10% Happier with Dan Harris

A Rarely Accessed Source of Joy | Roman Mars

Aug 2, 2021

Roman Mars, host of the beloved podcast '99% Invisible' and bestselling author, explores the hidden joys in everyday design. He shares how seemingly mundane objects and infrastructure carry rich stories and emotions. Mars discusses the significance of design as a form of communication, the unseen influences shaping our environments, and the importance of embracing gratitude for these elements. He also emphasizes the adaptability of urban wildlife and the role of mindful observation in enhancing our connection to the world around us.

49:54

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Episode guests

Roman Mars

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Unseen Influence of Design

18min

Unlocking Mindfulness: The Power of Noticing and Reading Our Environment

4min

The Transformative Power of Delight

5min

Urban Wildlife: Adapting to Human Environments

6min

Perception and Urban Design

12min

Exploring Everyday Design and Mindfulness

3min

Today’s episode is about finding joy, pleasure, interest, and even gratitude in a surprising source: everyday objects and infrastructure. Our guest Roman Mars is the host and creator of 99% Invisible, a radio show and podcast about design and architecture. It is one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Roman is also a bestselling author; he recently co-authored The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design. Roman talks to us about how he got interested in design, how the name “99% Invisible” came to be, his new book about the under-observed aspects of the built world, the importance of reading plaques and utility markers, design as coercion, and a shared love of 90s punk rock. Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/install Full Show notes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/roman-mars-368