Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Latest Episodes:

Cults, Curses, Covens and Killer Bees: (Scary) ABC Movies of the Week Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Frank ushers in spooky season with the help of Emmy-nominated writer-comedian Kevin Maher and film historian and author Amanda Reyes ("Are You in the House Alone?: A TV Movie Compendium 1964-1999") as they flash back to some of their favorite horror-themed ABC Movies of the Week, including "Bad Ronald," "Crowhaven Farm," "Scream of the Wolf," "Trilogy of Terror," and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" (among other 1970s classics). Also in this episode, Andy Griffith takes on typecasting, "The Incredible Hulk" rips off Steven Spielberg, Frank learns the difference between "slasher" and "proto-slasher," and Kevin and Amanda explain why there's no such thing as a bad movie or a guilty pleasure. PLUS: "Isn't it Shocking?"! "A Cold Night's Death"! Amanda praises Valerie Harper (and Shelley Winters)! Kevin recommends "The Girl Most Likely To..."! Frank has a strange encounter with Karen Black! And the panel pays tribute to "Murder Can Hurt You!"

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Circle Gets the Square: Celebrating 60 Years of "Hollywood Squares" Oct 13, 2026

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Frank celebrates the 60th anniversary of the premiere of the original version of "Hollywood Squares" (October 17, 1966), accompanied by Tom Bergeron and Dave Boone, host and head writer of the 1990s reboot. In this loose and laugh-filled conversation, the boys share their favorite moments and stars from the 1966-1980 edition, while Tom and Dave reflect on hosting and writing over 1,000 episodes of the 1998-2004 version. Also in this episode, Greta Garbo sends Paul Lynde a fan letter, Karen Valentine gets assigned to the "lox box," Dave hangs with Adam West during "Dynamic Duos Week," and Tom and Peter Marshall swap roles as host and center square. PLUS: Charley Weaver swings! Arnold Schwarzenegger "brings the funny"! Frank gets a whiff of Mr. Warmth! Tom rides shotgun with Captain Kirk! And Dave sheds MORE light on the Cesar Romero story!

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Documentary Wow! The Pop Culture Portraits of Morgan Neville (Part Two) w/ Josh Karp and Morgan Neville Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank sits down with Oscar and Grammy-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville and author-journalist Josh Karp for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into Morgan's creative process, including his "method" style of filmmaking, his use of music playlists, his (occasional) decision to skip traditional "talking head" formats and his fresh approach to interviewing the oft-interviewed Sir Paul McCartney. Also in this episode, Josh profiles Burt Ward, Frank greets Gore Vidal, Morgan spins records with Keith Richards and Bill Veeck's kid becomes "The Saint of Second Chances."

PLUS: The making of "Caligula"! Disco Demolition Night! Morgan reveals a dream project! Josh interviews Helen Mirren in an airport! And Neil ("Gilbert") Berkeley directs a Martin Mull doc!

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Documentary Wow! The Pop Culture Portraits of Morgan Neville w/ Josh Karp and Morgan Neville Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Oscar, Grammy and Emmy-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville ("20 Feet from Stardom," "Lorne," "Paul McCartney: Man on the Run") and journalist and author Josh Karp ("A Futile and Stupid Gesture," "Orson Welles's Last Movie: The Making of the Other Side of the Wind") join Frank to discuss the advantages (and challenges) of the documentary form, the importance of maintaining an emotional distance from subjects, the elusiveness of Lorne Michaels, the courage and convictions of Fred Rogers, and the complicated genius of Orson Welles. Also in this episode: Paul Simon issues a warning, John Huston chooses drinking over driving, Josh captures the turbulent history of the National Lampoon and Morgan directs the highest-grossing biodoc of all time.

PLUS: In praise of "TV Funhouse"! Peter Bogdanovich sends up Jerry Lewis! Steve Martin consults his therapist! Morgan shares his admiration for Preston Sturges! And Josh befriends the legendary Bob Rafelson!

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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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