https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-jack-benny-program-broadcaster-transition-1948-1949--7200304enSociety & CultureCopyright 07 Audio Networkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/93fbec2025d6342916a23a0108ce4a4f.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-jack-benny-program-broadcaster-transition-1948-1949--7200304Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:06:51 +000007 Audio Network07 Audio Networkinfo@07audio.loveJack Benny ruled the airwaves for over two decades, from 1932 to 1955, anchoring one of radio's most beloved comedies with a persona built on vanity, stinginess, and a permanent age of 39. Backed by a whip-smart ensemble — wife Mary Livingstone,...false0a8b3169-333d-566f-a622-d47d47d3a902episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/season-finale-meet-the-whole-gang--74449049https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74449049Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:01:24 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: May 29th, 1949. It's the last broadcast of the 1948-49 season, and Jack Benny closes things out by breaking the fourth wall to introduce the people behind the show. Between Don Wilson's inflated ego, Phil Harris's boozy tall tales about Frankie...17711940s broadcast,big band era,comedy variety show,guest singer,old time radio,radio ensemble cast,season finale,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/national-pickle-week-and-the-television-rehearsal--74449046https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74449046Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:01:24 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: May 22nd, 1949. Jack declares National Pickle Week in full swing while Mary returns from her cold with a few choice words about the doctor Jack sent her way. When a cab driver wanders into the studio looking for a bigger tip, it sparks a debate...17711940s comedy,jack benny,old time radio,radio sketch comedy,sitcom,studio audience,television satire,vintage sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-fifteen-cent-movie-date-and-a-guest-star-named-stanwyck--74297923https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74297923Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:01:44 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Apr 10th, 1949. Jack's big night out with Mary hits the usual snags — Rochester nicks him with the razor, Phil Harris shows off a locket with a surprise photo inside, and Mary's hairdresser dishes out some very Benny-esque bargain-hunting...17711940s comedy,barbara stanwyck,celebrity guest star,classic sitcom,hollywood cheapskate gags,jack benny,old time radio,radio comedyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-packs-his-bags-new-york-or-bust--74241153https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74241153Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:01:48 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Apr 3rd, 1949. Jack's off to New York to emcee an American Heart Association benefit at the Copa Cabana, but not before Mary and Rochester turn his packing session into a minefield of jokes about baggage fees, vaudeville flops, and a long-lost...17711940s comedy,air travel humor,classic sitcom,ensemble cast,jack benny,new york trip,old time radio,vaudeville nostalgiafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spring-cleaning-and-the-cow-on-the-ceiling--74176415https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74176415Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:03:35 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Mar 27th, 1949. Spring has arrived in Beverly Hills, and Rochester tackles the annual house-cleaning while dodging a feather duster-obsessed parrot and an unwilling Jack Benny as a human ladder. Mary Livingstone tops it off with a hilariously...17711940s radio,ensemble comedy,jack benny,old time radio,radio comedy,sitcom,spring cleaning,vaudeville humorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/van-johnson-crashes-the-double-date--74100890https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74100890Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:03:19 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Mar 20th, 1949. Van Johnson joins the gang for a Saturday rehearsal that spirals into chaos when Rochester dials a fish market instead of the guest star, and Mary takes the scenic route from Beverly Hills by way of San Diego to pick Van up....17711940s,celebrity guest star,classic sitcom,double date,ensemble cast,old time radio,radio comedy,wrong number gagfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-bombs-at-santa-anita--74026739https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74026739Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:02:51 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Mar 13th, 1949. Fresh off his TV debut, Jack Benny gets ribbed by the whole gang for his less-than-flattering small-screen appearance — but the real fireworks start when the talk turns to Saturday's trip to Santa Anita. Mary, Dennis, and...17711940s,ensemble cast,horse racing,old-time radio,radio comedy,santa anita,sitcom,television debutfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-benny-s-bumpy-road-to-santa-anita--73953085https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73953085Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:01:02 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Mar 6th, 1949. Jack piles into his jalopy with Rochester and Mary Livingstone for his once-a-year trip to the races, and naturally nothing goes smoothly — dead brakes, a flooded engine, and a blowout on the way to the track. Phil Harris turns...17711940s sitcom,car trouble comedy,ensemble comedy,horse racing,jack benny,old-time radio,radio classic,santa anitafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-case-of-the-missing-violin--73875540https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73875540Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:01:14 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Feb 27th, 1949. Jack's long-suffering violin teacher, Professor LeBlanc, arrives for another torturous lesson only to find the star instrument has vanished — buried, barbecued, or otherwise mangled by Rochester. Between toupee mishaps and...17711940s radio,classic radio comedy,comedy duo,ensemble cast,old-time radio,running away from home,sitcom,violin lessonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phil-harris-wants-2-000-and-a-fur-coat-in-the-freezer--73831186https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73831186Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:53 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: May 15th, 1949. Jack and Rochester tackle a marathon refrigerator-cleaning session that somehow produces thirty pounds of leftover hash and a fur coat on ice for summer. A prank call from the 'Associated Press' reignites Jack's running feud...17711940s radio,classic sitcom,comedy banter,fred allen feud,jack benny,old time radio,phil harris,vintage advertisingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-reads-the-riot-act-and-a-generous-secret--73831185https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73831185Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:01:25 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: May 8th, 1949. Fresh off a shaky broadcast of their "Treasure of Sierra Madre" parody, Jack keeps the whole cast on stage after the theme song fades to hand out a point-by-point scolding. Mary blames a new gold tooth, Phil can't repeat his own...18001940s broadcast,backstage humor,behind the scenes,ensemble cast,jack benny,old time radio,radio comedy,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-shoe-that-got-away--73831184https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73831184Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:01:19 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: May 1st, 1949. Jack threatens to fire longtime announcer Don Wilson over a stale introduction, Mary reads a wonderfully absurd letter from her mother about pest control and a mermaid sister, and Dennis Day recounts his fishing trip to Lake Mead...17711940s sitcom,ensemble comedy,film parody,fishing gag,jack benny,old-time radio,radio banter,treasure of the sierra madrefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rochester-s-wallpaper-rescue-and-the-trade-in-itch--73831183https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73831183Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:01:13 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Apr 24th, 1949. Jack wakes up battered from a secret dancing lesson gone wrong, sorts through a mailbag of debt notices and mash notes, and stumbles on an ad promising easy trade-in deals on a new car — putting his beloved Maxwell in jeopardy....17711940s sitcom,comedy ensemble,jack benny,maxwell automobile,old time radio,radio comedy,rochester,vintage broadcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-easter-diary-confession--73831182https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73831182Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:02:00 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Apr 17th, 1949. It's Easter Sunday in Beverly Hills, and while Jack primes himself for a stroll down Wilshire Boulevard, Rochester can't resist sneaking a peek at the diary Jack brought home from New York. Between digs at Fred Allen, a...17711940s radio,diary gag,domestic comedy,easter parade,jack benny,old-time radio,rochester,sitcom comedyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-s-ford-theater-ambitions--73584876https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73584876Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:01:17 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Feb 20th, 1949. Jack preps for his 'Ford Theater' guest spot with a dressing room full of chaos, as Rochester bungles yet another sandwich order and Mary needles Jack about his wardrobe choices and dramatic ambitions. Phil Harris stalls...17711940s comedy,dressing room antics,ensemble cast,ford theater spoof,golden age radio,old-time radio,radio drama,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-turns-40-again-the-birthday-that-never-gets-old--73522403https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73522403Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:01:07 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Feb 13th, 1949. It's Valentine's Day eve, which means it's also Jack's birthday — and the whole gang is determined to remind him, whether he likes it or not. Don Wilson serenades him with a fortune-cookie prophecy, Mary needles him about his...17711940s sitcom,age joke,birthday episode,live studio audience,old time radio,radio comedy,running gag,valentine's dayfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/held-hostage-for-a-contract--73461385https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73461385Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:01:17 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Feb 6th, 1949. Jack locks announcer Don Wilson in a room and refuses to feed him until he signs his new contract, sparking a full-cast mutiny from Mary, Phil Harris, and Dennis Day. Sponsored by Lucky Strike, this 1949 broadcast is classic...17711940s broadcast,contract dispute,ensemble cast,jack benny,lucky strike sponsor,old time radio,radio comedy,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-s-big-cbs-debut-and-the-cop-who-wouldn-t-give-him-a-ticket--73405098https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73405098Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:49 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Jan 2nd, 1949. It's January 2, 1949, and Jack Benny is making his nerve-wracking leap from NBC to CBS — and he has not slept a wink. On the drive to the studio with Rochester behind the wheel and Mary needling him the whole way, Jack's anxiety...18011940s comedy,cbs debut,jack benny,network switch,old-time radio,radio history,road trip gag,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-wilson-locked-in-the-den--73348891https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73348891Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:49 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Jan 30th, 1949. Jack Benny takes hostage-negotiation tactics to a new low, barricading announcer Don Wilson in the den until he signs his contract, while poor Rochester recalls his own two-year captivity that ended thanks to General MacArthur....17711940s comedy,contract dispute,ensemble cast,jack benny,old-time radio,parrot antics,radio classic,sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-wilson-holds-out-for-a-raise--73348890https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73348890Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:00:51 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Jan 23rd, 1949. Jack Benny locks horns with announcer Don Wilson over a stubborn contract negotiation, refusing to budge on salary while Don refuses to budge on his no-eating-during-broadcasts clause. Along the way, Rochester schemes to starve...17711940s,contract negotiation,ensemble cast,old-time radio,radio comedy,sitcom,talking parrot,vintage broadcastfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-cup-of-flour-from-the-colmans--73348887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73348887Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:00:51 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Jan 16th, 1949. Jack sends Rochester out for scrapbook paste, only to discover the household is out of flour after an epic raisin-bread binge. That sends Jack next door to borrow a cup from his glamorous neighbors the Colmans, leading to a...17711940s comedy,celebrity cameo,classic sitcom,domestic comedy,neighbor mix-up,old-time radio,radio comedy,vaudeville humorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spilled-water-and-stolen-rolls-at-the-brown-derby--73348886https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73348886Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:01:00 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Jan 9th, 1949. Jack and Mary crash Jimmy Stewart's quiet lunch at Hollywood's famous Brown Derby, and chaos follows in classic Benny fashion — knocked-over water pitchers, ketchup mishaps, and Jack's signature vanity on full display. The banter...17711940s sitcom,brown derby,celebrity guest star,ensemble comedy,hollywood comedy,old-time radio,radio classic,restaurant sketchfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fame-magazine-page-29--73240652https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73240652Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:16 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Dec 26th, 1948. In his final broadcast for NBC before jumping ship to CBS, Jack basks in a magazine honor that Don Wilson can't help but undercut with every follow-up detail. Mary Livingstone arrives winded from a bus mishap and a gift of...17711940s sitcom,ensemble cast,holiday episode,nbc to cbs,network switch,old-time radio,radio announcer gag,radio comedyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-40-wallet-jack-benny-s-christmas-shopping-spree--73217406https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73217406Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:00:20 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Dec 19th, 1948. It's five days before Christmas, and Jack drags Mary along to the department store to finish his shopping list — for himself. When Mary shames him into splurging on a genuine cowhide wallet for loyal announcer Don Wilson, Jack's...18011940s comedy,christmas episode,classic sitcom,department store,holiday shopping,jack benny,old-time radio,radio sketch comedyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-s-day-off-goes-terribly-wrong--73194419https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73194419Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:00:16 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Dec 12th, 1948. Jack Benny finally carves out a Monday to relax at home, but between Rochester's backscratching duties, a runaway ottoman spring, and Don Wilson barging in with the Sportsmen Quartet's new commercial, peace and quiet proves...17711940s radio,day off,domestic comedy,ensemble cast,jack benny,old time radio,situation comedy,vintage sitcomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-runaway-violin-lesson--73194301https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73194301Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:20 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Dec 5th, 1948. Jack's weekly torment resumes as the excitable Professor LeBlanc arrives to give him a violin lesson, complete with dodged traffic accidents and a discount for insults. Meanwhile, Rochester spins tall tales about Jack's musical...17711940s,classic sitcom,ensemble cast,golden age radio,old-time radio,radio comedy,running gag,violin lessonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jack-s-ad-agency-runaround--73190525https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73190525Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:00:19 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Nov 21st, 1948. Jack tries to squeeze in a phone call to his tongue-twisting ad agency, Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, before heading off to the big UCLA-USC game — but a mouse in the piano, a lovesick Rochester, and Mary Livingstone's...17711940s comedy,ensemble cast,football game,old-time radio,radio classics,running gags,sitcom,telephone gagfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rochester-s-wild-ride-to-nbc--73184980https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184980Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:00:18 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Nov 14th, 1948. Jack Benny's chauffeur-driven commute to the studio turns into a minor traffic disaster when Rochester clips a vintage electric car at a stoplight. Once inside NBC, Jack trades barbed compliments with the ever-vain announcer Don...17711940s sitcom,comic banter,golden age radio,jack benny,nbc radio studio,old-time radio,rochester,vintage car mishapfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-echo-chamber-blues--73184184https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184184Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:17 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Nov 7th, 1948. Jack can't shake a mysterious echo that's haunting him day and night, even creeping into his dreams. Along the way, Rochester battles a raided icebox to cook up a bizarre breakfast, Mary collects on an old election bet, and...1771falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trick-or-treat-with-the-beavers-club--73184183https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184183Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:19 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Oct 31st, 1948. It's Halloween in Beverly Hills, and Jack tags along with the neighborhood kids' club as their trick-or-treating mascot, spinning wild tales to a new kid about his 'legendary' boxing and Olympic exploits. The night takes a...1771falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beans-napkins-and-a-very-nervous-parrot--73184182https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184182Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:00:11 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Oct 24th, 1948. Jack's throwing a fancy dinner party for Ronald and Benita Colman, but his bank-vault-tight budget turns the evening into a comedy of errors — mystery napkins from a stranger, a backyard full of unsellable string beans, and a...1771falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sorry-wrong-jokes-barbara-stanwyck-calls--73184181https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184181Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:30 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Oct 17th, 1948. Mary Livingston fields a call from movie star Barbara Stanwyck, who's plugging her new thriller "Sorry, Wrong Number" while trading gentle jabs about Jack's stinginess, his questionable gifts, and his knack for cadging free...1771falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-the-gang-spent-thanksgiving--73193410https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73193410Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:23:24 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Nov 28th, 1948. Jack preps for a formal Thanksgiving dinner at Mary's, but a moth-eaten tuxedo, a chatty party line full of nosy neighbors, and a visit from a turkey-walking Mr. Kitzel throw the whole evening into chaos. A cozy, gag-packed...17711940s comedy,ensemble cast,holiday episode,old time radio,party line gags,radio classic,sitcom,thanksgiving specialfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rochester-reads-the-diary--73184179https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73184179Sun, 26 Jul 2026 22:27:03 +000007 Audio NetworkAired: Oct 10th, 1948. Jack returns from a whirlwind European tour and Rochester can't resist sneaking a peek at his diary, uncovering tales of London premieres, Parisian romance, and a mysterious echo. With the World Series looming and NBC's clocks...1771falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/homeward-bound-on-the-queen-mary--73132665
Originally aired October 3, 1948.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132665Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:05:19 +000007 Audio NetworkJack Benny returns from his summer tour of Europe in this 1948 season premiere, opening with wry scenes of London and Paris audiences reacting to his Palladium and Olympia performances. The action then shifts to the Queen Mary's final day at sea,...
Originally aired October 3, 1948.]]>1771falsefull