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Ron’s Amazing Stories is a weekly podcast. We play classic short stories, old-time radio and much more. Do you have a story that you want to tell? Ron will read it on the show or you can tell it for yourself! Also, we do interviews with authors, radio personalities, actors and even an NBA all-star. 

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  2. RAS #702 - Islands In The Sky

RAS #702 - Islands In The Sky

Aug 21, 2025

On this episode of Ron’s Amazing Stories, we take to the skies—and then make an emergency landing in the frozen wilderness! Our featured story comes from the Lux Radio Theater and is titled Island In The Sky. It stars Dick Powell as pilot John Dooley, who must lead his crew to survival after their plane is forced down in Labrador’s icy barrens.

Before it was a radio play, Island In The Sky was a 1953 film starring none other than John Wayne. And here’s the real kicker—it’s based on a true story from the pen (and cockpit) of Ernest K. Gann, who lived through similar events as a WWII pilot. This isn’t just high drama—it’s history in action.

So, grab your headphones and maybe a warm blanket—because this tale is going to chill you to the bone.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • A short background on the film, the radio play, and the true events that inspired it.
  • Dick Powell stepping into the cockpit as John Dooley.
  • A full broadcast of the Lux Radio Theater production Island In The Sky.
  • Ron’s commentary on survival, teamwork, and a few laughs along the way.
  • Listening time: About 1 hour.

Links & Extras:

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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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