RAS #689 – The Legacy of The Virginian

In this episode, Ron investigates one of his favorite TV shows from childhood—The Virginian. Saddle up as he explores the story’s origins, and its transformation through literature, film, and radio. The Virginian’s evolution from novel to screen shaped a genre. Gary Cooper’s portrayal of the character remains a benchmark in Western cinema.

What You’ll Hear:

Ron’s memories of The Virginian TV show starring James Drury, and favorite character, Trampus.
The History of The Virginian. A literary journey beginning with Owen Wister’s 1902 novel, its role in defining the Western genre, and its adaptation into films—highlighting Gary Cooper’s iconic performance and his famous line, “When you call me that, smile.”
Listen to the 1936 Lux Radio Theater’s adaptation of The Virginian, featuring Gary Cooper reprising his role.
Learn about one of Hollywood’s first gossip columnist, his influence on Tinseltown, and the origin of the term “Oscar.”
Ron investigates the Virginian’s real name—and why it remains a mystery to this day.

Thank you for listening to Ron’s Amazing Stories—where history, mystery, and classic tales come alive.

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

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

RAS #688 – Discovering the Real Madame Curie

In this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we embark on a personal journey to dispel a long-held myth that Ron had about Madame Curie. Initially he mistook her or a war vixen akin to Joan of Arc or Tokyo Rose. Ron shares his initial misconceptions about Madame Curie and how these were dramatically altered after listening to a classic episode from the Lux Radio Theater.

In this episode we will learn about Curie’s groundbreaking achievements. Then we will listen to a Lux Radio Theater production of the heartwarming tale of Madame Curie and her husband Pierre, portrayed by cinema legends Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon.

Madame Curie aired on Lux Radio Theater on September 6, 1946.

Listen Now and Rediscover History!

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

RAS #687 – Ron’s View Of Pulp Magazine History

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we look into the sensational, fast-paced, and wildly imaginative world of Pulp Magazines, exploring both their history and some captivating stories from the era.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Pulp Magazines.
Story 1: “Test Rocket” (Read by Ron) Published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories, April 1959. A tale of humanity’s first attempt at space exploration. The intriguing juxtaposition of human curiosity and alien perception.
Story 2: “Toy Shop” (Read by Corey Samuels) Appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, April 1962. Written by Harry Harrison, famous for The Stainless Steel Rat. A toy can change the world.
Story 3: “2BR02B” (Read by Anthony Wood) Authored by Kurt Vonnegut, first published in If: Worlds of Science Fiction, January 1962. A dystopian story reflecting on life, death, and society’s control over both.
Story 4: “We Didn’t Do Anything Wrong…Hardly” (Read by Fatima) From Astounding Science Fiction, May 1959. A whimsical sci-fi adventure, rumored to have inspired the 1985 film The Explorers.
Closing Thoughts.

Thank You for Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

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

RAS #686 – Dick Powell

On Ron’s Amazing Stories we journey back to the captivating era of the Golden Age of Radio. This period was marked by the extraordinary talents of character actors who brought stories to life through the power of their voices. Last week, we explored the remarkable career of William Conrad and his significant contributions. This time we shift our focus to another versatile icon of that era—Dick Powell.

Dick Powell - Singer, Actor, and Producer

Known for his dynamic range, Powell seamlessly transitioned from being a charming crooner in musical films to embodying the quintessential hard-boiled detective in radio dramas. His career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s, leaving an indelible mark not just as an actor, but also as a singer, musician, producer, director, and even a studio head. In this episode we will talk about that career and play two stories from his radio series “Richard Diamond, Private Detective” and “Rogue’s Gallery.”

Join us as we celebrate Dick Powell’s legacy, listen to some of his iconic performances, and appreciate the lasting impact he had on radio storytelling.

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

RAS #685 – William Conrad

On Ron’s Amazing Stories this week we explore one of radio’s most legendary figures: William Conrad. We will uncover the remarkable career of a man whose resonant baritone and versatile talent left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio.

Born John William Cann Jr. in 1920, Conrad’s journey into the world of radio began in the late 1930s. His compelling voice quickly captured attention showcasing his range across numerous genres.

From his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke” to his chilling performances in “Suspense” and “The CBS Radio Workshop,” Conrad’s contributions were vast and influential. We’ll listen to two of his most memorable performances, including “Sundown,” which he wrote and directed, and “The Wax Works,” a testament to his ability to captivate audiences single-handedly.

Join us as we celebrate William Conrad’s legacy, exploring the depth of his talent and the enduring impact of his work on both radio and television.

Show Links:

On the show today Ron talked about two additional stories. From CBS Radio Work shop, 1489 Words with William Conrad and Backseat Driver a story staring Fiber McGee on Suspense.

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