The Automat

The Automat

Author: John Henderson May 28, 2026 Duration: 32:39

May 17 and 24, 1936 - Everybody's not so hot. Jack leaves New York for California with a visit from the travel agent. Jack and the gang visit the automat. These are two partial episodes edited together for a better listening expirence. 

References include Greta Garbo, James Cagney, Clark Gable, Fred MacMurray, Fred Atair, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple, Mae West, W.C. Fields, Fanny Brice, Walter Houston, George M. Cohen, Guy Lombardo. They also mention the Hindenburg Zeplin.


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 Golden Touch (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:26
May 23, 1951 - Jack Benny guest stars on the radio show Family Theater, introduced by Lucille Ball. They reference The Marshall Plan, Hedda Hopper and hats. Enjoy!
Rehearsal with Kids (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:46
Recorded February 15, 1953 - This is the rehearsal for the episode aired February 22, 1953 where the kids impersonate the Jack Benny show.
What's My Line? Mystery Guest Jack Benny (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:15
John Charles Daly hosts What's My Line? on TV with Jack Benny as the mystery guest. February 8, 1953 - Panel: Dorothy Kilgallen, Steve Allen, Arlene Francis, and Hal Block June 21, 1959 - Panel: Arlene Francis, Steve All…
Phil Harris fills in for Kay Kyser (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
August 23, 1944 - "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" was fun music quiz show. Phil Harris guest hosted all summer. Play along and enjoy the music!
Benny Wrong Number (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:57
January 31, 1946 - Command Performance USA hosted by Robert Young with special guests Chico Marx, Lina Romay and Jack Benny in his version of the Suspense play "Sorry Wrong Number".
King For A Day (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:23
May 26, 1946 - The Fred Allen Show with special guest star Jack Benny. In this episode they spoof the radio program "Queen for a Day". Other references include The Lone Ranger, Ralph Edwards, Mary Margaret McBride, The S…
George Burns Goes to College (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:43
November 29, 1945 - In order to get and inheritance, George Burns has to go to college. Gracie Allen gets George's friend, Jack Benny, to join him.
Ah, Wilderness! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:28
May 16, 1937 - Jack Benny and the gang do the Eugene O'Neill play "Ah, Wilderness!". References include the tradition of throwing rice and old shoes at weddings, the coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth, Portlan…
Phil Harris and Jack Benny Interviewed 1946 (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
In the spring of 1946, Phil Harris and his wife Alice Faye were interviewed on the Chicago radio show of columnist Nate Gross. A week later, Jack Benny was the guest on the program. Here are both 15 minute episodes!
Dennis Day Reads Snow White (BONUS) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
Dennis Day narrates Read-Along Records: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1949) Snow White and Sneezy (1952) Snow White and Dopey (1952)