On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown. Buckle up, Time Pilots!

In this episode, we acquaint ourselves with the Man of Steel's radio drama! Though practically forgotten today, radio's Adventures of Superman ran for 11 years, told over 200 original stories, and was the direct predecessor of the beloved George Reeves TV show. Most importantly, this show invented the Daily Planet, re-invented Lois Lane, and introduced the world to Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen.

This episode is "Side 1" of a two-part exploration of the invisible Superman of the airwaves, focusing on the show's history, actors, and characters.

And there's more! Along the way, we'll also learn about the way the show was made, the actors who made it, and the typical career path of a 1940s newspaper copy boy!

Primary sources:

Our Hero: Superman on Earth — Tom DeHaven

City Room — Arthur Gelb

Flights of Fantasy — Michael Hayde

War Rocket Ajax, Ep. 563 — Chris Sims, Matt D. Wilson

Adventures of Superman

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown.

In this episode, we examine reasons why Superman survived the strongest competition he ever faced, exploring the little-remembered nespaper strip, and the classic Fleischer Studios cartoons! 

And there's more! We also dive into the surprisingly complicated story of when and where the Man of Steel learned to fly.

Primary sources:

Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1943 

Superman: The Dailies 1939-1942

Voices From Krypton — Ed Gross

Of Comics and Men — Jean-Paul Gabilliet

The Art and Inventions of Max Fleischer — Ray Pointer 

Flights of Fantasy — Michael J. Hayde

Superboys — Brad Ricca

© 2025 Fortress of Certitude

On this show, we explore the pop culture background noise of your life, and connect the dots between things known and unknown.

In this episode, we dive into Superman's debut in Action Comics #1. Why was the Man of Steel an immediate success? Why is this particular hero still hugely popular all over the world, despite being older than rock and roll, broadcast television, and many other things that barely exist today? 

The answers involve everything from pro wrestling history, to fashion design, to bronze-bodied scientists, to creepy anime shows, to your innermost hopes and dreams!

© 2025 Fortress of Certitude