Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre

Robert Smigel, Emmy-winning writer and creator of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and TV Funhouse, and Dan Pasternack, lively conversational partner, trade stories about Smigel’s Peanuts obsession, his taste for precise parody, and his wild friendship with Black Wolf the Dragonmaster. They revisit TV Funhouse’s bold cartoons, anniversary chaos, the making of Leo, and the surprising people who inspired it all.

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank sits down with an all-star panel of veteran comedy writers, including Rick Copp ("Golden Girls," "The Brady Bunch Movie"), Brian Levant ("Happy Days," "The Flintstones") and Bennett Yellin ("Dumb and Dumber," "Stuck on You") for an inside look at a sitcom writers' room and a frequently hilarious conversation about unproduced scripts, failed pitches, favorite jokes, the genius of Jonathan Winters and the generosity of Garry Marshall (among other essential topics). Also in this episode: Rick reboots "Knight Rider," Brian rescues Fred Flintstone from development hell, Frank's personal anecdote gets a punch-up by Harlan Ellison and Bennett explains the "logic" behind Woody Allen and Matt Damon playing conjoined twins. PLUS: Danny Thomas packs heat! Lieutenant Uhura bends the elbow! Bea Arthur feuds with Betty White! "Mission Impossible" meets "My Mother the Car"! And the boys recall the most magical moment in their careers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the conclusion of a two-part installment, author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer Ned Hastings ("Archer," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force") join Frank to break down some forgotten feature-length Bond knockoffs ("Secret Agent Super Dragon"? Seriously?) while remembering the 007-inspired TV shows of the decade, including "Get Smart," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "I Spy" and "The Wild Wild West' (among others). Also in this episode: Buck Henry invents the Cone of Silence, Lucille Ball greenlights "Mission: Impossible," Tony Randall tangles with Herbert Lom and Adam West turns down a license to kill. PLUS: "The Satan Bug"! Robert Goulet: Nazi hunter! Remembering Jessica Walter! Ian Fleming influences the CIA! And the boys name their favorite Bond themes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank is joined by author Thom Shubilla ("James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze") and Adult Swim producer-editor Ned Hastings ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force," "Archer") for a funny and fascinating look back at the spy (and "Eurospy") craze of the 1960s and the numerous 007 rivals and imitators of the era, including Matt Helm, Derek Flint, Harry Palmer and yes...Neil Connery. Also in this episode: Karl Malden switches accents, Miss Moneypenny gets a payday, Sharon Tate wows in "The Wrecking Crew" and the boys take a moment to celebrate the 60th anniversary of "Batman" and Bat-mania. PLUS: "The Last of the Secret Agents"! "The Man from O.R.G.Y."! The insanity of "Casino Royale"! James Coburn battles Agent 0008! And Jan Murray as..."Dick Tracy"?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices