

Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre
Fun for All Ages
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 21min
A Celebration of Breakfast Cereals w/ Marty Gitlin and Ami Moyal
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

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
"TV Funhouse'"Turns 25 (Part Two) w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack
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"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 30min
"TV Funhouse" Turns 25! w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack
Robert Smigel, an Emmy-winning writer and creator of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, joins Dan Pasternack, an experienced writer-producer, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "TV Funhouse." They share hilarious anecdotes about their comedic origins, including Smigel's obsession with animal comedy and the inspirations for iconic characters like The Ambiguously Gay Duo. The duo also dives into memorable sketches, their love for classic TV, and the absurdities of superhero movies, all while sprinkling in humorous stories from their illustrious careers.

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 38min
Lost and Forgotten Amusement Parks w/ Dave Cobb and Robert Coker
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"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 40min
Remembering Joe Flaherty w/ Dick Blasucci and Paul Flaherty
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 30min
Batman '66 Bad Guys w/ Dana Gould and Barrett Leddy
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 26min
Memories of "Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast!" w/ Dara Gottfried, Gino Salomone and Alan Zweibel
In the premiere episode, Frank Santopadre 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 Macy, and everyone recalls their favorite Gilbert moments. PLUS: Dick Cavett saves the day! Gino remembers Ruth Buzzi! Alan reports from SNL’s 50th! And Frank lays out his next chapter in podcasting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices