Ron's Amazing Stories

Ronald Hood

Ron's Amazing stories is a weekly podcast which presents truly amazing tales. These will range from dramatic readings to old time radio. We also have interviews with authors, radio personalities and even sports legends.

  1. Danger Has Two Faces: A Gunsmoke Double Feature

    4D AGO

    Danger Has Two Faces: A Gunsmoke Double Feature

    This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we saddle up for a classic Gunsmoke double feature, featuring two gripping radio dramas that show danger wearing very different disguises. Set in and around Dodge City—a real town and proudly known as the Cowboy Capital of the World—these stories highlight why Gunsmoke became one of the most important series in radio and television history. At the center stands Marshal Matt Dillon, facing threats born of desperation, ambition, and the belief that violence creates legends. One story traps Matt in a snowbound cabin with killers who have already crossed the line. The other brings danger directly into Dodge City, carried by a man eager to make a name for himself at the wrong end of a gun. Two stories. Two kinds of danger. One lawman. In This Episode An introduction to Gunsmoke and its lasting place in American fictional history The real Dodge City and why it matters to the legend "The Cabin" (December 27, 1952): A blizzard, a remote cabin, and fugitives who leave no room for mercy "There Never Was a Horse" (September 19, 1953): A gunman seeks reputation by challenging the wrong man How both stories explore violence, justice, and the true cost of reputation in the Old West As always, thank you for listening and keeping the spirit of classic radio 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
  2. When Nature Turns Savage: Tales from Escape

    JAN 15

    When Nature Turns Savage: Tales from Escape

    Ron's Amazing Stories opens the door to one of radio's most celebrated suspense anthologies—Escape. Known for its tales of danger, obsession, and the darker corners of human (and animal) behavior, Escape rarely pulled its punches. In this double feature, we explore what happens when the natural world breaks its unspoken contract with mankind. Our first story, "A Shipment of Mute Fate," stars Jack Webb in a harrowing tale of obsession and deadly cargo. A hunt for the world's most dangerous snake—the legendary bushmaster—leads to a sea voyage where danger coils silently in the shadows. Our second story, "The Birds," is based on the chilling work of Daphne du Maurier. Set in post–World War II England, it tells the story of a quiet community suddenly and violently besieged by flocks of birds acting with terrifying purpose. The tale later inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, but its radio version remains just as unsettling. Two stories. Two species. One warning. Nature is patient… until it isn't. In This Episode An introduction to the classic radio series Escape "A Shipment of Mute Fate," starring Jack Webb The deadly legend of the bushmaster snake A brief discussion on cats, reflexes, and snake encounters "The Birds," based on the story by Daphne du Maurier How both tales reflect the fear of nature gone wrong 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
  3. Dimension X Presents: Two Expeditions to Mars

    JAN 8

    Dimension X Presents: Two Expeditions to Mars

    Dimension X Presents: Two Expeditions to Mars This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we turn our attention skyward to one of the most influential works of science fiction ever written — The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. First published in 1950, Bradbury's interconnected stories of Mars weren't really about rockets or planets. They were about us — our memories, our habits, and the things we carry with us wherever we go. Tonight's program features two outstanding radio adaptations from NBC's classic series Dimension X, bringing Bradbury's Mars to life through sound and imagination alone. In This Episode A personal reflection on discovering The Martian Chronicles in a high school English class A brief history of Ray Bradbury and the creation of The Martian Chronicles "Mars Is Heaven!" — a haunting early expedition where Mars feels a little too familiar "—And the Moon Be Still as Bright" — the fourth mission to Mars, and the cost of changing a new world A reflective commentary on Bradbury's warnings, radio storytelling, and why these stories still matter today Bradbury once said he wasn't trying to predict the future — he was trying to prevent it. Decades later, his stories still ask the same quiet question: when we reach somewhere new, do we listen first… or do we remake it in our own image? 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
  4. Wings in the Gathering Storm: Flight Command

    12/25/2025

    Wings in the Gathering Storm: Flight Command

    In this episode of Ron's Amazing Stories, we return to the tense days of 1940, when the world was already at war—and America was watching the storm clouds gather. The Story comes from Lux Radio Theatre: the radio adaptation of the MGM film Flight Command. Released in 1940, the film starred Robert Taylor, Ruth Hussey, and Walter Pidgeon, with all three reprising their roles for radio. It was the first Hollywood film to openly glorify the American military after the outbreak of World War II in Europe—arriving a full year before the United States entered the conflict. The story follows Navy Ensign Alan Drake, a rookie pilot assigned to an elite fighter squadron known as the "Hellcats." Struggling with early mistakes and a damaging misunderstanding, Drake must ultimately prove his skill, courage, and character during a dangerous test of new blind-landing equipment. In the opening segment, Ron explores Flight Command's place in history and its quiet role in preparing audiences for the realities ahead. Before the story begins, we look at the real-life inspiration behind the film's squadron: Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8), one of the Navy's early elite aviation units. In the closing segment, Ron discusses the real-world invention that made the film's dramatic finale possible—the early instrument landing systems that allowed pilots to land safely in zero-visibility conditions, forever changing aviation. A story of duty, discipline, and courage in uncertain times—this is Flight Command. 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
  5. Voices In The Dark

    12/11/2025

    Voices In The Dark

    This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we wander into the shadows—literally. We're featuring two classic old-time radio programs that built their reputations on unseen narrators and atmospheric storytelling: The Shadow and The Whistler. Each one whispers from the darkness, but with personalities that couldn't be more different. Our first story is "Death House Rescue" from The Shadow, originally aired on September 26, 1937. In this tale, a man is wrongly sentenced to die for killing a policeman during a bank robbery. The Shadow steps in, using his uncanny ability to slip into the minds of others to uncover the truth. After the first story, we take a short break to talk about the two famous narrators—how they guided generations of listeners while staying completely unseen. Then we turn to "Not If I Kill You First" from The Whistler, broadcast February 12, 1944. It's a dark tale of greed, betrayal, and the promise of $30,000—though the loser pays with more than just money. We close the show by tying these two shadowy voices together and share a bonus segment with some fun trivia from the golden age of radio. If you love atmospheric drama, classic crime stories, or simply enjoy wandering the dimly lit hallways of radio's past, this is your episode. Featured Stories: The Shadow – "Death House Rescue" (9/26/1937) The Whistler – "Not If I Kill You First" (2/12/1944) 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    59 min
  6. Captain Blood… and Ron's Fizzy Rebellion

    12/04/2025

    Captain Blood… and Ron's Fizzy Rebellion

    This week on Ron's Amazing Stories we step aboard a ship loaded with adventure, rebellion, and old-school Hollywood charm. Our feature comes from Lux Radio Theater and is the radio adaptation of the 1935 classic Captain Blood, starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Both reprise their roles, bringing the swashbuckling tale to life all over again. We take a moment to explore the real history behind the story—its roots in the Monmouth Rebellion, the fictional-yet-inspired character of Dr. Peter Blood, and the bold musical choices of composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold, whose groundbreaking score helped usher in the era of full symphonic soundtracks. And at the end of the show, we answer a listener email from John Pierce of Oklahoma City, who wants to know why Alan Ladd ranks so highly on my personal list of Hollywood greats. I give my take in a short segment you won't want to miss. What On This week: Featured Story: Captain Blood from Lux Radio Theater Behind the Scenes: The historical backdrop of the Monmouth Rebellion Film Music Spotlight: How Korngold changed movie scores forever Listener Email: Why Alan Ladd still stands tall 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
  7. The Box 13 Double Mystery

    11/27/2025

    The Box 13 Double Mystery

    This time on Ron's Amazing Stories, we bring you a special Box 13 double feature suggested by listener Pete Toreck from Miami, Florida. We kick things off with the very first adventure Dan Holiday ever tackled, The First Letter. Then we follow it up with one of the most listened-to stories of the entire run, The Professor and The Puzzle. Between the two tales, we take a humorous look at the advice columnists of the 1950s—those brave souls who solved life's everyday mysteries one letter at a time. This episode also marks a milestone: we close out the last known radio acting done by Alan Ladd. Known is the key word—because the world of old-time radio is full of surprises. I may continue with more Box 13 stories in the future, and if you know of any Ladd broadcasts I haven't covered, let me know! In This Episode Box 13 – "The First Letter" The pilot episode that sets Dan Holiday's unique career of adventure in motion. A Look at 1950s Advice Columnists A lighthearted break exploring the real-life letter-solvers of the era. Box 13 – "The Professor and The Puzzle" A classic episode featuring mystery, danger, and a reclusive professor. Alan Ladd Milestone Wrapping up the known Ladd broadcasts—with room for future discoveries. 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    59 min
  8. Office of Strategic Services

    11/20/2025

    Office of Strategic Services

    This week, Alan Ladd returns for his fourth appearance on the podcast, stepping into the role of a covert agent in the Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the 1946 spy drama O.S.S. It's classic wartime intrigue, delivered with the steady intensity only Ladd could pull off. We take a quick look at the real OSS, the film behind the broadcast, and why Ladd continues to impress every time he shows up on the show. In This Episode Alan Ladd takes on a covert wartime role A brief look at the OSS and its legacy The origins of the story and its Bond connection The full Lux Radio Theater production of O.S.S. 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 LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

    1 hr
4.8
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

Ron's Amazing stories is a weekly podcast which presents truly amazing tales. These will range from dramatic readings to old time radio. We also have interviews with authors, radio personalities and even sports legends.

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