Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Latest Episodes:

Monsters, Martians and Mayhem: Movies of the Atomic Age (Part Two) w/ Michael Giacchino and Jeff Lieberman Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Frank is joined by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino ("The Incredibles," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and cult filmmaker Jeff Lieberman ("Squirm," "Remote Control") for the conclusion of a two-part analysis of horror and sci-fi films of the Atomic and Cold War era, including "Creature from the Black Lagoon," "The Day the World Ended," "The Thing from Another World" and "It Came from Beneath the Sea." In this episode: the boys discuss flashbacks and framing devices, building suspense in monster movies, the political context of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and the similarities between "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat." Also: Bob Balaban fools Steven Spielberg, Don Siegel contradicts Kevin McCarthy, Michael recalls his friendship with the great Lalo Schifrin, and Jeff pitches a "King Kong" remake to John Lennon (!) PLUS: Dustin Hoffman goes wild! Ray Harryhausen holds a grudge! Michael hangs with Paul McCartney! Burt Bacharach meets "The Blob"! And "I Married a Monster from Outer Space" inspires "Rosemary's Baby"!??

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Monsters, Martians and Mayhem: Movies of the Atomic Age w/ Michael Giacchino and Jeff Lieberman Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Frank kicks off Halloween month with the first installment of a two-part episode as Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Michael Giacchino ("Werewolf by Night," "Cloverfield," "Jurassic World") and cult filmmaker Jeff Lieberman ("Squirm," "Blue Sunshine") revisit their favorite Atomic Age horror and science fiction films of the 1950s, including "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (among others). Also in this episode, "Squirm" gets an assist from the Boy Scouts, Michael pays tribute to the composer of the original "Godzilla," Jeff joins forces with a young Rick Baker and the boys discuss Samuel Z. Arkoff's "dead man" theory. PLUS: Dr. Shock! "War of the Worlds"! The genius of Bernard Herrmann! Jeff reveals the origin of flying saucers! And Michael shares his plans to remake the giant ant epic "Them!"

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The Wild, Wonderful World of Game Shows (Part Two) w/ Bob Boden, Rich Brown and Adam Nedeff Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, producer-executive Bob Boden, author-historian Adam Nedeff and comedian-producer (and this week's co-host) Rich Brown once again join Frank for a loving and laugh-filled look back at eight-plus decades of TV game shows. In this episode, the boys break down the Quiz Show Scandals of the 1950s, reveal which defunct game show they'd bring back and share personal (and painful) memories of near-appearances on "Jeopardy!", "Wheel of Fortune" and "Tic Tac Dough." Also, Bob praises Ken Jennings, Adam (finally) wins over Betty White, Frank wins big at his high school Gong Show and Rich sits down with Tiny Tim, Brother Theodore and Pat McCormick. PLUS: "I Survived a Japanese Game Show"! Rod Serling hosts "Liar's Club"! Adam West takes a dive! The Feds vs. Morty Seinfeld! And Gilbert Gottfried creates an unforgettable "Hollywood Squares" moment!

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The Wild, Wonderful World of Game Shows w/ Bob Boden, Rich Brown and Adam Nedeff Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

In part one of a two-part episode, producer-executive Bob Boden ("Card Sharks," "Press Your Luck," "To Tell the Truth"), author-historian Adam Nedeff ("Gong This Book," "This Day in Game Show History") and this week's co-host, comedian-producer Rich Brown ("Beat the Clock," "You Bet Your Life with Jay Leno") join Frank for a salute to 75+ years of TV game shows, including the competitions, the cash prizes, the stunts and the scandals. Also in this episode: Chuck Barris "invents" reality television, Rich interviews a quiz show whistleblower, Bob runs afoul of Don Pardo and Adam recalls the notorious "Three's a Crowd." PLUS: "Queen for a Day"! "The Big Showdown"! The man who invented cue cards! Young Bob meets Lucy! Gary Coleman falls through a trapdoor! Merv Griffin's wife creates "Jeopardy!" And the game show host who witnessed the Oswald assassination!

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Disco Fever w / Frank DeCaro and Cory Daye Sep 16, 2025

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 Disco Demolition Night and Cory recalls the heyday of the legendary Studio 54. PLUS: 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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The Strange Cinema of William Castle w/ Frank Conniff, Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Jeffrey Schwarz Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Frank welcomes "Mystery Science Theater 3000" writer-performer Frank Conniff, horror host Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz ("Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story") for a loving look back at the B-movies of legendary producer, director and showman William Castle ("13 Ghosts," "Mr. Sardonicus," "House on Haunted Hill"), his innovative promotional gimmicks (Emergo, Percepto, Illusion-O) and his lasting contributions to the horror genre. Also in this episode, John Waters introduces "Odorama," Jeffrey hangs with Grandpa Munster, Frank gets spooked by an "Adventures of Superman" episode and Rich attempts to explain the plot of "The Tingler." PLUS: "Rosemary's Baby"! "Carnival of Souls"! The wrath of Joan Crawford! Castle inspires Hitchcock! Hitchcock inspires Castle! And the first acid trip in cinema history!

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All Aboard "The Love Boat" w/ Jim Colucci, Murray Hill and Jill Whelan Sep 02, 2025

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 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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A Celebration of Breakfast Cereals w/ Marty Gitlin and Ami Moyal Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Frank explores his lifelong obsession with breakfast cereals (and breakfast cereal advertising) with the help of author Marty Gitlin ("The Great American Cereal Book") and cereal expert/curator Ami Moyal. In this episode, the boys discuss the golden age of sugary cereals, the showdown between Quisp and Quake, the legendary voices behind Cap'n Crunch and Tony the Tiger and the silliest (and strangest) cereal box prizes of all time. Also, Marty reveals his "cereal rule," Ami plans a menu for Questlove, Quentin Tarantino brings back Fruit Brute (and Kaboom!) and Frank sends away for a "Cosmic Clouder Ray Gun.” PLUS: Oreo O's bite the dust! Franken Berry creates a panic! The Jackson 5 pitch Alpha-Bits! And Snap, Crackle and...Eddie Deezen?

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"TV Funhouse'"Turns 25 (Part Two) w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank and guest co-host Dan Pasternack talk to Emmy-winning writer-actor-director Robert Smigel about his lifelong obsession with Charles Schulz and Peanuts, his preference for "specific" comedy, his working relationship with Lorne Michaels and his unusual friendship with Blackwolf the Dragonmaster. Also, Triumph debates Carl Bernstein, Jesus meets Kathie Lee Gifford, Mr. T auditions for "A Doll's House" and Robert stresses the importance of "embracing oddballs." PLUS: Anne Beatts! Shel Silverstein! The brilliance of Darlene Love! Paul Simon weighs in! Robert turns into Ed Grimley! And Frank and Dan praise the inventiveness of "Leo"!

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"TV Funhouse" Turns 25! w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In part one of a two-part episode, Emmy-winning writer-actor-director Robert Smigel and this week's co-host, writer-producer Dan Pasternack join Frank for a 25th anniversary salute to the cult Comedy Central series, "TV Funhouse." In this informative and hilarious interview, Robert talks about his love of animal-centric comedy, his lifelong obsession with "Mr. Ed," the humble origins of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and how the homoeroticism of superhero movies inspired "The Ambiguously Gay Duo." Also, William Shatner takes down Trekkies, Leo Durocher meets Herman Munster, Dan befriends a legendary "Batman" writer and Robert remembers the late, great George Wendt. PLUS: Cluckin' Chicken! "Lancelot Manzi: Mafia Chimp"! The passion of Al Pacino! The brilliance of Dino Stamatopoulos! And Robert keeps a kangaroo in his basement!

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