Carly Mallenbaum

USA TODAY

Looking for something new to listen to while you drive to work/go for a walk/wash the dishes? We're here for you. In a weekly series, we're highlighting a podcast, audio personality or specific story worth hearing.

This week's pick: Making Oprah

Thirty years ago this fall, Oprah Winfrey made her national TV debut. Today, she's one of the most influential people in the country. But let's back up a bit, how did Winfrey get that first hosting job?

In the three-part WBEZ podcast Making Oprah, host Jenn White uses interviews with producers, publicists and even Oprah, herself, to tell the story of how a candid, local TV co-host with "the gift" (according to Jesse Jackson) became the highest-rated daytime TV host ever.

Why it's ripe for listening

Making Oprah

You probably feel familiar with 2016 Oprah, the woman who can instantly turn books into bestsellers and land interviews with the nation's most controversial newsmakers. But here's what you may not know about the billionaire's past: She sent a very embarrassing audition tape before she got her national TV break, she ultimately regretted her most-popular Oprah episode and she was in a ratings battle with Phil Donahue (who also speaks on the podcast).

Memorable line

Chicago TV producer Dennis Swanson on hiring Oprah:

"I’m sitting in my office watching this audition and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Oh my goodness, Dennis -- you can’t be this lucky.’ This woman is unbelievable. Finally, she said to me, do I have any concerns. And I said, ‘Not that I can think of.’ And she says, ‘Well, you know I’m black.’ I said, ‘I think I have that figured out,’ so I said we’re over that hurdle. She says, ‘You know I’m overweight.’ And I said, ‘Well so am I and so are many Americans.’"

Check out last week's podcast pick here.