99% Invisible
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
Roman Mars on the design that shapes the world.
Episodes
- A History of the United States in 100 Objects
In this series, Roman Mars explores the history of the United States through 100 distinct objects. Each episode examines a different item to uncover stories about the country's development and societal changes.
- Enshittification
This episode explores the concept of "enshittification" and examines why it is challenging to fix everyday items. The discussion focuses on the difficulties consumers face when attempting to repair products they rely on.
- Citizen of the World
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "Citizen of the World," discusses the story of an individual who renounced their nationality and challenged the world to acknowledge this stance.
- Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson
This episode of 99% Invisible continues a series on the U.S. Constitution, focusing on Articles VI and VII. The discussion includes the Supremacy Clause and AI regulation with Dr. Alondra Nelson.
- Co-op City
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses Co-op City, the world’s largest housing co-op. It covers its original purpose to support New York City’s middle class and a subsequent resident revolt.
- RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
This episode of 99% Invisible explores Major League Baseball's consideration of using robot umpires to improve call accuracy. It notes that human umpires make approximately 14 incorrect calls per game.
- Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
This episode of 99% Invisible explores the complexities of modern towing, prompted by a listener's missing car. The discussion covers confusing rules, murky fees, and the various private entities involved in the towing industry.
- Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work?
This episode of 99% Invisible investigates the power grid in Phoenix, Arizona. It examines the challenges of maintaining electricity in a region where power loss can be dangerous.
- Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?
This episode of 99% Invisible investigates the reasons behind the persistent litter problem in San Francisco, focusing on the challenges of trash can redesign and their impact on street cleanliness. It examines why a decade-long effort to…
- Constitution Breakdown #8: Jill Lepore
This episode discusses Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Roman and Elizabeth talk with Jill Lepore, who explains her thesis on the Constitution being meant for amendment and why Article V amendments are now difficult.
- Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?", investigates advanced traffic systems and their limitations in addressing urban gridlock. It also invites listeners to submit their own infras…
- Service Request #1: What Happens When I Call 311?
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses the 311 phone number and its function in community connection. Listeners are invited to submit infrastructure-related questions for a segment called "Service Request."
- A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Mars!
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses how one amateur astronomer influenced beliefs about Martians.
- Where the F*** Are We?
This episode of 99% Invisible explores the historical problem of accurately determining longitude, a challenge that perplexed many until a significant breakthrough changed navigation permanently.
- Constitution Breakdown #7: California AG Rob Bonta
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses Article IV and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins to discuss how his office uses these to protect the state from federal overreach.
- The Longest Fence in the World
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses how the longest fence in the world, built to protect sheep, drastically changed the Australian landscape.
- Molar City
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses "Molar City," a Mexican border town that has become a center for dental tourism due to offering dental care at a much lower cost than in the United States.
- Artistic License Redux
This episode explores the origins and impact of license plate slogans, starting with Idaho. It delves into how this seemingly small idea led to broader debates about what content is appropriate for license plates.
- The Em Dash
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses the history of the em dash. It explores how this punctuation mark has been perceived in writing, from making text feel human to suggesting the opposite.
- Constitution Breakdown #6: Adam Liptak
This episode of 99% Invisible features Roman Mars and Elizabeth Jobin discussing Article III of the U.S. Constitution with Adam Liptak, chief legal affairs correspondent for the New York Times. The discussion focuses on the judicial branch…
- What’s in a Name
This episode of 99% Invisible explores the unique English-language naming traditions in Zimbabwe. Producer Kim Chakanetsa discusses how the country's history from colonial rule to independence shaped these traditions.
- Audio Flux
This episode of 99% Invisible features Audio Flux, a short-form audio challenge. Artists create three-minute stories, including "The Sound of Silence," "In Between Silence," "The Ghost on Side B," "First Words," and "Red Card."
- Exit Interview With Michael Bierut
This episode of 99% Invisible features an exit interview with Michael Bierut, where he discusses a pivotal design brief early in his career that influenced his professional path.
- Mini-Stories: Volume 22
This episode of 99% Invisible, "Mini-Stories: Volume 22", discusses performance-changing gear, a resilient nurse from the Titanic era, and an innovative art vending project. It explores how innovation and endurance can shape various unexpe…
- Beyond the 99% Invisible City
This episode of 99% Invisible explores how chaos and creativity influence the urban environment. The discussion includes examples such as rogue stop signs and rooftop mini golf.
- Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
This episode is the fifth in a series breaking down the U.S. Constitution. Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article Two with former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, focusing on the experience of experts in political institutions and the powers of…
- Mini-Stories: Volume 21
This episode of 99% Invisible, "Mini-Stories: Volume 21," covers a glowing pyramid in Vegas, a mistyped domain, and a miracle investigation. It features three unexpected tales.
- Sax Appeal
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "Sax Appeal," discusses the history of the saxophone. It covers the instrument's journey from military parades to its use in smoky clubs, and its evolution into a symbol of rebellion and reinvention.
- The Checkerboard
The episode "The Checkerboard" from 99% Invisible discusses a legal conflict caused by a diagonal step on a map.
- U Is for Urbanism
The episode 'U Is for Urbanism' from 99% Invisible discusses the application of Jane Jacobs' urbanism ideas to a children's television program. It examines how these urban planning principles were brought to life on the show's set.
- Constitution Breakdown #4: Janet Napolitano
This episode focuses on Article Two of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the executive branch. Roman and Elizabeth discuss this with former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and Elizabeth also explains the Trump admin…
- Murderland
This episode of 99% Invisible explores writer Caroline Fraser's theory about a link between industrial poison, deadly design, and serial killers in the Pacific Northwest.
- The Moving Walkway Is Ending
The episode investigates the concept of moving walkways, tracing their origins from an urban ideal to their current use primarily in airports.
- How to Write a Joke
Elliott Kalan, a comedy writer, shares his process for developing jokes. His new book, "Joke Farming: How to Write Comedy and Other Nonsense," will be available on November 12.
- Gear (Articles of Interest)
This episode of 99% Invisible, from Articles of Interest, explores how America’s obsession with ruggedness and war influenced clothing, from buckskin breeches to Patagonia vests.
- Constitution Breakdown #3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren
This episode of 99% Invisible
- Your Call Is Important to Us
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses the idea that difficult customer service experiences might be planned. It considers why issues like dropped calls and long wait times occur.
- Hidden Levels #6: Segagaga
This episode of 99% Invisible features a story about a SEGA employee who turned the company's struggles into a game. The episode is part of the "Hidden Levels" series, a production of 99% Invisible and WBUR's Endless Thread.
- Hidden Levels #5: Press B to Touch Grass
This episode of 99% Invisible explores how video games, from blocky biomes to open worlds, are shaping our understanding of nature, construction, and conservation.
- Hidden Levels #4: Machinima
This episode of 99% Invisible discusses machinima, an art form from the 90s that transforms video games into movie sets. The episode is part of the Hidden Levels series.
- Hidden Levels #3: This Game Wants YOU
This episode, titled "Hidden Levels #3: This Game Wants YOU," discusses a free shooter game created by the US Army in the early 2000s. The game aimed to generate interest in military enlistment among young people.
- Hidden Levels #2: Stick It to 'Em
The episode "Hidden Levels #2: Stick It to 'Em" from 99% Invisible examines the history and influence of joysticks across various applications, including aviation and video games. It discusses how this technology has shaped the connection…
- Hidden Levels #1: Mr. Boomshakalaka
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "Hidden Levels #1: Mr. Boomshakalaka," revisits the 1990s arcade scene and a basketball game that became very popular.
- Get Played with Roman Mars and Ben Brock Johnson
Roman Mars and Ben Brock Johnson from 99% Invisible are joined by Heather Anne Campbell and Matt Apodaca of Get Played to discuss video games, controllers, and culture.
- The Power Broker #13: Drop Dead City
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "Drop Dead City," discusses the challenges faced by New York City in the 1970s, touching on themes of debt, unions, and a significant headline.
- Constitution Breakdown #2: Rep. Sharice Davids
This episode of 99% Invisible continues a series on the U.S. Constitution, focusing on Article One. It examines lawmaking, committees, and the responsibilities of the House of Representatives with Representative Sharice Davids.
- The New Jungle
This episode of 99% Invisible, titled "The New Jungle," discusses refugees working in dangerous jobs in a Colorado meatpacking town. It was produced in partnership with the Food & Environment Reporting Network.
- Replaceable You
Mary Roach investigates the design and replacement of body parts, including pig hearts and prosthetic feet, highlighting the challenges involved.
- Revisiting The 99% Invisible City
This episode celebrates the 5th anniversary of "The 99% Invisible City" by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt. It features a guided audio tour of downtown Oakland, California, exploring everyday designs and examples from the built environment.
- The 99PI Anniversary Special: 15 for 15
This 99% Invisible episode features Roman Mars answering 15 questions for the show's 15th anniversary. Topics include dream merchandise and objects he wants to cover. The episode also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the show's product…