Reviews
This show is a fantastic look at a bit of forgotten LA history. Big Willie Robinson was an underground icon, a Black hero when LA needed one. He was flawed sure — that stunning twist in episode 5 floored me — but he made a difference in many people’s lives. This story is told with empathy and...Read full review »
aguilarangel679542 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/07/21
We like to imbue our heroes with all kinds of powers and we like to listen to their heroic stories and build them up. This however is a story about a legend who was both more and less than he seemed. Big Willie Robinson was a legend. He had a very positive impact on a segment of society at the...Read full review »
EminenceGris via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/27/20
Great podcast, I was a street racer in the early 90’s after high school. It was great to go back in time. Now I’m a hazmat trucker Otr and appreciate these story podcast and hope y’all do more Thank you
trucker Bryan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/13/20
I really enjoyed the seven part series about big Willie Robinson. It spoke about his origins to his highlights career highlights to his ultimate end. If you want to learn more about a man who lived, give this series a listen.
JayGK. via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/05/20
I don't really care about cars, or street racing for that matter -- but found myself hooked by Big Willie Robinson's story. He was a remarkable figure, and he helped a city when he was needed the most. I loved how this story unfurled, and was stunned by the twist in episode 5. Did. Not....Read full review »
dyno christine via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/12/20
Something for everyone. LA ppl, car ppl, race ppl, etc. great narration too!
dsaiger via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/20
Great reporting and storytelling! Loved the glimpse into a different time.
Ejsaiger via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/20
Larger Than Life immediately transports me to a time and place in LA that I wish I had experienced myself. From the opening episode, i was totally drawn in. It uncovers a depth to the social fabric of the city and is so well written. Daniel Miller is one of my favorite LA Times contributors and...Read full review »
Joeliban via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/20
I am stunned that an exciting piece of LA history is lost to poor narration and disjointed story structure/development. A real travesty.
damelagasolina via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/10/20
Podcast was going great up until the reporter put his own personal opinions into it by trying to discredit all Big Willie has done and the accomplishments he made by bringing up some things he may have said in the past about his life and record. Sad because the podcast was going great with its...Read full review »
Gorssly Disgusted111111 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/14/20
Big WIllie Robinson was such a huge figure in the Los Angeles area. His work to unite people and his work with law enforcement to bring communities together to fight against violence and unrest will never be forgotten. This podcast does a great job at telling the story of a true street racing...Read full review »
VinceNaicker via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/04/20
Love this podcast - super interesting history of Los Angeles that is not often talked about! Really amazing man.
natkat3 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/10/19
Great history of street racing in LA
55 ChevyGas via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/21/19
There’s just to many podcast, it’s nobody’s fault.
Trumpisurdad via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/19/19
Loved this podcast. Especially how the stunning revelation was handled in episode 5. A must-listen for Los Angeles history buffs and fans of car culture.
speedster1952 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/13/19
Thank you for sharing Big Willie’s story. He was an incredible man with a big heart, deep mind and complex personality. He’d be a fantastic character in a movie. I hope someone takes this story to the big screen. Winston Duke or Terry Crews as Big Willie???
Phygics101 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/20/19
Wow, the LA Times delivered! And that twist in episode 5....?!?!? Must listen.
jlcsouthbay via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/18/19
Fascinating LA story that’s well told!
ABH72112_CA via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/17/19
Amazing story about Big Willie, his influence on LA gangs and his deceptions. But I would agree with another reviewer that the reporter came off judgmental. It felt like a nerdy white guy constantly belittling this black guy coming up in the 60s. There was a lack of respect. Possibly the wrong...Read full review »
superman tonic via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/16/19
I loved this podcast which is like one part The Fast and the Furious and one part civil rights history. Tells a great story about LA street racing culture centered on Big Willie, a completely larger than life character. Totally worth your time.
Lewylewy84 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/09/19
I’m only a few episodes into this podcast, and I’m already hooked! A must-listen for Angelinos or car buffs, this podcast is more than just the story of Big Willie. It delves into issues of race and humanity.
Autumn83 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/09/19
I’ve been a car guy for my whole life and never heard of this supremely interesting (and significant) player in automotive and civic culture. Really really enjoyed it! Can’t wait for more from this author !!!!!
wvfofyambzdotbw via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/07/19
One of the rare podcasts that breathes life into a forgotten time and place. Telling Big Willie’s story was overdue, and Daniel Miller’s work has done it justice. The people you hear are the ones who were there. Big Willie‘s message of peace through speed is shared again; may we all benefit...Read full review »
Thecmndr via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/07/19
Really enjoyed this story. This is a man who deserves to be known for all of the good he did.
Sarah giggy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/07/19
I loved this podcast. ‘Larger than Life’ is a gripping story of a man and his troubled city. It is an American tale of a dreamer and striver who reinvented himself in more ways than one to heal a Los Angeles torn by racism and gang violence. You’ll never think of street racing the same again....Read full review »
Sam Carver via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/06/19
I first read the article that was published in the LA Times and then found out there was a podcast as well. While I enjoyed the article in the Times, the podcast provides many more details into the life of Big Willie. Listening to the stories about Big Willie, they almost seem unbelievable. In a...Read full review »
Marcsigal via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/05/19
I’m so disappointed. And the guy’s voice. Ugh.
The Propagandist via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/05/19
This podcast presents an uncritical view of someone who clearly merits a more honest biography. Big Willie was a street criminal who trafficked in illegal guns and bootleg videos. He was also guilty of the shameful offense of “stolen valor”, masquerading as a Special Forces Vietnam vet when in...Read full review »
lil’ peter via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/04/19
Just finished the podcast and I already want more. It’s the most thorough retelling of one of LA’s long-forgotten pioneers of street-racing culture. The storytelling, sound design, and production are all quintessentially LA. I enjoyed every minute. Highly recommended if you love high-performance...Read full review »
Champion_ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/04/19
I binge listened to this one weekend. I love cars and all that goes with them. Very cool to hear the history of LA street racing and the man that kept the peace. There are several really good insights into Willie and some personal flaws revealed but you can’t deny this mans influence and...Read full review »
drstereo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/25/19
Daniel Miller’s story telling is captivating and insightful. Loved hearing the different layers of Big Willie’s life’s
Michelle Rachel via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/25/19
Daniel Miller does a phenomenal job of telling Big Willie’s story from start to finish. He’s clearly invested in reporting the truth, whatever that may be, and does so in the podcast. Worth a listen.
Meghan12345654321 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/23/19
So glad I discovered this story about a fascinating man, Big Willie.
Eufemia Plimpton via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/21/19
My wife and I listened to this on our recent road trip and couldn’t shut it off. A truly fascinating story, and the narrator is phenomenal. Couldn't recommend it more - a profound delight all around!Read full review »
Noey Kupchan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/15/19
Meh
Not a bad story, but not that great either. Way too much celebrity and politician worship. Perfect for people who love those things.
CrushCandySoda via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/14/19
I was thoroughly engaged in this podcast I couldn’t put it down. The detail and Los Angeles history was mind blowing and educational. I would highly recommend to all parties.
brandonblove via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/13/19
This is a well done telling of a story I never knew, but always wanted to know about. It was a very honest look at what really happened...from real people who knew Big Willie. How he made a difference in race relations and the car community. Definitely some twists and turns over the rise and...Read full review »
TestCarDatabase via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/12/19
Very informative and with lots of twists and turns. Like another reviewer, there are some auditory hiccups that I initially put on my new phone or Bluetooth connection but maybe not?
Pemax via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/11/19
I have always been fascinated with the story of Big Willie ever since meeting a guy that was part of the brotherhood in my small hometown in SoCal. Podcast told the story so well. Mr. Miller was a great narrator. Well Done
quickone2ke via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/10/19
This has been one of my favorite podcasts ever. Excellent reporting and story-telling. I feel like I know Big Willy. I knew someone like him in the late 60s - early 70s. Though flawed, Big Willy made a positive difference with his life. But that we all be able to say that at the end! Thank you...Read full review »
5Tracy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/09/19
The trailer let me know this would be great, and it lived up to the hype. I could've never expected the twist in episode 5. Wow. I won’t spoil it, but the show handles a surprising revelation about Willie with sensitivity and grace. Must listen!Read full review »
I_like_grey via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/09/19
Amazingly fascinating story. Just binged listened to all the episodes back to back here in Australia.
RetroCaravansGoldCoast via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 08/08/19
You gotta love Big Willie! Love the story and the contribution that it is to have Willie come alive again. Thanks for the entertainment and humanity.
KK - Kitty Kat via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/08/19
Great story, fascinating to hear about LA’s untold histories.
Jdhdudhdjdudhdhgagsgsggff via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/07/19
Not to overdo it, but Johnson had his Boswell and now Willie has his Miller. Best part of this podcast is that Miller had to insert himself into the narrative but it was never overdone. It was not a matter of turning the reporter into the hero but the steps Miller took in his reporting that...Read full review »
L.A. Listener via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/07/19
This unique story is multi layered it was compelling and heartbreaking. Yet a peek into part of the Los Angeles mosaic that makes a good story and holds your attention to the last sentence.
F. Terrell via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/06/19
Great story on a great man that brought everyone together for peace and competition on the streets/race track! SoCal the mecca of Hot rods!
rhiga37484 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/06/19
As a proud transplant Angeleno, it has been really fun to learn about a part of Los Angeles history that I had no knowledge of before. Miller does a great job story telling and it was fun to ride along with him on his investigative journey. Love the intro song.
transplantangel via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/06/19
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