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
Feb 22, 2021 • 1h 21min
Alan Menken
Tony, Emmy, Grammy and 8-time Oscar winning composer Alan Menken joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the marriage of screen music and images, the demise (and resurrection) of movie musicals, the genius of the late, great Howard Ashman, and the "architecture" of songs like "Be Our Guest," "I See the Light," "Part of Your World" and "Somewhere That's Green." Also, Danny DeVito mimics Jimmy Durante, Steve Martin plays a sadistic dentist, Brad Garrett and Jeffrey Tambor perform a "want" song and Alan praises the talents of John Williams, Thomas Newman and Lin-Manuel Miranda. PLUS: "Fantasia"! The comedy of Randy Rainbow! "I'll Do Anything"! Alan wins a Razzie! And Bob Dylan turns down "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 15, 2021 • 1h 16min
Richard Masur
Gilbert and Frank talk to Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actor-director Richard Masur about his 6-decade acting career, his years as president of the Screen Actors Guild, his numerous collaborations with mentor Norman Lear and his role in the infamous "Heaven's Gate." Also, Francis Ford Coppola welcomes feedback, Jack Nicholson replaces Mandy Patinkin, John Carpenter remakes "The Thing" and Richard shares drinks (and the screen) with Pat McCormick. PLUS: "Scavenger Hunt!" "Hot l Baltimore"! Remembering Ben Johnson! The wisdom of Robert Preston! And Richard praises co-stars Gene Hackman, Sidney Poitier and Meryl Streep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 8, 2021 • 1h 37min
Kliph Nesteroff
Show business historian and New York Times bestselling author KLIPH NESTEROFF returns to the podcast for an entertaining and (as always) educational discussion about banned cartoons, politically incorrect mascots, the history of Hollywood stereotypes and his new book on Native Americans and comedy, "We Had a Little Real Estate Problem." Also, Buddy Hackett pulls a knife, Howard Hawks disses Rowan & Martin, Peter Sellers sends up Charlie Chan and Frank Sinatra's goons rough up Shecky Greene. PLUS: "Go Go Gophers"! Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel! Allen & Rossi "inspire" Charlie Hill! Jack Carter feuds with Al Jolson! And "F-Troop" rips off a Redd Foxx routine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 1, 2021 • 1h 25min
Amazing Colossal Musical Memories (2014-2020)
Under the creative guidance of audio producer John Murray, Gilbert and Frank discuss and dissect some of the show's best musical moments from 2014-2020, with live performances by Neil Sedaka, Dennis DeYoung, Kenny Loggins, Tommy James, Mark Hudson and Tony Orlando (among others). Also in this episode: Anne Murray covers "Danny's Song," Uncle Junior interprets Yip Harburg, Rupert Holmes (almost) pays tribute to Humphrey Bogart, and Charles Fox composes the soundtrack of 1970s television. PLUS: John Davidson looks ahead! The Shondells go psychedelic! The legend of Morris Levy! Goldie Hawn falls for a Hudson Brother! And the Brill Building sound inspires the British Invasion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 25, 2021 • 1h 43min
In Memoriam 2020
Gilbert and Frank are again joined by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Michael H. Weber for a loving look back at some of the artists and performers who left the stage in 2020, including Carl Reiner, Kirk Douglas, Diana Rigg, Buck Henry, Regis Philbin and Olivia deHavilland. Also in this episode: Sean Connery improvises an iconic line, Fred Silverman makes TV history, Matty Simmons co-founds the National Lampoon and the world bids farewell to Mr. Creosote. PLUS: Burns and Schreiber! Stiller and Meara! The art of Mort Drucker! The genius of Fred Willard! And Gilbert and Frank salute a member of the ACP family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2021 • 1h 41min
"Deconstructing the Rat Pack" with Rick Lertzman
Entertainment historian and bestselling author RICK LERTZMAN ("The Life and Times of Mickey Rooney") discusses his new book, "Deconstructing the Rat Pack: Joey, the Mob, and the Summit" and joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating conversation about the heyday of nightclubs, the glory days of Las Vegas and the cultural impact of Frank, Dean, Sammy, Joey and Peter. Also, Uncle Miltie whips it out (again), Sammy Davis blows through a fortune, Pat McCormick tanks "The Joey Bishop Show" and Jerry Lewis runs afoul of Sam "Momo" Giancana. PLUS: Sheldon Leonard! Louis Prima inspires Ol' Blue Eyes! Don Adams "borrows" from Bob Newhart! Rick hangs with Moe Howard (and Bud Abbott)! And the unknown reason behind Dean and Jerry's split? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 11, 2021 • 1h 20min
Norman Lear Encore
Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 50th anniversary of "All in the Family" with an ENCORE presentation of another classic episode, as legendary writer-producer-director NORMAN LEAR holds court on a variety of subjects, including the inscrutability of Dean Martin, the politics (and Jewishness) of Edward G. Robinson, the "inventiveness" of Mickey Rooney and the heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen. Also, Norman woos Frank Sinatra, praises John Amos, presents Jerry Lewis with a one-of-a-kind gift and remembers his dear friend Carroll O'Connor. PLUS: James Franciscus! Roscoe Lee Browne! "Hot l Baltimore"! Norman buys the Declaration of Independence! And the legend of Joe E. Lewis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 4, 2021 • 1h 46min
Dave Thomas Encore
In this repeat of a classic GGACP episode, Gilbert and Frank chat with one of their favorite performers, actor-writer-director DAVE THOMAS, who looks back on his years with Second City (and "SCTV"), his transition to dramatic series writing, his admiration for Bob Hope and his working relationships with Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Tom Poston and Martin Short. Also, Richard Harris gets rough, Buck Henry storms out, Gilbert cuts the rug with John Travolta and Mel Blanc plays Dave's dad. PLUS: "The New Show"! Yasser Arafat hits the links! Dave praises Al Jaffee! And the comedy stylings of Max von Sydow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 1, 2021 • 1h 11min
BONUS Live from Stereo
Frank Santopadre is joined by special guest Mario Cantone to answer your questions live from the Stereo App! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 28, 2020 • 1h 42min
Celebrating "A Charlie Brown's Christmas"
To celebrate the 55th anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Gilbert and Frank welcome writer-producer Craig Schulz ("The Peanuts Movie") and archivist and author Chip Kidd ("Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz") for a look back at one of the most beloved and innovative television specials ever produced and the enduring genius of the man behind it. Also, Snoopy crushes on Peggy Fleming, Linus makes prime time history, Barney Google inspires a lifelong nickname and Craig introduces his father's work to a new generation. PLUS: Joe Shlabotnik! "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"! The brilliance of Vince Guaraldi! The artistry of Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson! And the panelists reveal their favorite "Peanuts" strips of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
