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 grace. You don’t have to love cars to love this story.

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 time when it was needed. His flaws were small in comparison to the good he did. But as with a lot of heroes, he faded from memory and ended diminished. The story is fascinating complex and well told I recommend listening to this podcast for anyone interested in the history of Los Angeles in the 60s and 70s.

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

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.

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. See. That. Coming. I liked how they handled it ... you got the sense the people who made this show felt duty-bound to tell the truth. At the same time, they told the story with compassion, which is rare these days in a world of gotcha-journalism. A must-listen for L.A. history buffs, and I suppose, car people.

Something for everyone. LA ppl, car ppl, race ppl, etc. great narration too!

Great reporting and storytelling! Loved the glimpse into a different time.

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 I’m so happy he created this work.

I am stunned that an exciting piece of LA history is lost to poor narration and disjointed story structure/development. A real travesty.

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 positivity. I stopped after Episode 5, in fact, I couldn’t even finish it.

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 legend. If you want to know about the life of Big Willie and everything he did for his community, you've come to the right place!

Love this podcast - super interesting history of Los Angeles that is not often talked about! Really amazing man.

Great history of street racing in LA

There’s just to many podcast, it’s nobody’s fault.

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.

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???

Wow, the LA Times delivered! And that twist in episode 5....?!?!? Must listen.

Fascinating LA story that’s well told!

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 reporter to tell this story

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.

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.

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 !!!!!

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 from it.

Really enjoyed this story. This is a man who deserves to be known for all of the good he did.

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. Daniel Miller looks deep into a city and brings us a man in full. A stunning portrait.

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 world so divided, we could use more Big Willies!

I’m so disappointed. And the guy’s voice. Ugh.

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 actuality he never even completed basic training. Willie’s deception of prancing around in a camo outfit and military beret was compounded by his crocodile tears over the buddies he claimed to have left behind. Why he felt this bold lie was even necessary is never addressed by the podcast. Willie’s near sociopathic ability to play pretend soldier was at the expense of shaming his family, all of whom had to obfuscate when asked about Willie’s time in the military which only amounted to a few weeks. The narrator of the podcast touches on the dark side of Willie as lightly and briefly as possible in his quest to turn Big Willie into a hero. Focusing repeatedly on his publicly funded, failed dragstrip venture, the narrator provides only anecdotal evidence about the value of organized street racing. I remember Big Willie from his days in the sun, and was truly disappointed in how poorly this podcast told his story.

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 cars, racing, or you’re just a gearhead who’s into LA/West Coast car culture. I need a second season of this one!

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 passion toward peace and racing. Great job with the story!

Daniel Miller’s story telling is captivating and insightful. Loved hearing the different layers of Big Willie’s life’s

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.

So glad I discovered this story about a fascinating man, Big Willie.

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!

Not a bad story, but not that great either. Way too much celebrity and politician worship. Perfect for people who love those things.

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.

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 unfortunate fall of Big Willie and Terminal Island and how everything has influenced car culture that we know even today. A++ -Tony Huntimer

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?

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

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 for sharing his very inspirational story.

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!

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.

Great story, fascinating to hear about LA’s untold histories.

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 uncovered new facts that had to be shared with the participants. Amazing job.

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.

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!

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.

I listen to a lot of podcasts and this one hits all the notes I need. It’s researched and well edited, actual investigative reporting (not speculation), and has an actually story arc. And it’s all true! It’s so cool to learn about this obscure part of LA history that touched so many lives.

Amazing reporting work in this podcast that uncovers the super engaging tale of a local L.A. figure that shockingly has been so far untold. Love the tone of the podcast and the episodes are really well produced and engaging. Highly recommend, especially if you love L.A. and its history!

Daniel Miller, has a wonderful gift of telling a story and holding your attention. I lived in Los Angeles all my life and he so accurate. I can’t wait till tomorrow for the next Episode.