33 episodes

Peanuts, Popcorn & Crackerjacks is a baseball and entertainment industry podcast hosted by Jeff Santo, a writer/director and son of Hall of Fame baseball player, Ron Santo.

Peanuts, Popcorn & Crackerjacks PP&C +

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Peanuts, Popcorn & Crackerjacks is a baseball and entertainment industry podcast hosted by Jeff Santo, a writer/director and son of Hall of Fame baseball player, Ron Santo.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Peter Conti - Feed The Journey

    Peter Conti - Feed The Journey

    In the last episode of the season, Jeff continues his conversation with Peter Conti, discussing documentaries, novels, teaching, and how hard it is in Hollywood to get projects going. Then, dear friend Dan Foley gets the crackerjack call, who began the artistic journey with Jeff, collaborating on the play The 25th Man, which premiered at the Remains Theatre in Chicago in 1992.
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Peter Conti - Friends In High Places

    Peter Conti - Friends In High Places

    In this episode, Jeff and Christie exchange views about friendship and life as you age. Then Jeff sits down with author Peter Conti to talk about his #1 Amazon best-selling book Gringo, baseball, and Peter’s new marriage. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his childhood friend Jim McCauley, and they discuss their friendship, growing up in Glenview, and being children of divorce.
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Louis Lombardi - Stars and Stripes

    Louis Lombardi - Stars and Stripes

    In this episode, Jeff and Christie talk about the baseball season. Louis Lombardi talks about being raised by three women, raising his daughter, and the current state of Hollywood and the actor's strike. Then Jeff crackerjack calls former Cubs’ Director of Baseball Operations Scott Nelson and discusses his unique path to his dream job working for the Cubs. 
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Louis Lombardi - You Can’t Break Me

    Louis Lombardi - You Can’t Break Me

    In this episode, actor Louis Lombardi, from The Sopranos and 24 fame, tells his incredible story of growing up on the streets in the Bronx and becoming an actor. Then Jeff crackerjack calls his God-sister Sherry Matarrese for a trip down memory lane.
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 1 hr 25 min
    Tommy John - I Threw Six Days And Took Sundays Off

    Tommy John - I Threw Six Days And Took Sundays Off

    In this episode, Jeff and Christie discuss their motorcycle accident and Christie's injury. Then Tommy John gets into the nitty-gritty of his historical surgery that has saved careers—the injury, the surgery, and the rehab. The crackerjack call is to Jeff's friend Pete Hartmann, a left-handed pitcher who's dedicated his life to the game and shares his insight on today's youth.  
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Tommy John - Knowing What I Can And Can’t Do

    Tommy John - Knowing What I Can And Can’t Do

    In this episode, Jeff speaks with the remarkable pitcher Tommy John. They discuss why he hasn't yet been voted into baseball's Hall of Fame, his academic and athletic roots in Indiana, and the best pitching lesson he’s ever learned. Then Jeff crackerjack calls Joe Amalfitano to talk about Joe’s cross-town friendship with Tommy. 
    Support the showThanks for listening! Please follow and share. If you enjoy what you hear and would like to support us and receive exclusive content, please visit our Patreon page. Email questions to Jeff at jeff.ppcpodcast@gmail.com.
    LINKS to SOCIAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, and SPONSORS: https://linktr.ee/santofilms

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

VintageBaseballFan ,

Great memories + great new content

Stumbled onto the Peanuts, Popcorn & Crackerjacks podcast and quickly listened to 3 episodes, and 2 more the next day. Not only is the content great (not only the interviews with former Cubs but also others with ties to Chicago and their Cubs memories) but the pacing and different segments work well. Definitely glad I found the show; looking forward to the rest of the existing episodes and then new ones to follow.

ShortKak ,

Absolute Must-Listen

As a devoted fan of Ron Santo & his family and a lover of baseball, “Peanuts, Popcorn, and CrackerJacks" is an absolute delight. Hosted by Jeff Santo, a talented writer/director and son of the legendary Ron Santo, this podcast offers a captivating blend of celebrity interviews and surprise ”CrackerJacks” guests, and heartwarming reminiscences that whisk you away to a magical era. What sets this podcast apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport listeners back to the ’60s & the '70s, a time when baseball was woven into the very fabric of our lives. Each episode brings forth a treasure trove of memories, thanks to the surprise CrackerJacks guests that grace the show. The element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, leaving me eager to discover which beloved figures from the past will grace my ears next. Jeff Santo's adept hosting skills are evident in his ability to engage both the audience and the guests. His genuine passion for baseball shines through, as he skillfully weaves together intriguing conversations and entertaining anecdotes. It's truly heartening to see how he has preserved his father's legacy and kept Ron Santo alive in the hearts of fans like me. The interviews are a testament to Jeff's ability to draw out captivating stories from his guests, who are often extraordinary celebrities. These conversations not only entertain but also offer valuable insights into the world of baseball, providing a deeper appreciation for the sport's rich history. Furthermore, the podcast's production quality is top-notch, with crisp audio and a seamless flow from one segment to the next. The atmosphere created is cozy, like being surrounded by old friends, sharing cherished memories and laughter. It's the perfect backdrop for reliving the magic of a bygone era. In conclusion, "Peanuts, Popcorn, and CrackerJacks" is a podcast that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of community to all baseball enthusiasts. Jeff Santo's dedication to his father's legacy and his ability to curate captivating interviews make this podcast a true gem. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of the Cubs or simply a lover of baseball's golden days, this podcast is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to be transported to a magical time, where peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjack were more than just ballpark snacks—they were the essence of an era.

EP LaLa ,

What a throwback

I was laughing and crying throughout this podcast. Totally enjoyed the stories and can’t wait for what’s to come. 💙 Just listened to the second episode. Another great interview. The highlight for me was hearing stories from Judy about her life in baseball. A big take on how it isn’t just the athlete who’s life revolves around their sport but the entire family who has to adjust too. 💙💙💙 Part 2 of Pat Hughes I really enjoyed both segments of Pat’s interview and hearing his view of your dad’s second career. At the end of your interview when you burst into laughter, I thought it was your dad laughing. What a beautiful trait of your dad’s you inherited. I always look forward to your crackerjack segment and was delighted to hear Terry’s comments. As he was sharing them I realized I was there for the same ones. Johnny Bench, Bobby Douglas (who had his broken arm in a cast), Joe Peppitone (who also hung around Pullano’s insurance office. Just brings back so many great memories. Always look forward to the next one. 💙

Top Podcasts In Sports

Wave Sports + Entertainment
Barstool Sports
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
The Ringer
Fantasy Football
Pat McAfee, ESPN

You Might Also Like

The Institute of Politics & CNN
Audacy
NPR
Turner Sports
NBC Sports Chicago
This Show Stinks Productions, LLC