Where (and why) to download free “old time radio” shows

If you’re only listening to music on your MP3 player or car stereo, you’re missing out on thousands of downloadable dramas and comedies — available for free — to help keep you entertained while on the go.

Popularized in the ‘40s before television took off, "old time radio" (OTR) shows are enjoying a 21st century rebirth thanks to the Internet and MP3s. A whole new generation of listeners can now experience these wonderfully written and performed "theater of the mind" episodes.

Recommended shows include the creepy "Inner Sanctum" and "Price of Fear with Vincent Price" mysteries; nail-biting adventures from "Suspense" and "Escape"; the hilarious antics of "Jack Benny" and "Abbott and Costello"; and sci-fi classics such as "Journey Intro Space" and "X Minus One" (featuring many Ray Bradbury yarns).

Filling up your iPod with these timeless tales is as easy as subscribing to one of the many dozen OTR podcasts (some with daily updates) or by bookmarking websites such as Archive.org and OTRCat.com, each with thousands of free downloadable episodes.  OTRCat.com also sells complete collections, beginning at just $5 a disc plus shipping. Now you’ll look forward to – rather than dread – your daily commute.

Speaking of OTRCat, in June I interviewed the "curator" of the popular website on my CFRB radio program, which you can listen to online.