
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

Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 28min
Willie Tyler & Lester Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary ventriloquist Willie Tyler (b. September 8th) by presenting this ENCORE of an entertaining conversation with Willie and his longtime partner, Lester, from 2018. In this episode, Willie (and Lester) discuss the history of the “Chitlin Circuit,” ventriloquism-themed horror movies, the mob’s influence in Vegas and the golden age of “the Motown Sound.” Also: Steve Rossi teams with Slappy White, George Kirby channels Pearl Bailey, Edgar Bergen offers sage advice and Willie opens for Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. PLUS: Jules Podell! Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop! Don Rickles takes a front seat! Lester meets George Jefferson! And the many talents of Paul Winchell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2024 • 19min
GGACP Classic: "Time After Time" and "Island of Lost Souls"
GGACP marks the 45th anniversary of the 1979 release of Nicholas Meyer's terrific sci-fi- adventure film, "Time After Time" by revisiting this mini-ep from 2015. In this episode: Charles Laughton chases skirts, Gilbert tears down "Regarding Henry," Malcolm McDowell meets his future wife and the boys pay tribute to a lesser-known Lugosi classic. PLUS: "Jack the Stripper"! "The Night of the Hunter"! The brilliance of David Warner! And Marlon Brando inspires Mike Myers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 34min
Jeff Abraham and Burt Kearns Encore
GGACP looks back at an entertaining (and educational!) episode from Sept 2, 2019 with this ENCORE presentation of an interview with author-historian Jeff Abraham and filmmaker Burt Kearns about their book, "The Show Won't Go On." In this episode, Jeff and Burt share 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, Burt Reynolds gets a paint job, Sid Caesar packs heat 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, 2024 • 1h 28min
GGACP Classic: Frank Conniff
“Push the button, Frank!” GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 30) of writer, comedian and actor Frank Conniff (“Mystery Science Theater 3000”) by revisiting this funny conversation from 2017. In this episode, Frank shares selections from his new book of MST3K-related essays and gives his take on topics ranging from Superman’s Jewish roots to the outsized cinema of Bert I. Gordon to the meta-comedy of Art Metrano. Also, Jack Webb directs, Pia Zadora meets Kris Kringle, Frank defends Ed Wood and Gilbert hangs with Sid Melton. PLUS: Richard “Jaws” Kiel! The Rip Taylor Trio! “Monster a Go-Go!” Billy Wilder teams with the Marx Brothers!? And the worst musical ever made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 35min
Drew Friedman Encore
GGACP celebrates the recent publication of our pal Drew Friedman's new book, "Schtick Figures" by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable 2020 interview with the award-winning illustrator and fan favorite. In this episode, Drew weighs in on well-endowed comedians, the last days of Mad magazine, the durability of “The Odd Couple” and Gilbert's hilarious turn as "The Great Emancipator." Also, Yoko Ono meets the Little Rascals, Uncle Floyd auditions for “Minnie’s Boys" and Frank attends a Stooge funeral. PLUS: “Crazy Joe” Gallo! “The Haunted Strangler”! Praising Al Jaffee (and Mort Drucker)! Mutant Jerry Lewis! And Drew runs afoul of the Merchant of Venom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 36min
GGACP Classic: Al Roker
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 20th) of Emmy-winning TV host (and native New Yorker) Al Roker by revisiting this funny, freewheeling conversation about local kiddie show hosts, the lost art of ventriloquism, the complicated genius of Charles M. Schulz and Al’s book “You Look So Much Better in Person.” Also, Fred Flintstone enjoys a smoke, Red Buttons leads a double life, Willard Scott becomes the original Ronald McDonald and Gilbert and Al co-star in “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.” PLUS: Willie Tyler & Lester! “The Dick Tracy Show”! “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”! Frank shares his favorite roast joke! And Al and Gilbert cover the hits of Soupy Sales! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 32min
Peter Marshall Encore
GGACP bids a fond farewell to actor, singer and former “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall by presenting this ENCORE presentation of a candid interview from 2016. In this episode, Peter regales Gilbert and Frank with irresistible stories about Redd Foxx, the mob, Glenn Ford, Uncle Miltie’s “apparatus” and Charlie Weaver’s (and Vincent Price’s!) sexual proclivities. Also, Peter croons with Bing, tours with Bob Hope, gets roasted by Orson Welles and runs afoul of John Wayne. PLUS: Al Jolson schmoozes! Phil Silvers does “Who’s on First”! Gilbert ticks off Marlon Brando! Peter and Nanette Fabray hit a nudie bar! And the definitive version of the Paul Lynde-Golddiggers story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15, 2024 • 36min
GGACP Classic: James Bond Movies
GGACP salutes the absorbing and informative new book by our pal Thom Shubilla, "James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze," by revisiting this memorable mini-ep from 2016, featuring James Bond fun facts and tantalizing 007 trivia. In this episode: Roger Moore shares the screen with Bernie Schwartz, Johnny Rivers scores a hit with "Secret Agent Man," Gilbert obsesses over Jewish Bond baddies (and Jewish Bond girls) and the boys bid a fond farewell to Napoleon Solo. PLUS: Hank Scorpio! Sammy Davis Jr’s lost cameo! Six Degrees of Yaphet Kotto! Pussy Galore's flying circus! And Gilbert warbles “License to Kill”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 20min
Frankie Avalon Encore
GGACP keeps the summer vibe alive with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with singer-actor and star of the "Beach Party" movie series, Frankie Avalon. In this episode, Frankie talks about breaking into show business as a child prodigy, receiving 12,000 pieces of fan mail per week and working alongside Hollywood greats Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Buster Keaton, Lucille Ball, and Groucho Marx. Also, Frankie looks back at his humble beginnings in South Philly, his years as a teen heartthrob and his decades-long friendship with onscreen love interest Annette Funicello. PLUS: Remembering "Skidoo"! “Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine”! Dueling Draculas! The Duke makes Laurence Harvey cry! And Cesar Romero and Arnold Stang hit a strip joint! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2024 • 20min
GGACP Classic: "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and "Double Indemnity"
GGACP celebrates the recent 80th anniversary of the granddaddy of film noirs, Billy Wilder's 1944 masterpiece "Double Indemnity" by revisiting this conversation from 2015. In this episode, Gilbert and Frank sing the praises of James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler, look back at various remakes ("Body Heat," "Big Trouble") and analyze the movie's seldom mentioned love story. Also: The boys pay tribute to the John Huston classic "Treasure of the Sierra Madre." PLUS: Bugs Bunny meets Bogart! Bela Lugosi meets the Marx Brothers! John Cassavetes directs a comedy! And the enduring mystery of B. Traven! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices