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Information Please

Presented by OTRPODS

Rediscover the wit and wisdom of Information Please!—the classic American radio quiz show that captivated audiences from 1938 to 1951. Hosted by the brilliant Clifton Fadiman, a former literary editor, this iconic show brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, and John Kieran, each known for their intellect and humor. Listeners submitted questions in hopes of stumping the quick-witted panel, and with celebrity guests like Groucho Marx and Orson Welles, each episode delivered a unique blend of knowledge and laughter. From poetry and sports to music and history, Information Please! entertained with lively debates, clever puns, and spontaneous humor. Now re-broadcasted for a new generation, this show is perfect for trivia lovers, history buffs, and fans of vintage radio. Tune in and enjoy a true gem from radio’s golden age! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

229 episodes

  1. June 28, 1938: A Night of Nursery Rhymes and Trivia with Carmel Snow

    Nov 1, 2026 · 30 min

    Tune in to the June 28, 1938, episode of Information Please, where Clifton Fadiman moderates another captivating night of trivia. This week, the show welcomes its first female panelist, Carmel Snow, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. She joins the regulars: Franklin P. Adams, sports expert John Kieran, and Herald Tribune editor Marcus Duffield. Together, they tackle questions sent in from across the country, covering topics ranging from nursery rhymes to the titles of obscure detective novels.This episode is packed with wit and challenges as the panel tries to recall famous detectives, identify flowers named after people, and answer historical trivia about global leaders. With each question they miss, $5 is awarded to the listener who submitted it, making the stakes high and the humor endless. Whether it’s identifying articles of women’s clothing inspired by other cultures or recalling well-known nursery rhymes tied to themes of fright and starvation, this episode delivers a delightful mix of laughter and intellectual sparring. Join us to see if the experts can avoid being stumped, or if the listeners claim victory! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. June 21, 1938: Literary Laughs and Brain Teasers with Clifton Fadiman

    Sep 16, 2026 · 25 min

    Step into the world of highbrow humor and intellectual fun with this June 21, 1938, episode of Information Please. Hosted by the ever-charming Clifton Fadiman, this quiz show once again brings together a panel of experts ready to be stumped by listeners’ toughest questions. Tonight’s panel includes Franklin P. Adams, science teacher Bernard Jaffe, and special guest Howard Dietz, known for his work as a lyricist and MGM publicity director.The questions are as varied as they are challenging: from science riddles about sound waves and famous dogs in literature to historical trivia on American figures and brain-teasers about unusual words. This episode features quick-witted banter as the panel grapples with identifying sports nicknames, discussing iconic literary locations, and even analyzing poetic verses. Will they decipher every riddle, or will the listeners outsmart them and claim the $5 prize?Join in on the laughter, learning, and lively exchanges as this classic quiz show blends trivia with timeless humor. Tune in and see if you can keep up with the experts on this classic broadcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. June 14, 1938: Quiz Night with Clifton Fadiman and Marc Connelly

    Jun 11, 2026 · 30 min

    In this June 14, 1938, episode of Information Please, moderator Clifton Fadiman returns with another spirited round of trivia, challenging a panel of experts to answer quirky, thought-provoking questions from the listening public. This week’s guest of honor is playwright Marc Connelly, known for The Green Pastures, who joins columnist Franklin P. Adams, editor Marcus Duffield, and sports columnist John Kieran on the panel.From classic songs and famous lines to historical figures and folklore, the questions put the panel’s diverse knowledge to the test. How well can they identify dances named after fruits or animals, recognize famous quotes from American poets, or recall details about unusual first names? Each question holds the potential for a $5 prize if the experts are stumped, and the quick wit and banter keep the stakes high and the humor flowing.Listeners will enjoy the lively interactions and surprising answers as the experts work together (and sometimes stumble) in this fun-filled episode. Join us for a delightful slice of radio history where anything can happen, and see if you can answer the questions faster than the experts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. June 7, 1938: Quick Wit and Trivia with Clifton Fadiman and Guests

    Mar 28, 2026 · 30 min

    Join us for the June 7, 1938, episode of Information Please, where moderator Clifton Fadiman orchestrates another delightful battle of wits between the listening public and a panel of esteemed experts. This week’s lineup includes humorist Franklin P. Adams, science educator Bernard Jaffe, Herald Tribune editor Marcus Duffield, and special guest, sports columnist John Kieran. With $5 on the line for each unanswered question, the panel must tackle trivia on popular songs, sports terms, classic literature, and even quirky science facts.As always, the panelists face the questions live and unprepared, keeping the energy fresh and spontaneous. Will they be able to identify famous literary streets, recall details about American presidents, or match philosophers with rhyming descriptors? Enjoy this lighthearted clash of intellect and humor as these distinguished experts attempt to keep up with the quick-fire questions from across the country. Tune in to see if they emerge victorious or if the public claims the cash! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. December 25, 1944: Christmas at St. Albans with Fred Allen and Judge James Wallace

    Mar 9, 2026 · 28 min

    In this Christmas Day 1944 broadcast of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads the panel from the Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York, bringing holiday cheer to service members and listeners alike. Regular experts Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran are joined by special guests Fred Allen, the famed radio comedian, and Judge James G. Wallace of the New York Court of General Sessions. The panel tackles a wide-ranging set of listener-submitted questions covering advertising slogans, classic songs, literary quotations, and colorful moments from theatrical and boxing history. Fred Allen’s sharp wit keeps the room lively, while the experts puzzle through riddles about Gilbert and Sullivan lyrics, the traditional “birthday” of racehorses, and the origins of familiar catchphrases. Highlights include musical clues that lead the panel to sing well-known tunes, humorous speculation about whether one would dare play cards with fictional characters like Clark Kent, and stories from vaudeville and early stage acts involving unusual props—from ham sandwiches to ears of corn. Broadcast in a festive wartime setting and closing with a heartfelt holiday message to servicemen and women, this episode blends trivia, laughter, and seasonal goodwill—capturing the spirit of Christmas with the quick minds and camaraderie that made Information Please a radio classic.

  6. February 5, 1945: Clifton Webb and Moss Hart Join the Panel

    Feb 28, 2026 · 29 min

    In this February 5, 1945, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by special guests Clifton Webb and Moss Hart, both prominent figures of the stage and screen. The evening blends literary wit, theatrical insight, music, and art in a fast-moving session of cultural trivia and spirited banter. Highlights include a lively debate over animal footprints and toe counts, musical excerpts ranging from Carmen and Faust to Show Boat, and quotations from Shakespeare and other poets. The panel also tackles classic New Yorker cartoons, youthful troublemakers in contemporary plays like Tomorrow the World, The Philadelphia Story, and Junior Miss, and artistic connections linking figures such as Gene Tunney, Alicia Markova, and Earl Sande to painters like George Bellows and Degas. Webb and Hart shine with quick humor and theatrical flair, trading barbs and stories while demonstrating impressive knowledge of opera, literature, and Broadway. With its signature blend of intellectual challenge and show-business sparkle, this episode captures Information Please at its witty and urbane best.

  7. October 23, 1944: Musical Monarchies and Judicial Jesters with Artur Rubinstein and Lewis Browne

    Feb 22, 2026 · 29 min

    In this October 23, 1944, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a uniquely cultured panel featuring virtuoso pianist Artur Rubinstein and celebrated author and lecturer Lewis Browne, alongside series regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran. Together, they dive into a rich mix of history, music, and literature, wrapped in the show’s trademark humor and intellectual charm. Highlights include Rubinstein’s musical insights on European royal houses, Browne’s knowledge of philosophers like Spinoza and European monarchies, and a spirited discussion of famous paintings of nudes. The panel also tackles questions on linguistic etymologies, operatic influences, legendary conquerors from Genghis Khan to Napoleon, and literary characters in unlikely judicial roles. Whether parsing poetry about glory or recalling fictional foods with heavenly praise, this episode offers a delightful blend of highbrow wit and cultural curiosity. Don’t miss this wide-ranging and engaging hour of Information Please!

  8. September 11, 1944: Musical Titles and Political Tales with Jan Struther and Alexander Knox

    Jan 3, 2026 · 29 min

    In this September 11, 1944, season premiere of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes poet and Mrs. Miniver creator Jan Struther and actor Alexander Knox—acclaimed for his role as Woodrow Wilson—alongside beloved regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran. Originally slated to appear, Wendell Willkie sends his regrets due to illness, offering a touching note that opens the episode. Highlights include matching musical pieces to aristocratic titles like “Prince,” “Count,” and “King,” revealing the literary and historical depths of terms like “miniver,” and exploring everything from philosophical conflicts and naval history to political trivia. Knox impresses with keen historical knowledge, while Struther charms with literary wit and cross-Atlantic perspective. This episode blends a warm welcome back with cultural insights and humor, kicking off a new season of Information Please with signature flair. Tune in for music, monarchy, and meaningful conversation!

  9. March 20, 1944: Senators, Sonnets, and Campaign Songs with Alben Barkley and Theodore Green

    Jan 3, 2026 · 29 min

    In this March 20, 1944, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman brings a unique political twist to the panel, welcoming Senate Majority Leader Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky and Senator Theodore Green of Rhode Island, alongside regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran. The blend of legislative insight and literary wit makes for an unusually rich and lively episode. The panel tackles a diverse range of questions—from tie votes in government branches and the literary uses of generals' names, to Buddhist immortals and poetic forms like heroic and free verse. Senator Barkley impresses with his deep knowledge of political history and campaign trivia, while Senator Green brings surprising expertise on Buddhist theology and Roman history. Musical moments include identifying presidential campaigns based on themed songs, and the group also delves into colorful phrases like “coffin corner” and “flying coffin.” With a blend of humor, erudition, and political flair, this episode offers a memorable foray into trivia, governance, and culture. Tune in for a statesmanlike spin on intellectual amusement on Information Please!

  10. February 28, 1944: Leap Year Proposals and Literary Meals with Franchot Tone

    Jan 3, 2026 · 29 min

    In this February 28, 1944, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a witty and illuminating panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Franchot Tone, the accomplished screen actor known for his recent role in Phantom Lady. Together, they explore a lively assortment of cultural and historical trivia with spirited exchanges and laughs. Highlights of the episode include identifying beauty treatments suggested by classic songs, decoding literary proposals in honor of Leap Year, and translating fancy French dishes into their literal meanings—resulting in a menu that features everything from a "pot on the fire" to a "song crown." Tone impresses with his knowledge of American Revolutionary figures and quotes Henley from a past film role. The group also dissects opera serenades, newspaper-named poetry, and unique marital customs from classic literature. Blending charm, intellect, and humor, this episode showcases the panel's chemistry and Franchot Tone’s quick wit. Tune in for a delightful hour of education and entertainment on Information Please!

  11. January 24, 1944: Love Triangles and Musical Tactics with Elizabeth Janeway and Deems Taylor

    Jan 2, 2026 · 30 min

    In this January 24, 1944, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes novelist Elizabeth Janeway and composer and music critic Deems Taylor to join regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. The panel dives into a rich mix of literature, music, history, and natural science, delivering sharp insights and plenty of laughter. Highlights include literary love triangles featuring Heathcliff, Aeneas, and H. M. Pulham, a musical analysis of how Germany might collapse—by Allied invasion, Russian advance, and revolution—using Beethoven, Lvoff, and Chopin. The experts also identify poets and criminals, from Cellini to Ezra Pound, and explore whimsical poetry lines referencing distance, color, and even baby cereal. Deems Taylor’s musical expertise shines, while Janeway offers literary sharpness and dry wit. With clever banter, historical tidbits, and unexpected knowledge (like kinkajous in bars and butterfly mimicry), this episode offers another brilliant installment of intellectual entertainment on Information Please.

  12. June 21, 1943: Combined Operations and British Wit with Hilary St. George Saunders

    Jan 2, 2026 · 28 min

    In this June 21, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a spirited panel including Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Hilary St. George Saunders, the British author and co-writer of Combined Operations. The panel engages in a lively transatlantic exchange covering war operations, British customs, literary figures, and musical trivia. Highlights include detailed discussions of WWII military campaigns such as the Battle of Britain and the Tunisian Campaign, reflections on British parliamentary traditions, and comic interludes about literary drunkards and dairy foods in poetry. Saunders adds a rich historical and cultural perspective, sharing stories from the Allied war effort and offering witty repartee on both British and American quirks. A blend of war-time insight, literary charm, and humor, this episode captures the unique energy of the program during a pivotal time in history. Tune in for a sharp and entertaining half-hour on Information Please!

  13. February 12, 1945: Ghosts, Games, and Gags with Faith Baldwin and Fred Allen

    Jan 2, 2026 · 28 min

    In this February 12, 1945, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams, alongside two notable guests: best-selling novelist Faith Baldwin and beloved radio humorist Fred Allen. With Allen temporarily taking over as emcee mid-show, the episode blends highbrow wit with comic flair. The panel tackles a curious mix of questions—from ghostly cameos in stories like The Canterville Ghost and Topper, to the peculiar deaths of philosophers (Empedocles into a volcano, Bacon with a chicken). Baldwin and Allen add warmth and sharpness as they explore everything from birds that mimic helicopters to nonsense poetry, war conference cities, and literary pseudonyms. Allen's sharp timing and Baldwin’s literary poise add fresh energy to a game that dances effortlessly between fact and folly. Whether it’s Frank Merriwell’s mythical pitches, the song behind “Pop Goes the Weasel,” or philosophical exits at weddings, this episode offers a rich mix of cleverness and comedy. Tune in for a delightful hour of intellect, absurdity, and vintage radio charm on Information Please!

  14. February 19, 1945: Masquerades and Mare’s Milk with Gregory Ratoff and John Gunther

    Jan 2, 2026 · 26 min

    In this February 19, 1945, episode of Information Please, quizmaster Clifton Fadiman leads the panel with regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by two fascinating guests: foreign correspondent and author John Gunther, and Hollywood director-actor Gregory Ratoff. The conversation takes a cosmopolitan turn as Ratoff offers spirited insight into Russian drinks like kvass and kumis, while the panel navigates masquerading literary figures, wartime capitals, and famous ballet romances—from dancing dolls to lovestruck swans. Ratoff’s rich storytelling and theatrical past provide charming flair, including anecdotes about playing roles from Chekhov to Andreev. Topics include wartime history, Shakespearean characters, literary false accusations, and the significance of Moscow, San Francisco, and Yalta in postwar planning. Whether it’s naming “old men” in poetry, recalling legendary heroines, or identifying the original name of Chicago, this episode blends culture, comedy, and international flavor in one brisk, witty hour. Tune in for a globe-trotting blend of intellect and entertainment on Information Please!

  15. December 24, 1945: Tides, Skulls, and Stage Murders with Boris Karloff

    Jan 2, 2026 · 30 min

    In this December 24, 1945, episode of Information Please, quizmaster Clifton Fadiman leads a spirited panel featuring regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams, joined by distinguished editor and critic John Mason Brown and special guest Boris Karloff, the legendary actor known for his horror roles. The episode flows with wit and curiosity through a variety of challenging topics—from the scientific explanation of spring and neap tides to a literary count of corpses in Shakespearean tragedies. Karloff's macabre charm is on full display as he dives into questions about fictional murders, skulls in literature, and poetic executions. The panel also navigates through history, exploring Channel crossings by Julius Caesar, William the Conqueror, and the D-Day landings, and delves into psychiatry in literature, works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and mythological love stories. With humor, intellect, and just the right touch of the morbid, this holiday broadcast is a delightful blend of education and entertainment. Tune in for skulls, Shakespeare, and the sly commentary of Boris Karloff on Information Please!

  16. March 27, 1942: Musical Muses and Presidential Firsts with Wallace R. Deuel

    Dec 28, 2025 · 30 min

    In this March 27, 1942, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a dynamic panel including regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by special guest Wallace R. Deuel, the esteemed journalist and foreign correspondent. The evening features spirited exchanges across history, music, literature, and global affairs. Topics range from the mythic origins of Pandora’s box and the winds of Aeolus to the first presidents of nations such as Turkey, Colombia, and the Philippines. The panel dissects the musical tributes behind Beethoven’s Eroica and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, and recalls Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms and World War II communication lines. There's also a lively debate on wines for each course, romantic entanglements of Goethe and Mary Queen of Scots, and instrument-playing conductors like Toscanini. With sharp humor, quick recall, and lively disagreements, this wartime episode blends deep knowledge with entertainment, offering a fascinating glimpse into mid-century intellectual camaraderie on Information Please.

  17. January 30, 1948: Operatic Antics and Vocal Virtuosity with Lauritz Melchior and Helen Traubel

    Dec 8, 2025 · 30 min

    In this January 30, 1948, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes two of the most powerful voices in opera: Wagnerian greats Helen Traubel and Lauritz Melchior. Joining regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel delivers a program brimming with musical insights, operatic humor, and classical knowledge. The evening’s highlights include identifying famous delusions in literature, distinguishing dog breeds by size, and recognizing dubbed opera recordings—including one clever pairing of Traubel and Melchior that never actually happened in the studio. The musical stars tackle flower-themed song lyrics, cultural appetizers like smörgåsbord and antipasto, and even a perilous onstage fall during a performance of Siegfried. From parody performances by Florence Foster Jenkins to Melchior’s tale of an operatic plunge, the show strikes a brilliant balance between high art and high comedy. A must-listen for opera lovers and trivia fans alike!

  18. July 23, 1940: Laughter and Lore with Fred Allen and Howard Lindsay

    Dec 8, 2025 · 28 min

    In this July 23, 1940, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes comedic radio genius Fred Allen and acclaimed playwright Howard Lindsay to the panel, alongside regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. The result is a fast-paced, hilariously unpredictable half-hour brimming with satire, sharp wit, and impressive trivia knowledge. Fred Allen's dry humor and Lindsay's theatrical flair shine through in rounds covering socially elite cities, peculiar birds in baseball, classic American songs, and verbal punchlines from vintage jokes. From dissecting Annie Oakley’s legacy to speculating whether a “million-dollar baby” is rich or just shopping at the five-and-dime, the conversation bounces between cleverness and chaos. Special highlights include a question sent in by Harpo Marx (ten years in the making!), and a baseball-themed bird quiz designed by Kieran himself. Whether you’re a fan of radio legends or trivia with a twist, this episode delivers a rich mix of entertainment and intellect.

  19. June 20, 1939: Political Insight and Comic Chaos with Gracie Allen and John Gunther

    Dec 8, 2025 · 28 min

    In this June 20, 1939, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a dynamic and delightfully contrasting duo—famed journalist and author John Gunther and comedienne Gracie Allen. Joining regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, the panel dives into trivia with a unique blend of intellect and whimsy. Highlights include a comical exploration of mythical flying figures, political and historical insights into U.S.-Asian relations, poetic musings about babies, and a spirited round of musical and movie trivia. Gracie Allen’s surreal humor and quick wit keep the experts on their toes, while Gunther offers incisive commentary on Far Eastern diplomacy and global affairs. With questions ranging from the ridiculous to the scholarly, and answers delivered with equal parts clarity and chaos, this episode is a true showcase of Information Please’s brilliance. Tune in for an unforgettable hour where highbrow meets hilarity!

  20. January 10, 1944: Latin Lessons and Literary Allusions with John M. Coffey and Christopher Morley

    Nov 24, 2025 · 28 min

    In this January 10, 1944, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a dynamic panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside special guests Congressman John M. Coffey and celebrated author and essayist Christopher Morley. The show brims with erudition and wit as the panel tackles an eclectic mix of history, literature, language, and even cosmetics. Highlights include humorous political banter as Congressman Coffey lists edible surnames in Congress, a spirited quiz on famous treaties, and the origins of literary terms like "farce" and "satire." The panel also dives into Latin grammar via Shakespeare, recounts significant historical battles, and explores fictional banking institutions from Dickens to Conan Doyle. Morley’s deep literary knowledge shines, especially in discussions of Sherlock Holmes and poetic etymology. Laced with laughter, learning, and cultural insight, this episode showcases the lively camaraderie and intellectual depth that defines Information Please. Tune in for a charming blend of trivia and timeless banter.

  21. January 3rd, 1944: Literary Matchmaking and Animal Attacks with Louis Bromfield

    Nov 21, 2025 · 28 min

    In this January 3, 1944, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a sharp-witted panel including Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Louis Bromfield, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and conservationist. The discussion meanders through literary pairings, famous paintings, and even barnyard brawls in classic Information Please fashion. Listeners are treated to thoughtful (and sometimes hilarious) speculation on whether Betsy Trotwood and Sancho Panza would make a good match, debates about cows’ kicking styles, and references to Nietzsche, Dickens, Schubert, and Shakespeare. Bromfield adds a unique rural charm and literary insight, including forgetting his own character, Cassie Struthers, much to the panel's amusement. With banter as bright as ever, this episode delivers an illuminating blend of culture, trivia, and good-humored storytelling. Tune in for an engaging hour that captures the wit and intellectual fun of Information Please!

  22. December 27, 1943: Word Origins and Political Rivalries with Leon Henderson and Jan Struther

    Nov 15, 2025 · 29 min

    In this December 27, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a spirited session with panelists John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, and special guests Leon Henderson, noted New Deal economist and former OPA head, and Jan Struther, poet and creator of “Mrs. Miniver.” The panel tackles a wide array of questions ranging from the etymology of peculiar phrases like “namby-pamby” and “hocus pocus” to discussions of mythological references, famous duos in history and literature, and seasonally themed musical and poetic quizzes. Henderson adds dry wit and unexpected musicality, while Struther charms with her literary knowledge and humor. Highlights include an amusing musical round requiring the panel to sing embedded songs from familiar lyrics, reflections on geopolitical time zones during FDR’s Christmas broadcast, and clever poetry references tied to turkey parts. This episode offers a delightful mix of intellect and entertainment with a wartime flair, providing both levity and learning to listeners across the globe.

  23. December 20, 1943: Kentucky Wit and Literary Toolsheds with Jesse Stuart

    Oct 20, 2025 · 28 min

    In this December 20, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts the ever-engaging panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest Jesse Stuart, celebrated author of Taps for Private Tussie. Hailing from Kentucky, Stuart brings homespun charm and literary insight to the witty exchanges. The panel fields a lively assortment of trivia, ranging from fictional characters and American poets to curious animals and funeral marches in music. Stuart delights with tales of cowbirds, Appalachian traditions, and his poetic influences, while the panel riffs on everything from Steinbeck’s characters to toolshed-worthy book titles. Brimming with humor, culture, and intellect, this episode offers a delightful holiday-season blend of down-home storytelling and erudite repartee. Don’t miss Jesse Stuart’s unique voice and the panel’s merry mischief on Information Please!

  24. December 13, 1943: Exiles, Clocks, and Conferences with Quincy Howe & T. F. Tsiang

    Oct 7, 2025 · 28 min

    In this December 13, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran with two distinguished guests: news commentator Quincy Howe and diplomat-scholar T. F. Tsiang. The panel ricochets from literature to geopolitics—quoting Shakespeare and Confucius, revisiting wartime maps, and trading quips about clocks, conferences, and courtship—while Heinz’s sponsor spots keep the proceedings savory.  Highlights include: authors “about man” (Hamlet’s “What a piece of work,” Confucius via the Analects, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Princess Ida); territories to be taken from Japan (Mandate islands; Manchuria, Formosa, Pescadores; Guam/Wake); and literary parenthood (Lady Macbeth, Madame Bovary, Peggotty). The crew recalls Lincoln refusing to sack Grant over whiskey, Perry at Nagasaki, and Columbus pressing on; then maps famed journeys (the 622 Hijra from Mecca to Medina; de Soto’s El Dorado; Sir John Franklin’s Northwest Passage). They trace exiles who lived in America—Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Garibaldi (Staten Island), and Trotsky—swap poetic timepieces and “by/to/from sea” lines, tick off wartime conferences (Mena House near Cairo; Quebec’s Château Frontenac; Moscow’s Spiridonovka House), and close with literary lovers who couldn’t quite propose (Cyrano, Sydney Carton, and Miles Standish/John Alden).

  25. December 6, 1943: Poets, Phrases, and Panel Sparks with Lewis Browne and Sinclair Lewis

    Sep 25, 2025 · 28 min

    In this December 6, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman presides over a lively panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and special guests Lewis Browne and Nobel Prize–winning novelist Sinclair Lewis. Wit flies as the “friendly enemies” trade barbs and brainpower across literature, language, and legend. Highlights include melodrama in verse from “The Highwayman” to “The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” the origins of everyday words like “goodbye,” “amen,” and “vamoose,” and first names hiding in plain sight (Wilfred Ivanhoe and Dr. John Watson). The panel matches poets to melodies (“Excelsior,” “The Two Grenadiers,” and “Sweet and Low”), unpacks why groups like Rotary, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Masons are so named, and recalls famous figures’ dramatic arrivals in great cities—Lenin’s sealed train to Petrograd, Joseph’s sale into Egypt, and Shakespeare’s footsore London beginnings. Blending quick quips, cultural trivia, and spirited debate, this sparkling half hour delivers classic Information Please charm.