Arts · Design
by Roman Mars
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.
99% Invisible explores the architectural and cultural significance of bricks in Chicago, examining how this humble building material tells the story of the city's development and character. The episode promises a "closer look at the messy, beautiful bricks hiding across Chicago," suggesting a deep dive into brick…
Worth it if you enjoy 99% Invisible's design-focused storytelling and have curiosity about architectural history or Chicago's built environment.
This 99% Invisible episode explores the AA sobriety chip—a small plastic token awarded to members marking milestones in their recovery journey—through the personal lens of comedian and podcaster Jamie Loftus. Loftus, who grew up around her father's collection of AA chips and now has her own, investigates the origins…
Worth it if you're interested in American social history, recovery narratives, or how everyday objects encode cultural meaning—or if you appreciate 99% Invisible's signature approach to finding big stories in small things.
This 99% Invisible episode explores the unexpected cultural journey of the Swiss alphorn call—a traditional mountain sound—and traces how it crossed the Atlantic to become an influential element in American country music. The episode title 'Tootle of a Devilish Song' suggests a playful investigation into this musical…
Worth it if you enjoy unexpected cultural connections, music history, or 99% Invisible's signature approach to revealing hidden stories in everyday culture.
99% Invisible's 100 Objects series examines the Western Electric 500 Series Telephone, a ubiquitous device that dominated American homes and offices for over 50 years. Hosted by Roman Mars with guest Adam Savage (former MythBuster), the episode explores why this particular phone became the default standard and what…
Worth it if you're interested in industrial design history, how everyday objects shape culture, or enjoy 99% Invisible's narrative approach to material culture.
99% Invisible explores the unexpected journey of the Rocky statue—a movie prop from the 1976 film 'Rocky' that transformed into one of Philadelphia's most iconic public monuments. The episode traces how a fictional boxer's bronze likeness, originally created for cinema, became embedded in the city's identity and…
Worth it if you enjoy stories about how public symbols and monuments emerge from unexpected places, or if you're curious about Philadelphia's cultural history and institutional conflicts.
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This 99% Invisible episode examines hair relaxer as the 18th object in their 'History of the United States in 100 Objects' series. The episode explores how chemical hair relaxers became ubiquitous in Black American life, with 85-95% of Black women having used one at some point. Roman Mars and producer Priscilla Alabi…
Worth it if you're interested in how consumer products reflect and reinforce racial dynamics, or want to understand the economic and cultural history of Black beauty practices in America.
This episode of 99% Invisible explores the dramatic history behind a legendary typeface, framed around a spectacular friendship breakup and an act of revenge. Based on the title "Doves Type" and the teaser, the episode likely covers the Doves typeface, a historically significant Arts and Crafts movement typeface. The…
Worth it if you enjoy design history, interpersonal drama, and narrative-driven explorations of how creative conflict shapes cultural artifacts.
This episode of 99% Invisible's '100 Objects' series explores the M43 Field Jacket and its outsized impact on military and civilian fashion. Hosted by Roman Mars with guest Avery Trufelman (host of the design podcast Articles of Interest), the episode frames the jacket as a solution to a fundamental military problem:…
Worth it if you're interested in design history, military culture, fashion's evolution, or how everyday objects shape society.
Based on the available show notes, this 99% Invisible episode explores product testing and destruction—specifically the creative methods companies use to break their own products before they reach consumers. The title 'Kobuk the Destroyer' suggests a focus on either a person, machine, or methodology central to this…
Worth it if you're curious about how products are tested and destroyed, and you trust 99% Invisible's track record for finding compelling stories in overlooked subjects.
99% Invisible's 100 Objects series continues with a deep dive into the ceramic Dalmatian that became an iconic prize on Wheel of Fortune during the 1980s. The episode explores why this seemingly useless object captured the imagination of millions of viewers who tuned in night after night to see it offered as a prize.…
Worth it if you enjoy 99% Invisible's cultural archaeology approach, have nostalgia for 1980s Wheel of Fortune, or are curious about what consumer goods reveal about American values.
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