The Big Listen ended production in May 2018. While this site is no longer updated, all the content remains available for archive purposes.
Bill Cosby arrives for the second day of jury selection in his sexual assault case, which begins in suburban Philadelphia June 5.
Hey, pals!
Next week, the sexual assault trial of Bill Cosby begins in suburban Philadelphia. Cosby is charged with drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee, Andrea Constand, in 2004.
The state brought charges against Cosby after he admitted, in a previously sealed deposition, to giving women Quaaludes without their knowledge for the purposes of having sex with them. At this point, more than 60 women have come forward accusing Cosby of sexual assault, though only Constand’s accusations fell within the statute of limitations.
For the people of Philadelphia, particularly the city’s African American population, the charges have elicited mixed emotions. Cosby has been a great supporter of higher education and the arts in the city and beyond. Plus, The Cosby Show was pioneering for its portrayal of an affluent black family. But allegations of drugging and sexual assault have dogged Cosby for years.
The new pop-up podcast, Cosby Unraveled from WHYY in Philadelphia, takes a look at the complex relationship the people of Philadelphia have with Cosby, especially now. The show also delves into the entertainer’s roots in Philly and his impact on the City of Brotherly Love. Once the trial begins, the podcast will cover it as it unfolds.
Tell Me More Shows To Check Out!
- Consider Our Knowledge — Public radio has always been ripe for ribbing. There was Parks & Recreation’s “Jazz + Jazz = Jazz” send-up on the fictional Pawnee Public Radio. And a handful of Serial spoofs, including a brilliant one from Funny or Die. And of course the original public radio parody, Saturday Night Live’s “Delicious Dish.” But what about a public radio parody podcast? Does it exist? Yes, it does, in the form of this fake news magazine from a crew of frustrated actors in Utah.
- The Axe Files — Former Obama advisor and now podcast host, David Axelrod, sees many similarities between politics and podcasting — both are about the stories. In Axelrod’s interview show, he coaxes some great tales from his guests. And because he knows everyone in the political world and beyond, listeners are treated to inside scoops from people like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Julián Castro and Gov. John Kasich, who charmingly ate chocolate ice cream during the interview.
- Comedian Aparna Nancherla doesn’t have a podcast. Well, not exactly. Along with fellow comedian Jacqueline Novak, Nancherla hosts Blue Woman Group, a very limited run podcast about women and mental health. But Nancherla’s relationship with podcasts is more on the guest side of the equation. She’s been interviewed on Bullseye, Who Charted? and Lady Problems, among others. The reason why? She’s an easy mark, she says. But Nancherla isn’t just a podcast guest. She’s also a listener. Her current faves include Invisibilia, Hidden Brain and The Jackie and Laurie Show.
- Very attractive listener recommendations: Planetary Radio, The Birth Hour and Satellite Sisters
Call Me!
Do you have a podcast recommendation you’d like to share with us? We want to hear it! Give us a jingle on the Pod Line at 202-885-POD1 and leave a message. Then we’ll put you on the radio and you’ll be more famous than your overachieving tool of a cousin, Spencer!
Thanks for reading, pals! ‘Til next time…keep listening, America.
Most Recent Shows
Tegan & Sara, Podcast Super Fans (Encore)
Musicians Tegan and Sara are podcast obsessives. This episode, we take a peek at their extensive playlist, plus 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 of Beginner 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. Keep reading...
The Big Listen Finale! (Encore)
This is the final episode of The Big Listen. Boo! Hiss! Our show is going off the air (read more on that here) and we’re shifting our focus to other projects. So this is last you’ll hear from us. But we’ve so enjoyed getting to share all the great shows we’re listening to with you. Thank you for spending some time with us. Keep reading...
Peering Into Nicole Drespel’s Inbox (Encore)
Over the course of your life, you’ve probably had at least a dozen email addresses. And I’m going to go out on a limb and say that at least a couple of those have been super embarrassing. Comedian Nicole Drespel can relate. Not only has she had deeply mortifying email addresses, but she’s also sent more than her fair share of ridiculous emails. Keep reading...