Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Frank welcomes Emmy-nominated writer-comedian-author Kevin Maher ("Santa Doesn't Need Your Help"), writer-actress Kate Wilkinson and Tony-winning composer Joe DiPietro ("Memphis," "Nice Work If You Can Get It") for a critical and frequently comical analysis of movie musicals (and "movies with music") released in the year 1980, including "Popeye," "The Apple," "The Jazz Singer," "Can't Stop the Music" and "Xanadu." Also in this episode, Lily Tomlin (almost) plays Olive Oyl, Rex Harrison is upstaged by a parrot, Neil Diamond follows in Al Jolson's footsteps, and the panel shares its affection for "The Blues Brothers" (and the "Xanadu" stage musical). PLUS: Mr. Boogalow! The cinema of Roy Orbison! Kate accompanies Linda Ronstadt! Kevin reveals the traumas of TV detectives! And Joe writes musicals about Elvis, Tom Jones and Ol' Blue Eyes!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank ushers in Halloween week by welcoming film preservationist Dino Proserpio and bestselling author and Tony-winning composer-playwright Rupert Holmes for an illuminating analysis of some of Hollywood's spookiest (and silliest) haunted house comedies, including "The Ghost Breakers," "The Cat and the Canary," "Scared Stiff," "Beetlejuice" and "Hold That Ghost" (as well as lesser-known films featuring The Bowery Boys, The Little Rascals and The Three Stooges). Also in this episode: Bela Lugosi meets Ish Kabibble, Woody Allen "borrows” from Bob Hope, William Castle remakes "The Old Dark House" and Rupert takes a swipe (or two) at "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." PLUS: “Munster, Go Home”! "The Ghost of Dragstrip Hollow"! The Ingmar Bergman of porn! Dino defends "Transylvania 6-5000"! And Rupert reveals why "revenge movies" are the easiest movies to write! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary King of Late Night, 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank is joined by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino ("The Incredibles," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and cult filmmaker Jeff Lieberman ("Squirm," "Remote Control") for the conclusion of a two-part analysis of horror and sci-fi films of the Atomic and Cold War era, including "Creature from the Black Lagoon," "The Day the World Ended," "The Thing from Another World" and "It Came from Beneath the Sea." In this episode: the boys discuss flashbacks and framing devices, building suspense in monster movies, the political context of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and the similarities between "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat." Also: Bob Balaban fools Steven Spielberg, Don Siegel contradicts Kevin McCarthy, Michael recalls his friendship with the great Lalo Schifrin, and Jeff pitches a "King Kong" remake to John Lennon (!) PLUS: Dustin Hoffman goes wild! Ray Harryhausen holds a grudge! Michael hangs with Paul McCartney! Burt Bacharach meets "The Blob"! And "I Married a Monster from Outer Space" inspires "Rosemary's Baby"!?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank kicks off Halloween month with the first installment of a two-part episode as Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Michael Giacchino ("Werewolf by Night," "Cloverfield," "Jurassic World") and cult filmmaker Jeff Lieberman ("Squirm," "Blue Sunshine") revisit their favorite Atomic Age horror and science fiction films of the 1950s, including "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (among others). Also in this episode, "Squirm" gets an assist from the Boy Scouts, Michael pays tribute to the composer of the original "Godzilla," Jeff joins forces with a young Rick Baker and the boys discuss Samuel Z. Arkoff's "dead man" theory. PLUS: Dr. Shock! "War of the Worlds"! The genius of Bernard Herrmann! Jeff reveals the origin of flying saucers! And Michael shares his plans to remake the giant ant epic "Them!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, producer-executive Bob Boden, author-historian Adam Nedeff and comedian-producer (and this week's co-host) Rich Brown once again join Frank for a loving and laugh-filled look back at eight-plus decades of TV game shows. In this episode, the boys break down the Quiz Show Scandals of the 1950s, reveal which defunct game show they'd bring back and share personal (and painful) memories of near-appearances on "Jeopardy!", "Wheel of Fortune" and "Tic Tac Dough." Also, Bob praises Ken Jennings, Adam (finally) wins over Betty White, Frank wins big at his high school Gong Show and Rich sits down with Tiny Tim, Brother Theodore and Pat McCormick. PLUS: "I Survived a Japanese Game Show"! Rod Serling hosts "Liar's Club"! Adam West takes a dive! The Feds vs. Morty Seinfeld! And Gilbert Gottfried creates an unforgettable "Hollywood Squares" moment! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one of a two-part episode, producer-executive Bob Boden ("Card Sharks," "Press Your Luck," "To Tell the Truth"), author-historian Adam Nedeff ("Gong This Book," "This Day in Game Show History") and this week's co-host, comedian-producer Rich Brown ("Beat the Clock," "You Bet Your Life with Jay Leno") join Frank for a salute to 75+ years of TV game shows, including the competitions, the cash prizes, the stunts and the scandals. Also in this episode: Chuck Barris "invents" reality television, Rich interviews a quiz show whistleblower, Bob runs afoul of Don Pardo and Adam recalls the notorious "Three's a Crowd." PLUS: "Queen for a Day"! "The Big Showdown"! The man who invented cue cards! Young Bob meets Lucy! Gary Coleman falls through a trapdoor! Merv Griffin's wife creates "Jeopardy!" And the game show host who witnessed the Oswald assassination! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank sets the FFAA time machine back to the decadent and "dancetastic" 1970s as comedian-author Frank DeCaro ("Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under the Mirror Ball") and Grammy-nominated singer Cory Daye (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Kid Creole and the Coconuts) celebrate the songs, artists, movies, nightclubs and cultural impact of the disco era. In this episode: Dr. Buzzard meets James Bond, Ethel Merman records a camp classic, Frank weighs in on Disco Demolition Night and Cory recalls the heyday of the legendary Studio 54. PLUS: Mike Douglas! ABBA trading cards! The genius of Paul Jabara! "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party"! Frank interviews the Queen of Disco! And Cory hangs with RuPaul, Grace Jones and Cab Calloway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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