99% Invisible

Join Alexandra Lange, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author focused on design for children, and Anna Koday, a journalist from The New York Times, as they explore how Sesame Street shaped urbanism. They discuss the show’s influence on children's understanding of community, Jane Jacobs' urbanism principles, and the importance of inclusive playground design. Alexandra reveals how thoughtful design fosters independence among children and addresses teenagers' exclusion from public spaces. Dive into the intersection of urban planning and childhood imagination!

Janet Napolitano, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, shares her insights on executive power and immigration policy. She discusses the rapid launch of DACA and its focus on young immigrants, arguing that raids can erode trust within communities. Janet highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform and critiques the reliance on executive orders, warning of potential instability. The guest also emphasizes the importance of clear roles for state and federal forces, while urging reforms to improve government institutions.

Caroline Fraser, an author and journalist known for her insights on American culture and environment, explores a chilling connection between industrial pollution and serial killers in the Pacific Northwest. She recounts her haunting childhood near Mercer Island during a series of unexplained deaths. Fraser discusses her discovery of pollution maps tied to Asarco, linking environmental toxins to violent behavior like that of Ted Bundy. She emphasizes the role of corporate misconduct and design flaws, arguing these factors coalesced in a disturbing way during that era.

In this engaging discussion, reporter Jasper Davidoff explores the history of moving walkways, revealing their unexpected airport dominance, while architectural historian Lee Gray shares insights on their origins and failed city implementations. They delve into 19th-century transit ideas, the public's fascination at world's fairs, and the cultural impact of iconic installations like O'Hare's Tunnel of Light. The conversation also touches on the decline of walkways today and speculates on their potential revival in urban settings, blending efficiency with joy.

Elliott Kalan, a veteran comedy writer known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the art of joke writing. He shares how to cultivate jokes from tiny ideas through a systematic process, analyzing classic structures like setup and punchline. Kalan discusses the critical role of the audience in completing a joke and how feedback can refine comedic timing. He also touches on the darker side of comedy, exploring how jokes can sometimes harm rather than heal. Prepare to laugh and learn the craft behind comedy in this enlightening conversation!

Joshua Kerner, an expert on military uniform history, delves into the evolution of American military garments, from the colonial adoption of buckskin breeches to the development of hunting shirts. Phil Kly, a veteran and author, shares insights on Theodore Roosevelt's promotion of rugged masculinity and the cultural shift that led to the Spanish-American War. The discussion highlights how military surplus influenced modern menswear and the manufacturing practices that sustain American garment production today.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent Democratic voice and advocate for consumer protections, joins the discussion on the powers outlined in Article I of the Constitution. She delves into how the Commerce Clause has expanded federal authority, using examples like firearm regulations. Warren emphasizes the importance of Congress's power of the purse, warning against current executive overreach. She addresses how the Senate can act to check the president and the critical stakes in upcoming budget negotiations, particularly for healthcare and childcare funding.

Chris Collin, a journalist known for his work in The Atlantic, shares eye-opening insights into customer service challenges. He reveals how intentional design creates 'sludge'—friction meant to keep consumers from their entitlements. From frustrating experiences with Ford's customer service to the metrics that shape call center interactions, Collin explains the tactics that deter customers. He also discusses the consequences of sludge in public programs and warns about AI amplifying these issues, urging organizations to conduct sludge audits for improvement.

Tez Okano, a Sega developer and creator of the metafictional game Sega Gaga, shares his journey during the console wars. He discusses the drastic shift to 3D gaming and Sega's missteps that led to a crisis. Alongside producer Jason DeLeon and game journalist Simon Parkin, they delve into the creation of Sega Gaga, a game that reflects the chaos at Sega. They highlight humorous gameplay mechanics and how the title became a tribute to an era while showcasing the passion behind game development.

Cassie, known as Snifferish, is a talented Minecraft creator and influencer who shares her journey of growing up exploring the Vermont outdoors. She candidly discusses her challenges with outdoor sensitivities and how they drove her to Minecraft, where she builds stunning virtual landscapes. The conversation explores how video games create immersive natural environments, the evolution of gaming graphics, and how games like Minecraft can inspire real-world conservation. Cassie's personal story highlights the intersection of nature, gaming, and creativity.