

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast
Starburns Audio
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 7, 2022 • 1h 7min
GGACP Classic: Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino Part 2
In this conclusion of a 2-part episode from 2021, Gilbert and Frank chat with Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino about James Bond homages, iconic superhero themes, incorporating everyday objects into movie soundtracks and the over-the-top pleasures of the Wachowskis' "Speed Racer." Also, Bernard Herrmann plays the Theremin, Lily Tomlin (almost) voices Edna Mode, Brad directs a modern-day film classic and Michael reveals the key to his Oscar-winning score for "Up." PLUS: "Tomorrowland"! The brilliance of Jerry Goldsmith! Al Hirt meets the Green Hornet! Milton Bradley's Fireball Island! And Michael recalls his time on "Lost"!(Thanks again to audio producer extraordinaire John Murray!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2022 • 1h 34min
Barry Sonnenfeld Encore
GGACP celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original "Men in Black" (released July 2, 1997) with this ENCORE of a hilarious, uncensored 2020 conversation with award-winning director and producer BARRY SONNENFELD. In this episode, Barry talks about directing temperamental actors, distrusting optimism, respecting movie audiences, helming "The Addams Family" and "Get Shorty" and writing his bestselling memoir, "Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother." Also, George C. Scott pushes the envelope, Gene Hackman grows a goatee, Barry and Larry David compare neuroses and Michael Jackson cameos in "Men in Black II." PLUS: "Throw Momma from the Train"! In praise of Dennis Farina! The obsessiveness of Stanley Kubrick! The many conquests of James Caan! And Barry shares his rules for staging comedy scenes!(Special thanks to Alan Zweibel and John Murray!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30, 2022 • 1h 7min
GGACP Classic: Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino Part 1
GGACP celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Pixar masterpiece "Ratatouille" (released June 29, 2007) by revisiting this 2-part interview with Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Also in this episode, the Brad and Michael discuss their various collaborations ("The Incredibles," "Incredibles 2," "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol") complex action plots, "pre-loved" soundtracks, the demise of movie showplaces and the genius of John Barry and Elmer Bernstein. Also, Peter O'Toole clears his throat, Tom Cruise scales a high-rise, Burt Lancaster swims in an imaginary river and Michael Keaton pokes fun at comic book fanatics. PLUS: "The Big Sleep"! "Never Say Never Again"! The lost James L. Brooks musical! Brad co-hosts TCM's "The Essentials"! And Michael composes a love letter to Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams!Special thanks to audio producer John Murray and Curtis Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 11min
John Byner Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 28) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite performers, comedian, actor and impressionist John Byner with this ENCORE presentation of a hilarious interview from 2016. In this episode, John recalls his early days in show business, his friendship with the legendary Ed Sullivan, memorable encounters with Groucho and James Cagney and his role in Bob Hope's infamous TV special "Joys." Also, John runs into The Duke, roughs up Woody Allen, collaborates with Friz Freleng and consoles Rodney Dangerfield. PLUS: Roger Miller! "Merv Griffin's Talent Scouts"! "Murder Can Hurt You!" Paul Williams in stereo! And the rise and fall of Vaughn Meader! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 2022 • 1h 18min
GGACP Classic: Peter Asher
GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 22nd) of Grammy-winning producer, British Invasion rocker and former Apple Records exec Peter Asher with this memorable 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, Linda Ronstadt teams with Nelson Riddle, Peter and Gordon play the '64 World’s Fair and Peter becomes the first person to hear "I Want to Hold Your Hand." PLUS: The genius of Spike Milligan! Gilbert sings! Jackie Gleason acts out! Peter “inspires” Austin Powers! Chad & Jeremy meet the Caped Crusaders! And a “rejected” Beatles tune lands Peter at the top of the charts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2022 • 1h 18min
Danny Aiello Encore
GGACP commemorates the birthday of late, great character actor Danny Aiello (June 20th) with this encore presentation of a wildly entertaining interview from 2015. In this episode, Danny joins Gilbert and Frank at the legendary New York Friars Club to talk about his journey from Greyhound bus dispatcher to Oscar nominee and shares his memories of goofing around with Paul Newman, sightseeing with Rodney Dangerfield and singing backup for Bette Midler. PLUS: Remembering "Moonstruck"! Uncle Miltie meets Jack Ruby! Robert De Niro learns to play baseball! And the "Pete Best" of "The Godfather"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 38min
GGACP Classic: Adam Arkin and Alan Arkin
GGACP celebrates Father's Day with this classic interview from 2020, featuring Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin and Oscar-winning actor-director Alan Arkin. In this episode, Adam and Alan talk about portraying villains, directing dark comedies, working with children, the precision of the Coen brothers and the Cold War politics of "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." Also, Pat McCormick hits the hard stuff, Groucho drops in on Second City, Stephen King praises "Wait Until Dark" and Alan (almost) directs "Blazing Saddles." PLUS: Captain Kangaroo! "Northern Exposure"! The brilliance of "The In-Laws"! Adam "reps" Chuck McCann! Alan records "The Banana Boat Song"! And Adam and Alan choose their favorite Arkin performances! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 13, 2022 • 1h 35min
Dee Wallace Encore
GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (June 11, 1982) with veteran actress Dee Wallace. In this episode, Dee joins Gilbert and Frank for an informative (and inspiring!) conversation about the power of intuition, the challenges of sudden fame, the generosity of Harold Prince and the precision of Steven Spielberg. Also, John Carradine soldiers on, Dudley Moore replaces George Segal, Harrison Ford ends up on the cutting room floor and Dee embraces the term "scream queen." PLUS: "The Frighteners"! The cinema of Blake Edwards! Dee praises Cloris Leachman! Slim Pickens holds court! And Gilbert and Larry David go to the movies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 9, 2022 • 1h 16min
GGACP Classic: Mario Cantone
GGACP's Pride Month celebration continues with this ENCORE of the first podcast appearance (from 2015) by Tony-nominated actor, singer and comedian Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario crushes on Jan-Michael Vincent, tours London with Marty Krofft, treads the boards with Patrick Stewart and regales Gilbert and Frank with inside-showbiz stories about everyone from Lauren Bacall to Robert Redford to Paul Lynde. PLUS: "Danger Island"! Remembering Jack Wild! Monty Clift visits Merv Griffin! Bette Davis trashes Faye Dunaway! Richard Simmons kidnaps Famous Amos! Mario searches for Sammy Davis’ eye! And Gilbert (and Mario) sing the theme from “The Sterile Cuckoo”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2022 • 1h 30min
George Shapiro Encore
GGACP remembers the late, great talent manager and Emmy-winning producer (and all-around mensch!) George Shapiro with this ENCORE of an interview from 2018. In this episode, George reminisces about the glory days of the Borscht Belt and the golden age of variety television and reflects on his personal and professional relationships with Steve Allen, Jimmy Durante, Carl Reiner and Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Elvis praises Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer inspires Tony Clifton, "Dem Bums" visit "The Martha Raye Show" and George explains his lifelong love affair with comedy (and comedians). PLUS: Marty Feldman! Buddy Holly and the Crickets! Nichols and May bring down the house! Richard Pryor plays God! And Danny DeVito plays...George Shapiro? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices