmy-winning writer-director Paul Flaherty ("Clifford," "Who's Harry Crumb?") for a loving tribute to the life and career of the late "SCTV" stalwart Joe Flaherty. In this episode, Dick and Paul discuss Joe's passion for classic cinema, his rise from Second City stage manager to performer, his repertoire of celebrity impressions and the (rumored) origins of Count Floyd, Vic Hedges and Guy Cabal...
To celebrate the recent "Fun for All Ages" podcast about the 1966-'68 "Batman" series, GGACP presents this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with the caped crusader of Gilbert and Frank's childhoods, the legendary ADAM WEST. In this episode, Adam shares memories of everyone from Gary Cooper to Jackie Gleason and jokes about some of his more “challenging” gigs (“Voodoo Island” anyone?). Also, Adam duets with Dino, makes history with William Shatner and pays Gilbert one of the greatest compliments of his...
In this conclusion of a 2-part installment, Gilbert and Frank celebrate 200 episodes of GGACP by fielding probing questions from the devoted members of the "Amazing Colossal Listener Society" Facebook page. In this episode: “Blame It on Rio”! Alan Arkin’s “Fire Sale”! Praise for Gilbert’s Peter Lorre! Paul Lynde lusts after Carol Wayne! And Red Buttons parts the Red Sea! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Frank is joined by Emmy-winning writer-comedian DANA GOULD and this week's co-host, voice actor (and youthful ward) BARRETT LEDDY for a waaay too in-depth analysis of the rogues' gallery of arch-villains from the classic 1966-'68 "Batman" series. In this episode, Frank and the boys talk about bat-climbs, celebrity cameos and "non-canon" nemeses and share their favorite (and LEAST favorite) bat-baddies, while taking a nostalgic look back at an oft-repeated "rumor" from the "Amazing Colossal Podca...
In this ENCORE of a celebration of GGACP's 200th episode, Gilbert and Frank answer questions from the members of the "Amazing Colossal Listener Society" Facebook fan page. In this episode: Discovering Harpo’s wig! Sonny Fox turns on the waterworks! Gilbert “rescues” Chevy Chase! The riskiest movie ever made! And the Shecky Greene flaming monkey story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the centenary of comedy icon Peter Sellers (born 1925) by revisiting this 2015 conversation about (arguably) Sellers' most admired film (and performance), 1979's "Being There." ALSO in this episode: Marcus Welby joins the Nazi party! The inspiration of Stan Laurel! The tortured genius of Hal Ashby! And "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the premiere episode of Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre, Frank kicks off this new adventure with a heartfelt and hilarious tribute to "Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast!" Joining Frank for an hour of stories, memories and laughs are GGACP producing partner Dara Gottfried, entertainment reporter Gino Salomone, and comedy legend Alan Zweibel. Also in this episode: Bob Costas almost tanks his career, Gino runs afoul of Robert Wagner, Dara shares a priceless voicemail from Bill ...
GGACP celebrates the centenaries of screen legends Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis (born 1925) with this ENCORE of a 2015 mini-episode saluting one of the boys' favorite comedies (okay...one of Frank's favorite comedies), Blake Edwards' sprawling, slapstick road picture "The Great Race." ALSO in this episode: Treat Williams cleans up the mean streets of Manhattan! The brilliance of Bert I. Gordon! And Gilbert recommends yet another depressing film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the #1 record of 1975, "Love Will Keep Us Together" with this LIVE singalong episode (from Sid Gold’s Request Room in New York City) and tribute to songwriter Neil Sedaka (and others). In this episode, Gilbert and Frank are accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Joe McGinty and a roomful of passionate (and knowledgeable!) listeners as they warble memorable tunes from ABBA, The Archies, Jim Croce, Paper Lace and Kermit the Frog. Also, Helen Reddy gets the j...
A podcast celebrating the golden age of pop culture. For the kids who counted down every song on American Top 40, clipped a Monkees record from a box of Alpha-Bits or begged their parents for a Han Solo action figure or Six Million Dollar Man lunchbox. Join Emmy-winning writer Frank Santopadre and a panel of equally obsessed celebs, superfans, cultural experts and industry insiders as they gush and geek out over the TV, films, toys and trends of the 1960s, 70s, 80s...and beyond. Subscribe now on...
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of everyone's favorite summer blockbuster, "Jaws" with this ENCORE of an 2018 interview with screenwriter-director Carl Gottlieb. In this episode, Carl discusses his work on “Jaws 2” and “Jaws 3-D,” the ingenuity of Steven Spielberg, the effectiveness of “unseen horror” and the many challenges of bringing the original “Jaws” to the screen. Also, John Belushi spoofs Richard Dreyfuss, Groucho guest hosts “Music Scene,” Ringo battles the Abominable Snowman and ...
GGACP marks July's "National Culinary Arts Month" by revisiting this interview with foodie, Emmy-winning writer-producer and star of the Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil," Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil chats with Gilbert and Frank about a number of compelling topics, including the “sex appeal” of comedians, the vulgarity of network sitcoms, the ingeniousness of “Tootsie” (and “The Swimmer”) and the realism and relatability of “The Honeymooners.” Also, Lucy loses a ring, George Burns na...
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of Robert Altman's musical comedy-drama "Nashville" (released in June, 1975) with this ENCORE of an interview with one of the film's stars, Oscar-winner Keith Carradine. On this episode Keith joins the boys for a fond look back at his frequent collaborations with the legendary director, his friendships with co-stars Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Mitchum, and the life and career of his dad, horror legend John Carradine. Also, Harvey Keitel loosens up...
June's Pride Month celebration continues as GGACP revisits this interview with standup comedian and Emmy-winning writer-producer Carol Leifer. In this episode, Carol joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about early comedy influences Mickey Katz, Allan Sherman and Vaughn Meader, her salad days at The Comic Strip and Catch a Rising Star and scripting unforgettable “Seinfeld” episodes like “The Rye,” “The Lip Reader” and “The Hamptons” (aka “The Ugly Baby.”) Also, Carol dates Paul Reiser, recognizes Ron...
GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. June 22) of Grammy-winning producer, British Invasion rocker and former Apple Records exec Peter Asher by presenting this ENCORE of an interview from 2017. In this episode, Peter joins the boys for a fascinating discussion about the genius of James Taylor, the profound influence of the Everly Brothers, the rivalry between the Beach Boys and the Fab Four and the 50th anniversary of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Also, John Lennon meets Yoko Ono, Peter “...
GGACP's celebration of Pride Month continues with this look back at a 2015 interview with the daughter of horror icon Vincent Price, author and public speaker Victoria Price. In this episode, Victoria talks about her father’s run-ins with the Hollywood blacklist, his distaste for slasher films, his lifelong friendships with Christopher Lee and Peter Lorre and his rumored bisexuality. Also, Victoria lauds horror movie fans, deconstructs “The Abominable Dr. Phibes”, and visits the set of “Theater ...
GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-winning actress Carol Kane (b. June 18) with this ENCORE presentation of an interview from 2020. In this episode, Carol talks about the cinema of the 1970s, Oscar acceptance speeches, the generosity of Jack Nicholson, the inventiveness of Andy Kaufman and her admiration for (and friendship with) the legendary Bette Davis. Also, Bill Murray takes a beating, Mike Nichols performs a magic trick, Gilbert kibitzes with Charles Durning and Carol takes a (career-ch...
GGACP's celebration of National DJ Month continues with this 2014 interview with the late comedian, radio personality and Emmy-winning actor Jay Thomas. In this episode, Jay talks about playing doomed hockey star Eddie LeBec on “Cheers” and tabloid talker Jerry Gold on “Murphy Brown” and shares some brutally candid anecdotes about everything from stealing Bill Cosby’s jokes to getting kicked out of a “West Wing” audition to the world’s worst cross-country flight. PLUS: Richard Dreyfuss! Cheech &...
GGACP celebrates June's National DJ Month with this ENCORE of an interview with the recently departed disc jockey, recording artist, radio/TV personality and longtime game show host Wink Martindale. In this episode, Wink shares six decades of show business memories, including performing for Ed Sullivan, interviewing Jan and Dean, cutting a Top Ten single (“Deck of Cards”) and befriending the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Also, Dickie Dawson laughs it up, Bobby Darin orders off the menu, Sam Cooke exper...
GGACP celebrates Pride Month by revisiting this 2022 interview with Grammy and Emmy-nominated musician and historian Michael Feinstein. In this episode, Michael serenades Gilbert and Frank with classic tunes from the “Great American Songbook” and talks about performing at Hollywood parties, dining with Frank Sinatra, “accompanying” Judy Garland, befriending Rosemary Clooney and Ira Gershwin and recording the album “Gershwin Country.” Also, Paul Lynde gets plastered, Liberace morphs into Carol Ch...
GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. June 4) of Oscar-nominated actor Bruce Dern by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable 2016 interview. In this episode, Bruce joins the boys for a refreshingly candid conversation about acting, risk taking, the definition of genius and the value of teamwork. Also, Bette Davis bashes Joan Crawford, Alfred Hitchcock “punks” Karen Black, Jack Nicholson coins a new phrase and Bruce attends the “University of Corman.” PLUS: Paging Dr. Death! The wisdom of Elia Kazan! T...
The GGACP team marks May’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by revisiting this interview with one of the world’s best-loved pop culture figures, actor-activist George Takei. In this episode, George shares his feelings about Caucasian actors in Asian roles, speaks frankly about Japanese-American internment, expresses his gratitude to Trekkies and fondly remembers old friend Leonard Nimoy. Also, George feuds with William Shatner, chats up Jerry Lewis, runs into Cary Grant and reb...
GGACP marks Memorial Day 2025 with this ENCORE presentation of a favorite episode, as producer, broadcaster and World War II veteran Sonny Fox discusses his life-changing experience as a prisoner of war, his years as host of the beloved children’s show “Wonderama” and his memories of the notorious quiz show scandals of the 1950s. Also: Sonny hosts “The $64,000 Challenge,” gets cut from “The Nutty Professor,” takes a stand for Jack Gilford and looks back on his friendship with Robert F. Kennedy. ...
GGACP celebrates the birthday of the legendary “Pit Bull of Comedy” — actor, comic and horror movie aficionado Bobby Slayton (b. May 25) by revisiting this interview from back in 2016. In this episode, Bobby sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a funny and freewheeling discussion of a number of essential topics, including the brilliance of Ray Harryhausen, the tragedy of Bela Lugosi, the haunting of Sammy Davis, Jr. and the greatness of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” Also, Bobby roasts...
GGACP continues its celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month with this ENCORE of an interview with “Roastmaster General” Jeffrey Ross (Lifschultz) from way back in 2014. In this episode, Jeff talks about some of his favorite roasts -- and roast jokes -- and recalls his friendships with showbiz icons Buddy Hackett, Bea Arthur and Sid Caesar. PLUS: "The Aristocats"! Jeff sees Uncle Miltie's "son"! And Gilbert chimes in on his infamous performance at the Hugh Hefner roast! Learn more about you...
GGACP celebrates Bike to Work Week and National Bike Month by revisiting this memorable interview with veteran actor and environmentalist ED BEGLEY JR. In this episode, Ed talks about the glory days of the Troubadour, the timelessness of “The In-Laws,” the absurdity of Hollywood urban legends and the career of his Oscar-winning dad, Ed Begley. Also, Forrest Tucker takes a nip, Steve Allen checks into St. Eligius, Harry Belafonte shuts down Rodney Dangerfield and Ed hits the rink with Charlie’s A...
