Big Lives
Pushkin Industries and BBC StudiosEvery legend has a twist. From pop culture icons to music and comedy greats, award-winning journalists Kai Wright and Emmanuel Dzotsi dig into the BBC archive to unpick the story behind the icons who shape our culture.
Each week on Big Lives, Kai and Emmanuel take an iconic figure — from musical trailblazers like David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner to stars of the screen like Richard Pryor... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 10 | Founded | 3 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
He screamed, shimmered and rewrote popular music and then disappeared from the throne he built. This episode reveals Little Richard’s unstoppable rise, painful erasure, and lifelong battle between the divine and the profane. A vivid, funny and heartb... more
What happens when a black icon refuses to make white audiences comfortable? This episode traces Muhammad Ali’s BBC interviews—full of swagger and wit, fury and fallout—to reveal how he reshaped media, protest and public speech. Along the way: Vietnam... more
Born into a spotlight she never asked for, Liza Minnelli didn’t only survive her inheritance—she made it into her own art. Using BBC archive, iconic performances, and her complicated bond with her mother Judy Garland, we reveal why her vulnerability ... more
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 this year—and no one has done more to shape how humanity sees our planet. But for years, there was one issue he didn’t talk about. Emmanuel & Kai chart the story of how one nerdy rock-collecting kid became one of TV’s... more
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Reviews
- Unlistenable
Sir David Attenborough’s episode popped up in my feed for Agaist the Rules and I was so excited to give a listen and hopefully find my new binge series. The hosts were so annoying…the talking over each other, the weird British Valley girl vocal quirk I had to shut it off 10 minutes in.
Apple Podcasts2littleamen
United States6 days ago - Instant Fan
This is EXACTLY the kind of podcast I’ve been searching for. I love the deep dives on well-known but frequently misunderstood celebrities. The Richard Pryor episode shared on Revisionist History (another excellent pod) was my first listen and I was instantly hooked. I love the perspective both hosts bring to the show. Wonderful storytelling, thoughtful commentary/analysis, and an overall pleasure to listen. Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5LittleworldcunninglyUnited States7 days ago - George Michael ep
All for a fresh take on a big figure but this felt oddly ignorant of an incredibly and pretty consistent legacy. Sorry to say it became unlistenable.
Apple Podcasts1surefoot
United Kingdom10 days ago - A solid new addition to the Pushkin family !
I really enjoy the perspective of the hosts on this one as well as the choices on subjects so far. I love how they tie in their life experiences to the lives they discuss.
I listen as soon as a new one hits my feed!
Apple Podcasts5Hilara-1
Australia11 days ago - Really enjoying it!
I like the hosts and their unique approach to famous figures. I hope they keep it going!
Apple Podcasts5Jazzy - JUnited States11 days ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #169 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #184 |  Canada/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #192 | Australia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #146 |  Poland/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #195 |  Argentina/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #200 |  Ireland/Society & Culture |
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
| Household Income | Social Media Reach | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lives
What is Big Lives about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Big Lives curates in-depth biographical episodes about cultural icons, using BBC archival material to illuminate the nuanced stories behind famous figures. The show's hosts, two seasoned culture journalists, unpack how public personas were built, the social and historical contexts that shaped them, and the legacies that still reverberate in today's culture. Across episodes they tease apart contradictions and use archival clips to offer fresh perspectives, balancing reverence with critical reflection. Notable through-lines include the tension between fame and authenticity, the era-defining moments that altered public perception, and the ongoing question of how public legacies influence contemporary culture. The format tends to blend storytel... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Big Lives?
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How many listeners does Big Lives get?
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What are the audience demographics for Big Lives?
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How many subscribers and views does Big Lives have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Big Lives?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Lives:
1. Revisionist History
2. This American Life
3. The Secret World of Roald Dahl
4. Radiolab
5. Heavyweight
How many episodes of Big Lives are there?
Big Lives launched 3 months ago and published 10 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Big Lives?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Big Lives?
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What guests have appeared on Big Lives?
Recent guests on Big Lives include:
1. Rain Pryor
2. Paul Mooney
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.