The Big Dig
GBH News
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
