
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

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 27min
Larry Kenney Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, radio personality and voice artist Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Count Chocula, Sonny the Cuckoo Bird) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Larry trots out his array of impressions (Richard Nixon, Paul Lynde, George S. Patton) and remembers some of the industry’s legendary voice talents, including Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Bob McFadden, June Foray and Paul Winchell. Also, Larry hosts “Bowling for Dollars,” Don Imus clashes with Howard Stern, William Conrad cleans up the Old West and Peter Lorre tries to sound like...Peter Lorre. PLUS: Jerry the Bellybutton Elf! The return of Vaughn Meader! “The Great American Dream Machine”! And Lauren Bacall praises Larry’s Bogie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 45min
GGACP Classic: Ron Friedman Returns!
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 1) of longtime television writer and podcast pal Ron Friedman (“The Odd Couple,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “All in the Family,” “Barney Miller”) by revisiting Ron's second sitdown with Gilbert and Frank. In this episode, Ron discusses the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism and the inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner and shares all-new stories about Lucille Ball, 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 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

Jul 29, 2024 • 39min
Bad Werewolf Movies Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary actress and Gilbert favorite Maria ("The Wolf Man") Ouspenskaya (b. July 29, 1876) with this ENCORE of a funny and informative mini-ep from 2018. In this episode, the boys shoot a silver bullet through the heart of some lesser-known and less successful werewolf flicks, including "Wolf," "She-Wolf of London," "Face of the Screaming Werewolf" and the unforgettable “The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here!" PLUS: Remembering Glenn Strange! In praise of Larry Cohen! David Janssen plays a lycanthrope! And George Zucco visits Ed Wood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2024 • 26min
GGACP Classic: Battle of the Network Stars!
GGACP celebrates the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics by revisiting Gilbert and Frank's "tribute" to a slightly different (but no less entertaining) athletic competition, ABC's "Battle of the Network Stars." In this episode, Billy Crystal runs an obstacle course, Victor Buono sends up Raymond Burr, Telly Savalas locks horns with Robert Conrad and Gilbert tells one of the funniest jokes of all time. PLUS: "Murder by Death"! "Celebrity Bowling"! Wonder Woman takes a dip! Wayne Newton sings “Rhinestone Cowboy”! And "The Network Battle of the T's & A's"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2024 • 2h 2min
Alan Zweibel Encore
GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of the 1994 feature film "North" (released July 22, 1994) with this ENCORE of an interview with the much-maligned movie's writer, Emmy-winner and Thurber Prize winner Alan Zweibel. In this episode, Alan discusses (among other topics) the evolution of “Saturday Night Live,” the genius of Larry Gelbart and Neil Simon and the 2018 documentaries about his longtime friends and collaborators, Gilda Radner and Garry Shandling. Also, Jay Leno offers advice, Buck Henry makes a bad investment, Gilbert makes like Willy Loman and Lorne Michaels locks horns with Uncle Miltie. PLUS: Praising Kate McKinnon! Remembering Bruno Kirby (and Herb Sargent)! Mel Brooks comes to dinner! Desi Arnaz invents the sitcom! And Alan writes the Paul “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon Special! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
GGACP Classic: Jim Norton LIVE @ NYCC Super Week
GGACP celebrates the birthday of comedian and radio host Jim Norton (b. July 19) by revisiting this LIVE interview (in connection with NY Comic Con) from way back in 2015. In this episode, Jim holds court on topics ranging from his friendship with Sherman (George Jefferson) Hemsley to his love of Jack Klugman to his admiration for “Midnight Cowboy” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Also, the boys break down celebrity conspiracy theories, sing the praises of character actor Frank McRae and look back at the groundbreaking shows of Norman Lear. PLUS: Moms Mabley! Iron Balls McGinty! Sammy Davis plugs “Skidoo”! Paul Lynde disses KISS! And Gilbert stakes out the Playboy mansion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 25min
Larry Cohen Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (July 15) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite guests, legendary cult filmmaker Larry Cohen (“It’s Alive,” “The Stuff,” “Hell Up in Harlem”) with this ENCORE of a highly amusing interview from 2018. In this episode, Larry talks about his early days as a standup, his friendship with Alfred Hitchcock, the risks and rewards of “guerrilla moviemaking” and the documentary about his life and career, “King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen.” Also, Chuck Connors blows the whistle, Robert De Niro dons a yarmulke, Bette Davis stages a “comeback” and John Belushi babysits Broderick Crawford. PLUS: Revisiting “Coronet Blue”! John Wayne throws out the script! The Coen Brothers pay “tribute” to “Branded”! And Larry remembers the legendary Samuel Z. Arkoff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 48min
GGACP Classic: Billy West Returns
GGACP celebrates the birthday of unpopular Stooge "Curly Joe" DeRita (b. July 12, 1909) by revisiting this hilarious interview with comedian, voice actor and Three Stooges expert Billy West. In this episode, Billy discusses bad sight gags, one-joke comedians, the legend of “Grandpa” Al Lewis, the genius of Frank Welker and the magnificence of the Buddy Rich and Paul Anka rants. Also, Larry Fine plays Stanley Kowalski, Lou Jacobi inspires Dr. Zoidberg, Jay Leno messes with James Mason’s head and Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: The Mad Russian! Peg Leg Bates! Dueling Peter Lorres! Ren & Stimpy turn 30! The brilliance of Larry Storch! And the triumphant return of the Jackie puppet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
Jim Gaffigan Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan (b. July 7) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Jim joins Gilbert and Frank at the famed New York Friar’s Club to weigh in on subjects ranging from the lost art of “ethnic comedy” to the healing powers of stand-up to the caste system of the entertainment business. Also, Jim “opens” for the Pope, treads the boards with Jackie Gleason’s grandson, struggles to capture Manhattan on film and writes ad copy for Downy and Hardee’s. PLUS: Myron Cohen! The hunchback makes out! The comedy of Nat Hiken! The genius of Cloris Leachman! And the “biggest Goy in the world”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 28min
GGACP Classic: Griffin Dunne
GGACP celebrates the recent release of actor-producer Griffin Dunne's book, "The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir" by revisiting this memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Griffin talks about blending horror and comedy, teaming with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the cynical cinema of Billy Wilder and the lives (and work) of Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne. Also, Jerry Lewis adapts Gore Vidal, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Griffin sneaks onto the set of “Gilligan’s Island” and Tim Burton (almost) directs “After Hours.” PLUS: Howdy Doody! “Who’s That Girl”! “The Panic in Needle Park”! The genius of Harry Nilsson! And the artistry of GGACP guest Rick Baker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices