In a nostalgic reflection of the 1930s and 1940s, the story centers around a middle-class Jewish family living in Rockaway Beach, New York. The young protagonist, Joe, recounts his childhood experiences, highlighting the central role that radio played in bringing adventure, laughter, and dreams into their daily lives. The family listens to various radio shows that spark their imaginations and provide a temporary escape from their modest realities. The ever-hopeful Aunt Bea is persistently searching for love while Joe's parents provide a steady, albeit bickering, framework that shapes his upbringing. As Joe becomes enthralled by the exciting tales and music emanating from their radio, the narrative weaves through different anecdotes reflecting the period's culture.

In a parallel storyline, an aspiring radio performer named Sally White navigates the challenges of breaking into the industry. While working her way from a cigarette girl to a recognizable voice on the airwaves, she consistently encounters obstacles but remains determined to achieve success. Her journey intersects with the colorful tapestry of radio personalities and events that captivate Joe and his family. Through interconnected vignettes, the film showcases how radio acts as a unifying medium, influencing and reflecting the lives, aspirations, and fantasies of the characters during these formative decades. As both storylines evolve, they poignantly capture the era's innocence and the profound impact of radio on society, leaving behind cherished memories intertwined with historic broadcasts.