Story: Stone Breaker MAGNETUS
Story by Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover Photo by: Gail Nobles
Sound effects: Pixabay.com

Stone Breaker Magnetus was a formidable presence within the confines of the chain gang. His unique ability to manipulate stones with a magnetic grip not only set him apart but also earned him respect among his fellow prisoners. The nickname "Stone Breaker" was well-deserved—he could shatter the toughest of rocks with the makeshift hammer he crafted from a giant stone, which was as much a tool as it was an extension of his strength.

Under the grueling sun, as they toiled away at their daily hard labor, it was Magnetus's magnetic handles that transformed the difficult task of stone collection into a more manageable endeavor. With a flick of his wrist, he could attract several stones to him at once, creating a chain of rocks that floated effortlessly in the air—almost as if defying gravity. This not only sped up the process but also inspired ingenuity among his fellow inmates, who began to look to him for leadership.

Thomas Chain Gang, the unofficial leader of the group, recognized Stone Breaker’s abilities and quickly positioned him as his right-hand man. The bond they forged was built on mutual respect and the shared goal of survival within the brutal confines of prison life. Thomas’s strategic mindset combined with Magnetus's raw physicality made them an effective duo. They devised methods to maximize efficiency, turning their burdens into lighter loads.

Together, they rallied their fellow inmates, organizing them into teams that utilized their strengths for better productivity. Some prisoners gathered smaller stones using the magnet handles that Magnetus fashioned, while others focused on breaking down larger rocks for construction purposes. With Thomas directing efforts and Stone Breaker providing the muscle and tools, the prisoners found a sense of camaraderie that made their daily struggles a bit more bearable.

As days turned into weeks, the chip-chip of hammers against stone began to blend with laughter and shouts of encouragement. The prison yard, once a place of despair, transformed into a bustling, if makeshift, community under the guidance of two unlikely leaders. They began to hope that their efforts might one day lead to freedom, a flickering light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Through innovation and teamwork, Stone Breaker Magnetus and Tim not only molded stones but also forged a sense of purpose and resilience among their band of prisoners. Even in the darkest of places, they managed to summon a spirit of unity and strength, teaching each other that they were more than just inmates—they were a family, resilient against the weight of their chains.

You’re listening to Thomas Chain Gang the Railroad Story by Gail Nobles Copyright © 2025.

Paudio: The Source of Sound

Photo: Fair use Wikipedia 
Story by: Gail Nobles

Good evening, I’m Gail Nobles and welcome to an animation's memory lane. Today, we're shining a light on two delightful troublemakers: Heckle and Jeckle, the iconic magpies born in the postwar era that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Created by the talented Paul Terry at his Terrytoons animation studio, Heckle and Jeckle made their debut in 1946 and quickly became a playful pair we couldn't help but adore. With their distinct yellow bills and playful personalities, these identical magpies each bring their own flair to the screen. Heckle, with his tough New York accent, embodies a street-smart sensibility, while Jeckle, with his charming British lilt, offers a contrast that makes their escapades all the more entertaining.

Throughout the years, Heckle and Jeckle were brought to life by a series of talented voice actors, each adding their own touch to the characters. From Dayton Allen, whose voice was heard through the 1940s to the mid-60s, to Frank Welker's unique interpretations in the late 1970s, these voices filled the characters with personality and charm, helping to cement their place in animation history.

So, whether you remember catching their antics on Saturday morning cartoons or are just discovering them, Heckle and Jeckle remind us of the joy of laughter, the fun of mischief, and the timeless appeal of animated storytelling. After all, in a world that can sometimes take itself too seriously, a little comic relief from a pair of wild magpies is just what we need.

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Story: Thomas Chain Gang
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover Illus. by: Gail Nobles

There was a Black man named Thomas Miller Jr. who was incarcerated by two Black police officers based on a false robbery accusation, while the real culprit, who had committed a bank robbery, remained free due to their collusion. During his time in prison, the guards nicknamed him Thomas Chain Gain. He was tasked with making tools for the railroads and was eventually appointed as the leader among the chain gang workers. Despite having to endure harsh, cold conditions, he crafted a warm shawl for himself that gave him a more commanding presence. The wardens observed him closely to see if the role would inflate his ego, but he remained humble and true to himself. They didn’t comment much on his new appearance, understanding that he was simply trying to stay warm. However, there were times when he fell ill and became exhausted from the labor of swinging his pickaxe.

Many nights and evenings, as well as countless mornings, Thomas prayed for a way out of prison. As the years passed, he started to believe that God had a purpose for his incarceration. He became fascinated with the railroad tracks, studying the design of train wheels, which featured a slightly conical shape and a flange to ensure they stayed on the tracks while navigating curves. His thoughts wandered to roller coasters and vast holes carved into the earth, resembling underground tunnels. Thomas was ahead of his time, envisioning the possibility of tracks suspended in the air. He contemplated how to create a covering like a door to disguise the hole in the ground, camouflaging it with dirt. He also recalled stories of how people traversed mountains. In his mind, he devised ways to help fellow inmates who had suffered abuse, illness, and were innocent, just like him. Thankfully, Thomas had never faced abuse himself, as his skill in crafting tools for the railroad had kept him safe. Many nights, he sat in his cell, dreaming of inventions.

I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to “Thomas Chain Gang: The Railroad Story” by Gail Nobles copyright 2025.

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Story: The Fire of Truth
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Cover illus. by: Gail Nobles
Music intro by: Gail Nobles
Tornado sound: Pixabay.com

In ancient Egypt, a Pharaoh ruled with an iron fist, enslaved by his fear of losing power. Despite serving many gods, his heart remained heavy, for he had no heir to safeguard his legacy. A male child, prophesied to become king, posed a threat to his reign. Each day, the Pharaoh prayed fervently to his gods for protection, determined in his plan to rid himself of the boy who was his destined rival.

But this child, though small in stature, possessed a faith that was immense. He believed in the God of heaven, the one who performed miracles and brought hope to the broken-hearted. Knowing the Pharaoh's dark intentions, he sought comfort in his prayers, crying out for divine intervention.

One fateful day, as the Pharaoh stood in his grand palace, a fierce whirlwind emerged from the horizon, swirling with flames and smoke. The sky darkened, and a piercing light illuminated the landscape, revealing the presence of something extraordinary—a fire tornado. It roared through the land, indiscriminately consuming false idols and the wicked men who upheld them.

Amidst the chaos, the Pharaoh stood frozen, fear clutching his heart. As he turned to flee, he gazed upon a majestic figure formed from the swirling smoke—an angelic person’s face that radiated power and judgment. It was a manifestation of the very God he had ignored.
In that moment of awe and terror, the Pharaoh realized the extent of his folly. Though consumed by arrogance, he understood that no number of gods could shield him from the truth of the Almighty. The child watched in astonishment as the fiery storm unleashed its fury, yet spared both his life and the Pharaoh's.

The Pharaoh fell to his knees, humbled and broken, and for the first time, he prayed not for himself, but for redemption. In the following days, whispers of change filled the land. The Pharaoh called for peace, fostering a new age where faith was rooted not in fear, but in trust.
In the end, the child grew not in fear of the throne, but in wisdom and strength, realizing that true power lies not in earthly dominion but in faith and compassion.

And so it is told that the Fire of Truth can purify even the proudest hearts, revealing the path of humility and love. Just as the Pharaoh's empire was shaken to its core, those who cling to arrogance will find themselves vulnerable, while the innocent, who cry out with unwavering faith, shall be protected. For in the dance of light and shadow, it is the humble - the humble heart that rises above the ashes.

You're listening to PGN Stories by Gail Nobles © 2025.

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TOONEY TOONS

Story: Sir Croak-a-Lot
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Illustration by: Gail Nobles
Frog sound: Pixabay.com
Frog voice by: Gail Nobles

Hi, I’m Gail Nobles. Today’s episode is “Sir Croak-a-Lot.” Story by Gail Nobles © 2025.

Sir Croak-a-Lot was a huge bullfrog and the sworn enemy of Zippy Fly Hornet. Croak chased Zippy every day—he didn’t want anyone else to catch him. “He’s my dinner,” Croak would tell himself. Yet there were times when Croak saved Zippy from other dangers, not out of kindness but because he still planned to eat him.

On muddy, wet, dreary days Sir Croak-a-Lot grew horribly bored. There was no sign of Zippy. Croak passed his days waiting for the hunt—because Zippy, for his size, was unusually large and Croak was convinced he would be delicious.

Click on the link below to see a few seconds of Sir Croak-a-Lot chasing Zippy. You’re listening to Tooney Toons on Paudio, the Source of sound.

You’re listening to Tooney Toons on Paudio, the Source of Sound. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9ofniu

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TOONEY TOONS

Story: Zippy
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Music by: Gail Nobles
Illustration by: Gail Nobles

I'm Gail Nobles & you're listening to Tooney Toons

Zippy

Zippy the fly‑hornet was thought to be a sign of coming trouble. Everyone and everything hunted him: people, flyswatters, bug spray, even frogs. That constant pursuit left him with caution and fears, but it also made him wise. Using incredible speed and cunning, he always managed to outwit his pursuers—nothing could catch him. As he patrolled the city, eating whatever he found, he grew to roughly the length of a 12‑inch ruler. He was no ordinary insect.

Zippy was born into a time of widespread oppression and growing hardship, and the world came to despise him.

Click on the link below to see a few seconds of the Zippy animation.

https://dai.ly/x9of73q

Paudio: The Source of Sound

Interlude by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain Wimedia

There is quite a bit of buzz about Superman versus Shazam. People are buzzing about who would win. Are you ready to see the fight in the theaters? Do you think you could withstand watching that fight? I don't know. Superman and Shazam are both mighty superhero gods. 
Superman was born on the planet Krypton. He was sent to earth and began developing various superhuman abilities and strength. He is Clark Kent.

 Captain Marvel also known as Shazam is Billy Batson, a boy who speaks the magic word “Shazam” is transformed into the costume adult with the powers of superhuman srength, speed, light, and other abilities.

 There was a fight between Shazam and Superman back in 1978 in volume seven number C 58 of the DC comics. That fight started because of an evil wizard. His name was Karmang The Evil. Somehow he brought a black Adam and Superman from earth. The next thing you know you're reading about a Superman on earth asking Shazam why he's not on his own earth, and that's when a fight breaks out between them. Superman cared if Shazam was hurt but later Superman is ready to kill Shazam.

 The comic book features Supergirl and Mary Batson. A fight between Superman and Shazam would be great confusion and long. They both throw very hard punches. You would see destruction.

 I'm Gail Nobles. You're listening to Paudio The Source of Sound.

Photo: Wikimedia public domain
Music by: Gail Nobles
Podcast story by: Gail Nobles
PLOT & STORYLINE DISCUSSION 

Did you know there was a kryptonite girl? Yes, there was! It was Superman's girlfriend, and we all know who that was. Yes, it was the Lois Lane. You don't believe me? No, she was never a superhero as far as I know, but something happened to her once that could hurt Superman.

 Lois Lane got kryptonite vision by accident, and we know that Superman can't stand kryptonite. This wasn't just a bad thing for Superman, but for Lois Lane too. She always wanted to marry Superman.

 Superman called on Lois Lane one day in the office of the Daily Planet. He gave her a box with some strange objects inside. He told Lois not to touch the objects, and she did not follow his directions, and that's how Lois Lane got kryptonite vision.

 When Superman came back to see Lois, she was wearing sunglasses. But they fell off her eyes, and that's when Superman got a big surprise. He told Lois to look away from him  and he even called Lois an idiot for not following his directions.

 You'll find this story in the comic book titled Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane. April No. 16. The 1960 issue.

 I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Paudio The Source of Sound.

Archie Andrews: Public Domain
Downloaded from: Archive.org

Archie Andrews was a teenage sitcom directly adapted from the very popular comic strip of Bob Montana. It began to be heard on NBC Blue on May 31, 1943 and lasted on-air until September 5, 1943—the period during which radio adaptations of comic characters were trending. The show was also broadcasted on Mutual from 1944 to 1945.

Cover art by: Gail Nobles
Boo sound by: Gail Nobles

Spooky the Tuff Little Ghost is a fictional character that appeared in titles published by Harvey Comics. Spooky first appeared in Casper the Friendly Ghost #10 (June 1953). He is Casper's cousin, although their exact relation is never specified. He generally resembles Casper except he has freckles, a derby hat, and a large, black nose.

Spooky is written with a Brooklyn accent, for example calling his girlfriend and fellow ghost Pearl, "Poil". His iconic derby hat is, therefore, a "doiby". Although he shares traits with The Ghostly Trio as far as loving to scare the living and being somewhat of a tough guy, he is not as cruel to his cousin as the Trio is, though he occasionally makes fun of Casper for being friendly, and Spooky has his moments of goodwill.

 Whenever you saw Spooky in the Harvey Comic Books trying to scare someone, you would see the word ‘boo’ in big bold face letters with an explanation mark. He would blow some of the other characters away with his booing like the wind.

I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to Paudio the source of sound.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover art by: Gail Nobles

Hello! I'm Gail Nobles! Welcome to Paudio. Today's topic is Hot Stuff the Little Devil. Hot Stuff is a comic book character created by Warren Kremer. Kremer passed away at the age of 82 July 24, 2003. He was born in the Bronx, the son of a sign painter. Kremer counted Alex Raymond/Gordon and Hal Foster Prince Valiant among his influences.

 Hot Stuff first appeared in Hot Stuff # 1 (October 1957), published by Comics. He was one of my favorite comic book characters by Harvey Comics. Hot Stuff is a mischievous little devil. He is able to produce fire. The little devil's appearance is red. He looks like a red child devil who wears a diaper and carries a magical sentient pitchfork (referred to as his “trusty trident”), which is a character in his own right to the consternation of his demonic brother, Hot Stuff sometimes performs good deeds to irritate them.

 I remember when I first saw Hot Stuff the Little Devil in comics downtown to the bookstore.  I was already reading Casper. Then I started buying both Casper and Hot Stuff comic books. I would read them to my brother and sometimes we would laugh. I was seven years older than him but we were both children. Hot Stuff would really get fired up in those comic books.

 He would say things like: They say I'm hotheaded and that makes me boiling mad.
 
Hot Stuff would be on the pages with fire coming out of his mouth he would make himself disappear.

 Hot stuff would call the sun a fireball. He was hot like fire but there was something hotter than him. When he would go lay on a block of ice, the ice would melt. He couldn't get no satisfaction. Sometimes he would have things running from him like an apple tree with shade. The tree would lose his apples and all hot stuff would do was eat them. That's how Hot Stuff was.You can find the story of that in comic book number one of October 1957.

I enjoyed myself reading Hot Stuff. I didn't know that the character was created way back then. I missed a lot of comic book issues.

 Well there you have it. Hot Stuff the Lttle Devil and a brief summary of what he is all about.

Big Jon and Sparky
Usage: Public Domain
From Archive.org

  Jon was an American entertainer as big Jon Arthur. He was the host of the Saturday morning children's radio series big John and Sparkie. Sparkie, "the little elf from the land of make-believe, who wants more than anything else in the world to be a real boy,” was actually the recorded voice of Jon Arthur played at a fast speed.

At WSAI in Cincinnati, Arthur began the Big Jon and Sparkie show, carried daily on 181 ABC stations beginning in 1950. ABC also aired his two-hour Saturday show, No School Today, heard weekly by 12 million listeners on 275 stations.The show's theme song was "Teddy Bears' Picnic" as sung by Ann Stephens. Cincinnati's Don Kortekamp, who was an editor at WSAI, teamed up with Arthur to become the scriptwriter of Big Jon and Sparkie. Arthur voiced all of the various characters while Kortekamp provided the scripts for their adventures.

And now, coming up next: Big Jon and Sparkie.

Episode of the old-time radio series "Destination Freedom". 
Story:The Legend of John Henry
Usage: Public Domain
https://archive.org/details/DestinationFreedom/DF_49-07-24_ep054-The_Legend_of_John_Henry.mp3

Art by: Gail Nobles

Durham wrote and produced the radio drama Destination Freedom. In cooperation with The Chicago Defender, he began this series over NBC Chicago outlet WMAQ in July 1948, with scripts emphasizing the progress of African-Americans from the days of slavery to the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Coming up next is the Legend of John Henry. an American folk hero. An African American freedman, he is said to have worked as a "steel-driving man"—a man tasked with hammering a steel drill into a rock to make holes for explosives to blast the rock in constructing a railroad tunnel.

The story of John Henry is told in a classic blues folk song about his duel against a drilling machine, which exists in many versions, and has been the subject of numerous stories, plays, books, and novels.

According to researcher Scott Reynolds Nelson, there was an actual John Henry who was borb in 1848 in New Jersey and died of silicosis and not due to exhaustion of work. Several locations have been put forth for tunnel on which John Henry died,

Sociologist, Guy B. Johnson, investigated the legend of John Henry in the late 1920s. He concluded that John Henry might have worked on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway's (C&O Railway) Big Bend Tunnel.

 Coming up next is the story of John Henry from the radio program produced by WMAQ in Chicago called Destination Freedom. The show was a series of weekly radio programs. Richard Durham an African-American writer and radio producer wrote and produce the radio drama Destination Freedom, and you'll be hearing the legend of John Henry from that radio drama.

Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Boop

Hello Everyone! Have you heard about Boop! The Musical by Jasmine Amy Rogers? I have seen a video clip of her recording a song titled, ‘Where I Wanna Be.’ She’s a great singer. The musical is performed by David Foster; lyrics by Birkenhead.

Boop The Musical is a 2023 musical based on the animated character Betty Boop. The musical original run in Chicago began with previews on November 19 and closed on December 24, 2023.

Betty Boop is a celebrity in the black-and-white animated world, but she feels that something is missing. Grampy, an inventor and Betty's friend, creates a machine to take her into the modern world. She becomes more 3 dimensional. Sounds like a neat broadway show.


I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Paudio.

The Adventures of Superman
The Baby From Krypton
From: https://archive.org/details/TheAdventuresOfSuperman_201805
Usage: Public Domain

Boys and Girls, your attention please! Presenting a new exciting radio program featuring the thrilling adventures of an amazing and incredible personality. Faster than an airplane, more powerful than a loca motive, ....

Up in the sky! Look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!

Cover Art by: Gail Nobles
Beginning and Ending music by: Gail Nobles

Hello! I'm Gail Nobles on Paudio - The Source of Sound. I want to talk to you today about the 1940 radio Superman. Yes, there was a long running radio serial that originally aired from 1942 to 1951 titled The Adventures of Superman. It featured the DC Comics character Superman.

The serial came to radio as a syndicated show on New York City's WOR on February 12, 1940. On Mutual, it was broadcast from August 31, 1942, to February 4, 1949, as a 15-minute serial, running three or, usually, five times a week. From February 7 to June 24, 1949, it ran as a thrice-weekly half-hour show. The series shifted to ABC Saturday evenings on October 29, 1949, and then returned to afternoons twice a week on June 5, 1950, continuing on ABC until March 1, 1951. In all, 2,088 original episodes of The Adventures of Superman aired on American radio.

Bud Collyer was famous in the roles of Clark Kent / Superman on radio and in animated cartoons, initially in theatrical short subjects and later on television.

Coming up next: More 1940 Radio Superman!

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Hello I'm Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Paudio the Source of Sound. Growing up as a child I loved the cartoon Woody Woodpecker. I have a little golden book by Walter Lantz titled with “Woody Woodpecker at the Circus.” I loved watching the cartoons and hearing the laugh of Woody.

I asked : How did they make Woody laugh like that?” He had a unique laugh like Porky Pig had a unique stutter. I remember Woody Woodpecker as a bird that was mischievous.

There is a real woodpecker that comes around sometimes in my yard. As a child, I never thought I'd see a real one. The woodpecker had a knock loud enough that I could hear him with my windows closed. He put holes all the way up my pecan tree.

I thought: That woodpecker got to go.” But there was one tree I was glad he peaked on some. The woodpecker had a powerful beak.

When I hear that woodpecker, I think of the cartoon Woody Woodpecker. I remember the cartoon in the 70s where he was created in 1940 by Walter Lantz and appeared in theatrical short films and distributed by Universal Pictures between 1940 and 1972.

Mighty Mouse: Wolf! Wolf!
Usage: Public Domain
https://archive.org/details/mighty_mouse_wolf_wolf

Hello you're listening to Paudio & I am your host Gail Nobles. Today I'm going to play the cartoon “Mighty Mouse Wolf! Wolf!“ A pack of hungry wolves with one of them disguised as Little Bo Peep raids a flock of sheep and captures a little lamb. The wolves attempt to make lambchops out of the lamb but mighty mouse arrives to say the day.


The cartoon is a 1945 cartoon. The cartoon character was created by Terrytoons and animation studio in New Rochelle, New York. They produced animated cartoons for theatrical release from 1929 to 1973 and briefly returned between 1987 and 1996 for television in name only. Terrytoons was founded by Paul Terry, Frank Mose, and Joseph Coffman. I hope you enjoy the cartoon mighty mouse Wolf! Wolf!