EPISODE · Dec 5, 2016 · 11 MIN
Backstory: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
from Christmas Past · host Brian Earl
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic underdog story, but maybe not the way you think. In this episode, we discuss the unlikely journey of Robert L. May from workaday copywriter to creator of an icon.In this episode we'll hear from Peter Carini, a librarian at Dartmouth College, which holds a collection of May's work. And we'll hear a Christmas memory from Kathy in New Jersey. Don't forget to subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes, Google Play, or however you get your podcasts.Search for "Christmas Past podcast" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more Christmas history and vintage Christmas content. Visit www.christmaspastpodcast.com for show notes and more. Contact me at [email protected] Connect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: [email protected] BooksOf Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)
What this episode covers
The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic underdog story, but maybe not the way you think. In this episode, we discuss the unlikely journey of Robert L. May from workaday copywriter to creator of an icon. In this episode we'll hear from Peter Carini, a librarian at Dartmouth College, which holds a collection of May's work. And we'll hear a Christmas memory from Kathy in New Jersey. Don't forget to subscribe to Christmas Past on iTunes, Google Play, or however you get your...
NOW PLAYING
Backstory: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
May 5, 2026 ·32m
Apr 21, 2026 ·39m
Apr 7, 2026 ·45m
Mar 24, 2026 ·37m
Mar 10, 2026 ·32m
Feb 24, 2026 ·40m