Little Man Inside, The 450521_OTRRPG

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Little Man Inside, The 450521_OTRRPG
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a full-length dramatization of The Little Man Inside, a nostalgic radio program from America's Golden Age of Radio. The story explores the humorous, relatable internal dialogue of John Nelson, an everyman facing ordinary challenges—chief among them, asking his boss for a raise. The episode’s central theme centers on the duality between one's outward actions and inner thoughts, emphasizing the often-witty inner commentary that accompanies daily life.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot

1. Introduction to John Nelson and His "Little Man Inside"

• [00:31] The narrator frames the show:

  "...it's the story of that peculiar character within us that dictates our thoughts and runs our machinery sometimes so differently from the way we want it run."

• John Nelson exemplifies the "everyday man," but his thoughts are anything but mundane, thanks to his ever-present "little man inside"—his inner voice providing comic relief, cynicism, and honesty.

2. The Morning Commute—Inner Thoughts vs. Outward Politeness

• Bus Scene (01:09–04:04):
  • John’s outward cordiality towards the bus conductor is contrasted by the "little man’s" irritation and sarcasm:
    • John (01:09): "Good morning, how are you this morning?"
    • Little Man (01:15): "I'll bet he's got a couple of cartons stuck back there somewhere."
  • Interactions with fellow commuters double as a humorous analysis of social etiquette, attraction, and self-consciousness.
  • An attempt at small talk with an attractive woman quickly dissolves into social awkwardness and inner self-chastisement:
    • Little Man (03:02): "I ought to get the cold shoulder for pulling that routine. Hey, but look at the chick behind me smiling. It's worth a million bucks."

3. Encounters and Career Envy

• [04:21–06:13] John meets Jim Frazier, a friend who recently secured a better job thanks to family connections:
  • John’s envy is palpable, though only in inner monologue:
    • Little Man (04:26): "He oughta like it. He's making plenty of dough."
    • Little Man (04:33): "I'd quit, too, if I had an uncle owning an outfit like he does."
  • John psychs himself up about asking his boss Mr. Corning (nicknamed "Fish Face") for a raise.

4. Office Dynamics and Self-Doubt

• [06:34–08:53] John’s workplace is depicted through a series of routine greetings, all commented upon by the Little Man's internal voice—ranging from admiration to self-doubt and judgment:
  • Little Man (06:35): "I get the shivers every time I look at that switchboard trick. It's a good thing I'm a married man or I'd sure date her."
  • As John prepares to meet his boss, the Little Man vacillates between false bravado and anxiety.

5. The Nerve-Wracking Raise Request

• [09:11–13:07] The pivotal meeting with Mr. Corning is a masterclass in neurotic negotiation:
  • John stumbles over his words, attempting to justify his request.
  • The Little Man provides rapid-fire commentary on his awkwardness and insecurities:
    • Little Man (10:03): "Somehow it doesn't work the way it did in front of the mirror."
  • The boss pressures John to suggest a number for his raise. John’s hesitant, haggles in small increments, and ultimately accepts less than intended:
    • John (11:10): "I'd say about $35 a month."
    • Little Man (11:13): "Look at him. Look. You'd think I stole his back teeth."
    • John is finally worn down to accepting $25 instead of $30 or $35.

6. Facing the Music at Home

• [13:55–15:14] John returns home, worried about how to break the news to his wife about the disappointing raise:
  • The Little Man strategizes ways to distract her, but ultimately John admits the truth.
  • The moment turns sweet as his wife reacts with good-natured acceptance:
    • John (14:41): "Well, I only got $25 a month, sugar."
    • Little Man (14:50): "She built me up for $50. Who says brains don't go with beauty?"
    • Their playful banter concludes with affection and a kiss, underscoring the warmth and resilience of family life.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Social Cynicism:
  • Little Man, on dealing with the bus conductor [01:13]:

    "Watch him fumble the change the oath."

• On Workplace Self-Reflection:
  • Little Man [06:43]:

    "Boy, if I'd been around here as long as he has, I wouldn't be able to smile either. Hey, I wonder if I'll grow old like that."

• On Negotiation Anxiety:
  • Little Man, as John botches the ask [10:03]:

    "Somehow it doesn't work the way it did in front of the mirror."

• On Marital Honesty:
  • John, admitting his smaller raise [14:41]:

    "Well, I only got $25 a month, sugar."

• On Domestic Wisdom:
  • Little Man, about his wife's cleverness [14:50]:

    "She built me up for $50. Who says brains don't go with beauty?"

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:31] – Introduction to John Nelson and inner voice concept
• [01:09–04:04] – Bus ride: social awkwardness and internal critique
• [04:21–06:13] – Conversation with Jim Frazier about jobs and ambition
• [06:34–08:53] – Office dynamics and prepping for the big meeting
• [09:11–13:07] – Negotiating with the boss for a raise
• [13:55–15:14] – Confession and reconciliation with spouse at home

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Tone and Style

Richly comedic, self-deprecating, and insightful, the episode’s charm lies in the interplay between what John says and what he thinks. The "little man inside" provides a running commentary brimming with dry wit and universal anxieties, maintaining a light-hearted and authentic style reminiscent of mid-20th-century radio drama.

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Conclusion

"Little Man Inside" offers a window into the timeless human experience—our hopes, private doubts, and everyday negotiations—delivered with a blend of nostalgia and humor. Through John Nelson’s misadventures, listeners are reminded of how everyone has a “little man inside,” narrating life’s challenges, large and small.

Tune in tomorrow for the next episode, promising more relatable dilemmas and inner dialogue!

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Presenting the Little Man Inside. The Blue network introduces the little man inside. It's the story of that peculiar character within us that dictates our thoughts and runs our machinery sometimes so differently from the way we want it run. Here is the story of everyday John Nelson and his thoughts. But there's nothing commonplace about his thoughts. And through the medium of this program we bring you John Nelson, his down to earth adventures and his out of this world thoughts. Let's meet John Nelson.

[John Nelson]

Sure, sure. I know it's hard for you dealers to get cigarettes.

[Narrator]

And here is the little man inside.

[Little Man Inside]

I'll bet he's got a couple of cartons stuck back there somewhere. I should have tried a different approach. You gotta be cagey. Maybe if I bought a lot of witch hazel he'd throw in a pack.

[Narrator]

You see, we bring you the everyday life of one man, John Nelson and the little man inside. As we join John Nelson, we find him hurrying to catch the morning bus with his wife's admonition ringing in his ears. Today's the day he gets a raise from his bus. Or else both he and the little man inside are working overtime as they run for the bus.

[Little Man Inside]

Run, run, run. That's all I do is run for buses, run for lunch, run for a train. Yeah, I'll make it this morning. Uh oh, here's that stupid conductor.

[John Nelson]

Good morning, how are you this morning?

[Little Man Inside]

Watch him fumble the change the oath.

[John Nelson]

Here's a 50 cent piece. That's the best I can do for you today.

[Little Man Inside]

Look at him, look at it. You'd think I offered him a 10.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, that's 43 cent cents I get.

[Little Man Inside]

Back now El profit. I don't think you can count the 43. Some of the guys they got on this.

[John Nelson]

No, no, no, no. 43 cents.

[Little Man Inside]

What I tell you, What I tell you.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, that's right. Thank you very much.

[Little Man Inside]

Thank you. I ought to get paid for doing your job. Now I climb in this place and stand all the way down.

[John Nelson]

Pardon my William.

[Little Man Inside]

Okay, okay, I'm getting to the back. What do you want me to do? Climb over their heads.

[John Nelson]

Excuse me.

[Little Man Inside]

Say, look at this chick. I think this is as far back as I'll go.

[John Nelson]

How do you do?

[Little Man Inside]

Oh, gives me the cold shoulder.

[John Nelson]

Oh, I beg your pardon. I. I mistook you for someone else.

[Little Man Inside]

I didn't go with a dime. I ought to get the cold shoulder for pulling that routine. Hey, but look at the chick behind me smiling. It's worth a million bucks.

[John Nelson]

Yeah. How do you do?

[Little Man Inside]

Well, this is no icicle. I'm glad I got my hat on. She can't see I'm losing my hair.

[John Nelson]

Are. Are you going downtown?

[Little Man Inside]

Of course she's going downtown. That's the only place this bus goes. Boy, am I stale. It's a good thing I have a winning smile.

[John Nelson]

I haven't seen you on this bus before, have I?

[Little Man Inside]

Darn right you haven't. You wouldn't forget her. Oh.

[John Nelson]

Oh, how do you do, sir? How do you do?

[Little Man Inside]

Oh, sure, she's married.

[John Nelson]

Well, it. It certainly is nice having your wife go to work with you.

[Little Man Inside]

No wonder she smiles. She's got her old man to protect her.

[John Nelson]

Yes. Yes. Well, if you'll excuse me, I. I like to work my way to the back easier when I get off. Goodbye.

[Little Man Inside]

Well, you can't blame a guy for trying. There's life in the old boy yet.

[John Nelson]

Excuse me.

[Narrator]

Excuse me.

[John Nelson]

This is where I get off. Let me out, please. Excuse me.

[Little Man Inside]

Look at these sardines. Why don't they let me out of here? Oh, just made it. One of these days I'm gonna be cutting two when that door closes. Hey. Hey, here's Jim Frazier.

[John Nelson]

Well, well, well, Jim, you old rascal. How are you?

[Little Man Inside]

The guy's putting on weight.

[John Nelson]

How do you like your new job?

[Little Man Inside]

He oughta like it. He's making plenty of dough.

[John Nelson]

Well, that's fine, Jim. I. I guess you were smart to quit.

[Little Man Inside]

I'd quit, too, if I had an uncle owning an outfit like he does.

[John Nelson]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I'm. I'm still in the same old rut, brother.

[Little Man Inside]

You can say that again.

[John Nelson]

Well, as a matter of fact, Jim, I'm. I'm going to hit Mr. Corning for a raise today.

[Little Man Inside]

You'll probably get right back.

[John Nelson]

Well, I. I don't know whether I'll get it or not, but my wife, that is. I always say you can't help trying, you know.

[Little Man Inside]

Look at the guy. Gloat. He knows darn well I wish I was in his spot. I gotta make this sound good.

[John Nelson]

Oh, things aren't too bad, though, Jim. You. You know, I Took over a charge of stock last week.

[Little Man Inside]

Now I don't get home till seven each night.

[John Nelson]

Well. Well, now, to tell you the truth, I didn't get a raise right then, but. Well, you know fish face, er, Mr. Corning as good as Seb, he got me there.

[Little Man Inside]

But today's a different story.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Jim. That's why I'm laying down the law today. My wire. I mean, I don't think it's a good idea to let anyone impose on me.

[Little Man Inside]

Go ahead and talk. You got an uncle.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, that's my intention today, Jim. Either I get a raise.

[Little Man Inside]

Or what?

[John Nelson]

Or everything's over between me and Fish Face, that's all.

[Little Man Inside]

Hey, am I listening to this guy? Right. Is he offering me a job? You.

[John Nelson]

You mean that, Jim? What kind of a job you got?

[Little Man Inside]

There must be a catch to this.

[John Nelson]

Well, that's. That's mighty fine of you, Jim, but I think old Fish Face will see the light.

[Little Man Inside]

Yeah, the only light he'll see is when you open the door to leave.

[John Nelson]

Oh, sure, Jim, sure. I've just about made up my mind. And it's mighty fine of you to make this offer.

[Little Man Inside]

Might as well cultivate this guy. Can't do any harm.

[John Nelson]

Okay, Jim. And why don't you and your wife stop over some night?

[Little Man Inside]

That's it, kid. Turn on the charm. Invest a couple of drinks in this dodo.

[John Nelson]

Oh, fine, Jim. I'll see you then.

[Little Man Inside]

This guy can really get me a job. Kind of hate to leave old Fish Face, though. Still, he's got no right to shove stock off on me. And no increase. I might just get mad enough to walk out on the guy at that.

[John Nelson]

Hiya, Jane.

[Little Man Inside]

I get the shivers every time I look at that switchboard trick. It's a good thing I'm a married man or I'd sure date her.

[John Nelson]

Hi, Billy.

[Little Man Inside]

There's a good kid.

[John Nelson]

Morning, Mac.

[Little Man Inside]

Boy, if I'd been around here as long as he has, I wouldn't be able to smile either. Hey, I wonder if I'll grow old like that. There's.

[John Nelson]

What's that? Oh, no, no, nothing's wrong with me, Billy. I just stopped to think.

[Little Man Inside]

Holy mackerel, I'm getting eccentric. Look at that kid. Look at me. As if I couldn't think. Well, that's human nature for you.

[John Nelson]

Hello, Ellie.

[Little Man Inside]

Sounds like I'm swearing.

[John Nelson]

Is old fish? Is Mr. Corning in yet?

[Little Man Inside]

I gotta stop calling him Fish Face around the house.

[John Nelson]

He is not. Well, when he comes in, will you tell him I have some very important business to talk over with him.

[Little Man Inside]

That's the way to be firm. Let him know I expect to see him.

[John Nelson]

Okay, Allie.

[Little Man Inside]

Thank you.

[John Nelson]

I'll be in my office. Thank you.

[Little Man Inside]

What an icicle. Just because she's. Fish.

[Narrator]

Fish.

[Little Man Inside]

Mr. Corning. Secretary. Gotta get some, I think Corning. Or I'll call him Fish face. Sure.

[John Nelson]

Good morning, Betty.

[Little Man Inside]

There's the secretary for you.

[John Nelson]

I'm going to be in my office, Betty, and I'm expecting Fisher. Blasted Mr. Corning. To call me in.

[Little Man Inside]

Yes, sir, I can still pick him.

[John Nelson]

And let me know, kid, as soon as he wants me, no matter what I'm doing.

[Little Man Inside]

Yes, sir. Beautiful little office, an office like this. A nice salary, cute little wife and a couple of boys to be proud of. What am I complaining about?

[John Nelson]

Oh, yes, Betty.

[Little Man Inside]

I gotta act like I'm more busy after this when someone comes in.

[John Nelson]

Oh, he is. Oh. Oh, good. I'll see him right away.

[Little Man Inside]

Now I'm in for it. I gotta be firm, though. Be cheerful. But act as though this isn't a problem. Doesn't mean a thing to me. What's beautiful about it? Maybe I better postpone this thing. Let's see, what could I take up with him instead of this? I've got to see him. He knows I wanted to see him. I wonder if Jim Fraser really can get me a job. Oh, stop weeping, John boy. That's it, bolster your courage. Let's go, boy.

[John Nelson]

Well, Betty, wish me luck.

[Little Man Inside]

Shouldn't have done that. Now she'll be able to figure what I'm doing.

[John Nelson]

Can Mr. Corning see me now, Ellie?

[Little Man Inside]

Look at that cold nod. I should have walked right in. Fine thing. Well, don't stand here. Go on in.

[John Nelson]

Good morning, Mr. Corning.

[Little Man Inside]

Boy, he looks as if he had a bad night.

[John Nelson]

I have. I have something very important I'd like to discuss with you, sir.

[Little Man Inside]

This is bad. I'm scared.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, well, at least it's very important to me.

[Little Man Inside]

Fine. He just glares at me and I'm beat. Come on, get confident. Relax. Sit down.

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Corning. This is something we should have taken up a couple of weeks ago. Mind if I sit down?

[Little Man Inside]

Now you're talking.

[John Nelson]

Thank you. Thank you. This is a personal matter, as I said.

[Little Man Inside]

Of course, by now he has no idea of what I'm talking about.

[John Nelson]

Well, you see, that is, I feel that with the added duties I have and also the fact that I've been here a good number of years, you know, I'm entitled to a raise in salary, that is an increase in my remuneration Er, well, you understand, I'm muffing this thing again.

[Little Man Inside]

Somehow it doesn't work the way it did in front of the mirror.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, yeah, well. And so I feel that this is as good a time as any to put in a request for a little more money. Money?

[Little Man Inside]

Well, say something. Face. Face. I can't talk forever.

[John Nelson]

You see, I have added expenses these days, and naturally you want me to work at top efficiency, and of course, I can't. That is, if I have a lot of things to worry about.

[Little Man Inside]

It's playing the old waiting game, huh? Well, in about two minutes, I'll shut up and do some waiting myself.

[John Nelson]

I mean, you can see the logic of that statement, can't you?

[Little Man Inside]

He can't see the logic of anything that involves more money. Well, here's where I shut up and either he talks or we both take up Yogi. Hey, he's moving. At last he's speaking.

[John Nelson]

Well, Mr. Corning, I don't know exactly what would be a fair raise. It's rather hard to determine. I thought maybe you would name something.

[Little Man Inside]

Why do these guys always put you on the spot by asking what you want?

[John Nelson]

Well, if I must name something, the.

[Little Man Inside]

Wife said to ask for 50 more a month.

[John Nelson]

I'd say about $35 a month.

[Little Man Inside]

Look at him. Look. You'd think I stole his back teeth.

[John Nelson]

25? Well, that's not much of a raise.

[Little Man Inside]

Hold out for 35 and you'll get it.

[John Nelson]

How about 30? 30?

[Little Man Inside]

Now he'll balk.

[John Nelson]

Well, look, Mr. Corning, I wish I knew.

[Little Man Inside]

I'd do it.

[John Nelson]

Yeah. It seems to me that $30 a month isn't asking too much. Now, now, certainly taking over stock alone should be worth that. To say nothing of how long I've been in this business.

[Little Man Inside]

I'm really getting mad at this guy.

[John Nelson]

Why, I know this business from top to bottom. Suppose you had to break someone new in here.

[Little Man Inside]

That' give him the idea I'm quitting.

[John Nelson]

Yeah, you'd have a lot of trouble with a new man.

[Little Man Inside]

Well, bet I get the 30 now.

[John Nelson]

What's that?

[Little Man Inside]

Oh.

[John Nelson]

Oh, no, no. Of course I'm not thinking of leaving.

[Little Man Inside]

Good heavens, he looked as though he were going to take me up on it.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[John Nelson]

No, sir, Mr. Corning, I'm not making an issue of this. No, sir. While leaving here never entered my head.

[Little Man Inside]

Holy mackerel. Maybe he was thinking of firing me all the time and I come in and ask for a raise.

[John Nelson]

Oh, I'm perfectly happy here, Mr. K. Corning. It's just that I felt that you'd want an efficient employee.

[Little Man Inside]

That was the wrong thing to say.

[John Nelson]

Of course, I expect to be efficient if I get the raise or not. You just don't understand what I mean.

[Little Man Inside]

This guy presses a nasty counter attack.

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Corning.

[Little Man Inside]

Now comes lecture number four. Well, I'm okay now. I've heard this one before.

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir.

[Little Man Inside]

Oh, this is gonna be brutal.

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Corning.

[Little Man Inside]

Here's the end of this blast.

[John Nelson]

That's right, Mr. Corning. You said a few things there that have caused me to stop and consider.

[Little Man Inside]

If he only knew.

[John Nelson]

Well. Well, yes. In view of the things you just stated, which were very well summed up, Mr. Corning, I think I'll take the 25 and be satisfied.

[Little Man Inside]

But will my wife?

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Corning. You can rest assured that I'll be efficient. If things aren't quite as bad as I pictured them.

[Little Man Inside]

Better grab the 25 and get out of here.

[John Nelson]

Yes, sir, Mr. Corning. Well, good day, and thanks a lot.

[Little Man Inside]

The old phony. Oh, I wish I had an uncle. Let's see now. How could I evade the issue? She's bound to remember it. Maybe if something big happened in the neighborhood today, it'll slip her mind. Oh, no, no. Four hours before we go to bed. She's bound to think of it in that time. Can't miss. Oh, well. Heigh ho. Guess it's just best to face the music. Put up a big front as I go in the door. That's the spirit. This is no time to look depressed. A good feeling is infectious, so they say. Here we go.

[John Nelson]

Good evening, honey.

[Little Man Inside]

Put on the personality kit.

[John Nelson]

Where are you, sugar? And what's cooking?

[Little Man Inside]

There is a lack of welcome and warmth about this house tonight. I had better have the bacon.

[John Nelson]

Where are you? Oh, there you are. Oh, so busy. You didn't hear me come in?

[Little Man Inside]

Look at that point. The winner. I. I suspect. She suspects.

[John Nelson]

Well, if you. If you heard me, why didn't you answer me?

[Little Man Inside]

No affection till I earn it.

[John Nelson]

Oh, how about the rays? Oh, that's a fine way to greet a man.

[Little Man Inside]

Nothing unusual happened in the neighborhood.

[John Nelson]

Don't I even get a kiss?

[Little Man Inside]

Bread isn't the only thing I earned by the sweat of my brow.

[John Nelson]

Well, to tell you the truth, honey, I didn't get quite the raise we talked over.

[Little Man Inside]

Look at her grin. What a smart aleck.

[John Nelson]

Well, I only got $25 a month, sugar.

[Little Man Inside]

She isn't mad, though, I don't think.

[John Nelson]

Why, you little devil. You knew all the time. That's all I get sure that's why.

[Little Man Inside]

She built me up for $50. Who says brains don't go with beauty?

[John Nelson]

Now you come here and give me that big kiss. Come here.

[Little Man Inside]

Yes, sir. Woman is certainly a wonderful institution.

[Narrator]

And so closes another episode in the life of John Nelson and the little Man Inside. Listen again tomorrow at the same time as John Nelson, with the help of the little man inside, tries to solve the mystery of why his son punched the neighbor boy in the left eye. And tune in every day at this time for the unusual new program, the Little Man Inside. This is the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company.

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