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.
Ep. 19: Arch Oboler- Tuning In To Terror (From October 8th, 1977)
This week the podcast transports us to 1977 where the master of audible horror ARCH OBOLER regales a captive audience with stories bout his career in radio, his thoughts on the horror genre's impact, and much much more!
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on October 8th, 1977 .
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
9 Oct 2026
Ep. 18: Make A Noise- Ray Erlenborn & The Art of Sound Effects (From April 17th, 1982)
This week we learn the art of Sound Effects and getting laughs from them with the recollections of CBS Sound Effect legend Ray Erlenborn!
Tune in today to learn how Ray came to be a Sound artist, how he dissects it's importance to the comedy genre, and much more!
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on April 17th, 1982 .
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
25 Sept 2026
Ep. 17: Radio Soldiers- A History of the Armed Forces Radio Service (From July 14th, 1984)
This week the SPERDVAC Archives pays respect and gives salute to pioneers of the Armed Forces Radio Service with a panel from 1984 featuring servicemen/broadcasters Ace Bryson, Jay Rannelucci, Bill Stewart, Hank Kasnar, and Marty Halperin
Tune in to learn how they got into AFRS, hear stories of their experiences in news service and audio engineering, and much much more!
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on July 14th, 1984 .
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
12 Sept 2026
Ep. 16: The Deputy Announcer with Dan O'Herlihy (From March 9th, 1991)
This weeks Behind the Dial has Zach taking us back 1991 to hear legendary actor Dan O'Herlihy share his experiences working in radio along with a wide range of his acting across mediums. Tune in to hear more about his early days on Irish radio, his encounters Orson Welles, his remembrance of working on Soap Operas, and much more.
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This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on March 9th, 1991.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
31 Aug 2026
Ep. 15: Peggy & Friends with Peggy Webber, Dick Beals, Gladys Holland, & Conrad Binyon (From May 2nd, 2008)
This week Behind the Dial pays tribute to the recently departed Peggy Webber by presenting one of the last panels the revered radio legend participated in for SPERDVAC. Join Peggy alongside Dick Beals, Gladys Holland, & Conrad Binyon as they group talks about their history in radio & the stories that unfolded along the way.
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on May 2nd, 2008.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
15 Aug 2026
Ep. 14: Stan Freberg (Brought To You By... Stan Freberg) (From June 12th, 1976)
This week the show goes back 50 years to 1976 where SPERDVAC was treated to 90 minutes of the legendary STAN FREBERG (Brought to you by Stan Freberg).
Tune in today to learn about his career in radio, listen to him present a wide array of his recordings in comedy, and much more!
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on June 12th, 1976.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
31 Jul 2026
Ep. 13: The Bridge Is Still Up- Chicago Radio with Willard Waterman, Les Tremayne, Vincent Pelletier, & Anne Seymour
This week we take a trip to the Windy City Radio History as Zach presents a lovely panel of Chicago Radio Veterans featuring Willard Waterman, Les Tremayne, Vincent Pelletier, & Anne Seymour!
Tune in today to learn about the groups beginnings in Chicago radio, their memories of working there, and so much more.
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on November 11th, 1984.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
17 Jul 2026
Ep. 12: A Visit to 79 Wistful Vista with Elvia Alman, Phil Leslie, Tom Cook, and more (From November 21st, 1987)
The week Zach takes you on a trip to 79 Wistful Vista for a look back at Fibber McGee & Molly featuring the reminiscences of actress Elvia Allman, writers Phil Leslie & Tom Cook, & some surprise figures sharing their memories in helping shape this radio comedy classic.
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on November 21st, 1987.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
26 Jun 2026
Ep. 11: Getting To Know You with Gisele MacKenzie (From November 13th, 1993)
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.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
12 Jun 2026
Ep. 10: Musical Memories with Gisele MacKenzie, Kay St. Germaine, Ginny Mancini, & Van Alexander (From November 13th, 1993)
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 stopped glowing.
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on March 11th 11th, 1978.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
29 May 2026
Ep. 9: The One, The Only... GEORGE FENNEMAN (From March 11th, 1978)
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 originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on March 11th 11th, 1978.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
15 May 2026
Ep. 8: Acting Into The Mic with Norman Lloyd (From September 11th, 1993)
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 recorded at a SPERDVAC Meeting panel on September 11th, 1993.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
1 May 2026
Ep. 7: There's Good News Tonight with Ed Haaker, Robert Trout, & Robert Pierpoint (From November 8th, 1997)
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
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC Convention panel on November 8th, 1997.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
10 Apr 2026
Ep. 6: Our Miss McMillan with Gloria McMillan ( From June 10th, 2006)
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 you wont want to miss.
PLUS: A special mystery guest arrives near the end
This show was originally recorded at a SPERDVAC meeting on June 10th, 2006.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
27 Mar 2026
Ep. 5: Smile Time with June Foray (From September 20th, 1980)
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 meeting on September 20th, 1980.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
13 Mar 2026
Ep.4: The Supporting Players with Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Peggy Webber, Harry Bartell, John Dehner & Parley Baer (From August 14th, 1982)
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 the 4th Annual SPERDVAC convention on August 14th, 1982.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
6 Feb 2026
Ep. 3: Directing the Airwaves with Elliott Lewis (from July 14th, 1979)
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 convention on July 14th, 1979.
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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 the art form.
and get in touch with us by email. Write us at behindthedialpod@gmail.com
19 Jan 2026
Ep. 2: Writing for Jack Benny with George Balzer, Part II (From April 11th, 1981)
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.
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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 the art form.
19 Jan 2026
Ep. 1: Writing For Jack Benny with George Balzer, Part I (From April 11th, 1981)
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 at the 6th Annual SPERDVAC convention on April 11th, 1981.
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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 the art form.
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