Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast-logo

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Earwolf

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.

Location:

United States

Networks:

Earwolf

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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The Strange Cinema of William Castle w/ Frank Conniff, Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Jeffrey Schwarz

9/9/2025
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:33:30

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Bill Persky Encore

9/8/2025
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

Duration:01:07:36

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GGACP Classic: Gavin MacLeod

9/4/2025
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

Duration:01:29:02

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All Aboard "The Love Boat" w/ Jim Colucci, Murray Hill and Jill Whelan

9/2/2025
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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠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=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG⁠⁠⁠⁠ iHeart ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/⁠⁠⁠⁠ TuneIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:33:07

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David Yazbek Encore

9/1/2025
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

Duration:01:43:26

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GGACP Classic: Night Moves and My Darling Clementine

8/28/2025
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

Duration:00:15:21

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A Celebration of Breakfast Cereals w/ Mary Gitlin and Ami Moyal

8/26/2025
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

Duration:01:21:16

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Dana Gould Encore

8/25/2025
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

Duration:01:28:01

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GGACP Classic: Horror Movie Taglines with Mike McPadden

8/21/2025
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

Duration:00:28:16

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"TV Funhouse" Turns 25 (Part Two) w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack

8/19/2025
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 YouTube ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG⁠⁠⁠ iHeart ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/⁠⁠⁠ TuneIn ⁠⁠⁠http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:27:55

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Craig Bierko Encore

8/18/2025
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

Duration:01:28:53

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GGACP Classic: The Harder They Fall & The Verdict

8/14/2025
GGACP's celebration of the centenary of big-screen legend Paul Newman (born 1925) continues with this reposting of a 2015 mini-episode, featuring Frank's tribute to Newman's 1982 courtroom drama "The Verdict." Also in this episode: Bogie takes his final bow! Sidney Lumet takes to the road! And Newman takes on the Prince of Darkness! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:18:16

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"TV Funhouse" Turns 25! w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack

8/12/2025
In part one of a two-part episode, Emmy-winning writer-actor-director Robert Smigel and this week's co-host, writer-producer Dan Pasternack join Frank for a 25th anniversary salute to the cult Comedy Central series, "TV Funhouse." In this informative and hilarious interview, Robert talks about his love of animal-centric comedy, his lifelong obsession with "Mr. Ed," the humble origins of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and how the homoeroticism of superhero movies inspired "The Ambiguously Gay Duo." Also, William Shatner takes down Trekkies, Leo Durocher meets Herman Munster, Dan befriends a legendary "Batman" writer and Robert remembers the late, great George Wendt. PLUS: Cluckin' Chicken! "Lancelot Manzi: Mafia Chimp"! The passion of Al Pacino! The brilliance of Dino Stamatopoulos! And Robert keeps a kangaroo in his basement! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:28:10

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Michael Clayton and HUD Encore

8/11/2025
GGACP celebrates the centenary of screen icon and philanthropist Paul Newman (born 1925) with this ENCORE of a 2015 episode, featuring Gilbert's critical analysis of Newman's 1963 revisionist western "Hud." Also in this episode: the late, great Sydney Pollack! The cinematography of James Wong Howe! And Gilbert croons the theme song from “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:17:55

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GGACP Classic: Peter Bonerz

8/7/2025
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 an episode of “Wings.” PLUS: Rod Serling! Captain Kangaroo! The wit and wisdom of Buck Henry! Murphy Brown meets Walter Cronkite! And Peter remembers the late, great Bill Daily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:29:53

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Lost and Forgotten Amusement Parks w/ Dave Cobb and Robert Coker

8/5/2025
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, Grizzly Adams buys a carousel, Dave makes his pitch to Steven Spielberg and Robert reveals his favorite roller coasters. PLUS: The Escalator to Nowhere! The genius of Paul Frees! "Kiss Meets The Phantom of the Park"! All aboard the Banana Train! And the secret origin of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride"? 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=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG⁠⁠ iHeart ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/⁠⁠ TuneIn ⁠⁠http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:38:16

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Andrea Martin Encore

8/4/2025
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 her friends John Candy and Harold Ramis. PLUS: Señor Wences! “Cannibal Girls”! Dueling Floyd the Barbers! The return of Rick Moranis! And Andrea tells the only joke she knows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:22:30

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GGACP Classic: CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU and BATMAN

7/31/2025
In connection with the recent "Fun for All Ages" podcast about the arch-villains of the Adam West "Batman" series, GGACP revisits this 2016 mini-episode, in which the boys pay tribute to the much-beloved 1966 camp classic. Also in this episode: The comic mind of Nat Hiken! Gilbert covers Johnny Fontaine! And the Caped Crusaders meet Jerry Lewis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:27:53

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Remembering Joe Flaherty w/ Dick Blasucci and Paul Flaherty

7/29/2025
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 Caballero. Also, Dick remembers Rip Torn, Paul tangles with Burt Reynolds, John Candy dines with Larry Fine's cousin and George Burns tries (unsuccessfully) to butter a bagel. PLUS: Brother Theodore! "Maudlin's Eleven"! "Morton & Hayes"! Paul jams with Ray Charles! And Joe pays his respects to the legendary Roberto Clemente! 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=PLgvlbF41NLLPvsrcZ9XIsYKkH_HvUXHSG⁠ iHeart ⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-fun-for-all-ages-with-fran-283612643/⁠ TuneIn ⁠http://tun.in/pxOWO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:42:10

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Adam West Encore

7/28/2025
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 career. PLUS: The origin of the Batusi! Liberace gets tough! Adam turns down the part of James Bond! And the Riddler goes to an orgy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:01:11:59