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Artwork for 99% Invisible

99% Invisible

Roman Mars
Covid-19
The Power Broker
Calculators
Memorialization
Robert Moses
Robert Caro
Design
Chicago
Skateboarding
Public Perception Of COVID
Christmas
Military Simulations
Mustafa
Marked By COVID
Doughboy Meadow
New York City
Cultural Competence In War
Urban Warfare
War On Terror
US Military

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 weeklyEpisodes789Founded16 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for 99% Invisible

Latest Episodes

In a place where losing power can turn deadly, keeping the lights on is a high-stakes balancing act.

What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo with your question and emailing it to servi... more

Why did it take nearly a decade to redesign a city trash can, and why haven't more bins made the streets cleaner?

What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo with your question and emailin... more

YouTube

This is the eighth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.

This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article V, which lays out the process to amend the Constitution.

Then, Jill Lepore lays out her thesis that the Constituti... more

YouTube

What the world's most advanced traffic system can—and can't—do for the city that invented gridlock.

What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo with your question and emailing it to servic... more

YouTube

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

Ed Roey
(mentioned) voice in early system rollout discussion
City of LA/traffic engineering
Episode: Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
Eric Zambon
Transportation engineer in charge of the ADSAC Traffic Management Center
LADOT
Episode: Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
Ed Rowe
Transportation official who helped initiate the 118-light network
City of LA
Episode: Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
Salida Reynolds
Chief Innovation Officer at LA Metro
LA Metro
Episode: Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
Cody Franklin
Husband of Vivian Ley, appears in the on-site narrative
Personal guest
Episode: Service Request #2: Why Is This Red Light So Damn Long?
Christopher Johnson
Senior ice cream truck hater at 99PI
99% Invisible
Episode: Service Request #1: What Happens When I Call 311?
Samantha Pearce
Supervisor at NYC 311
New York City 311
Episode: Service Request #1: What Happens When I Call 311?
Joe Morrisrow
Deputy Commissioner in charge of 311
New York City Office of Technology and Innovation
Episode: Service Request #1: What Happens When I Call 311?
David Barron
Science journalist and author of The Martians
Author of The Martians
Episode: A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Mars!

Host

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

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 45.6k ratings
  • My fave

    I love this so much I listen to it whenever I’m free

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Percebeth26
    United States9 days ago
  • More power broker adjacent discussions please

    Really enjoyed discussion on drop dead city - Please find more ways to discuss adjacent topics and bring back Elliott Kalan at least once a year

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    canadianpublicradionerd
    Canada14 days ago
  • continued use of unethical ad sponsors

    I have loved this podcast from the moment I hit play on the first episode however many years ago. That being said, the sudden sponsorship by AI is HUGELY disappointing, and I’ve slowly stopped listening to this podcast because of it. I’m honestly holding my breath for an episode about the “built AI environment” - where I will then throw my phone out a gd window.

    There’s only so far one can sellout before you start seriously alienating your fans. Is this why so many regulars on the show have st... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    grow-a-spine
    United States15 days ago
  • They sell their stuff in Russia despite sanctions

    This used to be one of my favorite podcasts! Continuing to do business in Russia despite sanctions is a clear compromise of values. Disappointing.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    marcin-busko
    Poland17 days ago
  • So so interesting!

    Kudos to Roman Mars and the team for creating such interesting and insightful podcasts. Your programs are a refreshing change to the daily deluge of sad, disappointing news. I have learnt so much about things I didn’t even know existed. Many thanks for putting together the shows on Constitution. Much needed. I wouldn’t worry about the comments about your being political because these are extreme times and staying totally apolitical is like staying in a cocoon.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TravenAdventure
    United States17 days 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.

Spotify
#11
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#224
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#1
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#4
United States/Arts
Spotify
#15
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#126
Canada/Top Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Man, a Plan, a Canal—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.
A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Mars!
Q: Can you explain his thinking at the time and why it seemed coherent to people then?
Barron notes that the canals theory fit the era's assumptions about Mars as an older, evolving world with global irrigation; the idea offered hopeful visions of unity and technological progress, making it emotionally compelling despite weak evidence.
A Man, a Plan, a Canal—Mars!
Q: So your book centers on a character named Percival Lowell, and he's sort of the engine powering this idea of life on Mars. Could you talk about who Percival Lowell was?
Barron explains Lowell as a wealthy, influential figure whose ambition, social status, and eloquence helped him push a controversial theory; his wealth funded observatories and outreach, which amplified the Mars canals narrative even as doubt grew.
Constitution Breakdown #7: California AG Rob Bonta
Q: What kind of funding threats has California faced from the Trump administration?
Bonta explains that the Trump administration has attempted to withhold billions of dollars in funding from California as a means to compel compliance with federal immigration enforcement policies, which he argues violates the Tenth Amendment.
Constitution Breakdown #7: California AG Rob Bonta
Q: What happens to protections for abortion in California amid federal pressures?
Bonta informs that California has enshrined the right to abortion in its state constitution and has implemented guardrails to protect lawful medical practices from out-of-state entities trying to impose liability.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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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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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. Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
5. Twenty Thousand Hertz

How many episodes of 99% Invisible are there?

99% Invisible launched 16 years ago and published 789 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. Ed Roey
2. Eric Zambon
3. Ed Rowe
4. Salida Reynolds
5. Cody Franklin
6. Christopher Johnson
7. Samantha Pearce
8. Joe Morrisrow

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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