Donovan's Brain: The Man Who Wouldn't Stay Dead

This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we journey into one of the most chilling tales from the golden age of radio—Donovan's Brain. Originally written by Curt Siodmak and brought to life on the legendary radio program Suspense, this story explores what happens when science pushes beyond its moral limits.

Starring Orson Welles as Dr. Patrick Cory, this 1944 broadcast was originally presented over two nights. For this episode, Ron has carefully edited the two parts into a single, seamless story—removing original commercials and smoothing the narrative for a more immersive listening experience.

At its core, Donovan's Brain is more than just a horror story. It's a haunting exploration of identity, control, and the consequences of tampering with forces we may not fully understand. And as technology continues to evolve in our modern world, its themes feel more relevant than ever.

So dim the lights, settle in, and prepare yourself… because some minds refuse to stay silent—even after death.

• The origins of Donovan's Brain in pulp fiction and radio drama
• A look at Suspense and its unforgettable adaptation
• Orson Welles' powerful performance as Dr. Patrick Cory
• A fully restored and edited version of the original two-part broadcast
• The moral dilemma behind keeping a human brain alive
• A mid-story discussion on science, ethics, and the nature of consciousness
• Post-story reflections on "what if" the brain had belonged to someone else
• Final thoughts connecting the story to modern technology and AI

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

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This week, we're doing something a little different on Ron's Amazing Stories. Ron heads back into the archives, dusting off some classic segments from past episodes and bringing them together for a special throwback edition of the show. If you've been listening for a while, you'll recognize a few familiar favorites—but there are also a few surprises waiting along the way.

From vintage science fiction readings to classic radio mysteries and a thought-provoking tale from Ray Bradbury, this episode is a fun mix of old and new… with just a bit of tampering.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy a journey through the golden age of storytelling—Ron style.

In This Episode

• As Read By - A return to a fan-favorite segment inspired by Librivox, featuring "Gib Takes a Space Test" from a 1957 science fiction collection—where imagination leads the way and the future is anyone's guess.
• Five Minute Mystery - A classic 1940s mini-mystery, complete with Ron's signature humorous interruptions and a sponsor you probably weren't expecting.
• Main Feature – X Minus One: "The Veldt" - A chilling adaptation of a Ray Bradbury story about a fully automated nursery where imagination—and technology—may go too far.
• Story Thoughts - A look at Bradbury's themes of technology, parenting, and whether our modern conveniences are helping us… or quietly taking control.
• A Moment in Time - A nostalgic radio clip from the past, with insight into why it mattered then—and why it still does today.

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
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Tonight's episode is a detective's nightmare—where the problem isn't finding suspects… it's finding someone still alive who knows the truth. We're bringing you a classic old-time radio detective double feature, featuring two gripping cases.

From a client who never gets the chance to explain himself… to a witness who seems to vanish into thin air… these stories remind us that sometimes the most dangerous place to be… is close to the truth. So settle in, dim the lights, and keep your story straight—because tonight, someone is working very hard at silencing the truth.

In This Episode

• A classic detective double feature featuring two legendary radio investigators
• Richard Diamond, Private Detective – "The Evan's Farmer Case" (8/23/1950) - A wealthy client calls for help… but doesn't survive long enough to explain why Diamond must solve a case with nothing but questions—and a body on the pavement
• Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar – "Witness, Witness, Who's Got The Witness" (10/22/1949) - A missing witness turns into a deadly chain of events. Johnny Dollar finds himself in the crosshairs as the truth gets closer
• Ron talks about the connecting theme of silenced voices and missing witnesses
• Commentary and narration that tie both stories into one chilling idea:
  What happens when the truth has no one left to tell it?

Two detectives. Two cases. One unsettling pattern— the truth is out there… but someone is making sure it stays buried.

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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Contact Links:
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Story Submissions
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In this episode of Ron's Amazing Stories, we head out to the Old West with a radio adaptation of the classic film Broken Arrow.

Originally released in 1950 and starring James Stewart, Broken Arrow tells a story inspired by the real-life friendship between Apache leader Cochise and U.S. Army scout Tom Jeffords. While the film takes its share of dramatic liberties, it was one of the first major Westerns to present Native Americans in a more thoughtful and sympathetic way.

Our Story comes from the golden age of radio, as Screen Directors Playhouse brings the action to life—featuring James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, and Debra Paget reprising their roles from the original film.

So sit back, relax, and let your imagination take over.

In This Episode:

• A look at the film Broken Arrow
• The real history behind Cochise and Tom Jeffords
• A classic radio adaptation from Screen Directors Playhouse (aired September 7, 1951)
• Reflections on old-time radio and the power of imagination

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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Contact Links:
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Story Submissions
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This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we head back to the golden age of radio science fiction — when Mars wasn't just a planet… it was a possibility.

The 1950s were fascinated with the Red Planet. From invasion fears to philosophical first contact, Martians were everywhere. Tonight, we present two outstanding radio dramas that explore humanity's encounter with Mars in very different ways. One throws a parade. The other hires a detective. Both ask timeless questions about who we are when faced with the unknown.

In This Episode

"The Parade" – Dimension X (8/25/1950)
Based on a story by Ray Bradbury, an advertising agency is hired to organize a grand parade for visitors from Mars. It's thoughtful, eerie, and builds toward a quiet twist that lingers long after the final line.

"The Embassy" – X Minus One (7/28/1955)
A private detective is tasked with locating the Martian embassy on Earth. A noir-tinged science fiction tale that trades ray guns for moral dilemmas and asks deeper questions about identity and belonging.

These two classics showcase the brilliance of golden age radio storytelling. No flashy effects. No over-the-top spectacle. Just strong writing, sharp performances, and ideas that still resonate decades later.

The 1950s may be remembered as the era of Martian invasion, but beneath the flying saucers were stories about fear, curiosity, and what it truly means to be human.

So sit back, dim the lights, and listen closely.

You never know who might be knocking.

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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What would happen if you could step into the past? Would you fix a mistake? Change the course of history? Save someone? Or would one small action send shockwaves into the present?

This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we explore two unforgettable science fiction tales that tackle one of the genre's most fascinating questions: Can the past truly be changed?

First, we journey back to the age of dinosaurs in "A Sound of Thunder," based on the classic story by Ray Bradburyand originally broadcast on SF '68. A wealthy hunter travels millions of years into the past for the ultimate trophy — but one misstep may alter the future in ways no one expects.

Then, from the legendary radio series X Minus One, we present "Time and Time Again." A soldier on the brink of death finds himself thrown backward in time — and attempts to change history. But is the past something we can rewrite… or is it already written?

In This Episode:

• The science (and speculation) behind time travel
• The danger of paradoxes and the famous "butterfly effect"
• "A Sound of Thunder" – time tourism with catastrophic consequences
• "Time and Time Again" – can one man alter history?
• The idea that the past may be fixed — and why that might be comforting

Thank you for listening to Ron's Amazing Stories. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow sci-fi fan.

Until next time… stay amazing.

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we're checking the weather forecast… and things are looking dramatic. First, expect steady rain with a chance of murder. Then, prepare for a blazing heat wave where a simple sketch becomes something far more unsettling. Both stories come from the golden age of radio's master of tension—Suspense—and both originally aired in April of 1948. Two very different kinds of weather. One unforgettable atmosphere.

As always, these tales prove that the ordinary—a quiet Saturday, a warm August afternoon—can quickly become extraordinary when suspense moves in.

In This Episode

• A playful (and highly unqualified) weather forecast
• Background on the legendary radio series Suspense
• "Wet Saturday" (1948) – A family attempts to cover up murder during a relentless rainstorm
• "August Heat" (1948) – An artist's drawing during a heat wave reveals something deeply disturbing
• Reflections on how Suspense turned everyday moments into edge-of-your-seat drama

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
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Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron

This week on Ron's Amazing Stories, we set sail with Trade Winds, a globe-trotting mystery filled with romance, danger, and old-school Hollywood polish. Originally released as a motion picture in 1938 by United Artists, Trade Winds was directed by Tay Garnett and based on his own story. The film starred Fredric March and Joan Bennett and delivered a stylish murder mystery that spanned oceans and continents.

Tonight's presentation comes from Lux Radio Theatre, which adapted the story for radio and first broadcast it on March 4, 1940. This version stars Errol Flynn as Sam Wye, a charming, globe-hopping detective on the trail of a fugitive heiress—played once again by Joan Bennett. The cast also features Mary Astor and Ralph Bellamy, making this a true Hollywood showcase brought straight to the airwaves.

We'll also wrap things up with a listener Q&A, where Ron shares why old time radio remains such a powerful—and personal—connection to history.

Sit back, relax, and let the trade winds carry you away.

In This Episode

• An introduction to Trade Winds and its 1938 film origins
• A look at Lux Radio Theatre and its Hollywood radio adaptations
• Errol Flynn takes the lead as globe-trotting detective Sam Wye
• A listener question about Ron's passion for old time radio
• Why classic radio dramas are time capsules worth revisiting

Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories.

Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below.

Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin.

Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link.

Social Links:
Main Podcast Site by LibSyn
The Blog Site by WordPress
Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Contact Links:
Email
Story Submissions
Contact Ron