The Big Bang Theory Podcast
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast is a rewatch series hosted by Jessica Radloff, author of The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series.
The podcast returns on May 18 to cover Seasons 3 and 4 of The Big Bang Theory, with new episodes dropping every week. Starting this season, all episodes will also be presented in video on HBO Max, alongside the audio podcast available on major podcast platforms.
Each episode features Jessica in conversation with a guest - a TBBT cast member, crew member, or guest star - as they revisit a specific episode and share behind-the-scenes stories and their memories from working on the show.
Upcoming guests include Mayim Bialik, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, and Kevin Sussman, along with producers and directors from the show.
The first episode, released on March 17, 2025, took a look back at the development of The Big Bang Theory and the unaired pilot from the 2006/07 season, with TBBT co-creator Chuck Lorre and former Warner Bros. exec Peter Roth.
For Season 1, Jessica was joined by guests including legendary TV director James Burrows, TBBT directors Mark Cendrowski, Anthony Rich, and Nikki Lorre, as well as writer/producers Dave Goetsch, Lee Aronsohn, and Steve Molaro. Other guests included TBBT guest stars Sara Gilbert (Leslie Winkle), Courtney Henggeler (Missy Cooper), Vernée Watson (Nurse Althea), science consultant David Saltzberg, set decorator Ann Shea, and production designer John Shaffner.
Season 2 featured new guests including Kevin Sussman (Stuart), recurring guest stars John Ross Bowie (Barry Kripke), Christine Baranski (Beverly Hofstadter), Sara Rue (Stephanie), and Riki Lindhome (Ramona Nowitzki), along with studio warm-up act Mark Sweet and guest star Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (Mikayla).
Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with HBO Max, the exclusive U.S. streaming home for The Big Bang Theory, The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and The Big Bang Theory's official YouTube channel.
Podcast Episodes
Season 3
#5. Of all 279 episodes, this one is Kunal Nayyar's favorite
Guest: Kunal Nayyar
June 15, 2026Kunal Nayyar returns to the podcast as he and host Jessica Radloff look back on his all-time favorite episode of The Big Bang Theory, "The Adhesive Duck Deficiency". Nayyar shares behind-the-scenes stories from the memorable Season 3 episode, including co-creator Chuck Lorre telling him and Johnny Galecki to put their shirts back on. He also reflects on the show's extraordinary success, the sacrifices the cast made to ensure they never missed a taping, and why The Big Bang Theory was always bigger than any one cast member.
#4. The Bernadette Effect
Guest: Melissa Rauch
June 8, 2026Melissa Rauch joins host Jessica Radloff to look back on her path from the unemployment office to a starring role as Bernadette Rostenkowski on The Big Bang Theory. Rauch explains how Bernadette’s distinctive voice took shape, reflects on the energy of performing in front of the show’s live studio audience, and discusses working opposite Simon Helberg as Howard.
#3. Sheldon vs. Wil Wheaton
Guest: Wil Wheaton
June 1, 2026Wil Wheaton joins host Jessica Radloff to look back on his fan-favorite role as Sheldon’s nemesis on The Big Bang Theory. Wheaton shares why he nearly passed on the part that would turn him into one of the show’s most memorable guest stars, even though he now describes his time on set as “the best days of my life.” He also discusses how growing up as a self-proclaimed nerd made him a natural fit for the series, how he relates to Sheldon and the guys, and the hidden Easter eggs from his two Season 3 appearances that fans may have missed.
#2. The Evolution of Howard Wolowitz
Guest: Simon Helberg
May 25, 2026Simon Helberg joins host Jessica Radloff to look back on 12 seasons as Howard Wolowitz, reflecting on how the character changed and matured over the course of The Big Bang Theory, especially after Howard’s relationship with Bernadette began. Helberg also discusses his on-screen and real-life bromance with Kunal Nayyar, reveals his first impressions of Melissa Rauch, and shares what it’s like to revisit old TBBT episodes now through the eyes of his own children.
#1. Penny and Leonard Make It Official
Guest: Steve Molaro
May 18, 2026The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast returns with executive producer and showrunner Steve Molaro joining host Jessica Radloff. Together, they discuss the Leonard and Penny romance that opened a new chapter in TBBT history. Molaro explains why the writers chose not to drag out the couple's long-awaited move from friends to something more, and why they immediately complicated the "Lenny" relationship by making their first night together less than perfect. He also reflects on how Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki's real-life relationship at the time shaped the chemistry fans saw onscreen.
Season 2
#23. The Monopolar Expedition with David Saltzberg
December 22, 2025Science consultant David Saltzberg returns to the podcast to help host Jessica Radloff break down the second-season finale, "The Monopolar Expedition". In the episode, the guys prepare to head to the North Pole, and David shares how his own work trips helped inspire the storyline. Plus, this episode marks the first appearance of Sheldon's catchphrase, "Bazinga!"
#22. The Classified Materials Turbulence with Kevin Sussman
December 15, 2025Kevin Sussman returns to the podcast to discuss his second episode, "The Classified Materials Turbulence", which sees Stuart go on a date with Penny. Kevin tells host Jessica Radloff why he wishes he'd known at the time that Chuck Lorre actually did like him. He recalls the emotions of tape night and the moment the studio audience was let in. Plus, Kevin shares his feelings about filming make-out scenes and reveals which scene was his least favorite to shoot.
#21. The Vegas Renormalization with Jodi Lyn O'Keefe
December 8, 2025Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, who was originally cast as the female lead in the unaired pilot of The Big Bang Theory, tells host Jessica Radloff what it was like to return as a guest star in the show's second season. Jodi recalls being replaced after the first table read and learning the news as she was on her way to dinner with the rest of the cast. She also reflects on what it meant to come back and work with what she calls "the dream team."
#20. The Hofstadter Isotope with Kevin Sussman
December 1, 2025Kevin Sussman joins Jessica Radloff to discuss his very first appearance on The Big Bang Theory as Stuart Bloom. Kevin reveals how he was already in the show's orbit before appearing in the second season: he originally auditioned for Leonard, and the role of Wolowitz was actually written for him. He explains why he wasn't able to take the part, and why he never told Simon Helberg. Plus, Kevin shares the one item he wishes he had taken from the set when the show wrapped.
#19. The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition with Mark Cendrowski
November 24, 2025The Big Bang Theory's resident director Mark Cendrowski, who directed 244 episodes over twelve years, returns to the podcast to discuss "The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition". Mark tells host Jessica Radloff how he helped guest actors prepare for the taping - including this episode's guest, Valerie Azlynn - so the rhythm of the show wouldn't be disrupted. He also reveals how he discovered that Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco were dating in real life.
#18. The Work Song Nanocluster with Lee Aronsohn
November 17, 2025Executive producer Lee Aronsohn returns to the podcast to discuss the episode where Penny launches her own small business, "Penny Blossoms". Host Jessica Radloff highlights a mistake in this episode that still drives showrunner Steve Molaro crazy. They also discuss how the Penny Blossoms made their way back into the series finale.
#17. The Terminator Decoupling with John Shaffner
November 10, 2025Production designer John Shaffner returns to the podcast to discuss The Big Bang Theory's first train episode, "The Terminator Decoupling". John tells host Jessica Radloff about the challenges of creating the train set for this episode and explains the issues that came with the show's iconic staircase, which led to an unexpected connection to The Golden Girls' set. Plus, he shares how his work on the set evolved as the show grew in popularity.
#16. The Cushion Saturation with Ann Shea
November 3, 2025Set decorator Ann Shea returns to the podcast to discuss what became known as The Big Bang Theory's "couch episode", The Cushion Saturation. Ann tells host Jessica Radloff where the show's iconic couch came from and whether she knew how pivotal it would become. This episode is best remembered for the moment Penny accidentally shoots a cushion - Sheldon's spot, to be precise - with a paintball gun, and Ann reveals just how many couch cushions the team had to source to make it happen.
#15. The Maternal Capacitance with Christine Baranski
October 27, 2025Christine Baranski, who played Leonard's mother Beverly Hofstadter in 16 episodes of The Big Bang Theory, joins Jessica Radloff to discuss her first appearance in "The Maternal Capacitance". Baranski likens joining the series to "jumping onto a fast-moving train" and explains the intense obligation she felt to deliver. She shares whether she ever broke character while delivering Beverly's deadpan lines. Plus, she admits that singing "Any Way You Want It" with Jim Parsons at the end of the episode will make it onto her "lifetime highlight reel".
#14. The Financial Permeability with Mark Sweet
October 20, 2025This week, Jessica Radloff is joined by Mark Sweet, the comedian who "warmed up" the studio audience for The Big Bang Theory throughout its entire run. Sweet explains why the show felt special from the very beginning and shares the story of a marriage proposal he helped facilitate before one taping. Plus, he recalls how the audience would erupt whenever Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki wandered into the stands, and reveals which character fans most often chose to dress up as.
#13. The Friendship Algorithm with John Ross Bowie
October 13, 2025Returning for the second week in a row, John Ross Bowie joins Jessica Radloff to talk about another Barry Kripke episode, "The Friendship Algorithm". Bowie shares why he thinks The Big Bang Theory resonated so strongly with female viewers and how the character of Penny represented the audience. He also talks about the cast members he grew closest to and still keeps in touch with today, and explains why he asked director Mark Cendrowski for an extra take during one scene.
#12. The Killer Robot Instability with John Ross Bowie
October 6, 2025John Ross Bowie, who played Barry Kripke in 25 episodes of The Big Bang Theory, joins Jessica Radloff to discuss his first appearance on the show in "The Killer Robot Instability". Bowie reveals how he twice auditioned for the role of Leonard during the show's development, how he ultimately landed the part of Kripke, and how his character's speech impediment came to be. He also reflects on working with the cast and on watching Jim Parsons bring Sheldon to life up close.
#11. The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis with Steve Molaro
September 29, 2025Showrunner Steve Molaro returns to the podcast to revisit one of The Big Bang Theory's most beloved episodes, "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis". Molaro shares with host Jessica Radloff his memories of the tape night when Penny surprised Sheldon with the iconic Leonard Nimoy napkin. He also reveals how he broke from Chuck Lorre's initial outline for this episode.
#10. The Vartabedian Conundrum with Nikki Lorre
September 22, 2025Director Nikki Lorre returns to discuss what host Jessica Radloff calls one of her favorite episodes, "The Vartabedian Conundrum", in which Leonard tries to squirm out of his relationship with Dr. Stephanie (played by Sara Rue). Nikki reflects on Sara's performance, why Stephanie's arc ended after three episodes, and how her father, series co-creator Chuck Lorre, often sought her perspective since she was the same age as the characters. Plus, Nikki reveals whether any of her own real-life relationships inspired storylines on the show.
#9. The White Asparagus Triangulation with Anthony Rich
September 15, 2025Director Anthony Rich returns to the podcast to discuss the episode "The White Asparagus Triangulation", which features a lot of Sheldon-Penny interaction. Anthony and host Jessica Radloff talk about why "Shenny" scenes are among their favorites. Anthony also shares how he learned about Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco's real-life relationship, and notes how backstage ping-pong games helped the cast bond.
#8. The Lizard-Spock Expansion with Sara Rue
September 8, 2025Sara Rue, best known to The Big Bang Theory fans as Dr. Stephanie Barnett, joins host Jessica Radloff to discuss her debut episode, "The Lizard-Spock Expansion". Sara shares how she once auditioned for the role of Penny, what it meant to her to play a doctor on the show, and how her three-episode arc led to a lasting friendship with Jim Parsons.
#7. The Panty Pinata Polarization with Dave Goetsch
September 1, 2025Writer and executive producer Dave Goetsch returns to the podcast to join host Jessica Radloff for a conversation about "The Panty Pinata Polarization". Goetsch shares how "America's Next Top Model" became a plot point, why he enjoyed the dynamic between Sheldon and Penny in this episode, and how the writers divided storylines each week. Plus, he and Radloff reveal the surprising reason they're grateful The Big Bang Theory ended after Season 12.
#6. The Cooper-Nowitzki Theorem with Riki Lindhome
August 25, 2025Jessica Radloff is joined by Riki Lindhome, who played Ramona Nowitzki - Sheldon's graduate assistant turned platonic girlfriend - to discuss "The Cooper-Nowitzki Theorem". Lindhome reflects on what it was like to be Sheldon's first "love interest" on the show, her reaction upon learning she had to give Jim Parsons a pedicure in the episode, and what it was like to be invited back to the show a decade later.
#5. The Euclid Alternative with Lee Aronsohn
August 18, 2025Jessica Radloff welcomes back The Big Bang Theory producer Lee Aronsohn to discuss "The Euclid Alternative", where Sheldon's friends stage an intervention to get him to drive. Aronsohn shares his thoughts on whether Sheldon was on the spectrum, why he sees this episode as the one that defined Sheldon's character, and why "Shenny" scenes were always the easiest to write.
#4. The Griffin Equivalency with Kunal Nayyar
August 11, 2025Kunal Nayyar returns to the podcast to chat with host Jessica Radloff about "The Griffin Equivalency", the episode where Raj's ego balloons after being named one of People magazine's "30 Under 30" to watch. Kunal reflects on his own experiences with fame during the early days of The Big Bang Theory, and how each cast member handled their sudden rise. He also reveals his tradition of napping before each live taping, and the hilarious way Jim Parsons woke him up. Plus, the one Raj quote fans always repeat back to him.
#3. The Barbarian Sublimation with Faye Woods
August 4, 2025Jessica Radloff is joined by hairstylist Faye Woods to revisit one of Kaley Cuoco's favorite episodes, "The Barbarian Sublimation", in which Penny becomes addicted to online gaming, leading to the memorable scene where she has a Cheeto stuck in her hair. Faye also shares the behind-the-scenes story of a haircut Kaley once got that nearly gave Chuck Lorre PTSD and almost cost Faye her job.
#2. The Codpiece Topology with Eric Kaplan
July 28, 2025Jessica Radloff sits down with executive producer Eric Kaplan, who worked on The Big Bang Theory for eleven seasons, to discuss "The Codpiece Topology" (the Renaissance Fair episode). Kaplan recalls asking Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady during his interview whether Penny and Leonard would end up together, and explains how that question helped him land the job. He also gets to hear the first joke he wrote that made it on the show and reveals the humorous song he taught the cast and crew.
#1. The Bad Fish Paradigm with Chuck Lorre
July 21, 2025Host Jessica Radloff is joined again by The Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre to discuss the second season premiere, "The Bad Fish Paradigm". The episode sees Leonard and Penny navigating the aftermath of their first date, but behind the scenes, Lorre admits he had just learned that Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco were in a real-life relationship. Lorre also recalls Jim Parsons' audition for Sheldon and reflects on The Big Bang Theory's first visit to Comic-Con, where he was struck by how deeply fans already connected with the show.
Season 1
#17. The Tangerine Factor with Steve Molaro
July 14, 2025Host Jessica Radloff is joined by writer and producer Steve Molaro, who worked on The Big Bang Theory for all twelve seasons and went on to co-create Young Sheldon, to discuss the first season finale. Molaro reveals how he almost left TBBT after this episode, and how his own dating history mirrored Leonard's relationship with Penny.
#16. The Peanut Reaction with Vernée Watson
July 7, 2025Host Jessica Radloff is joined by Emmy-award winning actress Vernée Watson, who played Nurse Althea in six episodes of The Big Bang Theory, to discuss her second appearance in "The Peanut Reaction". Watson, who has guest starred on a number of Chuck Lorre shows dating back to the '90s, talks about how nervous she felt when Lorre was on set. She also discusses her friendship with The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki, who once visited her house and spent time with her kids and grandchildren.
#15. The Pork Chop Indeterminacy with Courtney Henggeler
June 30, 2025Host Jessica Radloff is joined by Courtney Henggeler, who played Sheldon's twin sister Missy Cooper, who shares her memories of first auditioning for the show and reveals who encouraged her to use a Southern accent. Courtney also reflects on returning to the show a decade later and meeting Raegan Revord, who plays young Missy on Young Sheldon.
#14. The Nerdvana Annihilation with John Shaffner
June 23, 2025Host Jessica Radloff welcomes The Big Bang Theory's production designer John Shaffner to discuss "The Nerdvana Annihilation". He shares his initial reaction to being asked to design and build the iconic time machine from H. G. Wells' novel. Plus, John reveals the secret "gum" wall located on the show's set.
#13. The Bat Jar Conjecture with Anthony Rich
June 16, 2025Director Anthony Rich returns to the podcast to discuss the "Physics Bowl" episode with host Jessica Radloff. Rich talks about the complexities of shooting an episode with a large cast of extras, his memories of watching Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert work together again after their Roseanne days, and the first appearance of the Batman Cookie Jar.
#12. The Jerusalem Duality with Set Decorator Ann Shea
June 9, 2025Jessica Radloff talks with set decorator Ann Shea about the how iconic apartment sets came to be, the design changes between the two pilot episodes, and the props that became staples of Leonard and Sheldon's apartment.
#11. The Pancake Batter Anomaly with Nikki Lorre
June 2, 2025Nikki Lorre joins host Jessica Radloff to discuss the first episode to feature Soft Kitty, share how Jim Parsons learned the song, and reveal whether any cast members were ever too sick to make it a Tuesday taping. Plus, Nikki recalls her journey working up the ranks under her father, TBBT creator Chuck Lorre, to eventually take the director's chair.
#10. The Loobenfeld Decay with Lee Aronsohn
May 26, 2025Lee Aronsohn, writer and producer on The Big Bang Theory and co-creator of Two and a Half Men with Chuck Lorre, joins Jessica Radloff to talk about this episode, the first to feature Sheldon's Knock. Aronsohn also shares how he can tell the writers were still finding Sheldon's character at this early point in the series.
#9. The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization with David Saltzberg
May 19, 2025Jessica Radloff is joined by Professor David Saltzberg, The Big Bang Theory's science consultant, to discuss his crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of the scientific dialogue and even the equations on the characters' whiteboards.
#8. The Grasshopper Experiment with Kunal Nayyar
May 12, 2025Kunal Nayyar joins host Jessica Radloff to reflect on his time playing Raj Koothrappali on The Big Bang Theory. He reveals how hard it was to keep a straight face during live tapings and explains why his character still holds a special place in the hearts of fans in Delhi, India.
#7. The Dumpling Paradox with Anthony Rich
May 5, 2025Director Anthony Rich returns to join Jessica Radloff in a discussion of "The Dumpling Paradox", the first episode to feature Mrs. Wolowitz. Anthony shares memories of the late Carol Ann Susi, who voiced Howard's mother, along with revealing a moment during the episode where Johnny Galecki broke character.
#6. The Middle-Earth Paradigm with Anthony Rich
April 28, 2025Host Jessica Radloff is joined by director Anthony Rich, who worked on The Big Bang Theory from the beginning, to talk about the first Halloween episode and what makes party scenes so difficult to shoot.
#5. The Hamburger Postulate with Sara Gilbert
April 21, 2025Sara Gilbert joins Jessica Radloff to discuss her role as Leslie Winkle on The Big Bang Theory and reuniting with former Roseanne co-star Johnny Galecki.
#4. The Luminous Fish Effect with Dave Goetsch
April 14, 2025The Big Bang Theory writer and producer Dave Goetsch returns to chat with host Jessica Radloff about "The Luminous Fish Effect", the episode which introduced Laurie Metcalf as Sheldon's mother, Mary Cooper.
#3. The Fuzzy Boots Corollary with Dave Goetsch
April 7, 2025Jessica Radloff is joined by Dave Goetsch, a producer and writer throughout The Big Bang Theory's twelve seasons, to discuss the hits and misses of the early episodes, including the introduction of Sara Gilbert's Leslie Winkle character.
#2. The Big Bran Hypothesis with Mark Cendrowski
March 31, 2025Jessica Radloff discusses the second episode, "The Big Bran Hypothesis", with The Big Bang Theory's resident director Mark Cendrowski, who directed 244 episodes during the show's twelve-season run.
#1. The Pilot with Director James Burrows
March 24, 2025Jessica Radloff is joined by legendary director James Burrows (Taxi, Cheers, Will & Grace) to discuss his experience directing both the unaired and aired pilots of The Big Bang Theory and the changes made between the two versions.
#-99. The Unaired Pilot with Chuck Lorre and Peter Roth
March 17, 2025Jessica Radloff talks to The Big Bang Theory's co-creator Chuck Lorre and former Warner Bros. Television Group chairman Peter Roth about the unaired pilot developed for 2006/07 season.