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
Television Director (Ralph Levy) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
November 15, 1953 - Jack repares for his TV show with Johnnie Ray. References inlude TWA airline, 1954 Cadillac, Old Crow Bourbon Whiskey, Thrifty's drug store, the "I Can't Stand Jack Benny" contest, and his guitar play…
Echo-Ay-Hee-Hoo (Election Upset) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
November 7, 1948 - Jack Sees Psychiatrist About Echo and Mel Blanc does Bugy Bunny and Porky Pig. References include the election where Truman was re-elected after the polls predicted a Dewey win. Plus Bob Hope, Fred All…
Trick Or Treat (Election Day) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
October 31, 1948 - Jack goes trick or treating with the Beverly Hill Beavers. Plus clips from the Phil Harris Alice Faye Show. References include the Wolf-Man, the presidential election, the Olympics, boxer Gene Tunny, t…
Airport (Swing Low) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
October 22, 1950 - Dennis Tries to Borrow Fifty Thousand Dollars. Jack is getting ready to fly to New York for his first ever TV episode. References include the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", Duz soap, Lifesavers mints…
Casablanca (BVDs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
October 17, 1943 - Jack Benny is back from his USO trip to Casablanca and recounts a story similar to the motion picture of the same name. Rochester sings "As Time Goes By". Plus Jack talks with his new writers. Referenc…
Home from North Africa (Creaking Door) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
October 10, 1943 - Jack Recalls His African Trip. Broadcasting from New York as Jack returns from his USO tour. Behind the scenes there is a new group of writers. References include Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Eleanore Roos…
Beverly Hills Police Department [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
October 1, 1950 - The Maxwell is Stolen. Jack Benny and the gang have a meal at the drug store and Jack finds out his car has been stolen. References include ethyl Gasoline, the draft for the Korean war, Duncan Heins, Ma…
The Kenny Baker Show (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
January 20, 1947 - Jack Benny's old tenor Kenny Baker had his own shown, with Don Wilson as the announcer and Jack Benny as special guest!
Here Comes Mr. Kitzel (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
December 27, 1950 - One of the often forgotten recurring characters on the Jack Benny Program is Mr. Kitzel. His funny voice is an over-the-top jewish dialect. Artie Auerbach was playing Mr. Kitzel on other radio program…
The Private Life of Rochester (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:49
May 12, 1950 - In 1950 they developed a radio spin-off of the Jack Benny show starring Eddie Anderson as Rochester Van Jones. The show would have been 15 minutes long, five days a week. Unfortunately, it was never picked…