Going to the Zoo

Going to the Zoo

Author: John Henderson May 14, 2026 Duration: 31:28

May 11, 1952 - Jack takes the Beavers to the zoo while Roy and Rochester clean on Mother's Day. 

References include Johnny Ray, Ike Eisenhower and Senator Estes Kefauver, Tarzan, and animal trainer Clyde Beatty.


Step back into a world of radio dials and living room entertainment with This Day in Jack Benny. Host John Henderson curates a weekly trip to the past, pulling an original broadcast from the same calendar week, but sixty to eighty years prior. These episodes, known variously as The Jello Program or The Lucky Strike Program, capture the iconic comedy that aired from the 1930s through the 1950s. What you'll hear is the timeless rhythm of Jack Benny's legendary stinginess and his impeccable timing, surrounded by the familiar voices of Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and announcer Don Wilson. The humor, built on character and situation rather than dated references, remains surprisingly fresh and effective. This podcast offers more than just nostalgia; it's a direct line to a golden age of comedy that still delivers genuine laughs. Henderson presents each episode as a preserved artifact, allowing the original performances to shine without unnecessary commentary. It’s a family-friendly listen that bridges generations, proving that great comedy is truly timeless. Tune in and discover why these classic routines have endured, finding a perfect home in the modern podcast format where their charm can be appreciated all over again.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

This Day in Jack Benny
Podcast Episodes
The Don Wilson Story (Mr. Anthony) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
October 30, 1949 - Don Wilson is celebrating the anniversary of 25 years in radio. Frank Sinatra makes a guest appearance. References include the soap opera "Life Can Be Beautiful" and the advice show of John J. Anthony.
Lost Golf Ball (Ghost Dance) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
October 26, 1947 - Seventh Hole at Hillcrest Country Club. Jack Benny and Rochester look for the golf ball that Jack hit into the woods last week. Jack and Mary talk about their picture in the new issue of Radio Mirror m…
House For Sale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
October 11, 1953 - Jack tries to sell his house for $100,000. References include Jack's old singer Kenny Baker, Milton Berl, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Nation Wine Week, Cinerama, and the song "I want a Girl (Just Like the…
Sun Valley Vacation (Freedom Train) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:45
October 5, 1947 - Jack is Back from His Summer Vacation. Refrences include the radio shows, "The Jack Paar Show", "The Fred Allen Show", "Duffy's Tavern", and "Take It or Leave It". The Miss America Beauty Pageant, the m…
Jack Paar Show Guest Jack Benny (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
August 17, 1947 - Jack Benny guest stars on his summer replacement show, Jack Paar. References include Margaret Truman at the Hollywood Bowl, actor C. Aubrey Smith, singer Lilly Ponds, bandleader Andrew Kostelanetz, Evel…
Stop or Go (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
November 26, 1944 - Comedian Joe E. Brown hosts the program "Stop Or Go" with guest stars Orson Welles, Hedda Hopper, Rudy Vallee, Dorothy Lamour and Jack Benny.
Bing Crosby Show with Jack and Mary (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:28
March 26, 1947 - The Bing Crosby program with guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Refrences include frontiersman Daniel Boone, the painting "Spirit of '76", sci fi show Buck Rogers, comedy show writer Bill Morrow, si…
The Halls of Ivy (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
November 22, 1950 - Jack Benny guest stars on Ronald and Benita Colman's program "The Halls of Ivy". Ronnie and Benita are playing characters but Jack is playing himself. Reference includes silent film stars John Benny,…
Paramount Silver Jubilee (Bonus) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
January 7, 1937 - Jack Benny hosts the 25th anniversary of Paramount Pictures in honor of studio head Adolph Zukor. A night of music, laughs and stars. Enjoy!