Longform Episode 561: Ian Coss
Dec 13, 2023
Guest Ian Coss, journalist, audio producer, and composer, discusses the interesting topics of bureaucracy, the ambitious Big Dig project, interviewing for a historical narrative, the use of different podcast openings, the complexities of big infrastructure projects, creating an independent limited series podcast, and reflecting on the challenges and rewards of the Big Dig.
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Ambition Versus Legacy
- The Big Dig aimed to replace an elevated highway with underground tunnels to restore Boston's center.
- The project became both visionary and a cautionary tale about delays, cost overruns, and complex legacies.
Diversify Reporting Entry Points
- Diversify sources early to avoid getting swept into one person's narrative when reporting contentious history.
- Build a large interview list and cross-check perspectives to map competing narrative camps.
Frame To Find Limits
- Limit a sprawling story by choosing time slices and thematic frames rather than a full chronological account.
- Use each episode to cover a period plus a theme so wonky topics gain narrative shape.