The Big Listen

Tegan & Sara, Podcast Super Fans (Encore) May 24, 2018

Musicians Tegan and Sara are podcast obsessives. This episode, we take a peek at their extensive playlist and hear about their own idea for a podcast. Also, the hosts of the LGBTQ show Nancy share their funny and tragic coming out stories. And the Pakistani-American host ofBeginner walks us through all the things she never learned as a immigrant, like biking and swimming. Plus: saving podcasts for posterity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

John Darnielle and Joseph Fink Only Listen To The Mountain Goats (Encore) May 17, 2018

The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle and Joseph Fink of Welcome To Night Vale talk about what it means to be a fan onI Only Listen To The Mountain Goats. Plus: Nicole Drespel mines your email InBox for comedy gold, a hotel with a radio studio in the lobby, and a podcast takes us turkey hunting.

Mother's Day Extravaganza (Encore) May 10, 2018

We're celebrating Mother's Day with stories from all kinds of women — a single lesbian mother by choice (Not By Accident), a young woman who chose sterilization (Tie My Tubes) and a Korean mom raising a multi-racial daughter (Other: Mixed Race In America), among others. Plus, mom tributes from your favorite audio producers.

Nicole Byer Wants To Date You (Encore) May 03, 2018

Comedian Nicole Byer shares some of the tips she's learned from friends on her podcast Why Won't You Date Me. Reporter Dan Lamothe tells us about reading hundreds of letters from World War II, Heather Mizeur describes how she rebuilt her politics after losing an election, and Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin define what being Unladylike means to them.

Norman Lear Is All Of The Above (Encore) Apr 26, 2018

Norman Lear's work in television and movies could fit every category, which might be why he calls his podcast All Of The Above. We also hear about the culinary delights of hotdish from Senator Heidi Heitkamp, explore the many facets of veterans with Battle Scars, and phone our rage into the For A Bad Time Call hotline.

Larry Wilmore Is Black On The Air (Encore) Apr 19, 2018

Larry Wilmore's got a new podcast, Black On The Air! Plus: the lowdown on a possible Powerline in New Hampshire, a Slow Burn with Leon Neyfakh about Watergate, and a new book from Bill McKibben.

Chris Gethard and the Art of Deep Listening (Encore) Apr 12, 2018

Chris Gethard describes how Beautiful/Anonymous satisfies his craving for human connection. Plus: therapy with Esther Perel, poetry with Versify, and a podcaster who invites strangers to his home.

Jon Ronson Likes Porn (Stories) Encore Apr 05, 2018

Writer Jon Ronson traces The Butterfly Effect from the moment pirated porn became free on the web. Plus: The hosts of Terrestrial and Closer Than They Appear, and Jillian Bauer-Reese documents people in recovery with The Rooms Project.

John Darnielle and Joseph Fink Only Listen To The Mountain Goats Mar 29, 2018

The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle and Joseph Fink of Welcome To Night Vale talk about what it means to be a fan onI Only Listen To The Mountain Goats. Plus: Nicole Drespel mines your email InBox for comedy gold, a hotel with a radio studio in the lobby, and a podcast takes us turkey hunting.

Laura Veirs On A Musical Motherhood Mar 22, 2018

Singer/songwriter Laura Veirs talks to other musicians about how they balance work with parenthood, Annie Gilbertson investigates an officer involved in multiple shootings in Repeat, and Kameel Stanley and Tim Lloyd remind St Louis, "We Live Here!"

Denis O'Hare and the Danger of Dinner Parties (Encore) Mar 15, 2018

Actor Denis O'Hare tells us about Deadly Manners and the ingredients for a dismal dinner, Liz Plank talks feminism with Divided States of Women, and Joel Werner puts numbers on the air with Sum Of All Parts. Plus: Alice Wong of Disability Visibility describes all the voices she wants to hear on the radio.

Noshing On Food Podcasts with Francis Lam & Kim Severson (Encore) Mar 08, 2018

It's a Big Listen smörgåsbord! We'll meet Francis Lam, new host of The Splendid Table, taste chocolate with The Slow Melt and hear which food podcasts New York Times food writer Kim Severson favors. Plus: Lauren enters brunch hell with Brendan Francis Newnam.

Lights, Camera, Podcasts! — An Oscars Special Mar 01, 2018

We head back into the golden age of Hollywood with Karina Longworth, explore representation in film with Aisha Harris, and predict this year's Oscar winners with Erik Anderson. Plus: Paul Scheer talks about his affection for movies that are so bad they're good.

Nicole Byer Wants To Date You Feb 22, 2018

Comedian Nicole Byer shares some of the tips she's learned from friends on her podcast Why Won't You Date Me. Reporter Dan Lamothe tells us about reading hundreds of letters from World War II, Heather Mizeur describes how she rebuilt her politics after losing an election, and Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin define what being Unladylike means to them.

For DeRay Mckesson, It Started With A Newsletter (Encore) Feb 15, 2018

DeRay Mckesson discusses going from newsletter to podcast, Uncivil tells the untold stories of the Civil War, and Trey Kay explores our divides in Us & Them. Plus: Oral history podcast Ferguson Voices.

Keep Listening, PyeongChang: An Olympic Extravaganza Feb 08, 2018

Lauren Shehadi shares the stories behind the Olympics with The Podium, Dan Zirin explains the dark side of hosting the Olympics, and ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates tell us about their sport and their favorite podcasts. Plus: Learning to curl with Ed Scimia!

Norman Lear Is All Of The Above Feb 01, 2018

Norman Lear's work in television and movies could fit every category, which might be why he calls his podcast All Of The Above. We also hear about the culinary delights of hotdish from Senator Heidi Heitkamp, explore the many facets of veterans with Battle Scars, and phone our rage into the For A Bad Time Call hotline.

JD Samson On Making Podcast Music "More Boring" Jan 25, 2018

Le Tigre's JD Samson talks composing music for podcasts, Nora McInerny says she's Terrible, Thanks For Asking, Helen Zaltzman unpacks annoying language. Plus, we check out the Potluck, a collective of Asian American podcasters.

Ira Madison III Wants You To Keep It Jan 18, 2018

"Keep It" is pop culture writer Ira Madison's way to say "No thanks" to, well, anything. Also: Breasts Unbound on everyone's favorite body part, Seeing White on the history of race, and Harry Leslie Smith on being a 95-year-old podcaster.

Abbi Jacobson Is A Piece Of Work (Encore) Jan 11, 2018

Abbi Jacobson gets artsy with her podcast A Piece Of Work; Leila Day and Hana Baba of The Stoop dialogue about the diaspora; YouTube provocateur Dylan Marron confronts his online bullies and Kathleen Barber dishes on her debut suspense novel, Are You Sleeping.

Larry Wilmore Is Black On The Air Jan 04, 2018

Larry Wilmore's got a new podcast, Black On The Air! Plus: the lowdown on a possible Powerline in New Hampshire, a Slow Burn with Leon Neyfakh about Watergate, and a new book from Bill McKibben.

Angela Rye, Queen of Sophistiratchet (Encore) Dec 28, 2017

CNN political firebrand Angela Rye talks about her new podcast. Note To Self's Manoush Zomorodi helps us live in harmony with our digital devices and Slate's Dear Prudence, Mallory Ortberg, just helps us. Plus: The voices of D.C. Metro with Dallas Taylor of Twenty Thousand Hertz.

Best New Podcasts of 2017 Dec 21, 2017

We look back at our favorite interviews with the makers of new podcasts in 2017: Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer of By The Book, Alex Kotlowitz of Written Inside, and Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika of Uncivil.

36 Questions For Jonathan Groff (Encore) Dec 14, 2017

Broadway actor Jonathan Groff, Geoff Turner of CBC's On Drugs, Eleanor MacDowall of Radio Atlas and writer and domestic abuse survivor Jes Skolnik, who penned an op-ed about the healing power of true crime podcasts.

Jon Ronson Likes Porn (Stories) Dec 07, 2017

Writer Jon Ronson traces The Butterfly Effect from the moment pirated porn became free on the web. Plus: The hosts of Terrestrial and Closer Than They Appear, and Jillian Bauer-Reese documents people in recovery with The Rooms Project.

Noshing On Food Podcasts with Francis Lam & Kim Severson Nov 30, 2017

It's a Big Listen smörgåsbord! We'll meet Francis Lam, new host of The Splendid Table, taste chocolate with The Slow Melt and hear which food podcasts New York Times food writer Kim Severson favors. Plus: Lauren enters brunch hell with Brendan Francis Newnam.

Levar Burton Reads To You (Encore) Nov 23, 2017

We talk to the Reading Rainbow star about his new podcast for adults, LeVar Burton Reads. Also, we dig into black culture with the hosts of The Nod, and the stories behind sports with Jody Avirgan of ESPN's 30 For 30 podcast. Plus: Ingrid Jungermann on her new feature film about a pair of true crime podcasters.

Denis O'Hare and the Danger of Dinner Parties Nov 16, 2017

Actor Denis O'Hare tells us about Deadly Manners and the ingredients for a dismal dinner, Liz Plank talks feminism with Divided States of Women, and Joel Werner puts numbers on the air with Sum Of All Parts. Plus: Alice Wong of Disability Visibility describes all the voices she wants to hear on the radio.

Chris Gethard and the Art of Deep Listening Nov 09, 2017

Chris Gethard describes how Beautiful/Anonymous satisfies his craving for human connection. Plus: therapy with Esther Perel, poetry with Versify, and a podcaster who invites strangers to his home.

Adventure Times! Podcasts Celebrating Travel and Exploration (Encore) Nov 02, 2017

We adventure with the overlanding couple behind Let's Not Panic, talk traveling while black and female with Aminatou Sow, and hear tales of survival from the Outside Podcast. Plus, a National Geographic explorer tells us her podcast picks for trekking to far-flung locales.

Glynn Washington Spooked Me The H*** Out Oct 26, 2017

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington on making Spooked and Aaron Mahnke on transforming Lore into a TV show. Plus: Spooky voices with the No Sleep podcast and old time radio horror with Murray Horwitz.

JD Samson On Making Podcast Music "More Boring" Oct 19, 2017

Le Tigre's JD Samson talks composing music for podcasts, Nora McInerny says she's Terrible, Thanks For Asking, Helen Zaltzman unpacks annoying language. Plus, we check out the Potluck, a collective of Asian American podcasters.

For DeRay Mckesson, It Started With A Newsletter Oct 12, 2017

DeRay Mckesson discusses going from newsletter to podcast, Uncivil tells the untold stories of the Civil War, and Trey Kay explores our divides in Us & Them. Plus: Oral history podcast Ferguson Voices.

Moose On The Loose: A Canada Special (Encore) Oct 05, 2017

A REAL look at the messiness of relationships from Love Me, and of Canadian history with Canadaland's Jesse Brown. Plus: Jonathan Goldstein, the self-styled mealy-mouthed mensch behind Wiretap and now Heavyweight.

Angela Rye, Queen of Sophistiratchet Sep 28, 2017

CNN political firebrand Angela Rye talks about her new podcast. Note To Self's Manoush Zomorodi helps us live in harmony with our digital devices and Slate's Dear Prudence, Mallory Ortberg, just helps us. Plus: The voices of D.C. Metro with Dallas Taylor of Twenty Thousand Hertz.

Getting Invisible With Hanna Rosin & Alix Spiegel (Encore) Sep 21, 2017

Hanna Rosen and Alix Spiegel on Invisibilia's new concept album, the hosts of By The Book on living by self-help book guidance, and the creator of Celestial Blood on KPCC's bilingual radionovela. Plus: Swedish true crime podcast Spår.

Abbi Jacobson Is A Piece Of Work Sep 14, 2017

Abbi Jacobson gets artsy with her podcast A Piece Of Work; Leila Day and Hana Baba of The Stoop dialogue about the diaspora; YouTube provocateur Dylan Marron confronts his online bullies and Kathleen Barber dishes on her debut suspense novel, Are You Sleeping.

36 Questions for Jonathan Groff Sep 07, 2017

Broadway actor Jonathan Groff, Geoff Turner of CBC's On Drugs, Eleanor MacDowall of Radio Atlas and writer and domestic abuse survivor Jes Skolnik, who recently penned an op-ed about the healing power of true crime podcasts.

Lauren Lapkus Is Our Special Guest! (Encore) Aug 31, 2017

With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus is the perfect podcast for the actress and comedian, because she'd much prefer to play a character than be herself. Also, we ask Strangers' Lea Thau how she maintained her radical empathy by bunking with Trump supporters and rescue the host of How's Your Day from endless newspaper archives. Plus: How Rep. Keith Ellison uses a podcast to talk to his constituents (and the Congressman's spot-on Ira Glass impersonation).

Tavi Gevinson, Rookie (Podcast) of the Year (Encore) Aug 24, 2017

The Lower Eastside Girls Club in New York City produces an all-girl podcast called WGRL. So naturally we had to put aside our fear of teens to go visit. Plus, we talk tragedy and healing with the documentarian behind First Day Back. And find out why mental illness can be so dang funny from John Moe of The Hilarious World of Depression. Bonus: writer, actor and media entrepreneur Tavi Gevinson of Rookie magazine gives us her top podcast picks.

Larenz Tate Goes Old School With Bronzeville (Encore) Aug 17, 2017

Actor Larenz Tate slides into your ears with the new fictional audio series, Bronzeville. And comedian Marina Franklin does impressions of her family. Plus, we go back to college with Chioke I'Anson and find ourselves charmed by Charm City.

Falling In Love With Jonathan Groff: The Special Aug 15, 2017

Jonathan Groff isn't just a luminary of stage and screen. He's now a bona fide podcast star. And a really nice guy. His newest project, 36 Questions, where he plays opposite Jessie Shelton, is a podcast based on the New York Times Modern Love column titled "To Fall In Love With Anyone, Do This." The story follows a couple trying to repair their broken marriage by asking each other the 36 questions that lead to love. And it's told in musical form. So it's a podcast musical. Or a musical podcast.

We Need To Talk About S-Town (Encore) Aug 10, 2017

If you haven't listened to S-Town yet, hop to it! But what to think about this complicated piece of aural literature? Media ethicist Kelly McBride helps us sort through our feelings. And we visit a lively S-Town Hall in Chicago. Plus, we unpack the many Muslim American identities with See Something Say Something's Ahmed Ali Akbar. And Irish writer and comedian Maeve Higgins introduces us to some of her favorite immigration stories. Including her own.

Adventure Times! Podcasts Celebrating Travel and Exploration Aug 03, 2017

As a species, humans love to explore. And then they love to podcast about their explorations. This week we head out on an adventure with the overlanding couple behind the podcast, Let's Not Panic. And we talk traveling while black and female with On She Goes host Aminatou Sow. Also, we hear tales of survival and derring-do from the Outside Podcast. Plus, a National Geographic explorer tells us what podcasts she's listening to when she's trekking to far-flung locales.

Munching Mini Eggs With Ronna & Beverly (Encore) Jul 27, 2017

This week on The Big Listen, we gobble candy with Ronna & Beverly, pet a lot of hypothetical dogs with the host of Can I Pet Your Dog? and peer inside prison life with Written Inside. Plus: a woman who used podcasts to help her get to sleep!

LeVar Burton Reads (To You) Jul 20, 2017

Kids love being read to. But what about adults? According to actor LeVar Burton, they love it, too! We talk to the Reading Rainbow star about his new podcast for adults, LeVar Burton Reads. Also, we dig into black culture with the hosts of The Nod, and we unpack the stories behind the sports with Jody Avirgan of ESPN's 30 For 30 podcast. Plus: writer and director Ingrid Jungermann on her new feature film "Women Who Kill," about a pair of true crime podcasters.

Getting Invisible With Hanna Rosin And Alix Spiegel Jul 13, 2017

Invisibilia's Hanna Rosen and Alix Spiegel tell us what they listen to when they aren't making concept albums about concepts. We hear from the women of By The Book about self-help books, meet the creator of KPCC's bilingual radionovela Celestial Blood. Plus, the Swedish true crime podcast Spår.

Gillian Jacobs Gets Squeaky Clean With Podcasts Jul 06, 2017

Actress Gillian Jacobs lets us in on what podcasts she listens to when she's in the shower. Then we head out to sea to learn about cargo ships with Containers' Alexis Madrigal, and we tickle the ivories with some of piano's greatest young stars with The Competition. And we get fizzy with the hosts of the heavily carbonated Seltzer Death Match.

Moose On The Loose: Podcasting Canada's Sesquicentennial Jun 29, 2017

America's hat is turning 150 years old! To celebrate Canada Day and our neighbors to the North, we talk to the women behind Love Me, a CBC podcast about the messiness of relationships, and we get a more realistic look at Canadian history with Canadaland's Jesse Brown. Then we catch up with Canadian-American hybrid Jonathan Goldstein, the self-styled mealy-mouthed mensch behind Wiretap and now Heavyweight. Plus: Native storytelling from the world's first indigenous podcast network.

Talking Wife Life With Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher (Encore) Jun 22, 2017

Comedians Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher host a comedy show--in real life, in a podcast and on their TV sitcom, Take My Wife. We talk about their dog, their meta lifestyle and their favorite podcasts. And we find out if the host of The New York Times' The Daily ever sleeps and learn some art history with The Lonely Palette.

Tegan & Sara, Podcast Super Fans Jun 15, 2017

Musicians Tegan and Sara are podcast obsessives. This episode, we take a peek at their extensive playlist and hear about their own idea for a podcast. Also, the hosts of the LGBTQ show Nancy share their funny and tragic coming out stories. And the Pakistani-American host ofBeginner walks us through all the things she never learned as a immigrant, like biking and swimming. Plus: saving podcasts for posterity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Tegan & Sara Pride Special! Jun 12, 2017

In this very special LGBTQ Pride bonus episode of The Big Listen, we talk with Canadian musical duo Tegan & Sara about the joys of air travel, the business of music and Sara's Beatles of podcasting. Plus, we chat about LGBTQ podcasts, and the twins reveal their idea for an official Tegan & Sara podcast.

Katie Couric Is No One's Sweetheart (Encore) Jun 08, 2017

Pajama-wearing podcaster Katie Couric explains why she's over being America's sweetheart. And we talk Hawaii's complicated racial history with the host of Offshore. Plus, untold stories from the Middle East from the folks behindKerning Cultures. And a senior citizen podcast club where wine plays a prominent role.

The Unraveling of Bill Cosby Jun 01, 2017

"America's Dad" Bill Cosby is on trial for sexual assault in Philadelphia. We check in with folks behind Cosby Unraveled about the entertainer's Philly roots and his impact on the City of Brotherly Love. Also, Obama advisor David Axelrod chats about the art of telling politicians' stories, and comedian Aparna Nancherla explains why it isn't always good to say yes, especially to podcast hosts. Plus: the ultimate public radio send-up—the parody podcast,Consider Our Knowledge.

Lauren Lapkus Is Our Special Guest! May 25, 2017

With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus is the perfect podcast for the actress and comedian, because she'd much prefer to play a character than be herself. Also, we askStrangers' Lea Thau how she maintained her radical empathy by bunking with Trump supporters and rescue the host ofHow's Your Day from endless newspaper archives. Plus: How Rep. Keith Ellison uses a podcast to talk to his constituents (and the Congressman's spot-on Ira Glass impersonation).

Malcolm Gladwell Will Make You Cry (Encore) May 18, 2017

Malcolm Gladwell tells us why he tries to get people to cry during interviews. And podcaster Sam Sabin finds her Native American heritage by way of her estranged father's obituary. Plus, why Alec Baldwin has the best celebrity podcast.

Mother's Day Extravaganza: Pods and Broads! May 11, 2017

We're celebrating Mother's Day with stories from all kinds of women — a single lesbian mother by choice (Not By Accident), a young woman who chose sterilization (Tie My Tubes) and a Korean mom raising a multi-racial daughter (Other: Mixed Race In America), among others. Plus, mom tributes from your favorite audio producers.

Tavi Gevinson, Rookie (Podcast) of the Year May 04, 2017

The Lower Eastside Girls Club in New York City produces an all-girl podcast called WGRL. So naturally we had to put aside our fear of teens to go visit. Plus, we talk tragedy and healing with the documentarian behindFirst Day Back. And find out why mental illness can be so dang funny from John Moe ofThe Hilarious World of Depression. Bonus: writer, actor and media entrepreneur Tavi Gevinson ofRookie magazine gives us her top podcast picks.

A More Perfect Podcast (Remix) Apr 27, 2017

We brush up on our Supreme Court history with the folks behind More Perfect, explore George Washington's home with Alexis Coe, the host ofPresidents Are People Too! and pick up some podcast recommendations from our foreign correspondents, the Auditors. Plus: a father/son super duo who are truckers during the day and podcasters at night.

We Need To Talk About S-Town Apr 20, 2017

S-Town has everyone hooked. But what to think about this complicated piece of aural literature? Media ethicist Kelly McBride helps us sort through our feelings. And we visit a lively S-Town Hall in Chicago. Plus, we unpack the many Muslim-American identities withSee Something Say Something's Ahmed Ali Akbar. And Irish writer and comedian Maeve Higgins introduces us to some of her favorite immigration stories. Including her own.

Munching Mini Eggs With Ronna & Beverly Apr 13, 2017

This week on The Big Listen, we talk Passover and Easter candy with America's favorite Jewish mothers, Ronna & Beverly. We also pet a lot of hypothetical dogs with the co-host ofCan I Pet Your Dog?, and we peer beyond prison bars with writer Alex Kotlowitz fromWritten Inside. Plus: best-selling author Pamela Druckerman uses podcasts as Xanax.

The Ronna & Beverly Passover Special! Apr 10, 2017

In our special Passover bonus episode, Ronna Glickman and Beverly Ginsburg — America's favorite middle-aged Jewish women — drop by the Big Listen HQ to gab about Liam Neeson, Canadian geography and the Jews' exodus from Egypt. Ronna and Beverly are the hosts of the eponymous podcast and are the creation of comedians Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo.

Oprah Says: You Get A Podcast! (Encore) Apr 06, 2017

Most producers want to keep you awake; we talk to a podcaster bent on putting listeners to sleep. Then, we interview Oprah! Just kidding. But we check out a podcast that did, Making Oprah from WBEZ! Plus, we discover salacious sex columnist Dan Savage's vanilla tastes in podcasts.

Gillian Jacobs Gets Squeaky Clean With Podcasts Mar 30, 2017

Actress Gillian Jacobs lets us in on which podcasts she listens to when she's in the shower. Then we head out to sea to learn about cargo ships with Containers' Alexis Madrigal, and we tickle the ivories with some of piano's greatest young stars withThe Competition. And we get fizzy with the hosts of the heavily carbonatedSeltzer Death Match.

Katie Couric Is No One's Sweetheart Mar 23, 2017

Pajama-wearing podcaster Katie Couric explains why she's over being America's sweetheart. And we talk Hawaii's complicated racial history with the host of Offshore. Plus, untold stories from the Middle East from the folks behindKerning Cultures. And a senior citizen podcast club where wine plays a prominent role.

Hardcore Listening With Dan Carlin (Encore) Mar 16, 2017

Who's more hardcore: Dan Carlin, for making Hardcore History? Or his listeners for absorbing three-hour-plus episodes? We also ask Andrea SilenziWhy Oh Why dating today is so hard and learn how podcasting makes Gretchen Rubin and her daughterHappier. Plus: Which stories pass muster with master storyteller Shannon Cason?

Talking Wife Life With Cameron Esposito And Rhea Butcher Mar 09, 2017

Comedians Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher host a comedy show — in real life, in a podcast and on their TV sitcom, Take My Wife. We talk about their dog, their meta lifestyle and their favorite podcasts. And we find out if the host ofThe New York Times'The Daily ever sleeps and learn some art history withThe Lonely Palette.

Susan Orlean Loves To Cry (Remix) Mar 02, 2017

Author Susan Orlean tells us about podcasts that make her cry. Also, comedian Phoebe Robinson shares the public radio personalities she would date. And we chat with a guy who is literally Making Gay History.

Larenz Tate Goes Old School With Bronzeville Feb 23, 2017

Actor Larenz Tate slides into your ears with the new fictional audio series, Bronzeville. And comedian Marina Franklin does impressions of her family. Plus, we go back to college with Chioke I'Anson and find ourselves charmed by Charm City.

Anna Sale Wants To Be Uncomfortable Feb 16, 2017

Discomfort is the currency of Death, Sex & Money, according to host Anna Sale. Plus, we chat with the folks behindHistorically Black about everyday objects in African-American families. And Nate, our favorite kid podcaster, gives us interviewing tips.

Valentine's Day Special: Love, Romance and Lost Wedding Rings Feb 09, 2017

Valentine's Day is upon us. So we're diving into online dating trials and tribulations with The Zoo, exploring the messiness of human intimacy with The Heart and getting some sage love advice from Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond ofDear Sugar. Plus, how a podcast saved a wedding!

Malcolm Gladwell Will Make You Cry Feb 02, 2017

Malcolm Gladwell tells us why he tries to get people to cry during interviews. And podcaster Sam Sabin finds her Native American heritage by way of her estranged father's obituary. Plus, why Alec Baldwin has the best celebrity podcast.

Al Letson Reveals Errthang (Encore) Jan 26, 2017

We meet Lauren's Scandinavian doppelganger, then explode songs with the host of Song Exploder. Then we chat with the makers of the hit showIn The Dark, and Al Letson tells us what he's listening to.

Inauguration Special: Are Presidents Really People Too? Jan 19, 2017

On inauguration weekend, we talk to two gals podcasting their way across America to D.C. Then we hit the history books with the hosts of Presidents Are People Too! and Presidential. Plus, what Ezra Klein thinks POTUS 45 should be listening to (Hint: Ezra Klein).

Susan Orlean Loves To Cry Jan 12, 2017

Author Susan Orlean tells us about podcasts that make her cry, then we have a conversation about Our National Conversation About Conversations About Race (meta!) and chat with a guy who is literallyMaking Gay History. Plus, did you know podcasts can save your life?

Warehouse Workers, UNITE! (Rebroadcast) Jan 05, 2017

Warehouses are great places to listen to podcasts, says a former warehouse worker. Also, comedian Phoebe Robinson on whether she'd date Terry Gross. And Nate Dimeo on his favorite podcast genre.

The Future is Podcasting Dec 29, 2016

2016 brought so many great guests on The Big Listen, and this episode, we revisit our favorite segments of the year. Plus, we take a deep dive into the highest court in the land with More Perfect. And our brand new foreign correspondents give us their podcast recommendations for 2017.

Admitting You Have A Problem (Rebroadcast) Dec 22, 2016

We nerd out with the women of Nerdette, then we get our slumber party on with the host ofSleepover, public radio's first reality show. Plus, Jesse Thorn ofBullseye tells us what he's listening to.

Oberdose (Get It?!) Dec 15, 2016

This week, Lauren's whole family joins the show to gab about podcasts. Then, we zoom into the future with the host of Flash Forward, and the host of the Smithsonian's new podcast tells us why Pandas maybe aren't worth all the fuss.

You Get A Podcast! Dec 08, 2016

Most producers want to keep you awake; we talk to a podcaster bent on putting listeners to sleep. Then, we interview Oprah! Just kidding. But we check out a podcast that did! Plus, Dan Savage's vanilla tastes in podcasts.

Review This Podcast Dec 01, 2016

Podcasting is so hot these days, it has its own paid critics. We talk to one. Plus, Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris of the New York Times dish about their new buddy podcast,Still Processing. And we sample some delicious canapés and crudités with the gents from theDinner Party Download.

Roadtrippin' Across America Nov 23, 2016

We're hitting the highways and byways of America for our cross-country podcast tour. We cruise through Appalachia, hike through the deserts of Nevada and rouler on down to the Big Easy to hear what's happening across America. Buckle up!

The Family That Podcasts Together Nov 17, 2016

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin has a podcast. So does her teenage daughter, Eliza. They're basically a mother-daughter podcasting duo.

Warehouse Workers, UNITE! Nov 10, 2016

Warehouses are great places to listen to podcasts (says one former warehouse worker). Comedian Phoebe Robinson talks whether she'd date Terry Gross, and Nate Dimeo gives us the scoop on his favorite podcast genre.

Election Extravaganza! Nov 03, 2016

Election day is here! We celebrate with some favorite politics pods. Sam Sanders tells tales from the campaign trail, we gab with The Pollsters and laugh off the election with comedian Negin Farsad.

Occupy This Podcast Oct 27, 2016

We take a field trip to the Government Accountability Office, learn about Sharia law on #GoodMuslimBadMuslim, occupy some federal lands and learn what podcasts the host ofGravy is snacking on.

It's A Stampede! Oct 20, 2016

We meet Lauren's Scandinavian doppelganger, then explode songs with the host of Song Exploder. Then we chat with the makers of the hit show,In The Dark. And radio Renaissance man Al Letson tells us what he's listening to.

Admitting You Have A Problem Oct 13, 2016

We nerd out with the women of Nerdette, then we get our slumber party on with the host ofSleepover, public radio's first reality show. Plus, Jesse Thorn ofBullseye tells us what he's listening to.

Santa Is A Big, Big Fan Oct 06, 2016

The host of The Show About Science gives Lauren some hot tips on interviewing, and we talk to the producer ofHistorically Black about the stories of everyday objects in African-American families.

The Big Listen Preview Sep 29, 2016

Hosted by Lauren Ober, The Big Listen introduces listeners to podcasts they might have never heard of, and gives them the inside scoop on shows and creators they already love.

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