RAS #725 – Martians at the Door: When the Red Planet Came Calling

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we head back to the golden age of radio science fiction — when Mars wasn’t just a planet… it was a possibility.

The 1950s were fascinated with the Red Planet. From invasion fears to philosophical first contact, Martians were everywhere. Tonight, we present two outstanding radio dramas that explore humanity’s encounter with Mars in very different ways. One throws a parade. The other hires a detective. Both ask timeless questions about who we are when faced with the unknown.

In This Episode

“The Parade” – Dimension X (8/25/1950)
Based on a story by Ray Bradbury, an advertising agency is hired to organize a grand parade for visitors from Mars. It’s thoughtful, eerie, and builds toward a quiet twist that lingers long after the final line.

“The Embassy” – X Minus One (7/28/1955)
A private detective is tasked with locating the Martian embassy on Earth. A noir-tinged science fiction tale that trades ray guns for moral dilemmas and asks deeper questions about identity and belonging.

These two classics showcase the brilliance of golden age radio storytelling. No flashy effects. No over-the-top spectacle. Just strong writing, sharp performances, and ideas that still resonate decades later.

The 1950s may be remembered as the era of Martian invasion, but beneath the flying saucers were stories about fear, curiosity, and what it truly means to be human. So sit back, dim the lights, and listen closely. You never know who might be knocking.

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you’re from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron’s Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron’s Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
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No Podcast This Week- 2/19/26

Hello All,

There will be no new episode of the podcast this week. My mom has taken a turn and is needing me. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding—it truly means a lot.

The show will return, but I am not sure when that will be. I may do a series of replays. Please let me know what you think about that. I will work on new shows as time allows. I will do my best to keep things updated here.

Best Regards,

Ron

RAS #724 – The Forecast Is Suspense

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we’re checking the weather forecast… and things are looking dramatic. First, expect steady rain with a chance of murder. Then, prepare for a blazing heat wave where a simple sketch becomes something far more unsettling. Both stories come from the golden age of radio’s master of tension—Suspense—and both originally aired in April of 1948. Two very different kinds of weather. One unforgettable atmosphere.

As always, these tales prove that the ordinary—a quiet Saturday, a warm August afternoon—can quickly become extraordinary when suspense moves in.

In This Episode

A playful (and highly unqualified) weather forecast
Background on the legendary radio series Suspense
“Wet Saturday” (1948) – A family attempts to cover up murder during a relentless rainstorm
“August Heat” (1948) – An artist’s drawing during a heat wave reveals something deeply disturbing
Reflections on how Suspense turned everyday moments into edge-of-your-seat drama

Ron’s Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible – You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

No Podcast This Week – 10/5/26

Hello All,

There will be no new episode of the podcast this week as I take a short break to tend to some family matters that need my attention. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding—it truly means a lot.

The show will return next week with a suspense double feature, so be sure to check back then. I’m looking forward to being back behind the microphone and sharing some great stories with you.

Best Regards,

Ron

RAS #723 – Passport to Peril: Riding The Trade Winds

This week on Ron’s Amazing Stories, we set sail with Trade Winds, a globe-trotting mystery filled with romance, danger, and old-school Hollywood polish. Originally released as a motion picture in 1938 by United Artists, Trade Winds was directed by Tay Garnett and based on his own story. The film starred Fredric March and Joan Bennett and delivered a stylish murder mystery that spanned oceans and continents.

Tonight’s presentation comes from Lux Radio Theatre, which adapted the story for radio and first broadcast it on March 4, 1940. This version stars Errol Flynn as Sam Wye, a charming, globe-hopping detective on the trail of a fugitive heiress—played once again by Joan Bennett. The cast also features Mary Astor and Ralph Bellamy, making this a true Hollywood showcase brought straight to the airwaves.

We’ll also wrap things up with a listener Q&A, where Ron shares why old time radio remains such a powerful—and personal—connection to history.

Sit back, relax, and let the trade winds carry you away.