OK, fans of public radio, it's time to put on your thinking cap because science class is here! Don't worry -- it's not that kind of science class because here at Laugh Tracks Legends we take our science clues from Ask Dr. Science, the creation of Dan Coffey and Duck's Breath Mystery Theater. Heard on more than 150 public radio stations in its heyday, the routine never varied. Asked a listener question by his assistant Rodney (the great Merle Kessler), Dr. Science would embark on the most tangential of explanations. Eventually the radio show spun off several books and a short-lived tv version. Why did we love him -- perhaps it's because "he knows more than you do!" Learn more about the show and it's inspirations this episode and as always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows.
Want more Dr. Science?
Part of the magic of Dr. Science was the vibe established by the theme, the bouncy announcer, and the interplay between Dr. Science and his assistant Rodney. Here's a full episode -- and many more are on YouTube. https://youtu.be/C4if77OAii8?si=m01rw-4Nlz7ovwau
Dr. Science scored a short-lived Fox TV series in 1987, featuring all five members of Duck's Breath. The final episode -- The National Science Test -- is classic. https://youtu.be/2YebJ6lzKpY?si=ayLSM_pjoPsWz3J7
We like to say "all comedy is derivative" and Dr. Science owes at least some of his mojo to Bob and Ray who featured a segment called Ask Mr. Science back in the 1950s. https://youtu.be/J96h5viahAA?si=dl6DY0WJlAT8r0FR