Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Latest Episodes:

Kong, Godzilla and Other Big-Screen Beasts w/ Kevin Maher, Thom Shubilla and Brian Solomon Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Frank gets an education in "kaiju" cinema and Japanese monster flicks with assistance from comedian-filmmaker Kevin Maher and pop culture authors Brian Solomon ("Godzilla FAQ") and Thom Shubilla ("King Kong vs. Godzilla: The Most Colossal Conflict the Screen Has Ever Known"). In this episode: Godzilla tangles with the Caped Crusader, The Blob attacks a movie theater, Ray Harryhausen inspires the "King of the Monsters" and Toho acquires the "8th Wonder of the World." Also, Thom wins a "Forry" award, Kevin directs a King Kong short, Brian defends "Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster" and Frank binges five "Planet of the Apes" movies in a day. PLUS: Gorilla Monsoon! "Bionic Bigfoot"! "The War of the Gargantuas"! The genius of Willis O'Brien! And Ernie Anderson pitches monster toys!

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Gaines, Kurtzman, Feldstein and Neuman: A Remembrance of Mad Magazine (Part Two) w/ Alan Bernstein and Joe Raiola Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In the conclusion of a two-part episode, filmmaker Alan Bernstein ("When We Went MAD!") and longtime Mad Senior Editor Joe Raiola join Frank in paying tribute to the glory days of the iconic humor magazine and the talented team of artists and writers who helped make it a reality. In this episode, Frank talks about the influence of Mad (and Peanuts) paperbacks, Alan describes the Mad documentary's long journey from concept to screen, Joe explains Mad's complicated relationship with DC Comics and the boys share their theories on Mad #166's infamous "middle finger" cover. PLUS: Ernie Kovacs! The Belching Dragon! Dr. Kevorkian's Children's Book Club! The defection of "Mad's Maddest Artist"! And Joe reminisces about working with Sergio Aragones, Jack Davis, Mort Drucker, Al Jaffee and William M. Gaines!

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Gaines, Kurtzman, Feldstein and Neuman: A Remembrance of Mad Magazine w/ Alan Bernstein and Joe Raiola Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

In part one of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by filmmaker Alan Bernstein ("When We Went MAD!") and longtime Senior Editor Joe Raiola for a loving look at the subversive humor magazine's 73-year history, its eccentric co-founders, its transition from comic book to "slick" magazine, and its influence on future generations of comedians and comedy writers. Also in this episode: William M. Gaines takes on Congress, Al Feldstein gives Alfred E. Neuman an identity, Hugh Hefner gives Harvey Kurtzman "an unlimited budget" and the boys praise several members of the "Usual Gang of Idiots," including Max Brandel, Dick DeBartolo, Frank Jacobs, Arnie Kogen (and others). PLUS: "A Hard Day's Night"! Gilbert commandeers a limo! Irving Berlin goes to court! Joe goes to Oktoberfest! And Frank recalls the "glory days" of Mad competitors Sick, Cracked, Crazy and Help!

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Tales from the Writers' Room w/ Rick Copp, Brian Levant and Bennett Yellin Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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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Helm, Flint, Solo and Smart: Spies, Spoofs and Secret Agents of the 1960s (Part Two) w/ Ned Hastings and Thom Shubill Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

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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Helm, Flint, Solo and Smart: Spies, Spoofs and Secret Agents of the 1960s w/ Ned Hastings and Thom Shubilla Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

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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Clouseau, Chance and Dr. Strangelove: The Many Faces of Peter Sellers (Part Two) w/ Illeana Douglas, Danny Gold and Larry Karaszewski Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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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Clouseau, Chance and Dr. Strangelove: The Many Faces of Peter Sellers w/ Illeana Douglas, Danny Gold and Larry Karaszewski Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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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Encore Presentation: Batman ‘66 Bad Guys w/ Dana Gould and Barrett Leddy Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

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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Encore Presentation: Heeeere's Johnny! Celebrating Johnny Carson's 100th Birthday w/ Mark Malkoff, Dan Pasternack and Mike Reiss Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

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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