May 26, 2019
EP. 261 — Richard Marx
Gilbert and Frank are joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter (and amateur comedian) Richard Marx for a conversation about the disappearance of “story songs,” the futility of “chasing hit records,” the long-lost art of commercial jingle writing and the versatility of film composers John Barry and Dave Grusin. Also, Charlie Chaplin pens a standard, Kenny Rogers pulls a shrewd move, Ben Gazzara pops into Gilbert’s head and Tony Bennett and Bob Newhart remember Richard’s dad, Dick Marx. PLUS: Earth, Wind & Fire! The genius of Burt Bacharach! Lionel Richie makes a phone call! Lenny Bruce plays Mister Kelly’s! And Richard reveals the song he wishes he’d written!
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
EP. 287 — Bob Bergen and Rob Paulsen
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”!