Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Mood Elevators: Easy Listening from Muzak to Mancini w/ Dan Epstein, Rachel Lichtman and Michele Mantynen 30.06.2026 1год 34хв

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

A Damn Fine Episode: Revisiting "Twin Peaks" w/ Scott Meslow and Harley Peyton 23.06.2026 1год 45хв

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

All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles (Part Two) w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay 16.06.2026 1год 15хв

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

All Together Now: Bob Dylan and the Beatles w/ Jim Windolf, Kenneth Womack and Nellie McKay 09.06.2026 1год 11хв

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

Encore Presentation: The Strange Cinema of William Castle w/ Frank Conniff, Rich "Svengoolie" Koz and Jeffrey Schwarz 02.06.2026 1год 35хв

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

Encore Presentation: Lost and Forgotten Amusement Parks w/ Dave Cobb and Robert Coker 26.05.2026 1год 40хв

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

Saturday Morning Spinoff Super Spectacular! (Part Two) w/ Jerry Beck, Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim 19.05.2026 1год 17хв

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

Saturday Morning Spinoff Super Spectacular! w/ Jerry Beck, Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim 12.05.2026 1год 12хв

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

Excelsior! The Marvel Age of Comics w/ Danny Fingeroth and Larry Lieber 11.05.2026 1год 51хв

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

"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 1год 6хв

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

"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 1год

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

Let's Be Frank!: Answering Questions from Patreon Supporters w/ Barrett Leddy 20.04.2026 1год 25хв

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

"You're the Greatest, Charlie Brown!": Celebrating 75 Years of "Peanuts" w/ Mark Evanier, Chip Kidd and Charles Kochman 07.04.2026 1год 36хв

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

Encore Presetation: "TV Funhouse" Turns 25! (Part Two) w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack 31.03.2026 1год 28хв

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 meets 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! The brilliance of Darlene Love! Paul Simon weighs in! Robert turns into Ed Grimley! And Frank and Dan praise the inventiveness of "Leo"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Encore Presentation: "TV Funhouse" Turns 25! w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack 24.03.2026 1год 31хв

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Connecticut in the Movies w/ Illeana Douglas and Dave Boone 17.03.2026 1год 49хв

Take a cinematic tour of the Constitution State as Frank is joined by actress-author-film historian Illeana Douglas and Emmy-winning comedy writer Dave Boone for a lively and educational conversation inspired by Illeana's 2023 book, "Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia." In this episode: Burt Lancaster deconstructs his image, Gene Kelly directs a sex comedy (or two), Katharine Hepburn is labeled "box office poison" and Illeana's granddad steals "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House." PLUS: Appreciating Dana Andrews! The brilliance of Frank Perry! Illeana goes to a seance! Dave wins over Tony Bennett! The return of "Brush with Greatness"! And the secret origin of the Cesar Romero story!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kong, Godzilla and Other Big-Screen Beasts (Part Two) w/ Kevin Maher, Thom Shubilla and Brian Solomon 10.03.2026 1год

In this conclusion of a two-part episode, comedian-filmmaker Kevin Maher and pop culture authors-experts Thom Shubilla and Brian Solomon join Frank for a wide-ranging and absurdly specific discussion about the unsung monsters of kaiju cinema, Godzilla and King Kong sequels and knockoffs, the prolific output of Ishiro Honda and the surprising lack of big-screen kaiju parodies. Also in this episode: Kevin praises "Q: The Winged Serpent," Frank reminisces about "Destroy All Monsters," Brian tries to explain "Varan the Unbelievable" and Thom interviews a cast member of "King Kong Escapes." PLUS: "Tammy and the T-Rex"! "Frankenstein Conquers the World"! The Simpsons go to Japan! Toho goes to court! Superman battles the Arctic Giant! And the panelists try their hand at a game of "Kaiju or False?"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kong, Godzilla and Other Big-Screen Beasts w/ Kevin Maher, Thom Shubilla and Brian Solomon 03.03.2026 1год 6хв

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gaines, Kurtzman, Feldstein and Neuman: A Remembrance of Mad Magazine (Part Two) w/ Alan Bernstein and Joe Raiola 24.02.2026 1год 2хв

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gaines, Kurtzman, Feldstein and Neuman: A Remembrance of Mad Magazine w/ Alan Bernstein and Joe Raiola 17.02.2026 1год 12хв

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices