Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Latest Episodes:

Celebrity Franchises, Ventures (and Misadventures) w/ Rich Brown and Kliph Nesteroff Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Frank is joined by producer Rich Brown ("The Daily Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live") and bestselling author Kliph Nesteroff ("The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels and the History of American Comedy") for an absurdly funny—and in-depth!—conversation about a favorite topic: failed (and forgotten) celebrity business ventures, including Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel, Gary Burghoff's Frozen Yogurt, Johnny Weissmuller's Tropical Wonderland, Pat Boone's Dine-O-Mat, Phyllis Diller's Philli Dilli Chili, and of course, Cesar Romero's Cappuccino Ristorante. Also in this episode, Gene Rayburn loses his shirt, Stu Gilliam loses his cool, Jerry Lewis steals Dean Martin's maître d' and Mickey Rooney introduces the donut-shaped hot dog.

PLUS: Art Linkletter goes bowling! Jack Klugman goes to court! Rich visits Twitty City! Kliph hangs with Jack Carter! Motorhead plays Billy Barty's Roller Fantasy! And Redd Foxx is named police chief of Taft, Oklahoma!

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Comedy Nerd: The Obsessions of Judd Apatow (Part Two) w/ Judd Apatow Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by writer-producer-comedian-director Judd Apatow for an intimate conversation about finding the truth, collaborating with heroes (and family members), the upside of hoarding, the timelessness of "George Carlin's American Dream," and the perfection of "Broadcast News," "Groundhog Day," and "The Truman Show." Also in this episode: Jay Leno phones the house, Mike Nichols pens a fan letter, Steve Martin and Martin Short create a "joy machine" and Judd recalls "brushes with greatness" with Red Buttons, Mickey Rooney and Sir Paul McCartney.

PLUS: The genius of David Lynch! The music of Loudon Wainwright! "Bob & Don: A Love Story"! Albert Brooks hangs with Harry Nilsson! Eddie Vedder pays tribute to Garry Shandling! And Judd reflects on his friendships with Norman Lear, Pee-wee Herman and Harold Ramis! Join our Patreon today!

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Comedy Nerd: The Obsessions of Judd Apatow w/ Judd Apatow Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Frank sits down with writer-director-producer Judd Apatow for a candid, in-depth conversation about the glory days of comedy albums, the "magical world" of show business, the wisdom of Mel Brooks, the spiritual guidance of Garry Shandling and Judd's recently released scrapbook/memoir, "Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures." Also in this episode, Warren Beatty offers sage advice, Totie Fields "unmasks" Gene Simmons, LeBron James wows the critics and Frank and Judd praise the fearlessness of "The Larry Sanders Show." PLUS: Defending "Ishtar"! The prophecy of "The Cable Guy"! The versatility of Carl Gottlieb! The comedy stylings of Graham Parker!? And Judd previews his upcoming Norm Macdonald documentary!

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Encore Presentation: Knuckleheads, Shenanigans and Aardvarks: Local Kids' Shows of the 1960s and '70s (Part Two) w/ Rich Brown, Allan Neuwirth and Steven Weber Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

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, the panelists recall memorable encounters with Billy Barty, Grandpa Al Lewis, Telly Savalas and Groucho Marx, and listeners share THEIR local and regional kiddie shows, including "Ranger Hal," "Marshall KGUN," "Dusty's Treehouse," "The Brakeman Bill Show," and "Hatchy Milatchy."

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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Encore Presentation: Knuckleheads, Shenanigans and Aardvarks: Local Kids' Shows of the 1960s and '70s w/ Rich Brown, Allan Neuwirth and Steven Weber Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Frank is joined by producer-comedian Rich Brown, actor Steven Weber, and writer-producer (and this week's co-host) Allan Neuwirth for a loving look back at local kids' programming of the 1960s and '70s, including "Wonderama," "Romper Room," "Let's Have Fun," "Birthday House" and "Winchell-Mahoney Time." In this episode, the boys recall their earliest TV memories and favorite characters (Professor Fingleheimer! Baron Barracuda! Norton Nork!) and pay tribute to beloved performers Sonny Fox, Bob McAllister, Chuck McCann, Soupy Sales and Paul Winchell. Also, Rich interviews White Fang, Allan kisses Bozo's nose, Frank remembers Beachcomber Bill and Steven accepts the "Name a Ventriloquist" challenge.

PLUS: Otto & George! "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't"! Adam West teams with the Three Stooges! And Sandy Becker explains the JFK assassination!?

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Fun for All Ages 2027 Preview Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

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Encore Presentation: All Aboard "The Love Boat" w/ Jim Colucci, Murray Hill and Jill Whelan Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

To celebrate one of the most popular shows in television history, ABC's "The Love Boat," Frank sits down with author and historian Jim Colucci ("Love Boat Forever: An Unauthorized Tour of the Lido Deck"), actor-comedian Murray Hill ("Somebody Somewhere") and Vicki Stubing herself, actress Jill Whelan, for a lighthearted (and revealing!) conversation.) conversation about the long-running romantic comedy-drama. In this episode, the panel discusses the generosity of Aaron Spelling, the innocence (and absurdity) of the show's storylines, the gallery of legendary guest stars and the series' lasting impact on popular culture. Also, Murray teams with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jill remembers Leslie Nielsen (and "Airplane!"), Jim shares a special moment with Ricky Martin and Frank shares a very special Jack Jones duet.

PLUS: Remembering Ernie Anderson! Jill hangs with Andy Warhol! Debbie Reynolds works blue! Carol Channing eats a Twinkie! And "The Love Boat" inspires the "Amazing Colossal Podcast"!

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Encore Presentation: Disco Fever! w/ Frank DeCaro and Cory Daye Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Frank sets the FFAA time machine back to the decadent and "dancetastic" 1970s as comedian-author Frank DeCaro ("Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under the Mirror Ball") and Grammy-nominated singer Cory Daye (Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Kid Creole and the Coconuts) celebrate the songs, artists, movies, nightclubs and cultural impact of the disco era. In this episode, Dr. Buzzard meets James Bond, Ethel Merman records a camp classic, Frank weighs in on the infamous Disco Demolition Night and Cory recalls the heyday of the legendary Studio 54. PLUS: Remembering Mike Douglas! ABBA trading cards! The genius of Paul Jabara! "Playboy's Roller Disco & Pajama Party"! Frank interviews the Queen of Disco! And Cory hangs with RuPaul, Grace Jones and Cab Calloway!

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Drive-ins, Dinosaurs and Dairy Queens: Celebrating Roadside Americana (Part Two) w/ Rich Brown and Rolando Pujol Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

In the conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by producer-comedian Rich Brown ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Beyond Vaudeville") and "retrologist" and author Rolando Pujol ("The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana") as they celebrate the 100th year of Route 66 and examine a uniquely "American story" told through luncheonettes, bowling alleys, neon signs, ghost towns and giant teapots. In this episode, the boys discuss long-lost stores and brands (Buster Brown, J.J. Newberry, Woolworth), the history of Googie architecture, the disappearance of drive-in theaters (and drive-in restaurants) and the fascinating tale of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Also, Rich remembers Monkey Island, Rolando tries to explain "The Thing," Frank continues his quest for the perfect egg cream and Chris Elliott moves into the former Nut Museum. PLUS: The Billy Goat Tavern! The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee! Yogi Bear replaces Jackie Gleason! KFC makes its debut...in Utah? And Rolando visits the last Blockbuster Video in America!

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Drive-ins, Dinosaurs and Dairy Queens: Celebrating Roadside Americana w/ Rich Brown and Rolando Pujol Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Frank "hits the open road" with producer-historian Rich Brown ("The Daily Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!") and award-winning journalist and "retrologist" Rolando Pujol ("The Great American Retro Road Trip: A Celebration of Roadside Americana") for a nostalgic, coast-to-coast audio tour of roadside attractions and destinations, including South of the Border, Lucy the Elephant, Hildebrandt's soda shop, the Creston Dinosaur, the All American Hamburger Drive-in and Nipper, the world's tallest dog statue (to name a few). Also in this episode: Burma Shave makes advertising history, Bob Barker is immortalized in corn (!), New York City shutters its last remaining speakeasy and Rolando explains the origins of "duck architecture." PLUS: Remembering Wetson's! The Disneyland of supermarkets! The legend of Tom Carvel! Rich visits a mummy! Frank gives tours of the "Brady Bunch" house! And Rolando reveals the "GOAT" of roadside attractions!

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