The hosts reflect on their emotional journey through The Power Broker, discussing characters and themes, particularly Al Smith's biography. They share memorable moments with guests like AOC and Pete Buttigieg, highlighting the joy of collaboration. The impact of Robert Moses on New York City's urban landscape is explored, addressing the balance between authoritative planning and community input. They also examine how urban life is portrayed in film and express gratitude for their listeners, hinting at future projects.
The speakers reflect on their evolving appreciation for The Power Broker, especially discovering deeper insights during multiple readings of the text.
Engaging with Robert Caro highlighted the emotional connections he has with his work, showcasing the value of learning from legendary authors.
The discussion on Robert Moses illustrates the enduring impact of historical infrastructure decisions on contemporary urban challenges and planning nuances.
Deep dives
Reflections on Favorite Parts of The Power Broker
The speakers share their insights after reading the book multiple times, revealing their favorite sections. One speaker expresses admiration for the biography of Al Smith, noting his formerly unknown remarkable personality and history, which became clearer on repeated readings. The feeling of the author Robert Caro's emotions throughout the book stands out, especially regarding his disdain for certain characters like John Lindsay, which was more apparent in their latest reads. Another speaker mentions an increased enjoyment of the ending, previously seen as just a pathway to completion, reflecting a deeper appreciation for the details in the narrative.
Interaction with Robert Caro
Engagement with Robert Caro emerges as a key highlight, showcasing the surprise and gratitude felt by the speakers for his willingness to participate. The comfortable and candid conversation reveals Caro’s emotional connections to his work and the project. The speakers also discuss their initial fears that Caro might be uninterested or unapproving, but they were relieved to discover his enthusiasm for discussing The Power Broker despite his extensive history with it. This interaction emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and learning from a legendary author.
Memorable Guest Appearances
The speakers reminisce about notable guests featured in their discussions, particularly focusing on AOC and Mike Schur. AOC's sharp insights and ability to connect her own political experiences to the themes of The Power Broker left a lasting impression. Conversation with Mike Schur also stands out, highlighting his profound connection to the material and how deeply he understands the book's implications. The engagement with those guests adds a layer of richness to the content and exemplifies the far-reaching impact of Moses's legacy.
Legacy and Impact of Robert Moses
A discussion around the long-lasting effects of Robert Moses’s work reveals how his infrastructure decisions shaped cities across the United States. The concept of ‘urban villains’ akin to Moses emerges, highlighting the propensity for infrastructure projects to demolish neighborhoods with minimal consequences. The speakers also explore the legacies of various figures who influenced city planning, arguing that Moses’s footprint is unparalleled, despite others’ contributions. This reflection underscores the connection between past and present urban challenges, suggesting that Moses’s impacts still reverberate through current city dynamics.
The Future of The Breakdown Series
The conversation culminates in a hopeful outlook for the series as a lasting resource for readers and students. The speakers express excitement about the possibility that future generations will engage with their breakdown of The Power Broker alongside the book itself. They contemplate how their work might continue to inspire discussions about urban design and legacy in the years ahead. This forward-looking sentiment emphasizes the value of analyzing historically significant works through contemporary lenses.
Join Roman and Elliott one last time as they reflect on their journey with you all through The Power Broker, exploring their favorite moments and answering listener questions in this bonus episode.
If you finished The Power Broker with us (or know someone who did), get the 99PI Power Broker challenge coin to commemorate your achievement! Visit 99pi.org/store to get the challenge coin and other 99PI merch.
Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and get exclusive access to bonus episodes. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
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