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Roman Mars · Arts & Culture

99% Invisible

Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we've just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. From award winning producer Roman Mars. Learn more at 99percentinvisible.org.

Episodes

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How the World Ran Out of Everything

29 Oct 2024
33m
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In this podcast episode, we explore how innovations in shipping and manufacturing have reshaped global supply chains. Peter Goodman shares his insights on the shipping container and just-in-time manufacturing, which have transformed trade but also revealed vulnerabilities that led to the 2021 supply chain crisis. Throu...

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Spirit Halloween

22 Oct 2024
32m
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the intriguing journey of Spirit Halloween, which transformed from a small women's clothing store into a seasonal retail giant that taps into our nostalgia and thirst for new experiences. Through engaging interviews and a look back at its history, the episode explores the brand's ...

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The Power Broker #10: Clara Jeffery

18 Oct 2024
2h 51m
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In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the rise and fall of Robert Moses, examining his significant yet harmful influence on urban planning in New York City. They delve into chapters 39-41 of Robert Caro's book, illustrating how Moses prioritized roadway expansion over public transit and community needs. The discus...

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Trompe L'oeil

15 Oct 2024
32m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the fascinating link between design and perception. It highlights how strategies like dazzle camouflage used in naval warfare and the design of highways influence our experiences and behaviors. Experts discuss how bold patterns on ships in World War I confused enemy gunners, while th...

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Brilliantly Boring

11 Oct 2024
27m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the captivating relationship between art and functionality in Japanese manhole covers, as well as the vital role of reinforced concrete in modern infrastructure. We highlight the intricate designs in Osaka’s manhole covers that honor cultural heritage and examine the cutting-edge use...

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Christiania

08 Oct 2024
40m
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This podcast episode explores the captivating journey of Christiania, a self-governing commune in Copenhagen that transformed from a military base into a vibrant counter-culture hub. It delves into the commune's creation by disillusioned youth, the emergence of its creative and communal spirit, and the ongoing struggle...

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The Infernal Machine

01 Oct 2024
28m
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This podcast episode traces the historical trajectory of anarchism in the early 20th century, shedding light on the philosophical foundations and justifications for violence among its proponents, particularly through the lens of Emma Goldman and her evolution in the context of political violence and surveillance. As th...

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Cue the Sun!

24 Sep 2024
35m
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This podcast episode examines the evolution of reality television, tracing its roots from game shows introduced by Chuck Barris to the transformative impact of shows like "An American Family" and "The Real World," ultimately culminating in the cultural phenomenon of "Survivor" and the political implications of "The App...

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The Power Broker #9: Majora Carter

20 Sep 2024
2h 32m
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This podcast episode delves into the tumultuous legacy of Robert Moses, illuminating his extravagant lifestyle, relentless pursuit of urban development, and the profound impact of his projects on communities, particularly in East Tremont. Through vivid storytelling and expert commentary, it showcases how Moses wielded ...

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Planet Money: Zombie 2nd Mortgages

17 Sep 2024
33m
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This podcast episode explores the complex and often troubling dynamics surrounding zombie mortgages, beginning with David Gordon's controversial investment strategies that capitalize on bundled mortgages post-crisis, and transitioning into the harrowing experiences of homeowners like Karen, who confront aggressive debt...

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Medellin, Revisited

10 Sep 2024
33m
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This podcast episode examines the complex consequences of Medellin's transformation into a popular tourist destination, shedding light on the dark sides of gentrification, rising housing costs, and the displacement of locals. It delves into the city's notorious past through the lens of Comuna 13, exploring the interpla...

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Not Built For This #6: Maximum Temperature

06 Sep 2024
41m
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This podcast episode investigates the escalating public health crisis of extreme heat in Phoenix, unraveling its historical context and socio-economic disparities that disproportionately affect the homeless and marginalized populations. Delaney Hall trails outreach efforts focused on relief amidst warnings of a grim fu...

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Not Built For This #5: The Little Levee That Could

03 Sep 2024
48m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges faced by Hamilton City in securing federal funding for a setback levee, a solution designed to protect the community while restoring the river's ecosystem. Through the tireless efforts of local advocates like Leanne Grigsby Puente and Jose Puente, alongside innovative collab...

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Not Built For This #4: Unbuilding the Terrace

30 Aug 2024
48m
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This podcast episode chronicles the life and challenges faced by Tramika Rankins, a long-time resident of Greenwich Terrace, as she navigates the devastating impact of climate change through a series of floods exacerbated by hurricanes. The narrative addresses the inequities in recovery efforts between affluent and wor...

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Not Built For This #3: The Price is Wrong

27 Aug 2024
49m
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This podcast episode investigates the interplay between flood insurance, climate change, and the development of Cape Coral, Florida, as it faces the far-reaching consequences of Hurricane Ian. It highlights the historically low pricing of the National Flood Insurance Program, which has incentivized risky development, a...

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Not Built For This #2: The Ripple Effect

23 Aug 2024
57m
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This podcast episode explores the intertwined crises of housing and climate change in Chico, a college town recovering from the catastrophic Camp Fire. Through personal narratives and community responses, it highlights the struggle for affordable housing amidst rising rents, the challenges faced by fire survivors, and ...

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Not Built For This #1: The Bottom of the Bowl

20 Aug 2024
28m
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This podcast episode emphasizes the urgent need for communities like Montpelier to shift from merely rebuilding after disasters to proactively adapting to the realities of climate change, as evidenced by increasing extreme weather events and potential mass migrations. Delving into local responses to flooding, it showca...

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The Power Broker #8: Shiloh Frederick

16 Aug 2024
2h 12m
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This podcast episode delves deep into the intricate web of power and corruption spun by Robert Moses, highlighting his masterful manipulation of politics, funding, and public perception in New York City. Through a thorough exploration of his relationships with key political figures and his strategic exploitation of the...

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Side Projects

13 Aug 2024
1h 5m
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This podcast episode highlights the relaunch of "What Roman Mars Can Learn About Con Law," where Roman Mars teams up with law professor Elizabeth Cho to unpack the complexities of constitutional law, specifically addressing recent Supreme Court cases and their implications on critical social issues like homelessness an...

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Top Billing

06 Aug 2024
29m
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This podcast episode explores the intricate design and functional importance of title sequences in film and television, revealing how they convey information, negotiate star billing hierarchies, and leave lasting impressions on viewers. Through intriguing case studies, such as the "Laverne and Shirley" title card compr...

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