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Published by Adam Graham
The first half of the twentieth century was a golden age of American journalism. Major cities supported multiple competing newspapers, many issuing several editions a day. Print magazines flourished. In that competitive landscape, reporters often pursued stories with fearless determination—uncovering corruption, confronting criminal enterprises, and helping to solve real cases that shaped public life. The Big Story (1947–1955) brought these accounts to radio, dramatizing true reporting drawn from newspapers across the country. Performed by New York’s finest radio talent, the series honored the craft of investigative journalism and the people who practiced it. The program inspired a television adaptation, which ran from 1949–1957. In this podcast feed, host Adam Graham presents all known circulating episodes of The Big Story, offering listeners a vivid window into the era when journalism was both a calling and a public trust.
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
Today's Mystery: When a series of brutal attacks leaves Los Angeles investigators searching for answers, crime reporter Sid Hughes finds himself drawn into a dangerous case. With a killer targeting tall, beautiful women and few clues to follow, Hughes proposes an unusual plan that could bring the investigation to a close—but puts his own life on the line. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 20, 1954 Originated in New York Cast: Leslie Nielsen as Sid Hughes Sam Raskin Phil Sterling Billy Redfield Michael O’Day Peggy Allenby Madeleine Sherwood Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Maura, supporting the podcast since March 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey� http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Reporter Chick Gleason heads into Northern California to cover what appears to be a routine forest fire. But when two blazes erupt in the same area, suspicion grows that someone has deliberately set them. Then a sudden shift in the wind traps a group of missionaries in a deadly inferno, leaving 15 men dead. As investigators search for the arsonist, Gleason uncovers a suspect whose desperate circumstances may conceal a motive far more disturbing than anyone imagined. Original Radio Broadcast: October 6, 1954 Originating in New York Cast: Joe Helgeson as Chick Gleason Carl Swenson as Alan Rusk Norman Rose as Narrator Dean Almquist Earl George Michael O'Day Ed Fuller Chelsea Garrett Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cassandra, Patreon Supporter since September 2025. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A redheaded woman is found shot dead in a black sedan on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Reporter Johnny Kalen soon finds himself investigating a second killing, a missing man named Scott Whitty, and a tangled web of relationships that may connect them all. As more troubling details emerge, Johnny and Police Chief Warren race to piece together the truth behind a string of violent deaths. Original Radio Broadcast:March 24, 1954 Originating in New York Cast: Michael O’Day as Johnny Kalen Ed Begley as Police Chief Warren Brenna Rayburn Danny AcCO Rita Lynn Gilbert Mack Billy Gray Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken — Patreon supporter since January 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A chance encounter in a Chicago courtroom leads reporters Virginia Marmaduke and Joe Kordek into a deeply personal story. A mother is seeking a divorce because she believes her husband is willing to risk their young daughter's life. The reporters soon discover that the child suffers from a serious medical condition and that her parents are bitterly divided over a dangerous decision that could determine her future. When they learn that another child may hold the answer, Virginia and Joe set out to find her—but will they reach her in time? Original Radio Broadcast: February 10, 1954 Originating in New YorkCast: Virginia Marmaduke — M.C. Strickland Joe Kordek — Sid Pohl Mandel Kramer Jan Miner Guy Sorel Madeline Pierce Shirley Hayes Joan Tompkins Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Philip, Patreon supporter since December 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery:Prince George’s County reporter Arthur Milky becomes suspicious when a young child dies at a nursery home and the medical examiner determines that the boy’s severe head injuries could not have been self-inflicted. When the woman running the home offers conflicting explanations for the injuries, Milky begins investigating both the child’s death and the operator’s troubling history, determined to uncover evidence strong enough to establish what really happened. Original Radio Broadcast: January 27, 1954 Originating in New Yor kCast: Lyle Sudrow as Arthur Milky Court Benson Maurice Wells Louis Van Rooten Barbara Weeks Joan Lorring Ted Osborne Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Stuart, Patreon supporter since November 2022 .Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our f riends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: Pittsburgh newspaper reporter Joseph P. Brown receives a call about a woman who has been shot at an address in nearby Jeanette, Pennsylvania. Arriving at the scene, Brown finds a strangely uncooperative group of witnesses who refuse to give him the woman's name or explain what happened. As he begins investigating the shooting, Brown must uncover what happened to the woman and why the people at the scene are so reluctant to talk. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 30, 1953. Originating from New Yorka Cast: Nelson Olmstead as Joseph P. Brown Mary Patton Cameron Prudhomme Madeline Sherwood Michael O'Day Bill Griffiths Carl Emery Bernie Grant Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tammy, Patreon supporter since February Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Newspaper reporter Dorothy Patterson is contacted by the desperate mother of five-year-old Johnny McDermott, who is gravely ill and needs an expensive experimental treatment his family cannot afford. Despite warnings that readers won’t contribute thousands of dollars to help a child they don’t know, Dorothy puts her faith in the generosity of her community and uses her newspaper column to make an appeal on Johnny’s behalf. Original Radio Broadcast: April 1, 1953 Originating in New York Cast: Jan Miner as Dorothy Patterson Francis DeSales Ted Osborne Joey Fallon Bobby Rick (probable identification) Rae Terry Brenna Rayburn Bob Sloane, announcer Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Christine, Patreon supporter since November 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Young journalism student Don Morrissey is determined to prove he has what it takes to become a full-time reporter for his hometown newspaper in quiet Elkhorn, Wisconsin. His opportunity arrives when three supposed fishermen crash their car into a telephone pole, and Don’s suspicions about the strangely anxious travelers lead him to test whether their fishing story holds water. Original Radio Broadcast:February 4, 1953 Originating in New York Cast: Michael O'Day as Don Morrissey Cameron Prudhomme Mandel Kramer Maurice Gosfield Harold Huber Tom Collins John McGovern Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Miami Herald reporter William Adams joins the investigation after a well-dressed stranger is found shot to death beneath a bridge in the Everglades. With little to identify the victim beyond an old newspaper and a loaded die, Adams begins tracing the dead man’s movements, searching for the clue that can lead authorities to his killer. Original Radio Broadcast: October 8, 1952 Originating in New York Cast: Jim Stevens as William Adams Cameron Prudhomme Bill Zuckert Jean Gillespie Ruth York E. Sam Raskin Michael O'Day Cameron Andrews Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Deanna, Patreon supporter since December 2024. Thank you to our latest Platinum Patreon supporter: Margie, who has been supporting the show since September 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: When a Butte service-station attendant disappears under mysterious circumstances, his lifelong friend, Helena Independent Record reporter Alan Copperthwaite, refuses to let the story fade away. Following a slender trail of clues across Montana, Copperthwaite risks his own safety in a deeply personal search for the truth. Original Radio Broadcast:March 19, 1952. Originating in New YorkCast: Bill Lipton as Alan Copperthwaite Jane Robbin Joe DeSantis Phil Sterling Owen Jordan Joe Helgesen Jim Stevens Bob Sloane as Narrator Adapted by Abraham S. Ginnes Original music composed and conducted by Vladimir Selinsky Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Michael, Patreon supporter since May 2026. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery:West Seattle Herald reporter Stuart Whitehouse gets an unexpected opportunity to scoop the city's larger newspapers when a woman is found murdered in her home. With his weekly paper's deadline rapidly approaching, Whitehouse follows a series of clues in hopes of identifying the killer—and getting the story into print first. Original Radio Broadcast: January 9, 1952 Originating from New York Cast: Nat Polen as Stuart Whitehouse Margaret Burlen Helen Barron Larry Haines Bill Griffiths Bert Callen John Becker Steve Edders Michael O'Day Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Brian, Patreon supporter since September 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Salt Lake City Tribune reporter Cluster M. Nielsen investigates the murder of a young traveler whose final journey ends on a lonely Utah highway. As the evidence begins to conflict, Nielsen races to uncover the truth before an innocent man pays the price. Original Radio Broadcast: November 14, 1951 Originating from New YorkCast: Francis DeSales as Cluster M. Nielsen Charita Bauer Mickey O'Day Bruce Gordon Owen Gordon Alan Stevenson Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Story: Cleveland Press reporter Bus Bergen believes he has an open-and-shut murder case wrapped up in just forty minutes. But as the trial unfolds, a nagging doubt - and an unlikely four-legged witness - forces him to reconsider everything he thought he knew. Original Radio Broadcast: July 25, 1951 Originating from New York Starring Nat Polen as Bus Bergen Also featuring Kathleen Nadeau, Brad Barker, Mel Ruick, Phil Sterling, Larry Robinson, Court Benson, and Les Darcy (unconfirmed) Based on the true experiences of Cleveland Press reporter Bus Bergen .Support the podcast monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeff, Patreon supporter since May 2023 Platinum Patreon Supporters: Ian, Michael, Gary, and Robert, supporting the podcast since August 201 6Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to:Adam Graham PO Box 15913 Boise, ID 83715 Take our listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call: 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at @radiodetectives Join us again next time for another true newspaper adventure on The Big Story.
Today's Mystery: When rumors spread through rural Kansas that a woman has concealed her mother's death for years, Hiawatha Daily World reporter Virgil Hill uncovers a heartbreaking truth that proves far more tragic than murder. Original Radio Broadcast: April 25, 1951 Originating from New York Starring Bill Lipton as Virgil HillAlso featuring Agnes Young, Ethel Owen, James Stevens, Bill Smith, Charles Eggleston, Bill Griffiths, and Jason Johnson Support the podcast monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Stuart, Patreon supporter since November 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to:Adam Graham PO Box 15913 Boise, ID 83715Take our listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call: 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives
Today’s Mystery: When a suburban poker game ends in a deadly holdup, veteran Chicago reporter Bill Doherty becomes intrigued by the teenage brother of one of the dead gunmen. As evidence mounts against the youth, Doherty sets out to determine whether the frightened suspect is a killer—or another victim of the crime. Original Radio Broadcast: March 21, 195 1Originating in New York Starring John Larkin as Bill Doherty.Also featuring Joseph Julian, Jack Grimes, Larry Haines, Bryna Raeburn, and Parker Fennelly. Based on the reporting of William Doherty of the Chicago Sun-Times. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Brent, Patreon supporter since January 2020. Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 8371 5Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today’s Mystery: Freshly hired cub reporter Ed Neumeier expects to spend his first day covering routine local stories while the veteran reporters chase a sensational double murder. Instead, a chance encounter with a nervous stranger thrusts the inexperienced reporter into the biggest story of his young career. Original Radio Broadcast: March 14, 1951 Originating from New York Starring Russell Thorson as Ed Neumeier Also featuring Melba Rae, Amzie Strickland, Chet Stratton, William Keene, and Joe Helgeson Based on the reporting of Ed Neumeier of the Humboldt TimesSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Glenn, Patreon supporter since March 2025 Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.ne t Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives
Today’s Mystery:When a young wife disappears from a Colorado mountain town, reporter Bernard Beckwith notices inconsistencies in her husband’s story that no one else seems to question. As he quietly follows one clue after another, what begins as a routine missing persons case slowly develops into a murder investigation. Original Radio Broadcast: December 6, 1950 Originating in New York Starring Benton Hayworth as Bernard Beckwith.Also featuring Adrian Byan, Scott Tennyson, John McQuade, Nat Polen, and Jason Johnson. Based on the reporting of Bernard Beckwith of the The Denver Post.Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bueno, Patreon supporter since March 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.ne t Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:When three people are murdered in a quiet Utah community, reporter T.R. Johnson finds himself drawn into the hunt for a killer who seems to vanish into the night. While police search the highways for a fugitive in a green sedan, Johnson follows a series of puzzling clues that suggest the murderer may be driven by something far more disturbing than ordinary criminal motives. Original Radio Broadcast: November 29, 1950 Originating from New York Starring John Sylvester as T.R. Johnson Also featuring Jane Robin, Agnes Young, Amzie Strickland, Joan Shea, Owen Jordan, Meryl Jones, and Les Damon Based on the reporting of T.R. Johnson of The Salt Lake Tribune Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Colleen, Patreon supporter since March 2021 .Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: When a 69-year-old factory worker is found beaten to death in his ransacked bungalow, police quickly focus on a suspicious stranger seen in the neighborhood. But reporter Kenneth McCormick notices a series of small inconsistencies that lead him to question whether the obvious suspect is really the killer. Original Radio Broadcast: November 15, 1950 Originating in New York Starring Bill Smith as Kenneth McCormick.Also featuring Kathleen Cordell, Louis Van Rooten, Bob Dryden, Bill Lipton, and Leon Janney. Based on the reporting of Kenneth McCormick of the Detroit Free Press. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Formula Bruce, Patreon supporter since December 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives Follow us on Twitter/X at twitter.com/radiodetectives
Today's Mystery:City editor Paul Schoenstein becomes determined to uncover the forces behind a wave of juvenile crime, gambling, vice, and exploitation spreading through New York City. Following a trail of mysterious names, frightened witnesses, and hidden nightspots, he and his reporters begin a dangerous investigation into a powerful criminal network. Original Radio Broadcast: November 8, 1950 Originating in New YorkStarring Walter Greaza as Paul Schoenstein.Also featuring Pat Hosley, Grace Keddy, Joan Alexander, Mandel Kramer, Nat Polen, Gil Mack, Grant Richards, and George Petrie. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lawrence, Patreon supporter since January 2025. Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey… https://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at Instagram Become one of our Facebook friends Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed November 4, 2026.
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