
Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 46min
Alan Alda Encore
GGACP celebrates National Italian-American Heritage Month by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable 2018 interview with Emmy-winning actor-writer-director Alan Alda (AKA Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo). In this episode, Alan discusses growing up in Burlesque theaters, working with his father Robert Alda, coping with the pressures of sudden fame and learning to live life “in the moment.” Also, Mickey Rooney “hails a cab,” Buster Keaton does a backflip, Sarah Silverman forms an unlikely friendship and Alan remembers M*A*S*H colleagues Harry Morgan, Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson. PLUS: The Great Blackstone! “The Beast with Five Fingers”! Revisiting “Crimes and Misdemeanors”! Beetlepuss rescues Bela Lugosi! And Alan shares the stage with Red Buttons, Phil Silvers and Mae West! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 38min
GGACP Classic: The “Columbo” 50th Anniversary Show with David Koenig
GGACP celebrates October's National Book Month by revisiting this 2021 interview with David Koenig, author of “Shooting Columbo: The Lives and Deaths of TV’s Rumpled Detective.” In this episode, David and the boys look back at the iconic detective series, its mercurial star Peter Falk and its impressive lineup of guest killers and character actors. Also in this episode: Bing Crosby takes a pass, Eddie Albert speaks his mind, Steven Spielberg knocks it out of the park and Larry Cohen signs on as “murder consultant.” PLUS: Vito Scotti! The brilliance of Jack Cassidy! The genius of Levinson & Link! The debacle of “Mrs. Columbo”! Truman Capote “bumps off” Johnny Carson! And David reveals the truth (?) about Danny Kaye and Laurence Olivier! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 50min
Remembering Abbott & Costello Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary straight man Bud Abbott (b. October, 1895) by revisiting this informative panel discussion as archivist Bob Furmanek, film critic Leonard Maltin and author-historian Ron Palumbo join Gil and Frank for a look at the lives and careers of one of the most popular comedy teams of all time. Also in this episode: Groucho Marx gushes, Dean Martin gets a nose job, Boris Karloff turns down “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” and Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi consider a Bud and Lou biopic. PLUS: Bingo the Chimp! Saluting Sidney Fields! Shemp joins the army! Joe Besser frightens Gilbert! And the experts pick their favorite A&C movies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 22min
GGACP Classic: John Amos
GGACP bids a fond farewell to our late friend and 2-time guest, “Good Times” and “Roots” star John Amos by revisiting this memorable interview from 2016. In this episode, John reminisces about everything from his days as a struggling comic to his breakthrough role on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to working with Eddie Murphy and James Earl Jones in “Coming to America.” Also, John remembers Ted Knight, cuts up with Tim Conway, shares the screen with Lena Horne and moves into Archie Bunker’s old house. PLUS: Famous Amos! The cinema of Yaphet Kotto! “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”! Praising Ernest Borgnine! And the mystery of the misheard theme song! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 46min
Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski Encore
GGACP celebrates the 30th anniversary of the classic comedy-drama "Ed Wood" (released September 28, 1994) with this ENCORE of an interview with the film's screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. In this episode, Scott and Larry talk about the Ed Wood-Bela Lugosi relationship, the exuberance of Milos Forman, the bizarro cinema of Rudy Ray Moore and their Eddie Murphy vehicle, “Dolemite is My Name.” Also, Jim Carrey pranks Danny DeVito, Tim Burton befriends Vincent Price, Ray Walston “replaces” Peter Sellers and Scott and Larry remember the late, great Martin Landau. PLUS: Appreciating Robert Morse! The legacy of William Goldman! Mae West seduces 007! The Marx Brothers meet the Master of Disaster! And the boys pick their favorite big-screen biopics! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 30min
GGACP Classic: Rupert Holmes Returns!
GGACP celebrates National Piano Month (yes, National Piano Month) by revisiting this 2017 interview with songwriter/composer-turned-dramatist (and lifelong pianist!) Rupert Holmes. In this episode, Rupert discusses (among other essential topics) the brilliance of Bernard Herrmann, the lesser-known films of Boris Karloff and the fine art of “cracking” celebrity impressions. Also, Frank Gorshin channels George Burns, Gilbert mimics Sydney Greenstreet, Bob Hope goes psychedelic and Rupert remembers his childhood hero, Jerry Lewis. PLUS: “House of Wax”! The Great Gildersleeve! Grandpa Munster rocks out! Rupert” collaborates” with Mickey Rooney! And the boys pay tribute to “Old Dark House” movies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 50min
Tim Robbins Encore
GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of Frank Darabont's classic Stephen King adaptation, "The Shawshank Redemption" (released September 23, 1994) by presenting this ENCORE of a 2020 interview with Oscar-winning actor, musician and activist Tim Robbins. In this episode, Tim joins the boys for a lively discussion on a wide range of topics, including the “New Hollywood” of the ’70s, the genius and generosity of Robert Altman and the timeliness of Depression-era screwball comedies. Also, Gore Vidal steals the show, Richard Pryor plays The Gaslight Cafe, Orson Welles runs afoul of William Randolph Hearst and Tim (fondly) remembers Paul Newman, Don Rickles and Robin Williams. PLUS: “Bobbo Supreme”! “Howard the Duck”! Monty Python comes calling! In praise of “The Hudsucker Proxy”! And Tim weighs in on the future of movie theaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 2024 • 33min
GGACP Classic: Remembering Adam West
GGACP celebrates the birthday of TV's original Caped Crusader, Adam West (b. September 19, 1928) by revisiting Gilbert and Frank's tribute to the beloved actor (and memorable podcast guest). Also in this episode: "Legends of the Superheroes"! Uma Thurman does the Batusi! Adam teams with the Three Stooges! The genius of Neal Hefti! And the unsung brilliance of “Lookwell.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 14min
Paul Feig Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 17) of writer, director and actor Paul Feig ("Bridesmaids," "Ghostbusters," A Simple Favor") with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2018. In this episode, Paul shares his thoughts on an eclectic mix of topics, including the appeal of "cringe" comedy, the influence of Mad magazine, the legacy of Charles M. Schulz and the untimely demise of "Freaks and Geeks." Also, Thurston Howell sings the blues, Jim Nabors sings "Ave Maria," George Lazenby tangles with Telly Savalas, and Gilbert introduces Paul to the "Jack Frost" sketch. PLUS: Serge Gainsbourg! In praise of Jill Clayburgh! The return of Crazy Guggenheim! "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions"! And the (arguably) funniest half-hour in sitcom history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 30min
GGACP Classic: Jeff Ross and Dave Attell
GGACP celebrates the birthday of comedian, producer and Roastmaster General Jeff Ross (b. September 13th) by revisiting this frequently hilarious 2019 interview with Jeff and fellow comedian Dave Attell. In this episode, the boys talk about performing in the age of political correctness, using comedy as a teaching tool, their favorite lesser-known stand-ups of the ’50s and ’60s and their Netflix series “Bumping Mics” and “Historical Roasts.” Also, Aretha Franklin flips the bird, Jeff takes down Jerry Lewis, Dave gives props to Steve Martin (and Rod Serling) and the boys remember the never-aired New York Friars Club roasts. PLUS: “The Omega Man”! Uncle Miltie whips it out! Gilbert boards the Maxi-Bus! Dave launches a new series! And Jeff pays tribute to the late, great Don Rickles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices