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The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast
‘The Maternal Capacitance’ with Christine Baranski, AKA Leonard’s Mother Beverly
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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.
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‘The Hofstadter Isotope’ with Kevin Sussman
36:23|Talking about his very first time appearing on “The Big Bang Theory” is Kevin Sussman, who plays the one and only Stuart Bloom. Kevin reveals the one item he wishes he had taken from the set when the show wrapped. He also shares that he originally auditioned for the role of Leonard. Plus, Kevin reveals that the role of Wolowitz was written for him! He explains why he ultimately wasn’t able to take the role and why he never told Simon Helberg. Watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
‘The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition’ with Director Mark Cendrowski
38:02|Director Mark Cendrowski is back, this time to discuss “The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition,” starting with how they came up with the episode’s title. Valerie Azlynn joined this episode as Alicia, and Mark discusses how he prepped the show’s guest stars and why it was so important they didn’t slow things down. Then, Mark reveals how he found out that Kaley and Johnny were dating in real life and who broke the news to him. Watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
‘The Work Song Nanocluster’ with Producer Lee Aronsohn
35:30|Back to help break down the episode where Penny contemplates starting her own business, Penny Blossoms, is executive producer Lee Aronsohn. Jessica discusses the big miss in this episode that will forever drive showrunner Steve Molaro crazy. This easter egg will make you want to go back and re-watch! Plus, the way Penny Blossoms came back around to make an appearance in the series finale. 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.
‘The Terminator Decoupling’ with Production Designer John Shaffner
32:14|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.
‘The Cushion Saturation’ with Set Decorator Ann Shea
29:15|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 Financial Permeability’ with Audience Warm-Up Comedian Mark Sweet
44:08|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.
‘The Friendship Algorithm’ with Barry Kripke’s John Ross Bowie
36:25|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.
‘The Killer Robot Instability’ with Barry Kripke’s John Ross Bowie
43:25|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.