Joe Rosenberg

Join Joe Rosenberg, a producer whose passion for storytelling shines through, as he unravels the tale of a 2,700-year-old Assyrian library. Discover how accidental preservation offers a comedic glimpse into the life of an ancient king. Unearth the trove of clay tablets from Nineveh, revealing insights beyond Biblical narratives. Explore the paradox of destruction and creation in historical archives, and delve into the captivating field of Assyriology. Finally, appreciate the ongoing quest to reconstruct and rediscover ancient tales.

Chris Berube and Vivian Leigh, producers from 99% Invisible, share amusing stories about humorous highway signs in the U.S. and delve into Jane Fonda's surprising role in California politics through her fitness empire. Joe Rosenberg adds a quirky twist by discussing the Greek foot's impact on art and culture. These mini-stories explore the intersection of creativity, activism, and cultural significance, revealing how unexpected connections shape our world.

In this discussion, Joe Rosenberg, a producer for 99% Invisible, dives into the Titanic's haunting legacy. He unearths the myths and realities of lifeboat safety during the ill-fated voyage, revealing surprising misconceptions that contributed to the tragedy. The conversation also highlights the evolution of lifeboat design and the chaos that ensued during the sinking. Rosenberg's exploration of survival scenarios, including the infamous Jack and Rose debate, adds a fascinating twist to our understanding of this historic event.

Kurt Kolstad, digital director and co-author of The 99% Invisible City, and Joe Rosenberg, a radio producer and linguistics expert, dive into fascinating topics. They uncover the innovative top-down construction method for skyscrapers, enhancing both safety and urban efficiency. The pair also discuss the art of filler words in conversation, illustrating their linguistic significance across cultures. Additionally, a gripping tale unfolds about the enduring underground fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, revealing its haunting impact on the community.

This conversation features Joe Rosenberg, a producer who shares the quirky history of "knocker-uppers," human alarm clocks from 19th-century Britain. Vivian Lay discusses the ramifications of China's single time zone on the Uyghur population, blending cultural insights with political implications. Chris Berube tackles the ongoing debates surrounding daylight saving time, unpacking its myths and historical controversies. Together, they challenge our understanding of time and its profound impact on daily life and identity.

Joe Rosenberg, a reporter with a knack for unique stories, shares the surprising tale of how Christie's and Sotheby’s resorted to rock-paper-scissors to resolve a $20 million art auction dilemma. The dialogue hilariously dives into the cultural significance and chaotic nature of this simple game. Additionally, a San Francisco bus operator offers a fascinating take on the bus fight scene in 'Shang-Chi,' revealing the unpredictable and often absurd reality of public transit life.

Joe Rosenberg, a producer known for his storytelling prowess, shares the emotional history of Japanese good luck flags, gifted to soldiers during WWII with heartfelt messages from loved ones. Kurt Kolstad, a contributor and Antarctica enthusiast, discusses the intriguing lack of an official flag for the frozen continent, despite its many national representations. Together, they explore themes of memory, reconciliation, and the significance of flags as symbols of community and national identity.

Delaney Hall discusses how old radiators played a role in public health during the 1918 flu pandemic, showing the importance of ventilation in urban spaces. Joe Rosenberg takes us on a humorous quest to discover a forgotten Lenin bust in Antarctica, reflecting on the themes of preservation and fading relevance. Meanwhile, composer Sean Rial shares insights on music games and the creativity sparked by innovative tools like Microsoft Songsmith, highlighting the joys of collaboration and spontaneous musical expression.

Kurt Kolstad dives into mapmaking choices that shape perceptions, while Joe Rosenberg shares the fascinating history of British triangulation stations and their role in accurate mapping. Vivian Lay reveals how Pokémon Go transformed Occoquan, Virginia, sparking tourism and artistic innovation, yet causing friction with locals. Together, they explore the deep ties between maps and reality, urging us to rethink how we see geography and community.

Join Joe Rosenberg, a producer, as he reveals the astonishing tale of Britain's historical war bonds that take nearly a century to settle. Sean Real, a composer, dives into the riveting evolution of concert pitch and its international ramifications. Katie Mingle, a senior producer, shares the mystery of an abandoned Argentine diplomatic mansion in D.C. Finally, Delaney Hall takes us back to the Manhattan Project, highlighting a baby boom amidst top-secret projects. From finance to forgotten properties, these stories explore the quirky side of our built world.