S.P.E.R.D.V.A.C.

Behind The Dial - A SPERDVAC Podcast

History EN ↓ 11 episodes

A world of stories from the folks that made Classic Radio happen are about to be unearthed from the vaults of S.P.E.R.D.V.A.C. Join our host Zach each week for archival Interviews, panels, and more from one of the longest running Societies dedicated to the history, preservation, and encouragement of the audible arts.

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S.P.E.R.D.V.A.C.

Episodes

Ep. 11: Getting To Know You with Gisele MacKenzie (From November 13th, 1993) 26.06.2026 1:05:49

This week we return to November of 1993 for an hour of merriment and melody as we listen to a chat with singer & comic, Gisele MacKenzie! Tune in today to hear about her early start in Canadian Radio, her time working with Jack Benny, her experience on the Hit Parade, and so much more! This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on November 13th, 1993. --------------- Visit s...

Ep. 10: Musical Memories with Gisele MacKenzie, Kay St. Germaine, Ginny Mancini, & Van Alexander (From November 13th, 1993) 12.06.2026 1:09:01

This week you're invited to listen to some Musical Memories as Zach presents a panel of Singers & Musical Arrangers from the era of classic radio featuring Gisele MacKenzie, Kay St. Germaine, Ginny Mancini, & Van Alexander. Tune in today to hear their tales of working in radio and how the singers from that era eventually banded together to take care of each other long after the dial st...

Ep. 9: The One, The Only... GEORGE FENNEMAN (From March 11th, 1978) 29.05.2026 1:33:34

This week Zach invites you to listen, learn, and laugh along to the adventures of radio announcer extraordinaire & comedy legend, GEORGE FENNEMAN Tune in today to hear George's stories around his beginnings in San Francisco radio, his time on You Bet Your Life, and much much more. PLUS: The Members in 1978 feed George Straight Man Lines and George becomes his old Boss. This show was origin...

Ep. 8: Acting Into The Mic with Norman Lloyd (From September 11th, 1993) 15.05.2026 1:26:14

This week Zach invites you to listen to tales from a true jack of all trades in show business, as we listen to a wonderful interview with the legendary Norman Lloyd about his work in Radio. Tune in today to hear Lloyd give us a glimpse into his experience in radio, wax philisophical and praise the performers and directors he worked with and learned from, and so much more! This show was originally...

Ep. 7: There's Good News Tonight with Ed Haaker, Robert Trout, & Robert Pierpoint (From November 8th, 1997) 01.05.2026 1:13:38

This week Zach invites you to learn from 3 news broadcasters from the classic age of radio & how they brought us the world with a panel featuring radio newscasters Ed Haaker, Robert Trout, & Robert Pierpoint. Tune in today to hear this amazing panel discussing the early years of broadcast journalism and the memorable moments these gentlemen encountered while at the center of world events T...

Ep. 6: Our Miss McMillan with Gloria McMillan ( From June 10th, 2006) 10.04.2026 1:29:59

This week Zach invites you to return to Madison High School where we shall hear from its distinguished alum, the radio actress Gloria McMillan. Tune in today to hear Gloria sharing her experience working as a young actor in radio in everything from Lux Radio Theater and Mayor of The Town to her most known role as Harriet Conklin on Our Miss Brooks. It's a tale that will warm your heart and one...

Ep. 5: Smile Time with June Foray (From September 20th, 1980) 27.03.2026 1:28:42

This week Zach invites you to listen in awe to the tales told by legendary voice artist, radio actor & radio friend June Foray. Tune in today to learn about her start in performing (and how glad she was that she never became a dancer), her beginnings in radio, her interactions with the many giants of radio & animation, and so much more. This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC meeti...

Ep.4: The Supporting Players with Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Peggy Webber, Harry Bartell, John Dehner & Parley Baer (From August 14th, 1982) 13.03.2026 2:07:01

This week Zach invites you to listen to the stories of the sturdy supporting stock during radio's heyday courtesy of Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Peggy Webber, Harry Bartell, John Dehner and Parley Baer. Tune in today to learn from these candid and delightful folks of yesteryear about their time in the industry, their approach to the craft, and so much more. This show was originally recorded at...

Ep. 3: Directing the Airwaves with Elliott Lewis (from July 14th, 1979) 06.02.2026 1:36:40

This week Zach invites you to listen to the wise words and fun stories courtesy of radio legend Elliott Lewis. Tune in today to learn more about the art of creating a radio drama, the incredible ways Elliott would accomplish any show by any means necessary, and have good chuckle or two at the experiences he had working in the medium. This show was originally recorded at the 4th Annual SPERDVAC con...

Ep. 2: Writing for Jack Benny with George Balzer, Part II (From April 11th, 1981) 19.01.2026 1:01:13

On the second episode , SPERDVAC presents the second part part of a 1981 presentation by the legendary Jack Benny writer George Balzer. This show was originally recorded at the 6th Annual SPERDVAC convention on April 11th, 1981. --------------- Visit sperdvac.com to learn how you can become a member, get access to shows and scripts, and support efforts of audio preservation and encouragement of th...

Ep. 1: Writing For Jack Benny with George Balzer, Part I (From April 11th, 1981) 19.01.2026 1:58:32

On the debut episode of BEHIND THE DIAL, SPERDVAC presents the first part of a 1981 presentation by the legendary Jack Benny writer George Balzer. Tune in to learn about Balzer's journey through comedy writing, how working for Jack Benny changed his life, and learn from his experiences of the best ways to establish everything from characters to running gags. This show was originally recorded a...