99% Invisible

Latest Episodes:

The 99PI Anniversary Special: 15 for 15 Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

For 99PI’s 15th anniversary, Roman sits in the hot seat to answer 15 eclectic questions, touching on everything from his dream merch to the one object he's always wanted to cover on the show.

Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at how the show gets made.

The 99PI Anniversary Special: 15 for 15

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Ambassador Bridge Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

A billionaire family’s private bridge empire shaped Detroit for decades, sparking battles over power, neighborhoods, and the future of an international crossing.

Ambassador Bridge

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All About That Bass Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Vintage music barely had any bass. Today’s hits are all about the low end. What changed? An episode this week from our friends at Twenty Thousand Hertz, featuring hip hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff and Roland's Paul McCabe.

All About That Bass

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Sister Aimee and the Birth of the Megachurch Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Aimee Semple McPherson built America’s first megachurch, blended showbiz with salvation, and vanished in a scandal that captivated the nation.

Sister Aimee and the Birth of the Megachurch

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Weeding is Fundamental Revisited Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Libraries get rid of books all the time. There are so many new books coming in every day and only a finite amount of library space. The practice of freeing up library space is called weeding. When the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library was damaged by an earthquake 1989, the argument over which books need to be weeded, and how they were chosen for removal, reached fever pitch.

This episode originally aired on May 14, 2019.

Weeding is Fundamental

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Air-Borne Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Old ideas about air and disease were wrong on the science, but looking to the past might actually help us design healthier buildings today.

Air-Borne

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Constitution Breakdown #1: Nikole Hannah-Jones Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

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

This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss the Preamble, alongside Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Elizabeth also explains that while the United States generally does not allow a standing army to be used against civilians, Trump has been exploiting an exception to keep troops in Los Angeles to protect ICE agents — with terrifying implications.

Constitution Breakdown #1: Nikole Hannah-Jones

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The Quiet Storm Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

How a radio show born at a small college station in DC and dedicated to smooth, romantic love songs transformed black radio and reshaped love lives across the country.

The Quiet Storm

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Neil Young’s iPod Killer Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

A rock icon sets out to save music with a strange yellow gadget that almost no one understood.

Neil Young’s iPod Killer

If you're new to the show (thanks Apple Podcasts!) here are some favorite episodes to get you started:

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Roman Mars's Guide to San Francisco Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this bonus episode, an offbeat walking tour through San Francisco uncovers hidden rooftop parks, a leaning skyscraper scandal, a vanished statue, and the graceful brilliance of the Golden Gate Bridge.

This episode is sponsored by GetYourGuide. Discover and book experiences for your next trip at getyourguide.com.

Roman Mars's Guide to San Francisco

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