Claim OwnershipFun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre
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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.
40 Episodes
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Frank celebrates (a bit belatedly) the 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" by welcoming three superfans and key contributors to Abrams ComicArts' deluxe hardcover collection, "The Essential Peanuts: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time": author Mark Evanier, contributing designer Chip Kidd and publisher Charles Kochman. In this episode, the experts discuss Schulz's creative process, his "deceptively simple" design sense, his evolution as a humorist, and the strip's five-decade meditation on the human condition. Also, Chip praises the Schulz Museum and Research Center, and Mark and Charles look back on personal encounters with the iconic cartoonist. PLUS: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"! "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron"! Chip tangles with 007! Charlie hangs with Chico Marx' daughter! And the boys reveal some of their favorite "Peanuts" strips (out of the more than 17,000 published)!
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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 meets 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! The brilliance of Darlene Love! Paul Simon weighs in! Robert turns into Ed Grimley! And Frank and Dan praise the inventiveness of "Leo"!
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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!
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Take a cinematic tour of the Constitution State as Frank is joined by actress-author-film historian Illeana Douglas and Emmy-winning comedy writer Dave Boone for a lively and educational conversation inspired by Illeana's 2023 book, "Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia." In this episode: Burt Lancaster deconstructs his image, Gene Kelly directs a sex comedy (or two), Katharine Hepburn is labeled "box office poison" and Illeana's granddad steals "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House." PLUS: Appreciating Dana Andrews! The brilliance of Frank Perry! Illeana goes to a seance! Dave wins over Tony Bennett! The return of "Brush with Greatness"! And the secret origin of the Cesar Romero story!?
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In this conclusion of a two-part episode, comedian-filmmaker Kevin Maher and pop culture authors-experts Thom Shubilla and Brian Solomon join Frank for a wide-ranging and absurdly specific discussion about the unsung monsters of kaiju cinema, Godzilla and King Kong sequels and knockoffs, the prolific output of Ishiro Honda and the surprising lack of big-screen kaiju parodies. Also in this episode: Kevin praises "Q: The Winged Serpent," Frank reminisces about "Destroy All Monsters," Brian tries to explain "Varan the Unbelievable" and Thom interviews a cast member of "King Kong Escapes." PLUS: "Tammy and the T-Rex"! "Frankenstein Conquers the World"! The Simpsons go to Japan! Toho goes to court! Superman battles the Arctic Giant! And the panelists try their hand at a game of "Kaiju or False?"!
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Frank gets an education in "kaiju" cinema and Japanese monster flicks with assistance from comedian-filmmaker Kevin Maher and pop culture authors Brian Solomon ("Godzilla FAQ") and Thom Shubilla ("King Kong vs. Godzilla: The Most Colossal Conflict the Screen Has Ever Known"). In this episode: Godzilla tangles with the Caped Crusader, The Blob attacks a movie theater, Ray Harryhausen inspires the "King of the Monsters" and Toho acquires the "8th Wonder of the World." Also, Thom wins a "Forry" award, Kevin directs a King Kong short, Brian defends "Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster" and Frank binges five "Planet of the Apes" movies in a day. PLUS: Gorilla Monsoon! "Bionic Bigfoot"! "The War of the Gargantuas"! The genius of Willis O'Brien! And Ernie Anderson pitches monster toys!
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In the conclusion of a two-part episode, filmmaker Alan Bernstein ("When We Went MAD!") and longtime Mad Senior Editor Joe Raiola join Frank in paying tribute to the glory days of the iconic humor magazine and the talented team of artists and writers who helped make it a reality. In this episode, Frank talks about the influence of Mad (and Peanuts) paperbacks, Alan describes the Mad documentary's long journey from concept to screen, Joe explains Mad's complicated relationship with DC Comics and the boys share their theories on Mad #166's infamous "middle finger" cover. PLUS: Ernie Kovacs! The Belching Dragon! Dr. Kevorkian's Children's Book Club! The defection of "Mad's Maddest Artist"! And Joe reminisces about working with Sergio Aragones, Jack Davis, Mort Drucker, Al Jaffee and William M. Gaines!
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In part one of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by filmmaker Alan Bernstein ("When We Went MAD!") and longtime Senior Editor Joe Raiola for a loving look at the subversive humor magazine's 73-year history, its eccentric co-founders, its transition from comic book to "slick" magazine, and its influence on future generations of comedians and comedy writers. Also in this episode: William M. Gaines takes on Congress, Al Feldstein gives Alfred E. Neuman an identity, Hugh Hefner gives Harvey Kurtzman "an unlimited budget" and the boys praise several members of the "Usual Gang of Idiots," including Max Brandel, Dick DeBartolo, Frank Jacobs, Arnie Kogen (and others). PLUS: "A Hard Day's Night"! Gilbert commandeers a limo! Irving Berlin goes to court! Joe goes to Oktoberfest! And Frank recalls the "glory days" of Mad competitors Sick, Cracked, Crazy and Help!
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1Frank sits down with an all-star panel of veteran comedy writers, including Rick Copp ("Golden Girls," "The Brady Bunch Movie"), Brian Levant ("Happy Days," "The Flintstones") and Bennett Yellin ("Dumb and Dumber," "Stuck on You") for an inside look at a sitcom writers' room and a frequently hilarious conversation about unproduced scripts, failed pitches, favorite jokes, the genius of Jonathan Winters and the generosity of Garry Marshall (among other essential topics). Also in this episode: Rick reboots "Knight Rider," Brian rescues Fred Flintstone from development hell, Frank's personal anecdote gets a punch-up by Harlan Ellison and Bennett explains the "logic" behind Woody Allen and Matt Damon playing conjoined twins. PLUS: Danny Thomas packs heat! Lieutenant Uhura bends the elbow! Bea Arthur feuds with Betty White! "Mission Impossible" meets "My Mother the Car"! And the boys recall the most magical moment in their careers!
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In the conclusion of a two-part installment, author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer Ned Hastings ("Archer," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force") join Frank to break down some forgotten feature-length Bond knockoffs ("Secret Agent Super Dragon"? Seriously?) while remembering the 007-inspired TV shows of the decade, including "Get Smart," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "I Spy" and "The Wild Wild West' (among others). Also in this episode: Buck Henry invents the Cone of Silence, Lucille Ball greenlights "Mission: Impossible," Tony Randall tangles with Herbert Lom and Adam West turns down a license to kill. PLUS: "The Satan Bug"! Robert Goulet: Nazi hunter! Remembering Jessica Walter! Ian Fleming influences the CIA! And the boys name their favorite Bond themes!
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Frank is joined by author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer-editor Ned Hastings ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force," "Archer") for a funny and fascinating look back at the spy (and "Eurospy") craze of the 1960s and the numerous 007 rivals and imitators of the era, including Matt Helm, Derek Flint, Harry Palmer and yes...Neil Connery. Also in this episode: Karl Malden switches accents, Miss Moneypenny gets a payday, Sharon Tate wows in "The Wrecking Crew" and the boys take a moment to celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Batman" and Bat-mania. PLUS: "The Last of the Secret Agents"! "The Man from O.R.G.Y."! The insanity of "Casino Royale"! James Coburn battles Agent 0008! And Jan Murray as..."Dick Tracy"??
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In the conclusion of a two-part episode, actress Illeana Douglas, filmmaker Danny Gold ("Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames") and screenwriter Larry Karaszewskl join Frank for a few final thoughts on the career (and complexities) of Peter Sellers, while looking back at the work of other luminaries who reached their centennial year in 2025, including Paul Newman, Jack Lemmon, Rod Steiger, Robert Altman and Dick Van Dyke. Also in this episode, Frank praises "The Apartment," Illeana takes a walk with Sid Caesar, Danny explains "topping the topper" and Larry meets a personal hero at a holiday party. PLUS: "The Great Race"! The brilliance of Jack Warden! The cinema of Sam Peckinpah! Norm MacDonald performs scenes from "Hud"! And the panelists reveal their favorite Peter Sellers movies!
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In part one of a two-part episode, Frank celebrates the 100th birth year of the legendary Peter Sellers (b. 1925), accompanied by a distinguished panel of Sellers scholars, including actress Illeana Douglas, filmmaker Danny Gold ("Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames") and Emmy-winning screenwriter-producer Larry Karaszewski. In this episode, the experts discuss the actor-comedian's eccentric behavior and "complicated" personality and look back at some of his most memorable films, including "Being There," "Dr. Strangelove," "The Party," "A Shot in the Dark" and "After the Fox" (among others). Also, Larry gets nostalgic about "The Magic Christian," Illeana phones up Billy Wilder, Frank reviews "The Ghost of Peter Sellers" and Danny weighs in on the tumultuous Sellers-Edwards relationship. PLUS: "Kiss Me, Stupid"! "Bogart Slept Here"! Paging Federico Fellini! The genius of Hal Ashby! And Illeana meets the great man in person!
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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 Podcast." PLUS: "Beneath the Planet of the Apes"! Dana dines with the Riddler! Frank hangs with Adam West! Barrett impersonates Eartha Kitt! And Dana remembers his friend, the late Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Reubens!
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To celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary King of Late Night, we are revisiting our conversation with producer-historian (and guest co-host) Dan Pasternack, former "Tonight Show" writer Mike Reiss and comedian-podcaster Mark Malkoff ("The Carson Podcast") join Frank for a look at some of the most memorable moments from Johnny's 30-year run as well as the controversial origins of beloved characters Art Fern, Aunt Blabby and Carnac the Magnificent. Also: Rodney Dangerfield writes an angry letter, Johnny turns down "The King of Comedy," the boys debunk the Zsa Zsa Gabor myth and Mark shares highlights from his new book, "Love Johnny Carson." PLUS: Peter Lawford gets banned! Pat McCormick drops trou (again)! Dan runs afoul of Bob Hope! Mike writes Johnny a part on "The Simpsons"! And Mark sheds light on the Wayne Newton feud!
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The "Amazing Colossal Podcast" holiday tradition marches on as Frank is joined by old friend Mario Cantone and comedian-actress Susie Essman to talk about the best (and worst) Christmas movies on TCM, the secret life of Frosty the Snowman, the musical genius of Irving Berlin and Leslie Bricusse, the existential crisis of "It's a Wonderful Life" and the conclusions of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Sex and the City." Also, Jerry Seinfeld plays Hamlet, Susie asks for a Patti Playpal, Mario praises the "Miracle on 34th Street" remake and Frank salutes Gilbert with "The Twelve Jews of Christmas." PLUS: "The Shop Around the Corner"! The return of "Yule Be Sorry!" Mario "outs" Yukon Cornelius! The brilliance of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" And the panel remembers the talents of Bob Einstein, Willie Garson and Richard Lewis!
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Frank ushers in the holiday season with a reunion of the creative team behind the 2003 black comedy "Bad Santa": director Terry Zwigoff, screenwriters Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and film editor Robert Hoffman. In this episode: the boys talk about the bumpy ride from page to screen, the nightmare of test screenings, the (extremely) contentious casting process and the artfulness and musicality of profanity. Also, the Coen Brothers envision James Gandolfini, Terry locks horns with Billy Bob Thornton, Glenn and John write a part for Evel Knievel (!) and Robert reveals the challenge of editing a TV-friendly cut. PLUS: "Babbo Bastardo"! Paging Bill Murray! Praising John Ritter! Mickey Rooney keeps it clean! Cloris Leachman tries to disrobe! And "Bad Santa" inspires an XXX-rated parody!
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In this conclusion of a sentimental and laugh-filled episode, producer-comedian Rich Brown, actor Steven Weber and writer-producer (and this week's co-host) Allan Neuwirth join Frank to remember some much-loved New York-based kids' programs of the 1960s, '70s (and '80s), including "Shenanigans," "The Magic Garden," "The New Zoo Revue," "The Uncle Floyd Show" and the Mario Cantone-hosted "Steampipe Alley." Also in this episode: listeners share THEIR regional kiddie shows, including "Ranger Hal," "Marshall KGUN," "Dusty's Treehouse," "The Brakeman Bill Show" and "Hatchy Milatchy" and the boys recall memorable encounters with Billy Barty, Grandpa Al Lewis, Debbie Reynolds, Telly Savalas and Groucho Marx. PLUS: Señor Kaboom! J. Fred Muggs! Zacherley, the Cool Ghoul! Rich visits the Nut Museum! Steven praises Bob & Ray! And Allan meets a Beatle!
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Frank is joined by producer-comedian Rich Brown, actor Steven Weber and writer-producer (and this week's co-host) Allan Neuwirth for a loving look (waaay) back at local kids' programming of the 1960s and '70s, including "Wonderama," "Romper Room," "Let's Have Fun," "Birthday House" and "Winchell-Mahoney Time." In this episode, the boys recall their earliest TV memories and favorite characters (Professor Fingleheimer! Baron Barracuda! Norton Nork!) and pay tribute to beloved performers Sonny Fox, Bob McAllister, Chuck McCann, Soupy Sales and Paul Winchell. Also, Rich interviews White Fang, Allan kisses Bozo's nose, Frank remembers Beachcomber Bill and Steven accepts the "Name a Ventriloquist" challenge. PLUS: Otto & George! Captain Jack McCarthy! "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't"! Adam West teams with the Three Stooges! And Sandy Becker explains the JFK assassination!
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It's a Thanksgiving feast for lovers of showbiz obscurities as Frank celebrates Turkey Day with comedian Jackie Martling, voice actor-comedian Billy West and voice actor (and co-host) Barrett Leddy. In this conclusion of a two-part episode, the boys share even MORE things they're thankful for, including the one-liners of Rodney Dangerfield, the surliness of Al Lewis, the voice talents of Daws Butler and Don Messick and the brilliance of Gilbert's John McGiver and Bela Lugosi impressions. Also, Joe E. Ross hits the town, Irwin Corey slams Bob Hope, Billy shoots pool with June Lockhart and Jackie gets hot and heavy with Carol Brady. PLUS: Redd Foxx! The Mad Russian! Bugs Bunny turns 85! Jackie retells the Mae West story! And Billy dines with Larry Fine's daughter!
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who is doing the Gilbot voice? Hilarious