Vaudeville – Retro Radio Podcast

Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone and Don Wilson posing for a photo in 1938.

Jack Benny – The Minstrel Show. 361101

By Keith August 23, 2026Comedy, Jack Benny

Up to this point, Phil Harris had played his role as bandleader fairly conservatively. In this episode, however, his developing stage persona shines through as he enthusiastically joins the minstrel…

Burns and Allen comedy duo performing on stage

Burns and Allen – George’s Birthday Just Around The Corner(Jean Kellly). 490127

By Keith January 27, 2026Burns and Allen, Comedy

Features Gene Kelley. Gracie visits her friend Blanche to talk about George's upcoming birthday. (Actually, I think George’s birthday was a week ago, on January 20.) Blanche tries to help…

Burns and Allen – Rehearsing Next Week’s Show. 401125

By Keith November 25, 2025Burns and Allen, Comedy

We find the cast wrapping up the last few jokes of the previous show, then George wants to review and evaluate their performance. With the fast-paced world of radio comedy,…

A black and white photograph of Jack Benny, a man in a suit and tie, standing against a plain background. He is looking off to the side with a slight smile on his face, and his hands are clasped in front of him. Benny was a comedian and actor, best known for his radio and television shows in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. The photograph conveys a sense of classic Hollywood glamour and style, with Benny's sharp features and piercing blue eyes on prominent display.

Jack Benny – The Fiddler. 461020

By Keith October 20, 2024Comedy, Jack Benny

With the war years over, the meat shortage is also over, a topic that dominates the introduction, and opening jokes by Jack, Don, Mary, and Phil. The gang do a…

A black and white photograph of Fibber McGee and Molly, a couple from a popular radio show of the same name. They are standing in front of a closet that has been opened, with clothes and other items spilling out onto the floor. Fibber is holding a mop and wearing an apron, while Molly looks on with a smile on her face. The overall effect is one of humor and domesticity, with the couple's playful antics and cluttered living space providing a snapshot of life in mid-century America in 1948.

Fibber McGee and Molly – IRS Audits McGee. ep1427, 571102

By Keith July 2, 2024Comedy, Fibber McGee and Molly

Fibber is so thrilled over a favorite TV show that he can't sleep, or relax. Nothing can spoil his mood, until he gets a letter from the IRS for an…

Jim Jordan in a Fedora and Marian Jordan wearing a hat in 1937. Standing in front of a microphone, dressed in vintage clothing from the 1930s, likely performing a radio show - the popular duo Fibber McGee and Molly.

Fibber McGee and Molly – Motorcycle Cop, Judge, And Fibber. ep1, 350416

By Keith January 10, 2023Comedy, Fibber McGee and Molly

With his constant companion, and severest critic Molly, Fibber McGee is back with more of his antics. Our traveling entertainers are stopped by a police officer, and have their day…

Illuminated taxi cab sign on the roof of a sedan

Amos and Andy – Three Strikes And You’re Out. 440211 (Retro Plus)

By Keith February 11, 2022Amos and Andy, Comedy

Another Amos and Andy double feature. First show: Annual Minstrel Show At Lodge. 12-04-1936. A stage show done in vaudeville style. Andy opens with a humorous story about chickens. The…

Martin and Lewis – Victor Moore. 490816

By Keith August 16, 2021Comedy

Dean and Jerry have had some success at their nightclub act lately, and they talk about it. Neighbor, Sheldon Leonard, pops in to joke a little about horse racing, then…

Silhouettes of five musicians playing musical instruments against a glowing orange and yellow background - possibly a jazz band performing on stage.

Spike Jones – Jack Carson. 450624

By Keith June 24, 2021Music, Spike Jones

Hosted by Francis Langford and Spike Jones. Announcer, Ken Niles. sponsored by Chase and Sandbourne. Broadcast from Birmingham Hospital in San Fernando Valley, CA. Playlist: A Friend of Yours. Francis…

A black and white photograph of Abbott and Costello posing together. Abbott is on the left and has a slicked-back hairstyle and is looking to his right with a slight smile, while Costello on the right has a rounder face and is looking toward Abbott with a subtle grin. Both men are wearing plaid suits with shirts and ties. The background is plain, focusing attention on their expressions and attire.

Abbott and Costello – Show Ideas By Benny Reuben. 480616

By Keith June 16, 2021Abbott and Costello, Comedy

Lou talks to Bud about running for public office. The guys talk at length about art, artists, girls, dating, and the like. Susan Miller enters to complain to Lou about…