The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast

Joining host Jessica Radloff to break down the first train episode of “The Big Bang Theory” is set decorator John Shaffner. John shares the challenges he faced when creating the train set for this episode. He also explains the problem that arose with the stairs on the set of “The Big Bang Theory” and how it led to a surprising connection to the set of “The Golden Girls.” Plus, John reveals how set decorating changed as the show became more successful. Watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Set decorator Ann Shea joins host Jessica Radloff to help break down what came to be known as “the couch episode” of “The Big Bang Theory.” Ann reveals where the infamous couch came from and whether she knew what a big role it would play in the show. She also shares just how many couch cushions they had to create for this episode when Penny accidentally shoots a cushion with a paintball gun. Plus, Ann shares how she decided on the leopard sheets for Howard’s bedroom. Catch up on all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

The one and only Christine Baranski discusses her first appearance as Leonard’s mom Beverly on “The Big Bang Theory.” She explains why she felt an intense obligation to deliver and why joining the show was like jumping onto a fast-moving train. Then, she reveals whether she ever broke while delivering her hilarious lines. Plus, why singing “Any Way You Want It” with Jim Parsons at the end of this episode will be in her “lifetime highlight reel.” Be sure to watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.   © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Mark Sweet warmed up audiences for “The Big Bang Theory” from day one, and the comedian tells host Jessica Radloff why the show was special from the very beginning. He shares the unforgettable marriage proposal that he helped facilitate before one show taping. Plus, he reveals which character most audience members chose to dress up as. Mark also recalls the times when Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki would come into the audience and the frenzy it would cause. Watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.    © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Back to break down another episode is John Ross Bowie, who played Barry Kripke across 11 seasons of “The Big Bang Theory.” John discusses why he believes the show had such a strong female viewership and how the character of Penny became all of us. John also reveals who he was closest to out of the cast and which cast members he still talks to regularly. Plus, John shares why he asked director Mark Cendrowski for an extra take during one of his scenes in this episode. Catch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Helping to break down his very first episode on “The Big Bang Theory” is Barry Kripke’s John Ross Bowie. John reveals that he actually auditioned for the role of Leonard initially. He also shares how he landed the role of Barry and how his character came to have a speech impediment. He talks about how friendly the entire cast was, including Kayley Cuoco, who gave him a ride from the parking lot across the street to the studio. Plus, John discusses the brilliance of seeing Jim Parsons playing the role of Sheldon up close. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Showrunner Steve Molaro joins host Jessica Radloff to break down the episode that Steve claims has one of the series’ best storylines. He recalls the vibration of the stage on the night of the taping when Penny gives Sheldon the napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy. Plus, Steve shares how going against co-creator Chuck Lorre’s outline for this episode ended up cementing his place in “The Big Bang Theory” universe forever. You can watch this episode and all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Director Nikki Lorre is back to talk about what host Jessica Radloff calls “one of her favorite ‘Big Bang’ episodes of all time.” In “The Vartabedian Conundrum,” Leonard tries to slow down his relationship with Stephanie before realizing that they are actually living together. Nikki recalls Sara Rue’s brilliance in the role of Stephanie and shares why her character wasn’t in any future episodes. Then, Nikki reveals how often her dad, co-creator Chuck Lorre, came to her to discuss the show’s storylines since she was the same age as the characters. Plus, Nikki shares whether she ever had a relationship in real life that made its way into the show’s storyline. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.   © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Director Anthony Rich is back to discuss this hilarious episode, which is rich in “Shenny” scenes. Host Jessica Radloff and Anthony talk about why scenes with Sheldon and Penny together onscreen are always among their favorites. Then, Anthony drops some serious behind-the-scenes secrets, including the hilarious way he learned that Kaley Cuoco was dating co-star Johnny Galecki. Plus, Anthony shares how ping-pong tournaments played a key role in cast bonding. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.   © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.