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Artwork for 99% Invisible

99% Invisible

Roman Mars
Robert Moses
New York City
Climate Change
The Power Broker
Urban Planning
Robert Caro
Constitution
Los Angeles
California
Infrastructure
Urban Design
Congress
Video Games
Covid-19
Chicago
Tennessee Valley Authority
Supreme Court
Homelessness
Environmental Law
Design

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes795Founded16 years ago
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ArtsDesign

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Artwork for 99% Invisible

Latest Episodes

As wild and random as they might seem, a lot of workโ€”and even poetryโ€”goes into coming up with today's catchiest, most unforgettable drug names.

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Americaโ€™s 250th birthday calls for a history as sprawling and contradictory as the country itself.

A History of the United States in 100 Objects โ€” hosted by Roman Mars and produced by BBC Studios and 99% Invisible โ€” tells that history one thing at a... more

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Why is it suddenly so hard to fix the stuff we depend on most?

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One man rejected nationality and dared the world to recognize him anyway.

Listen to Far From Home wherever you get your podcasts.

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Start a f... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Cory Doctorow
Novelist, activist, journalist
Independent/Writer
Episode: Enshittification
Scott Gurian
Frequent contributor to 99% Invisible; producer of Far From Home
Far From Home
Episode: Citizen of the World
Dr. Alondra Nelson
Scholar of technology and social science; former acting director of the White House OSTP
Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton; former OSTP Director
Episode: Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson
Zach Helfand
Editor and sportswriter at The New Yorker
The New Yorker
Episode: RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
Chris Berube
Producer guiding the episode and providing questions and updates
Episode: RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
Tom Berry
Retired police officer and fraud investigator for insurance companies
Independent (Detroit case)
Episode: Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
Shane Nation
Tow truck driver in Detroit
Tow industry
Episode: Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
Kelly Prime
Editor with 99% Invisible
99% Invisible
Episode: Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
Gretchen Bakke
Author of The Grid, cultural anthropologist studying energy systems
Author, The Grid
Episode: Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work?

Host

Roman Mars
Producer and host known for his thoughtful exploration of design and architecture.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 45.7k ratings
  • "Music"

    Usually very interesting, even about subjects that on the face of it should hold no interest for mel. Case in point, episode about robot baseball umpires. I care nothing for sport and this is about a game played by school girls in the UK and grown men in the US, I am neither a British schoolgirl or an American but the episode was good, except. What is the purpose of all the background music? Pointless distraction.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Second Varity
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Podcast Gold Standard

    Incredible Podcast. Great stories, great research, great sound design. My #1 recommendation for anyone looking for a podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cpburt
    United Statesa month ago
  • STOP

    IT NEEDS TO BE ๐Ÿ’ฏ INVISIBLE ๐Ÿซฅ

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ๐Ÿ•๐Ÿ•๐Ÿ•๐ŸŒญ๐ŸŒญ๐ŸŒญ๐ŸŸ๐ŸŸ๐ŸŸ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ—
    United Statesa month ago
  • Wish 99PI were indy

    Been a beautiful nerd loving this show for years but now too many ads to get a good listen. Don't trust this corp with my data or I'd subscribe... keep pushing the progress, Roman!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    OaklandReal
    United Statesa month ago
  • Takes the time to appreciate the world around out.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Venii Conquered
    a month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feel the show has become too commercial and less genuine since its acquisition, affecting content quality.
Reviewers note a shift in content, expressing concern over increased political discussions that detract from the design focus.
Listeners appreciate the insightful storytelling and diverse topics that spark curiosity about design in everyday life.
Many find the production quality and Roman Mars' hosting style engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
Q: What has been the reaction from players and fans to the robot umpire system so far?
Most players and fans have embraced the added recourse and drama of challenges, while some worry about the pace of the game and the loss of human nuance; early experiences show it can heighten tension and engagement in a positive way.
RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
Q: How does the ABS challenge process work during a game?
A player can challenge a call, the ABS will determine whether the ball or strike fell inside the designed strike zone, and the call is overturned if the system confirms the challenge; the umpire signals the decision and the game continues.
Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson
Q: Can you tell us some of the five principles identified in the AI Bill of Rights?
The five principles are safety and effectiveness, protection from algorithmic discrimination, data privacy, notice and explanation for consequential AI decisions, and human alternatives or fallback options, such as the ability to opt out.
Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?
Q: How did you explain the high prototype cost for the new cans?
We explained that the $20,000 per can covered design and development by industrial designers, rigorous testing, and the need for durable, cantilever-locked units capable of withstanding public use; mass production reduced costs to about $1,375 per unit.
A Man, a Plan, a Canalโ€”Mars!
Q: How did the public and media respond to these claims, and what role did prominent scientists play in either supporting or debunking them?
Barron describes the Yellow Press, MIT lectures, and Atlantic Monthly publications amplifying the story, while figures like Maunder and Antoniadi later cast doubt; the media response helped swing public opinion as evidence challenged the narrative.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About 99% Invisible

What is 99% Invisible about and what kind of topics does it cover?

An engaging exploration of design and architecture, the episodes highlight how design affects our daily lives in both overt and subtle ways. Through diverse topics ranging from dental tourism to the cultural significance of names, each narrative showcases unique stories that reveal the hidden complexities and influences behind everyday environments. This podcast transcends traditional design discussions, encouraging listeners to observe and appreciate the often overlooked yet powerful elements that shape urban and personal spaces.

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How many listeners does 99% Invisible get?

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How many subscribers and views does 99% Invisible have?

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Which podcasts are similar to 99% Invisible?

These podcasts share a similar audience with 99% Invisible:

1. Radiolab
2. Articles of Interest
3. This American Life
4. Twenty Thousand Hertz
5. Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

How many episodes of 99% Invisible are there?

99% Invisible launched 16 years ago and published 795 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact 99% Invisible?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for 99% Invisible?

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What guests have appeared on 99% Invisible?

Recent guests on 99% Invisible include:

1. Cory Doctorow
2. Scott Gurian
3. Dr. Alondra Nelson
4. Zach Helfand
5. Chris Berube
6. Tom Berry
7. Shane Nation
8. Kelly Prime

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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