Aren't We Devils? - UI Podcast #255

About this episode

This episode discusses a notorious prank from the 1944 Truth or Consequences radio show involving Ralph Edwards and Rudolph Wickel.

A running gag on the 1944 Truth or Consequences radio show was for host Ralph Edwards to ask, “Is there a Mr. Wickel in the house?” He never expected an answer. But when Rudolph Wickel stood up, he stepped into one of the most notorious pranks ever pulled on live radio. It was clever. It was cruel. And it was unforgettable. You can watch the video of Mayer Field mentioned in this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcjbfuVIVzE Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/arent-we-devils-podcast-255/ Talks that I am scheduled to give: Friday, March 27, 2026 – Hudson Valley CC (Troy) - https://tinyurl.com/5839cad3 Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – Hudson Valley CC (Malta) - https://tinyurl.com/swksxtr3 Monday, June 1, 2026 (Free) – Clifton Park Library You can follow the Useless Information Podcast on these platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uselessinformationpodcast X (Twitter): https://t.co/7pV2H8iXJV Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FlipSideofHistory/ The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this…

People in this episode

Host: Useless Information Podcast

Topics covered

• radio history
• pranks
• live performance
• comedy
• media

Keywords

• Truth or Consequences
• Ralph Edwards
• Rudolph Wickel
• live radio
• prank
• 1944

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Airwave Media, Hudson Valley CC

Books & works: Truth or Consequences

Places: Troy, Malta, Clifton Park

More episodes of Useless Information Podcast

• Retrocast #42 - UI Podcast #258 · June 4, 2026 · 30 min
• Leaping Leopards - UI Podcast #257 · May 13, 2026 · 30 min
• Retrocast 41 - Podcast #256 · April 20, 2026 · 31 min
• Retrocast #40 - UI Podcast #254 · February 26, 2026 · 41 min
• Lost in the Clouds - UI Podcast #253 · February 4, 2026 · 26 min
• Retrocast #39 - Podcast #252 · January 14, 2026 · 45 min