Rephonic
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 weeklyEpisodes792Founded16 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for 99% Invisible

Latest Episodes

The world’s largest housing co-op—built to save New York City’s middle class—became the unlikely site of a resident revolt

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

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One study from 2018 found that Major League Baseball umpires blow about 14 calls every game. That’s 34,000 bad calls every year. And it makes a difference. A blown strike call can decide a win or a loss, a championship or six months at home, wonderin... more

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A missing car reveals the confusing rules, murky fees, and private actors behind modern towing.

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

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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

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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

Kelly Prime
Editor with 99% Invisible
99% Invisible
Episode: Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
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?
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?
Angie Bond-Simpson
Senior Director of Resource Management at Salt River Project
Salt River Project (SRP)
Episode: Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work?
Rachel Gordon
Director of Policy and Communications at San Francisco Public Works
San Francisco Public Works
Episode: Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?
Jill Lepore
Historian and writer, Harvard professor; author of These Truths and We the People
Harvard University; The New Yorker
Episode: Constitution Breakdown #8: Jill Lepore
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?
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?

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 Statesa month 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
    Canadaa month 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 Statesa month 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
    Polanda month 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 Statesa 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.

Spotify
#12
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#238
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#1
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#5
United States/Arts
Spotify
#13
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#162
Canada/Top Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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 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.

Audience Metrics

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

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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. 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 792 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for 99% Invisible from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on 99% Invisible?

Recent guests on 99% Invisible include:

1. Kelly Prime
2. Tom Berry
3. Shane Nation
4. Gretchen Bakke
5. Angie Bond-Simpson
6. Rachel Gordon
7. Jill Lepore
8. Cody Franklin

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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