Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Frank sits down with an all-star panel of veteran comedy writers, including Rick Copp ("Golden Girls," "The Brady Bunch Movie"), Brian Levant ("Happy Days," "The Flintstones") and Bennett Yellin ("Dumb and Dumber," "Stuck on You") for an inside look at a sitcom writers' room and a frequently hilarious conversation about unproduced scripts, failed pitches, favorite jokes, the genius of Jonathan Winters and the generosity of Garry Marshall (among other essential topics). Also in this episode: Rick reboots "Knight Rider," Brian rescues Fred Flintstone from development hell, Frank's personal anecdote gets a punch-up by Harlan Ellison and Bennett explains the "logic" behind Woody Allen and Matt Damon playing conjoined twins. PLUS: Danny Thomas packs heat! Lieutenant Uhura bends the elbow! Bea Arthur feuds with Betty White! "Mission Impossible" meets "My Mother the Car"! And the boys recall the most magical moment in their careers!

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In the conclusion of a two-part installment, author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer Ned Hastings ("Archer," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force") join Frank to break down some forgotten feature-length Bond knockoffs ("Secret Agent Super Dragon"? Seriously?) while remembering the 007-inspired TV shows of the decade, including "Get Smart," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "I Spy" and "The Wild Wild West' (among others). Also in this episode: Buck Henry invents the Cone of Silence, Lucille Ball greenlights "Mission: Impossible," Tony Randall tangles with Herbert Lom and Adam West turns down a license to kill. PLUS: "The Satan Bug"! Robert Goulet: Nazi hunter! Remembering Jessica Walter! Ian Fleming influences the CIA! And the boys name their favorite Bond themes!

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Frank is joined by author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer-editor Ned Hastings ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force," "Archer") for a funny and fascinating look back at the spy (and "Eurospy") craze of the 1960s and the numerous 007 rivals and imitators of the era, including Matt Helm, Derek Flint, Harry Palmer and yes...Neil Connery. Also in this episode: Karl Malden switches accents, Miss Moneypenny gets a payday, Sharon Tate wows in "The Wrecking Crew" and the boys take a moment to celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Batman" and Bat-mania. PLUS: "The Last of the Secret Agents"! "The Man from O.R.G.Y."! The insanity of "Casino Royale"! James Coburn battles Agent 0008! And Jan Murray as..."Dick Tracy"??

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In the conclusion of a two-part episode, actress Illeana Douglas, filmmaker Danny Gold ("Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames") and screenwriter Larry Karaszewskl join Frank for a few final thoughts on the career (and complexities) of Peter Sellers, while looking back at the work of other luminaries who reached their centennial year in 2025, including Paul Newman, Jack Lemmon, Rod Steiger, Robert Altman and Dick Van Dyke. Also in this episode, Frank praises "The Apartment," Illeana takes a walk with Sid Caesar, Danny explains "topping the topper" and Larry meets a personal hero at a holiday party. PLUS: "The Great Race"! The brilliance of Jack Warden! The cinema of Sam Peckinpah! Norm MacDonald performs scenes from "Hud"! And the panelists reveal their favorite Peter Sellers movies! 

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In part one of a two-part episode, Frank celebrates the 100th birth year of the legendary Peter Sellers (b. 1925), accompanied by a distinguished panel of Sellers scholars, including actress Illeana Douglas, filmmaker Danny Gold ("Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames") and Emmy-winning screenwriter-producer Larry Karaszewski. In this episode, the experts discuss the actor-comedian's eccentric behavior and "complicated" personality and look back at some of his most memorable films, including "Being There," "Dr. Strangelove," "The Party," "A Shot in the Dark" and "After the Fox" (among others). Also, Larry gets nostalgic about "The Magic Christian," Illeana phones up Billy Wilder, Frank reviews "The Ghost of Peter Sellers" and Danny weighs in on the tumultuous Sellers-Edwards relationship. PLUS: "Kiss Me, Stupid"! "Bogart Slept Here"! Paging Federico Fellini! The genius of Hal Ashby! And Illeana meets the great man in person!

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Frank is joined by Emmy-winning writer-comedian Dana Gould and this week's co-host, voice actor (and youthful ward) Barrett Leddy for a waaay too in-depth analysis of the rogues' gallery of arch-villains from the classic 1966-'68 "Batman" series. In this episode, Frank and the boys talk about bat-climbs, celebrity cameos and "non-canon" nemeses and share their favorite (and LEAST favorite) bat-baddies, while taking a nostalgic look back at an oft-repeated "rumor" from the "Amazing Colossal Podcast." PLUS: "Beneath the Planet of the Apes"! Dana dines with the Riddler! Frank hangs with Adam West! Barrett impersonates Eartha Kitt! And Dana remembers his friend, the late Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Reubens!

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To celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary King of Late Night, we are revisiting our conversation with producer-historian (and guest co-host) Dan Pasternack, former "Tonight Show" writer Mike Reiss and comedian-podcaster Mark Malkoff ("The Carson Podcast") join Frank for a look at some of the most memorable moments from Johnny's 30-year run as well as the controversial origins of beloved characters Art Fern, Aunt Blabby and Carnac the Magnificent. Also: Rodney Dangerfield writes an angry letter, Johnny turns down "The King of Comedy," the boys debunk the Zsa Zsa Gabor myth and Mark shares highlights from his new book, "Love Johnny Carson." PLUS: Peter Lawford gets banned! Pat McCormick drops trou (again)! Dan runs afoul of Bob Hope! Mike writes Johnny a part on "The Simpsons"! And Mark sheds light on the Wayne Newton feud!

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The "Amazing Colossal Podcast" holiday tradition marches on as Frank is joined by old friend Mario Cantone and comedian-actress Susie Essman to talk about the best (and worst) Christmas movies on TCM, the secret life of Frosty the Snowman, the musical genius of Irving Berlin and Leslie Bricusse, the existential crisis of "It's a Wonderful Life" and the conclusions of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Sex and the City." Also, Jerry Seinfeld plays Hamlet, Susie asks for a Patti Playpal, Mario praises the "Miracle on 34th Street" remake and Frank salutes Gilbert with "The Twelve Jews of Christmas." PLUS: "The Shop Around the Corner"! The return of "Yule Be Sorry!" Mario "outs" Yukon Cornelius! The brilliance of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" And the panel remembers the talents of Bob Einstein, Willie Garson and Richard Lewis!

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Frank ushers in the holiday season with a reunion of the creative team behind the 2003 black comedy "Bad Santa": director Terry Zwigoff, screenwriters Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and film editor Robert Hoffman. In this episode: the boys talk about the bumpy ride from page to screen, the nightmare of test screenings, the (extremely) contentious casting process and the artfulness and musicality of profanity. Also, the Coen Brothers envision James Gandolfini, Terry locks horns with Billy Bob Thornton, Glenn and John write a part for Evel Knievel (!) and Robert reveals the challenge of editing a TV-friendly cut. PLUS: "Babbo Bastardo"! Paging Bill Murray! Praising John Ritter! Mickey Rooney keeps it clean! Cloris Leachman tries to disrobe! And "Bad Santa" inspires an XXX-rated parody!

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In this conclusion of a sentimental and laugh-filled episode, producer-comedian Rich Brown, actor Steven Weber and writer-producer (and this week's co-host) Allan Neuwirth join Frank to remember some much-loved New York-based kids' programs of the 1960s, '70s (and '80s), including "Shenanigans," "The Magic Garden," "The New Zoo Revue," "The Uncle Floyd Show" and the Mario Cantone-hosted "Steampipe Alley." Also in this episode: listeners share THEIR regional kiddie shows, including "Ranger Hal," "Marshall KGUN," "Dusty's Treehouse," "The Brakeman Bill Show" and "Hatchy Milatchy" and the boys recall memorable encounters with Billy Barty, Grandpa Al Lewis, Debbie Reynolds, Telly Savalas and Groucho Marx. PLUS: Señor Kaboom! J. Fred Muggs! Zacherley, the Cool Ghoul! Rich visits the Nut Museum! Steven praises Bob & Ray! And Allan meets a Beatle!

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