Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Epizodes

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  Encore Presentation: All Aboard "The Love Boat" w/ Jim Colucci, Murray Hill and Jill Whelan 18.08.2026 1h 34min

  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"! Join our Patreon today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Encore Presentation: Disco Fever! w/ Frank DeCaro and Cory Daye 11.08.2026 1h 39min

  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! Join our Patreon today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Drive-ins, Dinosaurs and Dairy Queens: Celebrating Roadside Americana (Part Two) w/ Rich Brown and Rolando Pujol 04.08.2026 1h 22min

  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! Join our Patreon today! ⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Drive-ins, Dinosaurs and Dairy Queens: Celebrating Roadside Americana w/ Rich Brown and Rolando Pujol 28.07.2026 1h 19min

  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! Join our Patreon today! ⁠⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Submitted for Your Approval: The Many Dimensions of Rod Serling w/ Josh Chambers, Nicholas Parisi and Anne Serling 21.07.2026 1h 51min

  To mark the 10th anniversary of SerlingFest, Frank celebrates the life, career and legacy of one of his favorite storytellers: legendary writer-producer Rod Serling. Joining him on this "journey into a wondrous land" are co-host Josh Chambers, author Nicholas Parisi ("Rod Serling: His Life, Work and Imagination") and educator and author Anne Serling ("As I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling"). In this episode, the panel looks back at Serling's immense body of work, his clashes with networks and sponsors, his commitment to social justice, his affection for "obsolete men" and his little-known appreciation of Mel Brooks, Mad magazine and..."The Flintstones"? Also: Frank defends "Night Gallery" (and lauds "The Loner"), Josh screens "Requiem for a Heavyweight" for high school students, Nick writes the definitive history of Serling's work, and Anne discovers "The Twilight Zone"...on a neighborhood playground. PLUS: Richard Matheson at 100! "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?" Blake Edwards' "Planet of the Apes"!? Serling befriends David Brenner! And Anne "finds" her dad in the episode "In Praise of Pip"! Join our Patreon today! ⁠Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Stump the Staff! First Anniversary Episode 14.07.2026 1h 19min

  Frank celebrates one year of "For for All Ages" with a special all-trivia show, featuring the creative team behind the podcast: producer Andrew Capone, social media directors Josh Chambers, Michele Mantynen and Dino Proserpio and webmaster John Seals. In this episode, listeners grill the FFAA staff with super-tough (to say the least) stumpers about sitcom spinoffs, celebrity headstones, the British Invasion, "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," and the cinema of Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer (to name just a few topics). Also in this episode: Dick Shawn rocks out, Terry Southern joins forces with Harry Nilsson, National Lampoon spoofs a literary classic, and "Monty Python's Flying Circus" makes its U.S. television debut. PLUS: Jim Henson! HAL 9000! "Never Say Never Again"! The many faces of Vincent Gardenia! Gilbert voices Mister Mxyzptlk! And the team remembers the late, great Mike McPadden! Join our Patreon today! Patreon.com/FunForAllAgesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Comedy to End All Comedies: The Making of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" w/ Scott Alexander and James Curtis 07.07.2026 1h 40min

  Frank takes a loving look behind the scenes of Stanley Kramer's ambitious, audacious, all-star epic "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" with the help of producer and Emmy-winning screenwriter Scott Alexander and film historian and author James Curtis ("Comedy is a Grim Business: The Making of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.") In this episode, the boys break down the film's casting, audience reactions and enduring legacy, James dispels long-held rumors and myths, Scott marvels at the film's chaotic production and James and Scott share happy memories of seeing the movie at the famed Cinerama Dome. Also: Stan Laurel turns down a cameo, Marvin Kaplan babysits Jonathan Winters, Uncle Miltie brings his own writer on set (!) and Edie Adams warns Stanley Kramer about working with comedians. PLUS: The inventiveness of William (and Tania) Rose! Buster Keaton (almost) plays Smiler Grogan! Jim Backus disses Buddy Hackett! James pens a bio of Spencer Tracy! And Scott has a (very) strange encounter with one of the film's stars! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Mood Elevators: Easy Listening from Muzak to Mancini w/ Dan Epstein, Rachel Lichtman and Michele Mantynen 30.06.2026 1h 34min

  Frank is joined by radio host Michele Mantynen, author and music journalist Dan Epstein and writer-visual artist-comedian Rachel Lichtman for a fascinating, far-ranging discussion about the secret history of Muzak, the genius of Burt Bacharach, the "aspirational" music and culture of the space-age 60s, the heyday of regional TV advertising and the creation of Rachel's brilliant "world-building" satires "Programme 4" and "Easy AM 66." Also in this episode: Jackie Gleason introduces "musical wallpaper," Dan and Michele extol the virtues of Esquivel, Rachel teams with Aimee Mann and Michael McKean (among others) and the panelists try to teach Frank the distinction between Easy Listening, MOR, Adult Contemporary and Beautiful Music. PLUS: In praise of Montovani! Herb Alpert presents Sergio Mendes! Quinn Martin meets the 5th Dimension! "Hal Ashby's 'Shampoo' on Ice"! And Dan and Frank geek out over 1970s-era baseball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  A Damn Fine Episode: Revisiting "Twin Peaks" w/ Scott Meslow and Harley Peyton 23.06.2026 1h 45min

  Frank finally fulfills a decade-long dream: recording a podcast about one of his longtime obsessions, David Lynch and Mark Frost's surrealist, genre-bending soap opera "Twin Peaks." Joining him on this fascinating journey from the Great Northern to the Black Lodge are author Scott Meslow ("A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks") and Emmy-nominated "Twin Peaks" writer-producer Harley Peyton. In this episode, Scott reveals the origin of the mystery project titled "Northwest Passage," Harley recalls writing key episodes "Rest in Pain" and "Coma" (among others), Mark Frost draws inspiration from a real unsolved murder, and David Lynch draws a map of a fictional town on the back of a placemat. Also: Diane Keaton directs, Steven Spielberg ALMOST directs, Scott debunks myths about the Lynch-Frost partnership, and the panel discusses how the series changed television AND the culture. PLUS: The tao of Agent Cooper! The villainy of Windom Earle! The madness of "Twin Peaks" mania! Frank gets the Log Lady's autograph! And Scott and Harley praise "Twin Peaks: The Return"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles (Part Two) w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay 16.06.2026 1h 15min

  In this conclusion of a two-part installment, New York Times writer-editor Jim Windolf, music critic-historian Kenneth Womack and singer-songwriter Nellie McKay join Frank for an in-depth examination of the friendly rivalry and mutually supportive relationship between Bob Dylan and the Beatles, inspired by Jim's new book "Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other -- and the World." In this episode, Ken marvels at the "aural whiplash" of "Revolver," Jim credits Dylan with creating the modern rock concert, Frank revisits a memorable Peter Fonda story from the "Amazing Colossal Podcast," and the boys sing the praises of Nellie's debut album, "Get Away from Me." PLUS: Dylan pens a "diss track"! Bernard Herrmann influences "Eleanor Rigby"! Ken visits Abbey Road Studios! Nellie's mom sees the Fab Four live! And Jim gets a phone call from Sir Paul himself! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay 09.06.2026 1h 11min

  In the first part of a two-part episode, Frank explores the mutually influential relationship between Bob Dylan and the Beatles, with the help of a panel of experts and superfans, including author and New York Times editor Jim Windolf ("Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other and the World"), writer, critic and music historian Kenneth Womack ("Solid State: The Story of 'Abbey Road' and the End of the Beatles") and singer-songwriter and lifelong Beatles (and Dylan) fanatic Nellie McKay. In this episode, the panelists recall their initial exposure to Dylan and the Fab Four, Kenneth pens bios of George Martin and Mal Evans, Nellie teams with legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, and Jim recounts the long journey to complete the book that inspired this discussion. Also, Dylan visits the Beatles' childhood homes, Peter Sellers records "She Loves You," "Good Vibrations" influences "Strawberry Fields Forever," and Chuck Berry and Little Richard inspire everyone. PLUS: "American Top 40"! "The New Zoo Revue"! Dylan is compared to Harpo Marx! The mop tops meet Mr. Warmth! And the experts celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Revolver"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Encore Presentation: The Strange Cinema of William Castle w/ Frank Conniff, Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Jeffrey Schwarz 02.06.2026 1h 35min

  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 movie history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Encore Presentation: Lost and Forgotten Amusement Parks w/ Dave Cobb and Robert Coker 26.05.2026 1h 40min

  Frank welcomes theme park experience designer Dave Cobb ("Men in Black: Alien Attack") and attraction show writer and author Robert Coker ("Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines") for an in-depth look at the fascinating histories of failed and forgotten amusement parks, including Freedomland USA, The Land of Oz, Pacific Ocean Park, Hanna-Barbera Land and The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, among others. Also in this episode: Soupy Sales hosts a beauty pageant, Grizzly Adams buys a carousel, Dave makes his pitch to Steven Spielberg and Robert reveals his favorite roller coasters. PLUS: The Escalator to Nowhere! The genius of Paul Frees! "Kiss Meets The Phantom of the Park"! All aboard the Banana Train! And the secret origin of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Saturday Morning Spinoff Super Spectacular! (Part Two) w/ Jerry Beck, Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim 19.05.2026 1h 17min

  In the conclusion of a two-part installment, Frank continues his conversation about Saturday morning cartoon spinoffs with "Saturday TV Funhouse" animators-directors Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim ("Leo," "Hotel Transylvania 2") and author-historian Jerry Beck ("The Animated Movie Guide," "The Hanna-Barbera Treasury"). In this episode, the boys look back at EVEN MORE Saturday morning 'toons inspired by other properties, including "The Oddball Couple," "The Robonic Stooges," "Laverne and Shirley in the Army," and "The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang" (among others). Also, Gilbert reads "The Little Match Girl," Mr. T tackles "A Doll's House," Dom DeLuise stars in a forgettable "Flintstones" knockoff and Jamie Farr supplies scripts for "The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan." PLUS: "Milton the Monster"! The genius of Chuck Jones (and Friz Freleng)! David ALMOST meets Lucille Ball! Jerry breaks down the backstory of "The Beatles" cartoons! And Frank (ill-advisedly) pitches an animated homage to "The Sunshine Boys"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Saturday Morning Spinoff Super Spectacular! w/ Jerry Beck, Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim 12.05.2026 1h 12min

  In part one of a two-part episode, Frank welcomes animators-directors Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim ("Hugo," "Hotel Transylvania 2," SNL's "TV Funhouse") and author-historian Jerry Beck ("The 50 Greatest Cartoons," "The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons") for a ridiculously deep dive into the best (and least memorable) Saturday morning cartoons spun off from primetime series ("The Brady Kids," "Jeannie," "The Mini-Munsters," "Star Trek: The Animated Series," etc.). Also in this episode: Filmation animates the Marx Brothers, DePatie-Freleng spoofs "All in the Family," "TV Funhouse" sends the Harlem Globetrotters back in time and Hanna-Barbera sends the Partridge Family into outer space. PLUS: "Rover Dangerfield"! The "Ed Wood of animation"! The genius of Hoyt Curtin! Joe Besser meets Luke Skywalker!? Robert and David pitch a Mad magazine series! And Jerry reveals (some of) the worst cartoons of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Excelsior! The Marvel Age of Comics w/ Danny Fingeroth and Larry Lieber 11.05.2026 1h 51min

  Frank relives some of the happiest moments from his childhood by looking back at the history and the glory days of Marvel Comics with the help of writer-historian-author Danny Fingeroth ("A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee") and artist-writer (and Thor and Iron Man co-creator) Larry Lieber. In this episode: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby revolutionize the art form, Danny explains the rise and fall (and rise) of the comic book industry, Frank shares a fan letter he sent to Marvel at age 12 and Larry publishes his first novel ("Chirps") at age 93! PLUS: Jack Davis! The brilliance of John Buscema! The secret origin of J. Jonah Jameson!? Larry deconstructs "Citizen Kane" (and the Fantastic Four)! And Danny befriends "Jazzy" John Romita!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  "But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?": Girl Groups of the 1950s and 1960s (Part Two) w/ Laura Flam, Emily Sieu Liebowitz and Barbara Jean English 28.04.2026 1h 6min

  In this conclusion of a two-part episode, Frank continues his conversation with authors Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz ("But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?") and Clickettes singer-songwriter Barbara Jean English about the triumphs and tribulations of the trailblazing performers who recorded hits like "Be My Baby," "Soldier Boy," "One Fine Day," "Da Doo Ron Ron," "Please Mr. Postman" and "Walking in the Rain" and forever changed popular culture. In this episode, Emily bemoans the discrimination and unsafe conditions faced by many artists, Laura reveals which of the "girl group era" singers are still performing as of 2026 and Barbara writes a tune for Dionne Warwick and shares the stage with Ray Charles and Jackie Wilson. PLUS: The magic of Darlene Love! The notorious Flo Greenberg! The genius of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich! And the panel analyzes the brilliance (and boldness) of King and Goffin's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  "But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?": Girl Groups of the 1950s and 1960s w/ Laura Flam, Emily Sieu Liebowitz and Barbara Jean English 21.04.2026 1h

  In part one of a two-part episode, Frank is joined by authors Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz ("But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?") and Clickettes lead singer-songwriter Barbara Jean English ("A Lover's Prayer") for a loving look back at the 1950's-1960s girl group era and the music of the Shirelles, the Chiffons, the Chantels, the Cookies and other talented (and often unsung and unrecognized) young women who made pop music history. Also, Barbara recalls singing in bathrooms, hallways and elevators, Laura discusses payola and the mob's involvement in the record business, and Emily explains why the New York-New Jersey area gave birth to dozens of singing groups. PLUS: Alan Freed! "Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars"! The curious case of George Goldner! The Clickettes (unwittingly) impersonate the Shirelles! And Barbara recalls the joy of hearing her song on the radio for the first time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Let's Be Frank!: Answering Questions from Patreon Supporters w/ Barrett Leddy 20.04.2026 1h 25min

  In the first "Fun for All Ages" listener mail episode, Frank enlists voice actor Barrett "Gilbot" Leddy to help answer burning questions from "FFAA" Patreon supporters on a variety of topics, including sea monkeys, time machines, Wacky Packages, celebrity autographs, failed TV pilots, Mad magazine novelty records and the 1904 World's Fair (to name a few). Also in this episode: Curly Joe DeRita meets his reward, Al Hirt meets the Green Hornet, Barrett "pays tribute" to Eartha Kitt and Carol Channing and Frank explains his unlikely cameo in a Run-DMC movie. PLUS: Tor Johnson! The genius of Bob and Ray! The return of Totie Fields! Gilbert loses a part in "Small Wonder"!? And Frank sends away for a "Quisp" space gun!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  "You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown!": Celebrating 75 Years of "Peanuts" w/ Mark Evanier, Chip Kidd and Charles Kochman 07.04.2026 1h 36min

  Frank celebrates (a bit belatedly) the 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" by welcoming three superfans and key contributors to Abrams ComicArts' deluxe hardcover collection, "The Essential Peanuts: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time": author Mark Evanier, contributing designer Chip Kidd and publisher Charles Kochman. In this episode, the experts discuss Schulz's creative process, his "deceptively simple" design sense, his evolution as a humorist, and the strip's five-decade meditation on the human condition. Also, Chip praises the Schulz Museum and Research Center, and Mark and Charles look back on personal encounters with the iconic cartoonist. PLUS: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"! "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron"! Chip tangles with 007! Charlie hangs with Chico Marx' daughter! And the boys reveal some of their favorite "Peanuts" strips (out of the more than 17,000 published)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices