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
May 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
GGACP Classic: George Takei
The GGACP team marks May’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by revisiting this interview with one of the world’s best-loved pop culture figures, actor-activist George Takei. In this episode, George shares his feelings about Caucasian actors in Asian roles, speaks frankly about Japanese-American internment, expresses his gratitude to Trekkies and fondly remembers old friend Leonard Nimoy. Also, George feuds with William Shatner, chats up Jerry Lewis, runs into Cary Grant and rebukes Arnold Schwarzenegger. PLUS: Frank Gorshin! Celebrating James Hong! George channels Sir John Gielgud! Gilbert does his best Richard Burton! And the last of the Paramount contract players! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26, 2025 • 1h 32min
Sonny Fox Encore
GGACP marks Memorial Day 2025 with this ENCORE presentation of a favorite episode, as producer, broadcaster and World War II veteran Sonny Fox discusses his life-changing experience as a prisoner of war, his years as host of the beloved children’s show “Wonderama” and his memories of the notorious quiz show scandals of the 1950s. Also: Sonny hosts “The $64,000 Challenge,” gets cut from “The Nutty Professor,” takes a stand for Jack Gilford and looks back on his friendship with Robert F. Kennedy. PLUS: Allen Funt! “The Movie Game”! Mickey Rooney holds out! Patty Duke spills the beans! And Jack Klugman steps in for Bogie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 22, 2025 • 1h 25min
Bobby Slayton
GGACP celebrates the birthday of the legendary “Pit Bull of Comedy” — actor, comic and horror movie aficionado Bobby Slayton (b. May 25) by revisiting this interview from back in 2016. In this episode, Bobby sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a funny and freewheeling discussion of a number of essential topics, including the brilliance of Ray Harryhausen, the tragedy of Bela Lugosi, the haunting of Sammy Davis, Jr. and the greatness of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” Also, Bobby roasts Hal Roach, hangs with Buddy Hackett, breaks bread with Woody Allen and “becomes” Joey Bishop. PLUS: Una O’Connor! “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane”! The return of Rondo Hatton! Bobby meets Otis the Drunk! And the death of Louie Dumbrowski! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
Jeff Ross Encore
GGACP continues its celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month with this ENCORE of an interview with “Roastmaster General” Jeffrey Ross (Lifschultz) from way back in 2014. In this episode, Jeff talks about some of his favorite roasts -- and roast jokes -- and recalls his friendships with showbiz icons Buddy Hackett, Bea Arthur and Sid Caesar. PLUS: "The Aristocats"! Jeff sees Uncle Miltie's "son"! And Gilbert chimes in on his infamous performance at the Hugh Hefner roast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15, 2025 • 1h 31min
GGACP Classic: Ed Begley Jr.
GGACP celebrates Bike to Work Week and National Bike Month by revisiting this memorable interview with veteran actor and environmentalist ED BEGLEY JR. In this episode, Ed talks about the glory days of the Troubadour, the timelessness of “The In-Laws,” the absurdity of Hollywood urban legends and the career of his Oscar-winning dad, Ed Begley. Also, Forrest Tucker takes a nip, Steve Allen checks into St. Eligius, Harry Belafonte shuts down Rodney Dangerfield and Ed hits the rink with Charlie’s Angels. PLUS: Wheeler & Woolsey! “Amazon Women on the Moon”! Mr. Warmth lowers the boom! Ed remembers his friend Peter Falk! And the unsolved death of John “Stumpy” Pepys! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Kelly Carlin Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (May 12, 1937) of legendary comedian, writer and actor George Carlin with this ENCORE of a 2015 interview with writer-performer KELLY CARLIN. In this episode, Kelly discusses her revealing memoir, “A Carlin Home Companion” and shares treasured (and not-so-treasured) memories of growing up with the man who changed and redefined the art of standup comedy. Also, Kelly hangs with Sammy Davis Jr., seduces Leif Garrett, borrows Farrah Fawcett’s shampoo and recites the “7 Words You Can Never Say on Television.” PLUS: Burns and Carlin! Burns and Schreiber! The “Danny Kaye Plan”! Otto & George! And Gottfried Sings Again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 8, 2025 • 20min
GGACP Classic: Marathon Man & Road to Perdition
GGACP celebrates May's National Dental Care Month by revisiting this discussion of a favorite Gilbert and Frank movie, the classic 1976 thriller "Marathon Man." In this mini-episode: Roy Scheider finds trouble, Dustin Hoffman relies on "the Method," Laurence Olivier attracts a crowd and Danny Kaye comes aboard as a "special consultant"?? PLUS: Frank introduces Gil to "Road to Perdition"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 5, 2025 • 1h 40min
Bob Balaban Encore
GGACP celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month with this ENCORE of a memorable interview with Oscar- and Emmy-nominated producer, director and actor Bob Balaban. In this episode, Bob talks about his family’s history in the movie theater business, his affection for horror films, his transition from acting to directing and his admiration for colleagues Wes Anderson, Christopher Guest and Steven Spielberg. Also, Orson Welles inspires fear, Robert Altman tackles a whodunit, Bill Murray perfects his short game and Bob “apprentices” for Sidney Lumet. PLUS: “Brewster McCloud’! The Marx Brothers on stage! The brilliance of Eugene Levy! Uncle Miltie meets an extraterrestrial! And Bob remembers the late, great Fred Willard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 1, 2025 • 1h 48min
GGACP Classic: Allan Arkush
GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-winning director and producer Allan Arkush by revisiting this in-depth interview from 2018. In this episode, Allan entertains Gilbert and Frank with tales of working at the late, great Fillmore East, crossing paths with Ol’ Blue Eyes (and Groucho!) apprenticing for the legendary Roger Corman and helming the cult classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.” Also, Jackie Mason fails to connect, Malcolm McDowell talks to his crotch, Bruce Willis locks horns with Cybill Shepherd and “A Hard Day’s Night” changes Allan’s life forever. PLUS: P.J. Soles! “The Girl Can’t Help It”! In praise of Alexander & Karaszewski! Zacherle introduces the Grateful Dead! And Allan (reluctantly) remembers “Caddyshack 2”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 46min
Odd Couple Anniversary Show
GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-winning actor Jack Klugman (b. April 27) by presenting this ENCORE of a 2020 tribute to ABC's "The Odd Couple." In this episode, comedian-superfan Dave Juskow, author Bob Leszczak (“The Odd Couple on Stage & Screen”) and the sons of Oscar Madison himself, Adam Klugman and David Klugman join Gilbert and Frank for a loving look back on the hit series (and GGACP favorite). Also, Tony Randall stands out, Mickey Rooney loses out, John Byner breaks up the room and Garry Marshall makes TV history. PLUS: The queen of game shows! “The New Odd Couple”! Howard Cosell fakes it! Adam plays young Oscar! And David hits the road with Randall and Klugman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
