July 3, 2017

EP. 162 — Norman Lear

Gilbert and Frank welcome one of their most sought-after guests, iconic writer-producer-director Norman Lear, who holds court on a variety of subjects, including the inscrutability of Dean Martin, the politics (and Jewishness) of Edward G. Robinson, the “inventiveness” of Mickey Rooney and the heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen. Also, Norman woos Frank Sinatra, praises John Amos, presents Jerry Lewis with a one-of-a-kind gift and remembers his friend Carroll O’Connor. PLUS: James Franciscus! Roscoe Lee Browne! “Hot l Baltimore”! Norman buys the Declaration of Independence! And the legend of Joe E. Lewis.

Recent Episodes

December 1, 2019

EP. 288 — Marsha Mason

Oscar-nominated actress-director Marsha Mason joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the value of character actors, the importance of onscreen chemistry, the true story behind “Bogart Slept Here” and her memories of collaborating with (and living with) the legendary Neil Simon. Also, Peter Falk shares the spotlight, Dustin Hoffman inspires “The Goodbye Girl,” Paul Newman introduces Marsha to auto racing and Gilbert sings the theme song from “Cinderella Liberty.” PLUS: “Dark Shadows”! “The Cheap Detective”! The superstitions of Peter Sellers! The elusiveness of George Segal! And Marsha co-stars with Albert Finney, Anthony Hopkins and Jason Robards!

November 24, 2019

Gilbert and Frank talk to celebrated voice actors Bob Bergen (Porky Pig, Tweety, Marvin the Martian) and Rob Paulsen (Pinky, Yakko, Jimmy Neutron) about the loyalty of voice performers, giving back to fans, the generosity of Daws Butler and Casey Kasem and the voices behind Toucan Sam, Charlie the Tuna and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Also, Orson Welles hits the bottle, Mickey Rooney “inspires” Walt Disney, Rob hangs with Rip Taylor (and Jonathan Harris) and 14-year-old Bob cold-calls Mel Blanc. PLUS: “What’s Opera Doc?” The genius of Randy Rogel! The outrageousness of Bob Ridgely! Remembering Marvin Kaplan! And Bob teaches Gilbert to do Porky Pig!

November 17, 2019

EP. 286 — Stephen Bishop

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop joins Gilbert and Frank for an enormously entertaining conversation about secret song origins, Beatles trading cards, the glory days of Top 40, auditioning for Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson and chumming around with Burt Bacharach, John Belushi, Carrie Fisher and Harry Nilsson. Also, Bob Dylan hails a cab, Warren Beatty eats a bowl of chili, Gilbert swipes shampoo from Donald Fagen and Stephen and Linda Ronstadt cover “The Monster Mash.” PLUS: Frank Sinatra Jr! Praising Randy Newman! (and Jimmy Webb)! “Sex Kittens Go to College”! And Stephen cameos in “Animal House,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Kentucky Fried Movie”!