Radio Retropolis

Inner Sanctum host Raymond becomes the subject matter in a story about a man named Gideon Blake who was burned to death ten years ago and just happens to show up on Raymond's door. Commentary on the falling out between series producer Himan Brown and Raymond Edward Johnson who played Raymond the host.

Liz and George have their pictures taken for their Christmas cards, but then can't agree on which shot to use.  Commentary on why I Love Lucy only did one holiday episode, plus we look at series sponsor Sanka.

A jewelry salesman is slugged and robbed of 20-thousand dollars in precious stone.  Friday knows who did it. He just needs to prove it. Commentary on the brilliant writing and performances and why this is a standout episode.  Plus, a rare Jack Webb blooper and the long, difficult road transitioning to television.

Peter Lorre here plays an unattractive comedian in love from afar with his best friend's fiancé, and through an odd series of circumstances involving murder, with a twist, that leads him to act in a way he would never have otherwise contemplated.  In this version, the man who introduces our host Raymond just happens to be Peter Lorre.  Commentary on the dramatic twists upon twists in this episode.

A convict on death row asks to see The Shadow before he goes to the chair. He confesses how his crooked lawyer is planning an insurance scam. The Shadow goes after the attorney, but becomes trapped by an electric photo beam in a death chamber. Commentary on Johnstone's performance so far and the fact that this version of The Shadow tries to distance itself from the Welles' version.

Edward G. Robinson plays a man named Homer J. Hubbard who wants to solve a really, really big problem and believes the only way he can solve it is if he was...Edward G. Robinson!  JR comments on the star himself and the process of recording dual roles with one actor at that time.

Liz decides that she needs a hobby, and the proprietor of the local arts & crafts store convinces her she's a natural artistic genius when it comes to sculpting clay. Special podcast where all commercials were left in including a special recipe for Jello Mincemeat. 

A woman kills herself after her fiance', a serial swindler, has disappeared with her $10,000. Commentary on this being the first broadcast in which Dragnet experienced technical difficulties.  Listen for the announcement and then the show in progress.  Plus, the Dragnet phenomenon from 1950-1970 and if the LAPD used the series as a propaganda tool to dispel complaints of brutality which eventually led to the Watts Riots in 1965.

A woman is a suspect in a murder case in which three men have been strangled and pushed over a cliff.  Commentary on Mary Astor's wild backstory.  Plus, silent superstar Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle's  scandalous trial of rape and murder that cost him his career.

While an old church is being repaired, a ghostly monk begins to murder the church committee. Commentary on the character choices the writers made in the Shadow with Bill Johnstone as well as the darker tone of the series.

Suspense breaks format with two lead narratives each recounting their versions of the events leading up to murder. The story revolves around a 1929 true life story of murder-suicide that occured in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Commentary on stars Robert Young and Viginia Bruce.  Plus, the disappointing ending of what started off as a gripping tale.