The Big Dig
GBH News
“This is a town where there are three pastimes: politics, sports and revenge.” Seemingly dry topics become gripping political dramas in this Peabody Award winning show from creator Ian Coss and GBH News. Each season of “The Big Dig” uncovers a different facet of society – infrastructure, gambling, food, healthcare – together the pieces connect to tell the story of modern America. Season One: "The Big Dig" The highway project known as “The Big Dig” is infamous – a shorthand for government failure – but it all started as one engineer’s dream to correct the wrongs of the past, and its legacy is far from simple. Season Two: "Scratch & Win" America’s most successful state lottery – and its greatest innovation, the scratch ticket – all starts with mafia bookmakers and state bureaucrats going toe to toe in a battle to own the future of gambling. ---CREDITSProducer: Isabel HibbardStory Editor: Lacy RobertsHost & Creator: Ian CossExecutive Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Contact us as thebigdig@wgbh.org
Episodes
Mentioned books
49 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 56min
The Big Dig | 4. The Double Cross
This podcast explores the challenges and opposition faced during the construction of the Big Dig project, including resistance from local environmentalists and residents. It also discusses the rising costs of highway construction in America, the impact of NEPA and citizens' rights to sue, citizen participation and infrastructure costs in the 1970s, the opposition to Scheme Z, Queen Elizabeth's visit to Boston, and the difficult decision faced by the environmental affairs secretary.
46 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 54min
The Big Dig | 3. All Politics is Local
The podcast discusses the clash between House Speaker Tip O’Neill and President Ronald Reagan over federal funding for The Big Dig. It explores the power of local politics and the controversy surrounding funding for the Central Artery project. It highlights the persistence of Fred Salvucci in securing funding and the lack of progress in passing a highway bill. The breakdown of consensus in infrastructure development and the unexpected fight against environmentalists and activists are also mentioned.
51 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 52min
The Big Dig | 2. Unholy Alliance
The podcast explores the ambitious plan known as the Big Dig and the challenges faced in burying the central artery in Boston. It discusses protests against airport expansion and tunnel construction, as well as the shocking defeat of Tukakis. Michael Dukakis' comeback and Fred Salvucci's revelation contribute to new possibilities for tunnel construction. The podcast also highlights the forging of an unholy alliance and political opposition faced throughout the project.
59 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 54min
The Big Dig | 1. We Were Wrong
The podcast discusses the ironic involvement of Fred Salvucci, who despised highways, in America's most expensive highway project. It explores the controversial and negative perception of the Big Dig project, the struggle to save an integrated neighborhood, the activism against highway construction, and the concept of tearing down highways. It also mentions the production process and provides book recommendations.
Sep 13, 2023 • 5min
Introducing Season One: The Big Dig
An exploration of America's ability to undertake large-scale projects with a focus on the Big Dig, a troubled infrastructure project. Discusses the opening of a new subway station, perception of government projects, and the legacy of the Big Dig.
