
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.
48:45
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the challenges and complexities of The Big Dig, a large-scale infrastructure project with a troubled history, serving as a cautionary tale for future projects.
- Ian Coss approaches his podcast projects, including The Big Dig and Forever is a Long Time, by focusing on the emotional and personal dimensions, as well as the procedural aspects, creating meaningful narratives.
Deep dives
The Big Dig: An Ambitious but Troubled Infrastructure Project
The podcast episode explores the history and challenges of The Big Dig, one of America's most expensive infrastructure projects. The project aimed to replace an aging elevated highway in Boston by putting it underground. However, it became notorious for its delays, cost overruns, and problems. The episode delves into the complex legacy of The Big Dig, discussing the vision behind it and the difficulties faced during its nearly 40-year lifespan. Despite the controversies, the project ultimately had a lasting impact on the city and serves as a cautionary tale for future large-scale infrastructure projects.
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