Forty years ago, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis announced the start of a project that would become known as “The Big Dig,” the most expensive highway project in the nation’s history. (Fun fact: a GBH News producer coined the term.) A new podcast from GBH News and PRX that takes listeners back to the drama of that megaproject surged to #1 on Apple and Spotify history charts recently and is in the top 100 among millions of podcasts.

“This is GBH News' first major foray into limited series podcasting,” said Pam Johnston, general manager of news at GBH. “It draws listeners in with its potent blend of real-life characters, high-stakes political drama and valuable lessons for everyone thinking about the future of American infrastructure."

With looming large-scale construction on tap to address the nation’s housing and climate crises, the podcast grapples with lessons “The Big Dig” might offer for today’s ambitious undertakings and asks, “Can America still build big things?”

The megaproject’s evolution from idealistic vision to political public relations disaster is often described as a “boondoggle,” said lead producer and host Ian Coss. “But beyond that narrative of scandal and outrage, the project has also delivered on many of its promises.” Read an interview with Coss here.

The nine-episode podcast premiered on September 27, with new episodes available every Wednesday through November 15.

A must-listen for locals, and a treat for anyone who loves storytelling, the podcast takes a deep dive into history and politics. “It’s the story behind the story with one delightful character study after another,” said Stephanie Leydon, editorial supervisor for the podcast and executive producer of digital video for GBH News. “It’s a perfect fit for GBH News, with its local history and a story that resonates nationally.”

Leydon says “The Big Dig” podcast includes the history of activists in East Boston, Roxbury and Cambridge who came together and stopped roadways from being built through their neighborhoods. “Their stories are extraordinary and emotional. And to think that it happened just before court-mandated busing in Boston began, when communities were torn apart.”

The podcast leans heavily on GBH Archives, which has produced a special collection of clips from legacy GBH programs such as The Reporters, Byline, Ten O’Clock News, The Group, Greater Boston, and more.

The nine-part series is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify, at the GBH News website and the GBH News YouTube Channel. New episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays through November 15.

“I hope that listeners take away a deeper understanding of something that truly transformed the city,” said Leydon.

The podcast will anchor an evolving collection of expanded, multiplatform resources and archives. Learn more, see a preview and listen to episodes of “The Big Dig” here.