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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. May 17, 1938: Stumping the Experts with Clifton Fadiman and Panel

    Sep 20, 2025 · 30 min

    Journey back to the golden age of radio with this lively episode of Information Please, aired on May 17, 1938. Hosted by the witty Clifton Fadiman, this quiz show flips the traditional format by allowing the public to quiz a panel of renowned experts, each one ready to field questions on topics ranging from classical literature and science to history and humor. The esteemed panel for the evening includes Franklin P. Adams (FPA), beloved columnist and humorist; Bernard Jaffe, noted science educator; Marcus Duffield, day editor at the Herald Tribune; and Dr. Harry Overstreet, a philosopher with a knack for practical wisdom.With a $5 prize for each question they fail to answer, the experts must think quickly on their feet. Listeners from across the country send in their toughest questions, creating a delightful battle of wits as the panel faces tricky queries, lighthearted banter, and even a few surprise stumbles. This episode captures the charm and intellectual curiosity that made Information Please a household favorite. Will tonight’s experts come out on top, or will the listeners win the day? Tune in to find out, and enjoy a nostalgic trip to a time when trivia and laughter ruled the airwaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. November 29, 1943: Pianistic Paraphrases and Poetic Duels with Arthur Rubinstein

    Sep 20, 2025 · 28 min

    In this November 29, 1943 episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts the familiar panel of Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by the eminent guest Artur Rubinstein, the celebrated concert pianist. Together, they mix sharp wit with high culture in a lively wartime broadcast. Highlights include painterly trivia from Goya to Whistler, a dazzling test of musical paraphrases from Strauss and Verdi to Chopin, and Rubinstein’s insights into Brahms concertos and European royalty. The panel navigates literary fortunes from Dickens and Dumas to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, recalls poets who died by brawl, duel, or battle, and plays with animal imagery in verse from “Pop! Goes the Weasel” to Emerson’s “The Mountain and the Squirrel.” Two-piano mashups of Chopin, Verdi, Gounod, Schumann, and Grieg showcase the evening’s musical flair, while historical puzzles trace the tangled bloodlines of World War I monarchs. Blending sparkling banter, Rubinstein’s virtuoso knowledge, and the panel’s trademark humor, this episode delivers a captivating mix of art, music, literature, and laughter on Information Please!

  3. November 22, 1943: Broadway Wit and Wartime Trivia with Russell Crouse & Moss Hart

    Sep 19, 2025 · 29 min

    In this November 22, 1943 episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman quizzes regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams alongside special guests Russell Crouse and Moss Hart—fresh from Broadway hits and wartime stages—for a brisk, funny hour of brainy parlor sport. Highlights include year-matching puzzles spanning Washington’s inauguration to Dempsey–Willard, debates over Fulton’s steamboat lore, and a gangster suite from Blind Alley to Brother Orchid and The Earl of Chicago. The panel riffs on etymology (from “hussy” to “coquette”), psychiatry-by-song (“I Love Me,” “Sometimes I’m Happy,” “I Ain’t Got Nobody”), and billiards terms in verse. Wartime flavor runs through musical clues to aircraft (Zero, Corsair, Thunderbolt, Hurricane, and the Soviet Stormovik), color similes in poetry, and “last lines” lightning rounds touching Rain, The Show-Off, and Kaufman & Hart’s Once in a Lifetime. They even decode service slang—topside, upstairs, and “going over”—and nod to stage tunes from Lady in the Dark and Oklahoma, with timely Thanksgiving asides from the Heinz mic.

  4. October 18, 1943: Pittsburgh Pride and Literary Artists with Marcia Davenport

    Sep 19, 2025 · 30 min

    In this October 18, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a distinguished panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, John Kieran, and special guest Marcia Davenport, acclaimed novelist and biographer. Broadcasting live from the Syria Mosque Theater in Pittsburgh, the episode celebrates the city’s cultural heritage while supporting the National War Fund campaign. The lively discussion features Pittsburgh trivia, with Levant and the panel recalling the city’s musical geniuses and playwrights, and identifying famous natives such as George Kaufman and Adolph Mongeau. The conversation then turns to poetry, songs, and operatic characters who feign death, sparking playful debates and witty banter. Marcia Davenport shares her insights on the arts, hats in literature, and the origins of spices, drawing from her expertise and her novel set in Pittsburgh. Other highlights include questions on historical events in Sicily and Italy, memorable song lyrics, pig Latin and jive talk, and the artistry of fictional characters. The program also features a special wartime message from Wendell Wilkie and an address by H.J. Heinz II, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts during World War II. With humor, cultural knowledge, and camaraderie, this episode delivers an engaging hour of trivia and intellectual entertainment, offering a unique snapshot of American life during wartime. Tune in for an informative and delightful evening on Information Please!

  5. June 7, 1943: Operatic Adventures and Epic Rides with Marcia Davenport and Deems Taylor

    Sep 18, 2025 · 29 min

    In this June 7, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads an entertaining panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, joined by special guests Marcia Davenport, author of The Valley of Decision, and renowned composer and commentator Deems Taylor. The episode offers an eclectic blend of literary, musical, and mythological trivia. Highlights include lively discussions about operatic scenes from Tosca, The Valkyrie, and Porgy and Bess, plus tales of legendary rides—from Mazepa’s wild flight to Europa’s journey on a bull. The panel also unpacks culinary curiosities like clambakes and planked fish, and navigates poetry, historical references, and peculiar hiding spots in literature. With sharp wit and cultural insight, Davenport and Taylor add charm and depth to this spirited hour of spontaneous fun. Don’t miss this vibrant blend of intellect and humor on Information Please!

  6. May 10, 1943: Military Tunes and Myths with George Denny Jr.

    Sep 4, 2025 · 30 min

    In this May 10, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion with regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and special guest George V. Denny Jr., moderator of America’s Town Meeting of the Air. The episode is rich with political insight, musical flair, and historical context. Listeners are treated to a clever musical guessing game connecting famous songs to potential Allied invasion points, followed by debates inspired by imaginary matchups on Denny’s own Town Meeting program. The panel explores historical quotes, presidential speeches, and enduring myths—from Lafayette’s welcome in France to Parson Weems’ cherry tree tale. Denny’s political acumen shines in questions on cabinet appointments and wartime plans like the Rummel Plan. Trivia ranges from poetic lines on loneliness to contests for spouses and valets in literature and opera. The panel’s humor and quick thinking bring levity to topics like wartime advertising, literary partnerships, and American geography. This episode blends patriotic themes, intellectual play, and historical reflection. Tune in for another engaging hour with Information Please!

  7. November 15, 1943: Rivers, Furs, and Literary Lovers with Gregory Ratoff

    Aug 24, 2025 · 29 min

    In this November 15, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates a quick-witted and intellectually vibrant panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and returning guest Gregory Ratoff, the Russian-born Hollywood director and actor. Together, they tackle a rich assortment of listener-submitted questions with a blend of scholarly insight and comic flair. The panel dives into geopolitical geography, identifying rivers like the Amur and Dniester as international borders, and deciphers musical punishments suitable for Adolf Hitler. Ratoff shines with personal anecdotes and lively participation in discussions about Russian language quirks, historical figures like Catherine the Great, and his own name’s pronunciation. Highlights include a humorous fur coat substitution game, Shakespearean and poetic references to seasons and numbers, and a clever musical guessing segment interpreting Allied invasion routes through Europe. The episode ends with engaging trivia on literary pseudonyms and legendary city founders. Full of laughter, learning, and lively banter, this episode of Information Please captures the charm of spontaneous intellect and timeless trivia.

  8. November 8, 1943: Senators and Symbolism with Joseph H. Ball and Lister Hill

    Aug 14, 2025 · 28 min

    In this November 8, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, along with distinguished guests Senator Joseph H. Ball of Minnesota and Senator Lister Hill of Alabama. This unique session blends politics, poetry, and trivia as the senators join in the intellectual repartee. Highlights include creative chemistry jokes involving senators and toddies, historical trivia about constitutional amendments, and literary sleuthing through Shakespeare, Poe, and Kipling. The panel also tackles questions about fictional impersonators, father-son political duos, and historic campaign managers. With spirited exchanges and plenty of laughter, this episode offers a glimpse into wartime America’s wit, curiosity, and appreciation for knowledge. Tune in for a truly memorable hour on Information Please!

  9. November 1, 1943: From Brooklyn to Beanstalks with Betty Smith

    Aug 6, 2025 · 29 min

    In this November 1, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman is joined by the regular panelists—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—and welcomes special guest Betty Smith, acclaimed author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Together, they engage in a spirited exchange of trivia and tales spanning literature, history, music, and childhood rhymes. Highlights include wordplay on city names like Chicago and New York, a whimsical jaunt through slogans such as “Wait till next year” and “Tomorrow the world,” and humorous dives into poetic recipes, hangover remedies, and fictional characters driven by revenge. Smith’s Brooklyn roots, sharp humor, and literary sensibility add a delightful dynamic, particularly in discussions of baseball, nursery rhymes, and British theater. Tune in for an episode rich with laughter, literary nods, and the warm wit that defines Information Please!

  10. October 25, 1943: Drama Critics Go Naval with John Mason Brown and Richard Lockridge

    Jul 18, 2025 · 28 min

    In this October 25, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a spirited panel featuring Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and special Navy Day guests—Lieutenants John Mason Brown and Richard Lockridge, both former New York drama critics now serving in the U.S. Navy. The episode celebrates Navy Day and highlights Brown and Lockridge’s forthcoming book, To All Hands. The evening is filled with lively theatrical and literary challenges, including questions on famous stage props and the roles they signify, “alphabet days” from military history, and the most memorable kisses in fact and fiction. The panel also dives into musical moments from Broadway and identifies their significance in plays like Lady in the Dark, Private Lives, and The Male Animal. Other highlights include witty explorations of poetic quotations about silence, the rationing changes in wartime fashion and toiletries, and a comical round matching fictional detectives with their favorite stimulants. The experts also tackle mental characteristic names, rewrites of Shakespeare, and soldiers quoting poetry in the face of battle. Throughout, the humor and camaraderie of the panel shine, with Brown and Lockridge’s theatrical expertise adding a special Navy twist to the proceedings. Tune in for a brisk, engaging, and knowledge-packed hour that blends wartime realities with the magic of stage and page—only on Information Please!

  11. October 11, 1943: Nature and Knowledge with Donald Culross Peattie and William Beebe

    Jul 15, 2025 · 30 min

    In this October 11, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes naturalist and author Donald Culross Peattie, alongside famed explorer and scientist Dr. William Beebe, as special guests. Joining regular panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams, the experts tackle a wide range of questions that bridge natural history, literature, music, and geography. Highlights of the episode include an exploration of the curious origins of ambergris and pearls, a whimsical literary journey involving kidnapped brides and poetic dishes, and lively discussion on plants that affect animals—from loco weed to ragweed. Dr. Beebe brings his expertise to bear on animal behavior, debunking camel myths and elephant galloping, while Peattie’s botanical knowledge shines in topics ranging from Black-Eyed Susans to Blue-Eyed Marys. Listeners will also enjoy questions about famous literary “factories,” the rediscovery of Mendelian genetics, the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics via the Rosetta Stone, and the identification of countries by population and area. The episode is punctuated with humorous banter, historical tidbits, and spontaneous displays of the panel’s wit and wisdom. With its engaging blend of science, literature, music, and lighthearted competition, this episode is a memorable installment of Information Please, perfect for anyone who loves to learn while being thoroughly entertained.

  12. October 4, 1943: World Series and Wordplay with Red Barber and Bill Stern

    Jul 14, 2025 · 27 min

    In this October 4, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman returns to New York after the bond tour and welcomes two legendary sports broadcasters—Red Barber, announcer of the World Series for Gillette, and Bill Stern, famed radio commentator—just in time for the Fall Classic. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran join in for a fast-paced mix of sports trivia, word games, and cultural wit. The show opens with memorable recreations of historic sports moments, challenging the panel to identify classic baseball, boxing, and football events. Listeners are treated to clever connections between poetry and baseball terms, musical questions, and brain-teasing literary puzzles. Highlights include segments on famous brothers in sports, literary guests who disrupted their hosts, and quick-fire rounds on household knowledge from wine storage to baking cakes. Red Barber and Bill Stern share their unique expertise, adding inside stories and humor from the world of sports. The panel’s trademark camaraderie and quick thinking make this a lively celebration of the World Series spirit, blending America’s favorite pastime with the timeless charm of Information Please. Tune in for a winning combination of sports, smarts, and laughs—only on Information Please!

  13. September 27, 1943: The Common Man and World Peace with James Fulbright and Henry Wallace

    Jul 13, 2025 · 28 min

    In this September 27, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman broadcasts from the stage of the Mosque Theatre in Newark, New Jersey, in the midst of a record-breaking war bond drive. The panel features Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, and John Kieran, with distinguished guest James W. Fulbright, the Arkansas congressman whose post-war peace resolution had just passed Congress. The episode also features a surprise appearance by Vice President Henry Wallace, who delivers stirring remarks about the importance of war bonds and lasting peace after the war. Highlights include clever quizzes on New Jersey notables, the language of liberty and freedom in American history, warnings about global conflicts that went unheeded, and rapid-fire musical and literary puzzles. Fulbright’s insights shine as he discusses treaties, Rhodes Scholars, and the intricacies of American government, while the regular panel keeps the show’s trademark wit and humor front and center. From poetry and politics to war bonds and wordplay, this special episode captures the intellectual camaraderie and patriotic energy of wartime America. Don’t miss this unique blend of knowledge, humor, and history—only on Information Please!

  14. September 20, 1943: War Bonds and Wordplay with Clare Boothe Luce

    Jul 12, 2025 · 29 min

    In this September 20, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads the panel from the stage of Baltimore’s Lyric Theatre during a special war bond drive. The experts—John Kieran, Oscar Levant, and Franklin P. Adams—are joined by special guest Clare Boothe Luce, the renowned playwright and congresswoman from Connecticut. This lively episode features quick-fire trivia on Baltimore’s most famous sons, memorable family feuds in literature and fact, legendary airplane flights, and a creative game linking names to rivers, lakes, and ponds. The panel tackles literary characters, musical cues, and even modern art, with Luce’s wit and charm adding a fresh dynamic. As part of the nationwide effort, the show celebrates the massive sale of war bonds and includes a stirring message about their importance to the country’s future. With its perfect blend of brain-teasing fun, cultural insight, and patriotic spirit, this episode stands out as a vibrant moment in wartime radio history. Tune in for sparkling banter and sharp minds on Information Please!

  15. September 13, 1943: Marcia Davenport and Deems Taylor

    Jul 11, 2025 · 28 min

    In this September 13, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman returns after the summer break with regular panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. Oscar Levant is away in Hollywood, but the panel is joined by special guests Marcia Davenport, acclaimed author of “The Valley of Decision,” and Deems Taylor, eminent music critic and composer. This lively episode features witty exchanges and intellectual banter as the panel tackles questions about literature, music, poetry, and even culinary traditions. Highlights include discussions on men in literature who act foolishly for love, famous trumpet fanfares in opera, memorable lines about plump or overweight characters in poetry, and food preparation trivia. Davenport and Taylor share their expertise on musical passages, while the regulars shine in rounds covering classic poetry and Shakespearean references. With a blend of humor, cultural knowledge, and good-natured competition, this episode marks the start of a new season of Information Please, engaging listeners with both entertainment and learning. Tune in for a delightful hour of trivia, music, and stories from some of the sharpest minds on the air!

  16. July 12, 1943: Colorful Quotations and Musical Cues with Jan Struther

    Jul 10, 2025 · 29 min

    In this July 12, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts the show from San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, capping off a season of patriotic war bond tours. The panel includes regulars Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant, joined by the charming guest Jan Struther, best known as the creator of Mrs. Miniver. Together, they tackle an array of questions with wit and brilliance—from literary quotes involving color combinations like “purple and gold” to musical themes inspired by chimes and taxi horns. Struther brings her literary flair to the mix, while Levant offers his sharp musical insight and humor. The episode also delves into poetic toolkits, famous fictional characters aboard boats, and a quiz on parental literary and theatrical duos. The evening ends on a reflective note as the panel bids farewell for an eight-week summer hiatus, celebrating their successful bond-raising tour across major American cities. Join the experts for one last rich blend of intellect and entertainment before their well-earned vacation on Information Please!

  17. June 28, 1943: War Bonds and Literary Trivia with Walter Yust

    Jul 9, 2025 · 29 min

    In this June 28, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes an enthusiastic audience at the Civic Opera House in Chicago, where every attendee purchased a war bond for admission. The expert panel—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—is joined by special guest Walter Yust, editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia Britannica. The panel dives into a rich mix of literary, musical, scientific, and geographical trivia. Highlights include discussions on Chicago’s literary settings, poetic phrases like “zephyr” and “whirlwind,” and curious place names like East St. Louis and West New York. Yust engages deftly with references to his encyclopedic domain, even fielding questions on capillary action and historical figures with alias transformations. With humor, quick wit, and intellectual camaraderie, this episode offers a delightful blend of culture and wartime patriotism. Tune in for a special evening that combines knowledge, entertainment, and national spirit on Information Please!

  18. June 21, 1943: Diplomatic Debates and Poetic Comparisons with Christopher Morley and C. Mildred Thompson

    Jul 7, 2025 · 29 min

    In this June 21, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes a dynamic panel including John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, and guest experts Christopher Morley, the celebrated author, and Dr. C. Mildred Thompson, esteemed dean of Vassar College. Together, they tackle a broad range of questions that blend history, literature, politics, and linguistics. Listeners are treated to vibrant exchanges on Civil War generals who served foreign causes, literary chapter titles from Twain to Tarkington, and surprising diplomatic trivia involving military men and women. Morley’s literary depth and Thompson’s scholarly insight shine through as they parse complex quotations and trace the philosophical influences on American leaders from Jefferson to Lincoln. From deciphering poetic lines like “fairer than the evening air” to uncovering the meaning behind phrases like “rob Peter to pay Paul,” this episode serves up intellectual stimulation with characteristic wit and charm. A must-listen for lovers of language, literature, and lively debate.

  19. June 14, 1943: Combined Operations and Literary Laughs with Hilary St. George Saunders

    Jul 6, 2025 · 28 min

    In this June 14, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes Hilary St. George Saunders, the noted British author and co-creator of the pen names Francis Beeding and David Pilgrim. Saunders joins regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant for a rich and varied evening of trivia and humor. Topics span World War II military campaigns such as the Battle of Britain and the Tunisian campaign, along with literary quizzes featuring heavy drinkers in fiction and scenes involving flirtation and gambling from classics like Vanity Fair and Casablanca. Saunders offers firsthand insights into commando operations and British customs, while the panel delves into geographical challenges, classical music references, and whimsical hat traditions. Blending serious wartime reflections with light-hearted banter and deep cultural knowledge, this episode delivers another delightful installment of Information Please.

  20. May 31, 1943: Musical Mischief and Literary Journeys with Sir Thomas Beecham

    Jul 1, 2025 · 26 min

    In this May 31, 1943, episode of Information Please, host Clifton Fadiman leads a brilliant panel featuring Oscar Levant, Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and their distinguished guest, Sir Thomas Beecham—the celebrated conductor and author of A Mingled Chime. This lively session brims with classical music insights, theatrical references, and historical musings. Listeners are treated to questions about the settings of famous plays, the magic of operatic and symphonic compositions, and seasonal poetry. Sir Thomas Beecham shares witty commentary on musical works and cultural trivia, including the origins of The Blue Boy painting and Richard Strauss’s Intermezzo. The panel also explores proverb-inspired menus, literary sequels from Esmond to The Virginians, and whimsical queries about famous uncles and fictional prisoners. A delightful blend of erudition and charm, this episode captures the wit and wisdom of its guests while offering a window into the arts, literature, and music of the time. Tune in for a thoughtful and entertaining journey with Information Please!

  21. May 24, 1943: Stage and Shadows with Ethel Barrymore and Richard Maney

    Jul 1, 2025 · 31 min

    In this May 24, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman welcomes the distinguished Ethel Barrymore, star of The Corn Is Green, and theatrical publicist Richard Maney to join regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams. The panel serves up literary wit, historical savvy, and theatrical charm in a lively session filled with poems, plays, and playful banter. Barrymore and Maney shine as they field questions on literary quotes, baseball trivia, and poetic riddles. From “Time, you old gypsy man” to “Out, out, brief candle,” the conversation spans Shakespeare, Longfellow, and even Rudy Vallée. The group dissects limericks, tracks famous elopers in fiction, and solves detective story mysteries with flair. Theatrical questions suit Barrymore perfectly, including one about her own performances, while Maney impresses with quick recall on baseball managers and stage families. Cultural connections abound—from Cicero to Yamanoto, and from The Hound of the Baskervilles to The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. This episode brims with classic charm, deep literary references, and Barrymore’s commanding elegance. Tune in for an enriching and spirited hour on Information Please!

  22. May 17, 1943: Monsters and Myths with Boris Karloff and Jan Struther

    Jun 30, 2025 · 30 min

    In this May 17, 1943, fifth-anniversary episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman leads a cross-continental session featuring panelists John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams in New York, while Jan Struther, author of Mrs. Miniver, and Boris Karloff, the master of movie monsters, join from a Hollywood studio. Using Harpo Marx’s horn and Frankenstein’s growl as buzzers, the guests bring both humor and horror to this uniquely entertaining episode. Listeners are treated to playful explorations of vampires, zombies, and ogres, distinctions between pirates and mutineers, and chilling tales from literature like The Monkey’s Paw and The Tell-Tale Heart. Karloff’s gothic expertise lends authenticity, while Struther’s dry British wit keeps the panel on its toes. The episode also celebrates the show’s fifth birthday with questions on nursery rhymes, romantic endearments, classical legends, and seasonal poetry. In a nod to wartime, it includes discussions on European unity and heroic mythologies. Brimming with literary references, theatrical flair, and comedic chemistry, this milestone edition of Information Please is a rich tapestry of culture and fun. Tune in for a birthday episode that blends brains and the bizarre!

  23. April 26, 1943: Presidential Math and Peacock Alley with Leon Henderson

    Jun 28, 2025 · 28 min

    In this April 26, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman moderates from Cleveland, the fourth stop on the show’s war bond tour, where over $250 million in bonds have been raised. Regular panelists Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant welcome back returning guest Leon Henderson, former head of the Office of Price Administration. The panel entertains a vibrant crowd with a mix of historical, musical, literary, and political questions. Henderson proves his mettle with sharp answers on Mark Hanna, Ruth Bryan Owen, and the Wilson Peace Commission. Levant dominates musical trivia, including inventive links between Shakespearean characters and popular songs like “My One and Only.” The group recalls Gilded Age socialites in Peacock Alley and pinpoints poetic phrases from Whitman and Byron with style and humor. Highlights include quizzes on presidential ages, tree-based expressions, and cocktails like the Horse’s Neck. Amid laughs and learning, the show maintains its patriotic edge, reminding listeners of the ongoing war bond drive. Join Information Please for a high-spirited hour of intellect, trivia, and wartime purpose!

  24. April 19, 1943: Ballparks and Battlefields with Ford Frick and Grantland Rice

    Jun 27, 2025 · 29 min

    In this April 19, 1943, episode of Information Please, Clifton Fadiman hosts a sporty and spirited panel featuring regulars Franklin P. Adams and John Kieran, alongside two titans of the athletic world: Ford Frick, president of the National League, and Grantland Rice, legendary sportswriter and poet. With baseball season just underway and wartime morale high, the panel dives into a hearty lineup of sports trivia and cultural commentary. From the endurance of Mel Ott and Connie Mack to the poetic connections of war bonds and bridge innovations, the episode is a home run of intellect and amusement. Listeners are treated to musings on Babe Ruth’s greetings, Will Rogers’ folksy charm, the invention of the screwball pitch, and the innovations of Charles Comiskey. There’s even a musical tribute to famous Rose Bowl games and a literary look at battlefields from Vanity Fair to Rabble in Arms. Packed with historical gems, clever repartee, and a nod to both cow pastures and cricket fields, this episode delivers a grand slam of cultural wit and sports wisdom. Step up to the plate with Information Please!

  25. April 12, 1943: Global Insights and American Wit with Wendell Willkie

    Jun 26, 2025 · 30 min

    In this April 12, 1943, episode of Information Please, the program broadcasts live from Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford, Connecticut, during a remarkable war bond drive that raised over $200 million. Clifton Fadiman presides over an enthusiastic panel featuring regulars John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams, Oscar Levant, and distinguished guest Wendell Willkie, the statesman, author, and 1940 presidential candidate. This special episode celebrates Willkie’s new book One World and highlights his eloquent contributions across a wide range of topics—from American constitutional freedoms and historical quotations to famous abdications and literary soundscapes. The panelists tackle everything from Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan to outlaws in classical music and Connecticut inventors who transformed the world. Willkie’s insightful remarks, particularly on international cooperation and democracy, lend a thoughtful and inspiring tone. With humor from Levant, sharp historical recall from Kieran and Adams, and the host’s lively moderation, the episode combines serious reflection with classic Information Please charm. Tune in for a memorable hour of high intellect, wry banter, and patriotic spirit on Information Please!