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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
Mustafa
Military Simulations
Doughboy Meadow
Marked By COVID
New York City
US Military
Urban Warfare
War On Terror
Cultural Competence In War

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 weeklyEpisodes775Founded15 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for 99% Invisible

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A young designer faces an impossible brief and discovers the spark that will define his legendary career.

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Performance changing gear, a Titanic era nurse with unbelievable resilience, and an ingenious art vending project reveal how innovation and endurance shape unexpected worlds.

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From rogue stop signs to rooftop mini golf, discover how chaos and creativity quietly shape the urban world.

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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.

Similar Podcasts

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Recent Guests

Michael Bierut
One of the best known designers in America, known for various iconic designs and logos.
Pentagram
Episode: Exit Interview With Michael Bierut
Colin Campbell
Senior architect for OBM in Bermuda
OBM
Episode: Beyond the 99% Invisible City
Dr. Tom Frieden
Physician and public health expert, former director of CDC
Resolve to Save Lives
Episode: Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
Jay Coburn
Reporter and expert on saxophones
Episode: Sax Appeal
Lakeisha Benjamin
Saxophonist and Grammy-nominated musician
Episode: Sax Appeal
Dr. Stephen Cottrell
Emeritus professor of music at City St. George's University
Episode: Sax Appeal
Alexandra Lang
Architectural critic and author of The Design of Childhood
Episode: U Is for Urbanism
Janet Napolitano
Former Secretary of Homeland Security and President of the University of California
University of California
Episode: Constitution Breakdown #4: Janet Napolitano
Caroline Fraser
Author of the book "Murderland" and environmental historian
Episode: Murderland

Hosts

Roman Mars
Roman Mars is an award-winning producer known for his storytelling prowess and engaging narrative style focused on the intricacies of design and architecture.
Ben Brock Johnson
Ben Brock Johnson is a co-host who brings insights from his background in storytelling and media production, contributing to discussions on design and culture involving deep thematic conversations.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 45.5k ratings
  • What happened?

    This was my most reliable podcast for a long time. Then it became political and knows-it-allsy. Loads of interviewees with California vocal fry who have never read a book or run a business commenting on how grocery stores are racist and how capitalism is terrible. Come on! What happened to the good stuff? Miss ya!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Thkabtit
    United States10 days ago
  • This is one of the best history podcasts (which the title doesn't communicate very straightforwardly ;) )

    In fact, it is the best podcast about why and how specific things were designed, instead of the history of famous people (the host boasts about this distinction at one point).

    Podcast Addict
    4
    Lord Gro
    13 days ago
  • More design please

    As a graphic designer; I fell in love with this podcast pre 2016 when it was about flag design, architecture and other interesting topics. I always learned something. But after 2016 it has just continued to become overly political like everything else out there. I’m giving this show a three because it had the ability to return to form. Please be fun again.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    KWP90
    United States24 days ago
  • Cool but god damn

    The show is cool but Jesus, Roman Mars is THE most insufferable guy ever. What an ego, if only the world was so interesting as Roman and his huge wang

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Shhejsicndbvshsh
    Polanda month ago
  • Best of the best

    Restored to a 5-star review now they’ve stopped advertising SUVs. The Sesame Street and saxophone episodes were particularly good - plenty of facts I want to pass on to friends and family!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mxlondon
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

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

A number of comments highlight the charming narration of Roman Mars, which enhances the overall listening experience.
Some criticize the increasing politicization of episodes, feeling that it detracts from the original design focus.
Overall, the feedback suggests a strong loyalty to the podcast, with many praising the quality of production and research.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling and unique perspectives on design and architecture.
Many find the content intellectually stimulating and consistently relevant to contemporary issues.

Chart Rankings

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

Spotify
#14
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#1
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#5
United States/Arts
Spotify
#15
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#205
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#1
United Kingdom/Arts/Design

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Exit Interview With Michael Bierut
Q: Can you think of a design that you would have done differently?
Michael reflects on early projects where he felt missed opportunities and acknowledges that many clients were satisfied with the results, showcasing the difference between client satisfaction and his own standards for design.
Exit Interview With Michael Bierut
Q: What did it look like for you when you announced your stepping back from Pentagram?
Michael discusses the physical and metaphorical changes he noticed as he stepped back from active design work, recognizing that while the creative skills may fade, his accumulated experience and insight can still contribute meaningfully.
Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
Q: Do you think that's a good idea for the president to have the freedom to fire heads of agencies for any reason?
If the administration doesn't agree with a CDC Director's policies, they won't be able to get their job done, suggesting that alignment is crucial.
Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
Q: What is the right balance for an agency like the CDC to respond to political pressure versus what is best for public health?
The CDC must provide clear, consistent, fact-based information while respecting their role as simply informing policy makers.
U Is for Urbanism
Q: So, Alexandra, you hold the record for the most appearances of a guest expert on 99% Invisible. Can you talk about design and childhood while we're in the space of Sesame Street and urban spaces?
There's a lot of design that's hostile to teens, while young children get a little bit of support and respectable adults do too, but teens have lots of places cut off to them.

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?

Focused on the intricate and often overlooked aspects of design and architecture, this podcast offers a captivating exploration of how these elements shape our everyday experiences. It addresses a range of topics, from urban planning and environmental issues to the historical significance of forgotten structures. The storytelling, paired with the engaging narration, encourages listeners to see the world with a fresh perspective, making them appreciate the design subtleties in their environment that often go unnoticed. Unique for its blend of entertaining anecdotes, expert insights, and a commitment to revealing the hidden narratives behind seemingly mundane objects, this podcast likely appeals to those with a keen interest in design, archit... more

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1. Radiolab
2. What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law
3. Articles of Interest
4. This American Life
5. Twenty Thousand Hertz

How many episodes of 99% Invisible are there?

99% Invisible launched 15 years ago and published 775 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on 99% Invisible?

Recent guests on 99% Invisible include:

1. Michael Bierut
2. Colin Campbell
3. Dr. Tom Frieden
4. Jay Coburn
5. Lakeisha Benjamin
6. Dr. Stephen Cottrell
7. Alexandra Lang
8. Janet Napolitano

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