Podcast Episode Summary: The Big Dig – "HOV Lane Ahead" (January 28, 2026)
Host: Ian Coss, GBH News

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Big Dig, host Ian Coss pivots from storytelling about monumental infrastructure and political drama to a direct engagement with listeners. He shares a personal story about a commemorative "Big Dig" hat and leverages its symbolism to introduce and encourage support for the show's new membership initiative: the "Big Dig HOV Lane." Throughout the episode, Ian lays out the benefits and vision for this membership, while reflecting on the broader value of public media in supporting in-depth, nuanced stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Red Hat Story – A Symbol for the Podcast Community

• Ian recounts buying a commemorative hat from the opening of the Big Dig tunnel, found online for $40 (00:00).
  • "If you want to picture the color, we're talking like a red MAGA hat, but this one has the logo for Interstate 93 and on either side of that, the words Opening March 2003." (00:07)
• The hat becomes a metaphor for both nostalgia and community connection within the podcast.

2. The Big Dig Podcast: Looking Forward

• Ian hints at exciting new developments for The Big Dig:
  • Announcement of Season 3 is just days away.
  • Production for Season 4 is already in progress.
  • Plans for a multi-city live taping tour are underway.
  • Emphasis on building an engaged community of listeners.

3. The HOV Lane Membership Program

• Ian formally introduces "The Big Dig HOV Lane," the show’s new membership program (02:20).
• The HOV Lane is described as “more of a club” than a simple subscriber benefit—a space for connection, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive perks.
• The annual cost: $25 (less than the hat he bought), and the aim is to make it a "bargain."

4. Three-Point Pitch for Joining the HOV Lane

a. Early Access and Exclusive Episodes

• Members get early/binge access to new seasons, ad-free.
• Occasional exclusive episodes, though core content remains free for all.
  • "You'll be able to binge the whole thing right away as soon as the trailer drops, and it will be entirely ad free." (03:04)

b. Special Events & Community Engagement

• Virtual Zoom call with the production team after Season 3 wraps, for Q&A, feedback, and previews.
• A virtual listening party, co-hosted with musician Eli Paperboy Reid, featuring a playlist themed around highways and gambling.
• Annual in-person Boston meetup: a picnic and walk atop the park that now sits above the former Big Dig tunnel.
  • "Picture it. Getting together with a whole bunch of other Big Dig listeners on top of the Big Dig. And this is where the bright red hat comes in so you can find me." (04:48)

c. Supporting Public Media

• Emphasizes the necessity and value of public media in producing independent, in-depth series like The Big Dig.
  • "This show is expensive. It's time consuming. It's taking on the, the wonky, the forgotten and overlooked corners of public life." (05:32)
• Ian draws a parallel: if the show is worth as much to the listener as the hat was to him, support is worthwhile.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the membership program’s spirit:
  • "I like to think of it as more of a club, personally. A place to build community around this show." — Ian Coss (01:32)
• On public media’s role:
  • "…public media, which I believe, and I really believe this very strongly, that is the only way a show like this gets made in the first place." — Ian (05:10)
• Invitation to join:
  • "The traffic is light, the company is good, and I promise you we will go so much farther together than I can ever possibly go on my own." — Ian (05:45)
• On how to spot the host at in-person events:
  • "I'll be the tall guy in the red i93 hat." — Ian (06:13)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:00–01:30 — Story about the red Big Dig commemorative hat and upcoming podcast plans.
• 01:30–02:20 — Introduction to the HOV Lane membership concept.
• 02:20–05:45 — Ian’s three-point pitch, covering early access & exclusives, special events, and supporting public media.
• 05:45–06:13 — Final encouragement to join and sign-off.

Tone & Language

Ian maintains an earnest, informal, and engaging tone throughout, balancing personal anecdotes with clear calls to action. His passion for both the podcast’s subject matter and its listener community is evident, making the pitch feel like a heartfelt invitation rather than a hard sell.

Summary for New Listeners:
This episode serves as both a behind-the-scenes update and a spirited invitation to become part of The Big Dig’s evolving listener community via the HOV Lane membership. With early access, exclusive content, special events, and opportunities to connect in person, the show’s aim is to build a vibrant, interactive audience—bolstered by a shared investment in public media and storytelling about the often-overlooked corners of American life.