Radio Retropolis
1,076 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratingsA network of podcasts under several genres relating to the retro pop culture field and how these features are relevant to everyone today.
These podcasts will consist of classic radio dramas and commentary from Jim Romanovich, blogs, new interviews from individuals who contributed to the pop culture experience, and high-end audio documentaries.
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Episodes
Inside Television I Love Lucy-Bob Schiller Bob Weiskopf Interview
October 12, 2021 19:00 - 48 minutes - 28.1 MBPart five of our exclusive never before heard interviews continues with the writing team of two Bobs- Schiller and Weiskopf- who were brought on to Lucy starting in season five to assist with head writers Bob Carroll Jr. and Madelyn Pugh. They talk about the Hollywood and Europe episodes including the infamous Grape Stomping scene. But working with Desi and Lucy in these later episodes when marriage tensions were high made things difficult at times.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #218- The Big Switch
October 12, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.8 MBA young girl has been found near death in a cheap hotel room apparently from an attempted suicide. Commentary on the rise of young female suicides between 1950-55
The Superman Radio Podcast #472- The Radar Rocket Pt. 10
October 11, 2021 03:00 - 17 minutes - 10.7 MBJimmy, Poco, and Twiddle must protect themselves against the winged creatures who have been tearing apart their ship while Superman frantically searches for the beam in order to find the ship’s landing point. Plus, part 4 of our exclusive interview with the late Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen, TV's Adventures of Superman).
The Suspense Radio Podcast #141- The Earth is Made of Glass
October 10, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 20.7 MBA man wants to commit the perfect murder and get away with it. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as he doesn’t get caught. Commentary on whether there is such a thing as a "perfect murder". Plus, stars Joseph Cotton and Gale Gordon, with Gordon in a very unfunny role in this episode and why nobody wanted him for comedies.
The Shadow Radio Podcast #217 - Preview of Terror
October 09, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 17.1 MBStrange things happen when Lamont and Margo are lured to an old house for what turns out to be a hoax by a Hollywood director. Unfortunately, one of the hoaxes showing an actor pretending to be hanged turned out that he was actually murdered. Commentary on Grace Matthews, who plays Margo, marking her very last episode with the series.
The Inner Sanctum Radio Podcast #101- Mind Over Murder
October 08, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 16.3 MBA man believes he has witnessed a murder. But when he starts to piece the clues together, he is shocked to find that all of the evidence points to him as the murderer. Commentary on what makes for a great Inner Sanctum episode.
The Superman Radio Podcast #471- The Radar Rocket Pt. 7
October 07, 2021 03:00 - 20 minutes - 12.3 MBSuperman decides to follow the beam straight to the moon to find the trio as they try to fend off the moon creatures attacking the ship. Plus, part 3 of our exclusive interview with Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen from TV's Adventures of Superman).
Inside Television's Greatest: I Love Lucy-Doris Singleton Interview
October 05, 2021 19:00 - 36 minutes - 21.3 MBOur fourth installment of the Inside Television’s Greatest I Love Lucy podcast. In these never-before heard interviews, we get deep behind the scenes of I Love Lucy from the people who were actually there. And today’s exclusive interview is with the very last surviving adult member of the supporting cast Doris Singleton. She shares what it was really like working on those episodes, favorite guest stars from Harpo Marx to George Reeves, her relationship with Lucy and why she thought Vivian...
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #217- The Big Listen
October 05, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 18.9 MBA gang of drunk of counterfeiters have hit the city and the only clue comes from a drunk in a Turkish bath. Commentary on how the FCC ruled over the police use of the two way radio.
The Superman Radio Podcast #470- The Radar Rocket Pt. 6
October 04, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 14.5 MBThe rocket got back on track on the beam and finally reached the moon. But rather than touch the moon and return, it somehow got remained on the far side of the moon. Commentary includes part 2 of our exclusive interview with the later Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen, TV's Adventures of Superman).
The Suspense Radio Podcast #140- The Library Book
October 03, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutes - 21.1 MBA librarian notices a book was returned with torn pages that she pieces together in what appears to be a ransom note... yet nobody is known to have been kidnapped. Commentary on some of the issues of the episode as well as a spotlight on star Myrna Loy. Plus, should we cancel Gone With The Wind?
The Shadow Radio Podcast #216 - Monkey Woman
October 02, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 17.4 MBA wealthy eccentric woman who lives in a mansion near the Lotus Park Zoo and those in her house have been killed by one of the zoo's escaped apes. Lamont, however, believes there is more behind these killings and investigates to get to the truth. Commentary on if gorillas can kill by hugging. Plus, the theory of when there are two villains explained.
The Inner Sanctum Radio Podcast #100- Dead Heat
October 01, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 16.8 MBA woman named Clara is in fear of her dead sister’s return for vengeance since she believes she was responsible for her sister’s death. Commentary on Inner Sanctum competing with Suspense and the formula they decide to make them different.
The Superman Radio Podcast #469- The Radar Rocket Pt. 5
September 30, 2021 03:00 - 21 minutes - 13.1 MBGus must try to reconnect the beam to the rocket. Following the episode, the first of several clips from a very exclusive NEVER BEFORE heard interview from an icon of the Superman family.
Inside Television's Greatest: I Love Lucy-William Asher Interview
September 28, 2021 19:00 - 34 minutes - 20 MBProducer/director William Asher, who is probably better known as the producer/director behind Bewitched, ended up directing 110 of the series' 179 episodes by the time the show ended in 1957. He shares what it was really like being on that set, his initial tensions with Lucy, and directing William Frawley and Vivian Vance who did not like each other. He also discusses directing Lucy and Desi in the later episodes when tensions were quite high. But he also talks about how in awe he was of ...
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #216- The Big Steal
September 28, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 17.9 MBA wave of burglaries have taken place against women all with brand new fur coats. Commentary on guest star Carolyn Jones best known as Morticia from the Addams Family.
The Superman Radio Podcast #468- The Radar Rocket Pt. 4
September 27, 2021 03:00 - 14 minutes - 8.93 MBIn our last episode, stuck in space, Jimmy sent pigeons back to earth to reach Superman with the hope of being rescued. Superman, who received the pigeon's note, must now find the tiny rocket suspended 10,000 miles above the earth. Commentary on space exploration in the 1940s.
The Suspense Radio Podcast #139- The Furnished Floor
September 26, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 18.5 MBA widower moves back into a place he once owned with his wife who passed away and tells his landlady he just got married again yet she is nowhere to be seen. Commentary on writer Lucille Fletcher and actor Don DeFore, best known for the TV series Hazel.
The Shadow Radio Podcast #215- The Ring of Mahlalayee
September 25, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 18.1 MBWhile sightseeing on a remote tropical island, Lamont and Margo come across a dark legend that summons Zanlaghora, a dwarf god who seeks murderous revenge against those who use the ring of Mahlalayee. Commentary on the grisly tone of these recent episodes. Plus, producer/director of The Shadow, John Cole.
The Inner Sanctum Radio Podcast #99- Deadly Fare
September 24, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 17.7 MBA taxi driver, held at gunpoint, explores his destiny as he recounts his night after he picks up a killer who takes him on a fateful, murderous journey. Commentary on the brilliant performance of Larry Haines and how one's fate cannot be changed.
The Superman Radio Podcast #467- The Radar Rocket Pt. 3
September 23, 2021 03:00 - 16 minutes - 10.3 MBWhen we last checked in on Jimmy, Poco and professor Twiddle, the Radar Rocket had fallen off the beam which left the trio suspended in outer space with limited oxygen and very little time before it’s depleted. Commentary on Jimmy’s bright idea to send his pigeons back to earth to get a note to Superman.
Inside Television's Greatest: I Love Lucy-Keith Thibodeaux Interview
September 21, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 21.6 MBKeith Thibodeaux, who played Little Ricky, shares memories of working on the series, his relationship with Desi and Lucy, meeting Superman, and life after the series ended.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #214- The Big Brink
September 21, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 16.8 MBA gang has hijacked and robbed a bank truck that contains $100,000. Commentary on Jack Webb friend and frequent guest star Herb Ellis.
The Superman Radio Podcast #466- The Radar Rocket Pt. 2
September 20, 2021 03:00 - 13 minutes - 8.57 MBJimmy, Poco, and Professor Twiddle are about to embark along the radar beam to the far side of the moon. Commentary on how they travel in space that defies even comic book logic.
The Suspense Radio Podcast #138- Sorry, Wrong Number
September 19, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 23.5 MBThis is considered the best Suspense episode of all time and ranks among the finest radio broadcasts in the history of all radio performances. It’s the story of an invalid who overhears a phone conversation about a murder that is to take place that night. Commentary on what elements make for great dramatic suspense and why this episode rightly qualifies as not only the best Suspense episode of all time, but one of the top radio programs of all time.
The Shadow Radio Podcast #214 - Unto Death Do Us Part
September 18, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 18.1 MBA gambling czar who was accused of murdering his first wife marries another woman who learns of his past. She contacts Lamont and Margot for protection in fear that history may repeat itself. Commentary on violence in radio and the comics which led the industry to quickly self regulate itself before the government intervened.
The Inner Sanctum Radio Podcast #98- Pattern For Fear
September 17, 2021 04:00 - 26 minutes - 15.5 MBA waiter overhears a plot to murder a man and warns the intended victim. But the police captain believes the waiter orchestrated the murder attempt. When the man eventually winds up dead, the captain believes he now has the evidence to put the waiter away for good. Commentary on why this was a great episode, but not a great Inner Sanctum episode.
The Superman Radio Podcast #465- The Radar Rocket Pt. 1
September 16, 2021 03:00 - 15 minutes - 9.48 MBJimmy and Poco go to the home of Professor Twiddle who claims he has built a rocket to take them all to the moon. Commentary on the change of style in this serial and not necessarily for the better.
Inside Television's Greatest: I Love Lucy-Steve Allen Interview
September 14, 2021 19:00 - 27 minutes - 15.8 MBI Love Lucy is the greatest television sitcom in history. In this series of podcasts, we hear for the first time exclusive interviews conducted back in 2000 ands 2001 that have never been heard until now. The first- STEVE ALLEN shares his view on the success of Lucille Ball. The interview was recorded just two months before his death in 2000 and heard here for the first time.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #213- The Big Pick
September 14, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 18 MBAn organized gang of pick pockets is targeting the city including robbing an old man of his life savings of $5,200 cash. Commentary on the phone exchanges in use at that time when Friday gives his as Michigan 5211. Also, character actor Herb Vigran.
Radio Retropolis Season 7 Promo
September 13, 2021 22:11 - 4 minutes - 7.23 MBJR welcomes you to a brand new season of Radio Retropolis starting tonight!
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #122- The Big Sorrow
September 11, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 20.1 MBTwo convicts escape from a nearby penitentiary. According to reports they are heading towards Los Angeles and are both armed and dangerous. In the meantime, Friday is given some shattering news. His partner of 11 years Ben Romero died that morning of a massive heart attack. As Romero’s portrayer, Barton Yarborough, died in the same manner just a week before this episode, Jack Webb wanted an episode to pay tribute to his close friend.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #121- The Big Overtime
September 10, 2021 03:00 - 40 minutes - 23.4 MBA twenty-two-year-old girl has been abducted and her family receives an anonymous message demanding $30,000 for her safe return. This is Barton Yarborough’s very last episode of Dragnet. Commentary revisiting the history of how Dragnet came to be. Plus guest star Whit Connor who usually would have been an unlikely casting choice of Jack Webb's.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #120- The Big Canaries
September 09, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.6 MBFriday and Romero discover a woman and two dead canaries killed in the same manner in the same house. Commentary on the brilliant performance of guest actress Joyce McCluskey and why this is one of Dragnet's top episodes.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #119- The Big Affair
September 08, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 19.2 MBFriday and Romero investigate carefully planned robberies are carefully planned in which the bandit commits brutal attacks on each of the victims. Commentary on guest actors Virginia Gregg and Vic Perrin. Plus, a popular phrase of the 1950's is explained.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #118-The Big Hands
September 07, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 18.8 MBFriday and Romero investigate the murder of a woman strangled in a hotel room. Commentary on the nature of the procedural drama and the brilliant every day obstacles Webb creates for his characters.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #116- The Big Hit and Run Killer
September 04, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 19.1 MBA grandmother and her 9 year old grandson are struck down and killed by a hit and run truck driver. Commentary on how the excellent performances turned this average plot line into a magnificent episode with an unexpected conclusion. Plus, Yogi Berra's malapropisms.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #115- The Big Lease
September 03, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 18.3 MBA depressed businessman who recently lost his wife is suddenly missing and Friday and Romero investigate whether suicide or foul play was involved. Commentary on the Hispanic gardener in the finale scene with Friday and Romero. Plus a look at real killers who used their homes for their brutal murders.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #114- The Big Market
September 02, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.7 MBA pair of criminals engage in a non-stop series of holdups throughout the city managing to stay one step ahead of the LAPD. Commentary on character actor Jonathan Hole whom is believed to have been featured in several of the last podcasts in different roles.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #113- The Big Story Man
September 01, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 16.9 MBSeveral church safes are robbed of parish money leaving very little behind to track the robbers' next hit. Commentary on the dangers of the chemical dye anthracene used by Friday and Romero to bust their suspect.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #112- The Big Shoplift
August 31, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.8 MBThere is someone committing a series of shoplifts at some exclusive stores in a nearby retail district. Friday and Romero realize that this may not be your ordinary criminal. Commentary looking inside kleptomania.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #111- The Big Want Ad
August 28, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.3 MBA gang of criminals posing as legitimate car dealers are cheating people out of thousands of dollars. Commentary on how the real car thieves of the 50's operated their syndicate.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #110-The Big September Man
August 27, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.8 MBAn attractive blonde is found beaten to death in a downtown office building. A length of steel pipe wrapped in heavy paper is the only lead. Commentary on the verisimilitude of Dragnet which set this series far above anything else at this time.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #108- The Big Waiter
August 26, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 19.8 MBAn elderly shopkeeper is found murdered in the back room of his store and there's no trace of the killer. Commentary on the non PC description of matronly women in this and recent Dragnet episodes, the harsh penalties for the convicted man in this case, and an inside look art what was fine cuisine in the 1950s.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #107-The Big 17
August 25, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 19.3 MBA series of robberies, burglaries and assault suddenly starts becoming more frequent among the teenagers that leads to one 17 year old pusher. Commentary of the views of marijuana in the 50s, what the drug culture was like, the fairly limited and cultural divisive views of Anslinger's War on Marijuana, and where Jack Webb fit into all of this.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #106-The Big Crazy
August 24, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 16.7 MBA woman is missing yet her disappearance is reported three months later. There is no trace of her. No lead whatsoever. Commentary on Dragnet shifting its regular storytelling formula.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #104- The Big Winchester
August 21, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 18.4 MBAn elderly man is found dead of an apparent suicide, but Friday and Romero believe evidence points to a murder. Commentary on the age of Joe Friday and still living with his mother. Plus we look at 1950's stereotypes versus those of today.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #103- The Big Screen
August 20, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 19.2 MBFriday and Romero set up a sting to stop a rash of crooked TV repair men. Commentary on how this episodes treats this new wonder called television. Plus, comments on the real history of television and why 1951, the year of this broadcast, is so instrumental in the decline of radio and the rise of television.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #102- The Big Late Script
August 19, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 17.5 MBWhen a rising young businessman is kidnapped from his home, Friday and Romero are called in to negotiate his release. Commentary on how Dragnet accurately portrays a real kidnapping situation. Plus the significance of this date and the end of WWII.
The Dragnet Radio Podcast #101-The Big Sophomore
August 18, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 18.6 MBNeighborhood petty thievery leads to capture of teenage boy which culminates into a much more dramatic story than your usual Dragnet episode. Commentary on yet another superb episode and the value of Dragnet in which the listener connects emotionally to our cast with another very sad tale.