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
Jun 3, 2019 • 1h 41min
262. Ron Friedman Returns
By popular demand, legendary television writer Ron Friedman ("The Odd Couple," "The Andy Griffith Show," "All in the Family," "Barney Miller") returns to discuss the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism and the inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner and to regale Gilbert and Frank with all-new stories about Lucille Ball, Lenny Bruce, Tony Randall, Danny Thomas and (of course) Pat McCormick. Also, Jack Benny takes a stand, Carol Wayne dodges a bullet, John Huston tangles with Errol Flynn and Ron remembers his friend, the late, great Stan Lee. PLUS: Stump and Stumpy! Herve Villechaize's doppelgänger! Marilyn Monroe converts! Buster Crabbe teams with Chuck McCann! And Ron kills off a beloved fictional character! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 30, 2019 • 48min
Mini #218: The History of Drag with Frank DeCaro
This week: Tommy Velour! "Jethrine" Bodine! The artistry of Charles Pierce! The other side of Flip Wilson! Uncle Miltie's "meaty tuck"! And Herman Munster becomes a cocktail waitress! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 27, 2019 • 1h 36min
261. Richard Marx
Gilbert and Frank are joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter (and amateur comedian) Richard Marx for a conversation about the disappearance of "story songs," the futility of "chasing hit records," the long-lost art of commercial jingle writing and the versatility of film composers John Barry and Dave Grusin. Also, Charlie Chaplin pens a standard, Kenny Rogers pulls a shrewd move, Ben Gazzara pops into Gilbert's head and Tony Bennett and Bob Newhart remember Richard's dad, Dick Marx. PLUS: Earth, Wind & Fire! The genius of Burt Bacharach! Lionel Richie makes a phone call! Lenny Bruce plays Mister Kelly's! And Richard reveals the song he wishes he'd written! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 23, 2019 • 39min
Mini #217: Dara's CD Collection
This week: The Jewish Elvis! The Divine Miss M! Cole Porter goes west! The cinema of Art Garfunkel! And Pat Benatar plays "Catch a Rising Star"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 20, 2019 • 1h 25min
260. John Davidson
A long sought-after guest, singer-actor-TV host John Davidson (finally!) joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about his six decades in show business, his admiration for stand-up comedians, his ability to play the role of "John Davidson" and his memories of working with Julie Andrews, Lucille Ball, George Carlin, Bob Hope and Elvis Presley. Also, John dines with Walt Disney, opens for Jack Benny, steers clear of Paul Lynde and guest-hosts "The Tonight Show" 87 times. PLUS: "The Streets of San Francisco"! In praise of Peter Marshall! The sex appeal of Ricardo Montalban! Don Rickles lays it on the line! And John looks back on the golden age of variety shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 16, 2019 • 35min
Mini #216: Frank's Record Collection
This week: The poster boys of one-hit wonders! The genius of Jimmy Webb (and P.F. Sloan)! The musical stylings of David Soul! Gilbert opens for Buster Poindexter! And the tragic tale of Badfinger! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 13, 2019 • 1h 30min
259. Irwin Winkler
Oscar-winning producer Irwin Winkler ("Rocky," "Goodfellas," "Raging Bull," "The Right Stuff") looks back on a half-century of movie-making and shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Sydney Pollack, Martin Scorsese, Jessica Lange and Kevin Kline (to name a few). Also, Al Pacino walks off the set, Sly Stallone sticks to his guns, Jerry Orbach befriends a mobster and Irwin tackles the Hollywood blacklist. PLUS: "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" Remembering Burgess Meredith! Peter Bogdanovich rides again! Elvis replaces Julie Christie! And Irwin reveals the movies he never got to make! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 9, 2019 • 38min
Mini #215: Gilbert & Frank's Colossal Mailbag
This week: "The Groucho Letters"! Herman Munster gets frisky! Paul Lynde does community theater! The terrifying tales of Kliph Nesteroff! And the novelty records of Dickie Goodman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 6, 2019 • 1h 30min
258. Robert Wagner
Gilbert and Frank welcome screen legend Robert Wagner, who talks about his years as a 20th Century Fox contract player, shares his memories of making the film classics "Harper," "The Pink Panther" and "The Towering Inferno" and looks back on his decades-long friendships with Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy. Also, Fred Astaire charms the crowd, Dean Martin drops by the set, David Niven comes in from the cold and Robert guest stars in a memorable "Seinfeld" episode. PLUS: Lionel Stander! "It Takes a Thief"! In praise of Robert Osborne! The genius of Blake Edwards! And Robert pays tribute to Hollywood's greatest character actresses! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 2, 2019 • 29min
Mini #214: REAL Bands of 1960s TV (with John Fotiadis)
This week: "Far Out Munsters"! Paul Revere & the Raiders! The Peppermint Trolley Company! Mannix meets the Buffalo Springfield! And Chad & Jeremy tangle with Catwoman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
