99% Invisible

Latest Episodes:

Ask Your Doctor About May 12, 2026

Show notes

As wild and random as they might seem, a lot of work—and even poetry—goes into coming up with today's catchiest, most unforgettable drug names.

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A History of the United States in 100 Objects Trailer May 08, 2026

Show notes

America’s 250th birthday calls for a history as sprawling and contradictory as the country itself.

A History of the United States in 100 Objects — hosted by Roman Mars and produced by BBC Studios and 99% Invisible — tells that history one thing at a time. A gold coin from an 1857 shipwreck that triggered a financial panic. An antebellum schoolbook that became an instrument of Black liberation. A ceramic dalmatian from the set of Wheel of Fortune. Or a tiny screw that shows how the US created a hidden industrial empire.

Each week, an object opens the door into an extraordinary, often shocking story — about who we’ve been, what we’ve built, and what we’ve allowed ourselves to forget. Some of these objects are well-known. Many are not. But all of them carry the story of how we got to this moment. This is not one narrative. It’s a hundred of them — forming a kaleidoscope that reveals a country stranger and more fascinating than any single telling could capture.

Launching May 19, 2026, wherever you listen to 99% Invisible.

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Enshittification May 05, 2026

Show notes

Why is it suddenly so hard to fix the stuff we depend on most?

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Citizen of the World Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

One man rejected nationality and dared the world to recognize him anyway.

Listen to Far From Home wherever you get your podcasts.

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Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

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

This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article VI and VII, which include some odds and ends like the Debts Clause, the No Religious Test Clause, and the process for ratification. But tucked into Article VI is the all-important Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution is the “supreme Law of the Land,” and is probably the most frequently used constitutional law in practice.

Roman and Elizabeth are also joined by Dr. Alondra Nelson, a leading expert on AI. She discusses why AI is a challenge to regulate, what to think of the tug of war between the states and the federal government on the topic, and whether she’s optimistic governments will figure this out.

The 99% Invisible Breakdown of the Constitution

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Co-op City Apr 21, 2026

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

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RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

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, wondering what could have been. And while umpires are about 97% accurate in calling balls and strikes, Major League Baseball has been considering something drastic. Something to take us up to 100% accuracy. They have a plan to replace human umpires with robots. Now, with an update!

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Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car? Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

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 servicerequest@99pi.org.

Service Request is a production of 99% Invisible and Campside Media.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work? Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

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 servicerequest@99pi.org.

Service Request is a production of 99% Invisible and Campside Media.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco? Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Why did it take nearly a decade to redesign a city trash can, and why haven't more bins made the streets cleaner?

What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo with your question and emailing it to servicerequest@99pi.org.

Service Request is a production of 99% Invisible and Campside Media.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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