Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Gilbert and Frank welcome Emmy-winning writer-director David Mandel for a revealing and rewarding conversation about the origin of classic "Seinfeld" gags (man hands, "Bizarro" Jerry), the inner workings of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the brilliance of Bob Einstein and Jerry Stiller, the ruthless humor of HBO's "Veep" and David's memorabilia-themed podcast "The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of." Also, Orson Welles gaslights studio bosses, Michael McKean sends up Robert Evans, Gilbert runs afoul of Kelsey Grammer and Billy Wilder (almost) directs the Marx Brothers. PLUS: Nerf Crotch Bat! In praise of Phil Hartman! Larry David blows a fuse! "Abbott and Costello Meet Al Pacino"! And "LIVE from New York, it's the Planet of the Apes"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank talk to Emmy-nominated TV and film director Ken Kwapis about working with primates, borrowing from Buster Keaton, falling in (and out of) love with movies, adapting "The Office" for American television and his new memoir, "But What I REALLY Want to Do is Direct." Also, Charlie Chaplin walks a tightrope, Alan Arkin (reluctantly) plays volleyball, Steve Coogan seduces a Keebler elf and Ken finds inspiration in "The Bellboy" and "A Night at the Opera." PLUS: "American Graffiti"! In praise of drive-in theaters! The cinema of Joan Micklin Silver! The comic mastery of Steve Carell! And Ken shares memories of Peter Falk, Faye Dunaway, Robert Redford and Captain Kangaroo! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Film critic, Hollywood historian and Turner Classics Movies host Ben Mankiewicz joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about his famous family, the depiction of his grandfather in David Fincher's "Mank," the real authorship of "Citizen Kane" and his well-received TCM podcast "The Plot Thickens." Also, Mickey Rooney finds religion, Harpo Marx attends a seder, Jerry Lewis leaves a mysterious voicemail and Ben remembers the late, great Robert Osborne. PLUS: "Duck Soup"! "Mad Dog of Europe"! Tony Curtis: fashion icon! Kirk Douglas knocks Joseph Mankiewicz! And Ben interviews Sophia Loren, Ernest Borgnine and Max von Sydow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 100th (!) birthday of Mad magazine cartoonist Al Jaffee with this encore episode from 2016, featuring Al and longtime Mad writer Dick DeBartolo, who discuss their friendships with publisher William M. Gaines, their admiration of Jack Davis and Mort Drucker and the secret origin of the term "potrzebie." Also, Al remembers Harvey Kurtzman, Dick falls for Lauren Bacall, Stephen Colbert pays tribute to a comedy hero and Gilbert bashes "Up the Academy." PLUS: Gloria Swanson! "To Tell the Truth"! "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions"! Al parties with Jason Robards! And the warped genius of Don Martin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conclusion of a 2-part episode, Gilbert and Frank welcome back comedian, actor and Emmy-winning comedy writer DANA GOULD for a highly entertaining conversation about hammy actors, '70s cinema fashion, Famous Monsters of Filmland, the graciousness of George Carlin (and Adam West!) and the mysterious death of Dr. Cyclops. Also, Joey Bishop hassles Jack Benny, Chuck Connors fights a triceratops, Dana runs afoul of Bob Hope and Jonathan Harris (angrily) turns down the "Lost in Space" movie. PLUS: Mr. Moto! "Touch of Evil"! The girl who haunted Bela Lugosi! Dana adapts Rod Serling! Batman tangles with Krusty the Clown! And the return of "Price Comparison"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a 2-part episode, comedian, actor and Emmy-winning writer Dana Gould returns to the show for a funny, frenetic conversation about the "science" of monster movies, the extravagance of Sammy Davis Jr., the generosity of Roddy McDowall (and Charlton Heston!) and the new web series, "Hanging with Dr. Z." Also, Dwight Frye checks out, Darren McGavin dons a bathrobe, Orson Welles turns down "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" and Andy Griffith "punches up" "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." PLUS: Burt Mustin! "King Kong Escapes"! "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine"! Don Knotts meets Mr. Potter! And Dana teams with the one and only Mel Brooks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress, comedian, Emmy-nominated writer and loyal GGACP fan LARAINE NEWMAN returns to the show to discuss descending from Jewish cowboys, growing up in celebrity-land, co-founding The Groundlings, auditioning for Bob Hope (and Robert De Niro) and her engrossing new memoir, "May You Live in Interesting Times." Also, Don Ameche mounts a comeback, Chevy Chase tells the "Aristocrats" joke, Laraine crushes on Illya Kuryakin and Walter Matthau turns down the Julia Child sketch. PLUS: Autumn Fizz! "American Hot Wax"! Buck Henry gets kinky! "That's Not Funny, That's Sick!" And Laraine recalls working with Bob & Ray, Dudley Moore and Rodney Dangerfield! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank are joined by Tony- and Emmy-nominated actress-singer Michele Lee for a look back at her seven-decade career in television ("Knots Landing"), movies ("The Comic," "The Love Bug") and on the Broadway stage ("How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying") and a lively conversation about the bawdiness of Red Skelton, the naughtiness of Buddy Hackett, the courageousness of Don Rickles and the flirtatiousness of Frank Sinatra. Also, Michele cuts the rug with Fred Astaire, treads the boards with Robert Morse and Rudy Vallee, takes directing tips from Jerry Lewis and plays Lou Costello's wife in the infamous "Bud and Lou." PLUS: "Rod Serling's Night Gallery"! "Scandalous Me: The Jacqueline Susann Story"! In praise of Dick Van Dyke! And Michele shares the screen with Liberace, Danny Kaye and Sammy Davis Jr! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony, Emmy, Grammy and 8-time Oscar winning composer Alan Menken joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the marriage of screen music and images, the demise (and resurrection) of movie musicals, the genius of the late, great Howard Ashman, and the "architecture" of songs like "Be Our Guest," "I See the Light," "Part of Your World" and "Somewhere That's Green." Also, Danny DeVito mimics Jimmy Durante, Steve Martin plays a sadistic dentist, Brad Garrett and Jeffrey Tambor perform a "want" song and Alan praises the talents of John Williams, Thomas Newman and Lin-Manuel Miranda. PLUS: "Fantasia"! The comedy of Randy Rainbow! "I'll Do Anything"! Alan wins a Razzie! And Bob Dylan turns down "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank talk to Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actor-director Richard Masur about his 6-decade acting career, his years as president of the Screen Actors Guild, his numerous collaborations with mentor Norman Lear and his role in the infamous "Heaven's Gate." Also, Francis Ford Coppola welcomes feedback, Jack Nicholson replaces Mandy Patinkin, John Carpenter remakes "The Thing" and Richard shares drinks (and the screen) with Pat McCormick. PLUS: "Scavenger Hunt!" "Hot l Baltimore"! Remembering Ben Johnson! The wisdom of Robert Preston! And Richard praises co-stars Gene Hackman, Sidney Poitier and Meryl Streep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show business historian and New York Times bestselling author KLIPH NESTEROFF returns to the podcast for an entertaining and (as always) educational discussion about banned cartoons, politically incorrect mascots, the history of Hollywood stereotypes and his new book on Native Americans and comedy, "We Had a Little Real Estate Problem." Also, Buddy Hackett pulls a knife, Howard Hawks disses Rowan & Martin, Peter Sellers sends up Charlie Chan and Frank Sinatra's goons rough up Shecky Greene. PLUS: "Go Go Gophers"! Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel! Allen & Rossi "inspire" Charlie Hill! Jack Carter feuds with Al Jolson! And "F-Troop" rips off a Redd Foxx routine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Under the creative guidance of audio producer John Murray, Gilbert and Frank discuss and dissect some of the show's best musical moments from 2014-2020, with live performances by Neil Sedaka, Dennis DeYoung, Kenny Loggins, Tommy James, Mark Hudson and Tony Orlando (among others). Also in this episode: Anne Murray covers "Danny's Song," Uncle Junior interprets Yip Harburg, Rupert Holmes (almost) pays tribute to Humphrey Bogart, and Charles Fox composes the soundtrack of 1970s television. PLUS: John Davidson looks ahead! The Shondells go psychedelic! The legend of Morris Levy! Goldie Hawn falls for a Hudson Brother! And the Brill Building sound inspires the British Invasion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank are again joined by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Michael H. Weber for a loving look back at some of the artists and performers who left the stage in 2020, including Carl Reiner, Kirk Douglas, Diana Rigg, Buck Henry, Regis Philbin and Olivia deHavilland. Also in this episode: Sean Connery improvises an iconic line, Fred Silverman makes TV history, Matty Simmons co-founds the National Lampoon and the world bids farewell to Mr. Creosote. PLUS: Burns and Schreiber! Stiller and Meara! The art of Mort Drucker! The genius of Fred Willard! And Gilbert and Frank salute a member of the ACP family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entertainment historian and bestselling author RICK LERTZMAN ("The Life and Times of Mickey Rooney") discusses his new book, "Deconstructing the Rat Pack: Joey, the Mob, and the Summit" and joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating conversation about the heyday of nightclubs, the glory days of Las Vegas and the cultural impact of Frank, Dean, Sammy, Joey and Peter. Also, Uncle Miltie whips it out (again), Sammy Davis blows through a fortune, Pat McCormick tanks "The Joey Bishop Show" and Jerry Lewis runs afoul of Sam "Momo" Giancana. PLUS: Sheldon Leonard! Louis Prima inspires Ol' Blue Eyes! Don Adams "borrows" from Bob Newhart! Rick hangs with Moe Howard (and Bud Abbott)! And the unknown reason behind Dean and Jerry's split? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 50th anniversary of "All in the Family" with an ENCORE presentation of another classic episode, as legendary writer-producer-director NORMAN LEAR holds court on a variety of subjects, including the inscrutability of Dean Martin, the politics (and Jewishness) of Edward G. Robinson, the "inventiveness" of Mickey Rooney and the heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen. Also, Norman woos Frank Sinatra, praises John Amos, presents Jerry Lewis with a one-of-a-kind gift and remembers his dear friend Carroll O'Connor. PLUS: James Franciscus! Roscoe Lee Browne! "Hot l Baltimore"! Norman buys the Declaration of Independence! And the legend of Joe E. Lewis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this repeat of a classic GGACP episode, Gilbert and Frank chat with one of their favorite performers, actor-writer-director DAVE THOMAS, who looks back on his years with Second City (and "SCTV"), his transition to dramatic series writing, his admiration for Bob Hope and his working relationships with Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Tom Poston and Martin Short. Also, Richard Harris gets rough, Buck Henry storms out, Gilbert cuts the rug with John Travolta and Mel Blanc plays Dave's dad. PLUS: "The New Show"! Yasser Arafat hits the links! Dave praises Al Jaffee! And the comedy stylings of Max von Sydow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Santopadre is joined by special guest Mario Cantone to answer your questions live from the Stereo App! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Gilbert and Frank welcome writer-producer Craig Schulz ("The Peanuts Movie") and archivist and author Chip Kidd ("Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz") for a look back at one of the most beloved and innovative television specials ever produced and the enduring genius of the man behind it. Also, Snoopy crushes on Peggy Fleming, Linus makes prime time history, Barney Google inspires a lifelong nickname and Craig introduces his father's work to a new generation. PLUS: Joe Shlabotnik! "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"! The brilliance of Vince Guaraldi! The artistry of Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson! And the panelists reveal their favorite "Peanuts" strips of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend and fan favorite Mario Cantone returns for GGACP's annual holiday episode and a funny and festive conversation about awkward child actors, depressing Christmas carols, holiday-themed horror films, the musical talents of Leslie Bricusse and Jerry Herman and the 50th anniversary of Rankin/Bass' "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town." Also, Mickey Mouse meets Scrooge, Katharine Hepburn tugs on St. Nick's beard, Cyrano de Bergerac warbles a seasonal ditty and Mario (finally) discovers the legend of Cesar Romero. PLUS: Tattoo sings! Ed Norton swings! "Christmas at SeaWorld"! Saluting Paul Coker! And Bob Hope and Marie Osmond holiday in Saudi Arabia! (Produced & edited by John Murray. Special thanks to Jerry Dixon. In loving memory of Mike McPadden). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP favorites Craig Bierko and Beverly D'Angelo return to the show for a spirited conversation about ABC Afterschool Specials, obscure time travel movies, the comedic brilliance of Martin Short and Richard Kind and the early days of cable television. Also, Al Pacino watches "Cats," Milos Forman inspires Steve Martin, Beverly grabs Chevy Chase's junk and Craig mixes up Bob Hope and Richard Nixon. PLUS: Imogene Coca! The return of old Groucho! Stan Kann the Gadget Man! In praise of Carrie Fisher! And rest in peace, Janet Ann Gallow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices