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
Sep 12, 2019 • 35min
Mini #233: Stump the Hosts (Music Version) with Kevin Dougherty and Darryl Mayeski
This week: The heartbreak of Rondo Hatton! The gospel of Esther Rolle! Burt Ward meets Frank Zappa! Jack Klugman covers Carly Simon! And John Mulaney teams with Richard Kind! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 9, 2019 • 1h 36min
276. James Burrows
Emmy-winning director James Burrows talks about the importance of the "straight man," the influence of his legendary dad Abe Burrows, the societal impact of "Will & Grace" and the winning formulas behind "Taxi," "Cheers," "Friends" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Also, Andy Kaufman comes to dinner, Woody Harrelson changes the game, Norman Lear writes a fan letter and James meets John Steinbeck, Truman Capote and Groucho Marx. PLUS: Sydney Pollack! Remembering Ruth Gordon! The comedy of Patchett and Tarses! The generosity of Jay Sandrich! And James directs the "All in the Family" reboot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 5, 2019 • 33min
Mini #232: Donnie Dunagan, Part 2
This week: Lionel Atwill! The generosity of Margaret Hamilton! Uncle Walt rolls out the red carpet! And Pearl Harbor delays the release of "Bambi"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 2, 2019 • 1h 31min
275. Jeff Abraham and Burt Kearns
Comedy historian Jeff Abraham and producer-filmmaker Burt Kearns discuss their new book, The Show Won't Go On and provide fascinating backstories on the untimely (and unusual) passings of Dick Shawn, Joe E. Ross, Al Kelly, Parkyakarkus and Karl Wallenda (among others). Also, Moe Howard wears a dress, Sid Caesar packs heat, Burt Reynolds gets a paint job and Paul Anka tears down Wayne Newton. PLUS: Carmen Miranda's final bow! The poetry of Buddy Hackett! The history of the "bullet catch"! The strange death of Washington Irving Bishop! And Jeff and Burt attend the Jerry Lewis auction! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 29, 2019 • 29min
Mini #231: "Son of Frankenstein" Actor Donnie Dunagan, Part 1
This week: Remembering Walter Brennan! "Mother's Carey's Chickens"! Bela Lugosi gets a nickname! And Donnie plays checkers with Boris Karloff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 26, 2019 • 1h 26min
274. Robert Wuhl Returns
Gilbert and Frank welcome back one of their most popular guests, comedian and actor Robert Wuhl, who holds court on a variety of subjects, including bad biopics, overrated film classics, the real story of Ty Cobb and the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton's "Batman." Also, Jack Nicholson hatches a plan, Ward Bond tangles with Martin Landau, John Ford takes on Cecil B.DeMille and Robert remembers his friends Joe Bologna, Bruno Kirby and Trey Wilson. PLUS: "The Babe Ruth Story"! The villainy of Frank Fay! The cinema of Michael Ritchie! Neil Simon teams with Peter Sellers! And Robert reprises his Oscar voting rules! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 22, 2019 • 46min
Mini #230: Remembering Saturday Morning Cartoons with Mark McCray
This week: "Milton the Monster"! "A Man Called Flintstone"! The genius of Jack Urbont (and Hoyt Curtin)! Gilbert sings the "King Kong" theme! And the return of Jerry the Bellybutton Elf! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 19, 2019 • 1h 47min
273. Larry “Ratso” Sloman
Gilbert and Frank are joined by author, journalist and songwriter (and Gilbert's old pal) Larry "Ratso" Sloman for a conversation about the Jewishness of Elvis Presley, the glory days of "Rolling Stone," the mysterious death of Harry Houdini and the new Martin Scorsese documentary, "Rolling Thunder: A Bob Dylan Story." Also, Al Lewis takes the stand, Joni Mitchell takes umbrage, Floyd the barber meets Robert Zimmerman and Ratso recalls adventures with Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, George Harrison and Al Goldstein. PLUS: Gogi Grant! "Renaldo and Clara"! "Fred Mertz' Night Out"! Ratso samples Bela Lugosi! And Gilbert stars in "National Lampoon's" Foto Funnies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 15, 2019 • 39min
Mini #229: TV Theme Songs of 1969
This week: "Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman"! "Chiller Theater vs. Creature Features"! The mastery of Lalo Schifrin! Gilbert guests on "Sesame Street"! And Frank's dad hangs with Ben Casey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 12, 2019 • 1h 28min
272. Griffin Dunne
Actor, producer and director Griffin Dunne drops by the studio to talk about vanishing New York, teaming up with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the timelessness of Billy Wilder's "Ace in the Hole" and the life (and work) of his famous family members, Dominick Dunne and Joan Didion. Also, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Jerry Lewis interprets Gore Vidal, Griffin sneaks onto the set of "Gilligan's Island" and Tim Burton (almost) directs "After Hours." PLUS: "The Panic in Needle Park"! The artistry of Harry Nilsson! The brilliance of Rick Baker! Howdy Doody pleasures himself! And Griffin shares the screen with the Material Girl! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
