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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
Marked By COVID
Doughboy Meadow
New York City
Urban Warfare
Cultural Competence In War
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 weeklyEpisodes770Founded15 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for 99% Invisible

Latest Episodes

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

This month, Roman and Elizabeth turn to the rest of Article Two with former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, talking about the experience of being a highly trained exp... more

YouTube

A glowing Vegas pyramid, a famously mistyped domain, and a long-delayed miracle investigation unfold in three unexpected tales.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early.

Start a free... more

YouTube

From military parades to smoky clubs, one invention’s wild journey reveals how an instrument can become a symbol of rebellion and reinvention.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early.... more

YouTube

A single diagonal step on a map sparks a legal war with huge consequences.

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Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.... 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

Dr. Tom Frieden
Physician and public health expert, former director of CDC
Resolve to Save Lives
Episode: Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
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
Jay Coburn
Reporter and expert on saxophones
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
Erky Houtemot
Media archaeologist at UCLA
UCLA
Episode: The Moving Walkway Is Ending
Jasper Davidoff
Reporter for 99% Invisible
SiriusXM
Episode: The Moving Walkway Is Ending

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 45.4k ratings
  • This podcast is about design. Which means it's really about nearly everything, but focused on what's going on "under the hood". Every episode is informative and engaging. I have no notes.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    David Valentine
    a month ago
  • Neat!

    Love your work! Keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cpatel05
    United Statesa month ago
  • Please stop the fillers!

    I want to enjoy this podcast. I really do! However, whenever Roman is talking to a person spontaneously, he uses the fillers “like” , “sort of”, “you know” in EVERY single sentence. It’s nauseating! I lose track of the subject in question because of all those unnecessary fillers. Please, seek help with a speech pathologist, because this podcast deserves a better communication style.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    AmiFidel
    United Statesa month ago
  • Downhill since sellout

    Used to love this show. Downhill since it stopped being indie. Interview format makes it like every single other show. Questionable ethics since taking on advertisers. Hope Romans got a good lifestyle these days

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nojohokolo
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • One of my all-time favorites

    This is such an interesting and diverse podcast. I absolutely love Roman Mars as a host. His curiosity is very infectious. I look forward to every new podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Troy Edward C
    Canadaa 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
#10
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#166
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#1
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#3
United States/Arts
Spotify
#11
United Kingdom/Arts
Spotify
#200
Canada/Trending

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Murderland
Q: What was the significance of the Mercer Island Floating Bridge in your book?
Fraser highlights the bridge as a metaphor for engineering mistakes and human error that led to fatalities, paralleling corporate negligence in pollution.
Murderland
Q: How did you use maps in your research for the book?
Fraser explains how the pollution plume map published by the Department of Ecology in Washington State unveiled a connection between environmental hazards and crime.

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. Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

How many episodes of 99% Invisible are there?

99% Invisible launched 15 years ago and published 770 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. Dr. Tom Frieden
2. Lakeisha Benjamin
3. Dr. Stephen Cottrell
4. Jay Coburn
5. Alexandra Lang
6. Janet Napolitano
7. Caroline Fraser
8. Erky Houtemot

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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