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The Big Story|Old Time Radio Mysteries

Advertise on podcast: The Big Story|Old Time Radio Mysteries

This podcast has
46 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Adam Graham
Explicit
No
Date created
2026/07/27
Latest episode
2026/10/13
Average duration
36 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

The first half of the twentieth century was a golden age of American journalism. Major cities supported multiple competing newspapers, many issuing several editions a day. Print magazines flourished. In that competitive landscape, reporters often pursued stories with fearless determination—uncovering corruption, confronting criminal enterprises, and helping to solve real cases that shaped public life. The Big Story (1947–1955) brought these accounts to radio, dramatizing true reporting drawn from newspapers across the country. Performed by New York’s finest radio talent, the series honored the craft of investigative journalism and the people who practiced it. The program inspired a television adaptation, which ran from 1949–1957. In this podcast feed, host Adam Graham presents all known circulating episodes of The Big Story, offering listeners a vivid window into the era when journalism was both a calling and a public trust.

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Check latest episodes from The Big Story|Old Time Radio Mysteries podcast


The Big Story: Witness to Drama of Violence and Death
2026/10/13
Today's Mystery: A redheaded woman is found shot dead in a black sedan on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Reporter Johnny Kalen soon finds himself investigating a second killing, a missing man named Scott Whitty, and a tangled web of relationships that may connect them all. As more troubling details emerge, Johnny and Police Chief Warren race to piece together the truth behind a string of violent deaths. Original Radio Broadcast:March 24, 1954 Originating in New York Cast: Michael O’Day as Johnny KalenEd Begley as Police Chief WarrenBrenna RayburnDanny AcCORita LynnGilbert MackBilly GraySupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken — Patreon supporter since January 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: A Search That Saved a Life
2026/10/06
Today's Mystery: A chance encounter in a Chicago courtroom leads reporters Virginia Marmaduke and Joe Kordek into a deeply personal story. A mother is seeking a divorce because she believes her husband is willing to risk their young daughter's life. The reporters soon discover that the child suffers from a serious medical condition and that her parents are bitterly divided over a dangerous decision that could determine her future. When they learn that another child may hold the answer, Virginia and Joe set out to find her—but will they reach her in time? Original Radio Broadcast: February 10, 1954 Originating in New YorkCast: Virginia Marmaduke — M.C. StricklandJoe Kordek — Sid PohlMandel KramerJan MinerGuy SorelMadeline PierceShirley HayesJoan TompkinsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Philip, Patreon supporter since December 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: Too Terrible to be Believed
2026/09/29
Today's Mystery:Prince George’s County reporter Arthur Milky becomes suspicious when a young child dies at a nursery home and the medical examiner determines that the boy’s severe head injuries could not have been self-inflicted. When the woman running the home offers conflicting explanations for the injuries, Milky begins investigating both the child’s death and the operator’s troubling history, determined to uncover evidence strong enough to establish what really happened. Original Radio Broadcast: January 27, 1954 Originating in New Yor kCast: Lyle Sudrow as Arthur MilkyCourt BensonMaurice WellsLouis Van RootenBarbara WeeksJoan LorringTed OsborneSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Stuart, Patreon supporter since November 2022 .Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of ourf riends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
The Big Story: Back from the Dead
2026/09/22
Today's Mystery: Pittsburgh newspaper reporter Joseph P. Brown receives a call about a woman who has been shot at an address in nearby Jeanette, Pennsylvania. Arriving at the scene, Brown finds a strangely uncooperative group of witnesses who refuse to give him the woman's name or explain what happened. As he begins investigating the shooting, Brown must uncover what happened to the woman and why the people at the scene are so reluctant to talk. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 30, 1953. Originating from New Yorka Cast: Nelson Olmstead as Joseph P. BrownMary PattonCameron PrudhommeMadeline SherwoodMichael O'DayBill GriffithsCarl EmeryBernie GrantSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tammy, Patreon supporter since February Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: The Miracle Phone Call
2026/09/15
Today's Mystery: Newspaper reporter Dorothy Patterson is contacted by the desperate mother of five-year-old Johnny McDermott, who is gravely ill and needs an expensive experimental treatment his family cannot afford. Despite warnings that readers won’t contribute thousands of dollars to help a child they don’t know, Dorothy puts her faith in the generosity of her community and uses her newspaper column to make an appeal on Johnny’s behalf. Original Radio Broadcast: April 1, 1953 Originating in New York Cast: Jan Miner as Dorothy PattersonFrancis DeSalesTed OsborneJoey FallonBobby Rick (probable identification)Rae TerryBrenna RayburnBob Sloane, announcerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Christine, Patreon supporter since November 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of ourfriends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: The Biggest Catch
2026/09/08
Today's Mystery: Young journalism student Don Morrissey is determined to prove he has what it takes to become a full-time reporter for his hometown newspaper in quiet Elkhorn, Wisconsin. His opportunity arrives when three supposed fishermen crash their car into a telephone pole, and Don’s suspicions about the strangely anxious travelers lead him to test whether their fishing story holds water. Original Radio Broadcast:February 4, 1953 Originating in New York Cast: Michael O'Day as Don MorrisseyCameron PrudhommeMandel KramerMaurice GosfieldHarold HuberTom CollinsJohn McGovernSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: Hot Lead Catches a Cold Blooded Killer
2026/09/01
Today's Mystery: Miami Herald reporter William Adams joins the investigation after a well-dressed stranger is found shot to death beneath a bridge in the Everglades. With little to identify the victim beyond an old newspaper and a loaded die, Adams begins tracing the dead man’s movements, searching for the clue that can lead authorities to his killer. Original Radio Broadcast: October 8, 1952 Originating in New York Cast: Jim Stevens as William AdamsCameron PrudhommeBill ZuckertJean GillespieRuth YorkE. Sam RaskinMichael O'DayCameron AndrewsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Deanna, Patreon supporter since December 2024. Thank you to our latest Platinum Patreon supporter: Margie, who has been supporting the show since September 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: Reporter Risks Life to Avenge a Friend's Murder
2026/08/25
Today's Mystery: When a Butte service-station attendant disappears under mysterious circumstances, his lifelong friend, Helena Independent Record reporter Alan Copperthwaite, refuses to let the story fade away. Following a slender trail of clues across Montana, Copperthwaite risks his own safety in a deeply personal search for the truth. Original Radio Broadcast:March 19, 1952. Originating in New YorkCast: Bill Lipton as Alan CopperthwaiteJane RobbinJoe DeSantisPhil SterlingOwen JordanJoe HelgesenJim StevensBob Sloane as NarratorAdapted by Abraham S. GinnesOriginal music composed and conducted by Vladimir SelinskySupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Michael, Patreon supporter since May 2026. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
The Big Story: Cord Around Her Neck
2026/08/18
Today's Mystery:West Seattle Herald reporter Stuart Whitehouse gets an unexpected opportunity to scoop the city's larger newspapers when a woman is found murdered in her home. With his weekly paper's deadline rapidly approaching, Whitehouse follows a series of clues in hopes of identifying the killer—and getting the story into print first. Original Radio Broadcast: January 9, 1952 Originating from New York Cast:Nat Polen as Stuart WhitehouseMargaret BurlenHelen BarronLarry HainesBill GriffithsBert CallenJohn BeckerSteve EddersMichael O'DaySupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Brian, Patreon supporter since September 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
The Big Story: The Man Who Wanted What He Couldn't Have
2026/08/11
Today's Mystery: Salt Lake City Tribune reporter Cluster M. Nielsen investigates the murder of a young traveler whose final journey ends on a lonely Utah highway. As the evidence begins to conflict, Nielsen races to uncover the truth before an innocent man pays the price. Original Radio Broadcast: November 14, 1951 Originating from New YorkCast: Francis DeSales as Cluster M. NielsenCharita BauerMickey O'DayBruce GordonOwen GordonAlan StevensonSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
The Big Story: Forty Minutes to Meet a Deadline
2026/08/04
Today's Story: Cleveland Press reporter Bus Bergen believes he has an open-and-shut murder case wrapped up in just forty minutes. But as the trial unfolds, a nagging doubt - and an unlikely four-legged witness - forces him to reconsider everything he thought he knew. Original Radio Broadcast: July 25, 1951 Originating from New York Starring Nat Polen as Bus Bergen Also featuring Kathleen Nadeau, Brad Barker, Mel Ruick, Phil Sterling, Larry Robinson, Court Benson, and Les Darcy (unconfirmed) Based on the true experiences of Cleveland Press reporter Bus Bergen .Support the podcast monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeff, Patreon supporter since May 2023 Platinum Patreon Supporters: Ian, Michael, Gary, and Robert, supporting the podcast since August 201 6Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to:Adam Graham PO Box 15913  Boise, ID 83715 Take our listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call: 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at @radiodetectives Join us again next time for another true newspaper adventure on The Big Story.
The Big Story: More Tragic than Murder
2026/07/28
Today's Mystery: When rumors spread through rural Kansas that a woman has concealed her mother's death for years, Hiawatha Daily World reporter Virgil Hill uncovers a heartbreaking truth that proves far more tragic than murder. Original Radio Broadcast: April 25, 1951 Originating from New York Starring Bill Lipton as Virgil HillAlso featuring Agnes Young, Ethel Owen, James Stevens, Bill Smith, Charles Eggleston, Bill Griffiths, and Jason Johnson Support the podcast monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Stuart, Patreon supporter since November 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to:Adam Graham PO Box 15913 Boise, ID 83715Take our listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call: 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives
The Big Story: Poker Game Ends in Death
2026/07/21
Today’s Mystery: When a suburban poker game ends in a deadly holdup, veteran Chicago reporter Bill Doherty becomes intrigued by the teenage brother of one of the dead gunmen. As evidence mounts against the youth, Doherty sets out to determine whether the frightened suspect is a killer—or another victim of the crime. Original Radio Broadcast: March 21, 195 1Originating in New York Starring John Larkin as Bill Doherty.Also featuring Joseph Julian, Jack Grimes, Larry Haines, Bryna Raeburn, and Parker Fennelly. Based on the reporting of William Doherty of the Chicago Sun-Times. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Brent, Patreon supporter since January 2020. Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 8371 5Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
The Big Story: The Case of the Cautious Killer
2026/07/07
Today’s Mystery: Freshly hired cub reporter Ed Neumeier expects to spend his first day covering routine local stories while the veteran reporters chase a sensational double murder. Instead, a chance encounter with a nervous stranger thrusts the inexperienced reporter into the biggest story of his young career. Original Radio Broadcast: March 14, 1951 Originating from New York  Starring Russell Thorson as Ed Neumeier Also featuring Melba Rae, Amzie Strickland, Chet Stratton, William Keene, and Joe Helgeson Based on the reporting of Ed Neumeier of the Humboldt TimesSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Glenn, Patreon supporter since March 2025 Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives
The Big Story: Dictionary and a Telephone Line Lead to a Killer
2026/07/07
Today’s Mystery:When a young wife disappears from a Colorado mountain town, reporter Bernard Beckwith notices inconsistencies in her husband’s story that no one else seems to question. As he quietly follows one clue after another, what begins as a routine missing persons case slowly develops into a murder investigation. Original Radio Broadcast: December 6, 1950 Originating in New York Starring Benton Hayworth as Bernard Beckwith.Also featuring Adrian Byan, Scott Tennyson, John McQuade, Nat Polen, and Jason Johnson. Based on the reporting of Bernard Beckwith of the The Denver Post.Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bueno, Patreon supporter since March 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.ne tMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

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