Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

To mark the 50th anniversary of the series premiere of "Columbo," Gilbert and Frank are joined by author and pop culture historian David Koenig for a loving look at the iconic show, its mercurial star Peter Falk, its impressive lineup of guest killers and character actors and David's new book, "Shooting Columbo: The Lives and Deaths of TV's Rumpled Detective." Also in this episode: Bing Crosby takes a pass, Eddie Albert speaks his mind Steven Spielberg knocks it out of the park and Larry Cohen signs on as a "murder consultant." PLUS: Vito Scotti! The brilliance of Jack Cassidy! The genius of Levinson & Link! The debacle of "Mrs. Columbo"! Truman Capote "bumps off" Johnny Carson! The boys pick their favorite episode! And David reveals the truth (?) about Danny Kaye and Laurence Olivier! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank welcome writer-producer RON MacCLOSKEY, author-historian GREGORY MANK and entrepreneur SARA KARLOFF for a celebration of the life and career of screen legend Boris Karloff as well as a discussion about the recently-released 2021 documentary, "Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster." Also in this episode: Bela Lugosi plays matchmaker, Colin Clive battles demons, James Whale abuses his power and Boris predicts stardom for Jack Nicholson! PLUS: "The Girl from Uncle"! "Arsenic and Old Lace"! The shadowy cinema of Val Lewton! Gregory meets The Bride of Frankenstein! Sara shuns "The Black Cat"! And Boris helps found the Screen Actors Guild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian, actor, writer and lifelong New Yorker Colin Quinn (finally!) joins Gilbert and Frank for a hilarious conversation about vanishing Manhattan, mobsters with podcasts, awkward celebrity encounters, the gritty cinema of Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese and his new one-person show, "Colin Quinn: The Last Best Hope." Also, Rod Steiger holds a grudge, Pat Cooper blows his stack, Kate Winslet shops at a bodega and Colin remembers the late, great Norm MacDonald. PLUS: Michael V. Gazzo! "The Panic in Needle Park"! The comedy stylings of Jan Murray! In praise of Steve Buscemi! Norman Lloyd hangs with Babe Ruth! And the boys deconstruct "Titanic," "The Departed" and "The Godfather: Part III"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank celebrate Halloween week with this classic episode from 2018, featuring Metallica guitarist, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and monster kid Kirk Hammett, who discusses his lifelong love affair with horror films, his priceless collection of movie memorabilia, his sympathy for "misunderstood" monsters and the shared connection between horror fans and metal heads. Also, Boris Karloff goes digital, Kirk meets Robert Crumb, Forrest Ackerman drives a hard bargain and Gilbert pens a fan letter to the Wolf Man. PLUS: "White Zombie"! "It Conquered the World"! Maria Ouspenskaya returns! The twisted genius of Basil Gogos! And Horrible Herman, the Asiatic Insect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author, journalist and entertainment historian Mark Harris joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating and informative conversation about his critically-acclaimed Mike Nichols biography ("Mike Nichols: A Life"), as well as his thoroughly-researched books, "Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War" and "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood"). Also: Mel Blanc teams with Dr. Seuss, Bob Dylan is considered for "Bonnie and Clyde," John Ford films the Battle of Midway and Rex Harrison insults the Emperor of Ethiopia. PLUS: "Bogart Slept Here"! "The Day of the Dolphin"! The brilliance of Elaine May! The disaster of "Doctor Dolittle"! The Three Stooges take on the Fuhrer! And Mark writes an Emmy-winning Netflix docuseries! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy-winning writer, producer, musician and monster kid Dino Stamatopoulos (“Mr. Show,” “TV Funhouse,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”) joins Gilbert and Frank for a darkly funny conversation about savage chimps, cross-dressing puppets, bad horror movie tropes, the spectacular failure of "The Dana Carvey Show" and the creation of his wildly original Adult Swim series, "Moral Orel" and "Mary Shelley's Frankenhole." Also: Ken Jeong climbs into a Godzilla suit, Robert Smigel sends up Bozo the Clown, Gilbert pulls off a shameless Halloween scam and Dino hangs with the legendary Forrest Ackerman. PLUS: Iggy Pop! Zeppo Marx! “The Ambiguously Gay Duo"! "I Walked with a Zombie"! In praise of Scott Adsit (and Charlie Kaufman)! And Dino's character fakes his own death on "Community"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy writer-producer Aaron Lee and Emmy-nominated actor Rainn Wilson join Gilbert and Frank to talk about nerd culture, haunted houses, the many moods of Jerry Lewis, the staying power of "The Office," the outrageousness of the Comedy Central roasts and their paranormal podcast "Dark Air with Terry Carnation." Also, Gilbert plays a horse, Aaron writes jokes for Larry Flynt, Rainn wrestles Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Henny Youngman teams with the "Godfather of Gore." PLUS: "Zardoz"! "Clutch Cargo"! The comedy of Foster Brooks! "The Osbourne Family Christmas"! Rainn hangs with Pete Best! And Aaron remembers the late, great Mike McPadden! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conclusion of a 2-part episode, veteran screen actors Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss talk about sharing the stage with their children, celebrating 60 years of marriage, casting the comedy classic "My Favorite Year" and filming "The Stepford Wives," "Westworld," Diary of a Mad Housewife" and "The Parallax View." Also, Mel Brooks produces "The Elephant Man," Orson Welles intimidates the cast of "Catch-22," Paula's mom chats up William S. Burroughs and Richard lists his favorite Paula Prentiss performances! PLUS: "Captain Nice"! Elsa Lanchester! The genius of Michael Crichton! The irrepressible Bill Macy! And Richard and Paula remember friends Yul Brynner, Buck Henry, Jack Klugman and George Segal! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of a 2-part episode, Gilbert and Frank talk to celebrated actors and longtime Hollywood couple Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss about their seven-decade careers in front of (and behind) the camera, co-starring in a groundbreaking sitcom, co-hosting "Saturday Night Live," meeting Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton and working with legendary directors Howard Hawks, Mike Nichols and Billy Wilder. Also, Jack Cassidy plays a superhero, Jack Benny exits "The Sunshine Boys," Paula shares the stage with Hope and Crosby and Richard teams Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood. PLUS: Uncle Goopy! "Goodbye, Columbus"! Remembering Jim Hutton! Walter Matthau plays the ponies! And Richard and Paula gush over Gilbert's James Mason impression! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor, comedian and impressionist Kevin Pollak joins Gilbert and Frank for a frequently hilarious conversation about the legend of Harry Houdini, the cinema of Barry Levinson, joining the cast of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and sharing the screen with Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Jack Lemmon and Rod Steiger. Also, Steve Martin packs arenas, Walter Matthau hits on Sophia Loren, Don Rickles runs afoul of Joe Pesci and Kevin explains France's affection for Jerry Lewis. PLUS: Anne Bancroft! "Morton & Hayes"! In praise of "Avalon"! Pranking Paul Reiser! Remembering J.T. Walsh! And Kevin wows the boys with impressions of Alan Arkin, Albert Brooks, Peter Falk and Jack Nicholson! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate the upcoming Monkees farewell tour, Gilbert and Frank present this classic encore episode from 2015, featuring a rare interview with musician-songwriter-producer Michael Nesmith, who talks about hosting hootenannies, worshipping Bob Dylan, visiting swinging London, nailing his original screen test in October ’65 and his fondness and affection for longtime Monkees fans. Also, Michael pals around with John Lennon, pens a hit for Linda Ronstadt, hits the road with Dennis Hopper and (sort of) remembers working with Lon Chaney Jr. PLUS: "Easy Rider"! "A Face in the Crowd"! The genius of Bob Rafelson! The Monkees sell out! Roger McGuinn gets spiritual! And Jack Nicholson kills off the Prefab Four! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the 40th anniversary of 1981's "An American Werewolf in London," Gilbert and Frank present an encore episode with actor, producer and director Griffin Dunne, who talks about blending horror and comedy, teaming with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the cynical cinema of Billy Wilder and the lives (and work) of Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne. Also, Jerry Lewis adapts Gore Vidal, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Griffin sneaks onto the set of “Gilligan’s Island” and Tim Burton (almost) directs “After Hours.” PLUS: Howdy Doody! "Who's That Girl"! “The Panic in Needle Park”! The genius of Harry Nilsson! And the artistry of two-time GGACP guest Rick Baker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honoring the life and career of late, great producer-director Richard Donner ("Superman," "The Omen," "Lethal Weapon," "The Goonies") Gilbert and Frank present this ENCORE episode from 2018, featuring a fascinating conversation about the importance of on-set teamwork, the eccentricities of Marlon Brando, the singular talent of Rod Serling and the challenge of (faithfully) adapting the Man of Steel for the big screen. Also, Gregory Peck cashes in, Gene Hackman plays hardball, Jackie Gleason bends the elbow and Richard looks back on directing Hollywood’s greatest character actors. PLUS: "Inside Moves"! Miguelito Loveless! “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”! Celebrating Don Rickles! Gilbert auditions for “Scrooged”! And Richard remembers his friend Christopher Reeve! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this ENCORE presentation of a classic GGACP episode, Gilbert and Frank talk to comedian, voice actor and fan favorite Billy West about bad sight gags, one-joke comedians, post-stroke Stooges, the legend of "Grandpa" Al Lewis, the genius of June Foray and Frank Welker and the magnificence of the Buddy Rich and Paul Anka rants. Also, Larry Fine plays Stanley Kowalski, Lou Jacobi inspires Dr. Zoidberg, Jay Leno messes with James Mason's head and Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: The Mad Russian! Peg Leg Bates! Dueling Peter Lorres! Ren & Stimpy turn 30! The brilliance of Larry Storch! And the triumphant return of the Jackie puppet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veteran stage and screen actor John Schuck joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his 6-decade career in show business and a lively conversation about turning down movie roles, guesting on game shows, canoodling with Elizabeth Taylor, portraying both Herman Munster and Daddy Warbucks and working alongside icons Robert Altman, Warren Beatty, George Burns, Richard Burton and Rock Hudson. Also, Bud Cort takes flight, James Mason goes bowling, Jack Riley and Pat McCormick whistle the national anthem and John pens a love letter to Betty Grable. PLUS: "Holmes and Yoyo'! The Old Philosopher! The magnificent mind of Leonard Stern! In praise of "Dick Tracy"! And John shares memories of Richard Deacon, Jack Gilford, James Karen and Werner Klemperer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gilbert and Frank fly solo and field questions from their loyal Patreon supporters on a wide (and fascinating) variety of topics, including early gigs, career do-overs, elusive guests, forbidden TV shows, bad celebrity marriages and the "musicality" of comedy. Also in this episode: Vincent Price reads "Fifty Shades of Grey," Nostradamus predicts fame for Henry Winkler, Gilbert narrates “The Rocky Horror Show” and Frank writes jokes for Larry "Bud" Melman. PLUS: Commander USA! Kentucky Fried Theater! Chico "Dice" Marx! "My Mother the Car”! “The Frances Bavier Story"! And Gilbert and Frank get a shout-out from Michael Corleone!  (Thanks again to all our Patreon supporters!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer, producer, director, toy collector and pop culture historian Brian Levant ("The Flintstones," "Beethoven," "Jingle All the Way") joins Gilbert and Frank for a fun-filled conversation about staging pie fights, mail-order alligators, failed "Munsters" reboots, the comic genius of Harvey Korman and Jonathan Winters and the making of his upcoming memoir/coffee table book, "My Life and Toys." Also, Jack Warden forgets his lines, Chuck Jones finds the fountain of youth, Garry Marshall's memorial service brings down the house and Brian directs Gilbert in "Problem Child 2." PLUS: Buffalo Bob Smith! The legend of "Poochinski"! The wonderful world of Hanna-Barbera! Fonzie jumps the shark! The Lone Ranger rides again! And Brian remembers colleagues Phil Hartman and Charles Grodin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Halloween in July as Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 90th anniversaries (1931-2021) of Universal Studios' original "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" by welcoming Oscar-winning makeup creator Rick Baker and author-historian David J. Skal for a fascinating conversation about sympathetic monsters, mad scientists (real and imagined), the origin of horror films, the genius of Jack Pierce and the premature deaths of Colin Clive, Dwight Frye and Lon Chaney. Also, David interviews Carla Laemmle, Rick turns Martin Landau into Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange appears in Boris Karloff's obit and Bram Stoker's widow tries to kill off "Nosferatu." PLUS: Ghoulardi! "Man of a Thousand Faces"! The influence of Forrest J. Ackerman! Bette Davis (almost) plays the Bride of Frankenstein! And the boys (once again) try to make sense of "The Black Cat"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor, writer and comedian Gabe Kaplan (finally) joins Gilbert and Frank for a truly hilarious conversation about working strip clubs and Burlesque houses, meeting (and portraying) Groucho Marx, the clunkiness of the Dean Martin Roasts and the backstage drama of "Welcome Back Kotter." Also, Jack Carter buys a shirt, Buddy Hackett makes an omelet, Pat McCormick passes out on Jerry Lewis' couch and Gabe crosses paths with Jack Ruby and Golda Meir. PLUS: London Lee! The comedy of Buddy Mantia! "Battle of the Network Stars"! Howard Cosell narrates the Bible! Richard Pryor makes a run for it! And Gilbert auditions to play Chico Marx!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an encore of this classic GGACP episode from 2016, Gilbert and Frank are joined by actor, comedian, recent Kennedy Center honoree and national treasure Dick Van Dyke, who looks back on his illustrious eight-decade career, recalls his friendships with Buster Keaton and Stan Laurel and shares his memories (good and bad) of making the classic films "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Also, Dick idolizes Ray Bolger, co-stars with Mickey Rooney, gets a surprise visit from Cary Grant and earns a compliment from Fred Astaire. PLUS: "My Mother the Car"! The Perfect Fool! Praising Paul Lynde! The genius of Carl Reiner! Gilbert and Dick duet! And Dick reveals his secrets of longevity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices