99% Invisible

A personal journey reveals the challenges of adapting to life with a disability, emphasizing accessible design. Creative solutions like DIY aglets and magnetic buckles tackle one-handed challenges. The speaker navigates driving and everyday tasks, illustrating how design often overlooks left-handed and disabled users. Innovations in adaptive keyboards highlight the search for ergonomic solutions, blending functionality with comfort. The conversation stresses the importance of health awareness in design, linking it to broader issues like HPV vaccination.

Ezra Klein, a journalist and author known for his deep dives into infrastructure and renewal, discusses the significant hurdles to building in America. He highlights the extensive delays in housing projects like San Francisco's Nordstrom lot transformation and critiques bureaucratic processes that stifle progress. The conversation also touches on California's high-speed rail dilemmas, the need for innovative climate governance, and historical lessons from the New Deal. Klein emphasizes the importance of effective institutional reform to overcome modern challenges in resource management.

Jacob Medina-Gleason, a producer whose work intertwines with Puerto Rican history, shares a compelling family story unveiled through an old surveillance file. He explores themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of government monitoring on Puerto Rican activists. Delve into the evolution of Puerto Rican identity shaped by colonial struggles and the fight for independence, highlighted by figures like Pedro Albizu Campos. The cultural significance of the Puerto Rican flag also surfaces, illustrating its role in contemporary movements against oppression.

Katie Thornton, a contributor to WNYC's On the Media and a seasoned radio historian, dives into the fascinating world of shortwave radio. She discusses how this medium connected listeners globally, especially at night, sparking nostalgia and wonder. Thornton reveals its powerful role during WWII as both a morale booster and a propaganda weapon. She also touches on the emergence of fringe media post-Cold War and its influence on modern American ideology. Shortwave radio's unique magic captivates, blending science with culture across decades.

Talon Stradley, a producer with a knack for storytelling, joins Keith Houston, author of 'Face with Tears of Joy', to unravel the legal drama behind a seemingly innocent thumbs-up emoji that sparked a $62,000 court battle. They dive into how emojis can act as digital signatures, the cultural variations in their meanings, and the challenges courts face in interpreting them. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn with tales about the poop emoji's charming journey, illustrating the quirky complexities of modern communication.

Vivian Leigh, a producer known for her insightful storytelling, shares her experiences and expertise on Vietnamese culture. She discusses the complex symbolism of the South Vietnamese flag seen during the Capitol insurrection and its emotionally charged meaning within the Vietnamese American community. Leigh dives into the cultural importance of pho and the unique ways Vietnamese restaurants name their dishes, revealing how food and identity are intricately connected. Her personal anecdotes bring humor and depth to the history behind these cultural symbols.

Emmett Fitzgerald, a producer and climate reporter, and James McNicholas, a sports writer for The Athletic, dive into the vibrant culture of football chants. They discuss the emotional ties of Arsenal fans and share fascinating insights into the whimsical creativity behind football anthems. The iconic chant '1-0 to the Arsenal' is explored, illustrating its significance in fan identity and celebration. They also highlight the revival of fan passion post-COVID and how chants foster connections between supporters and players, enhancing the electric match day atmosphere.

Join economist Joel Slemrod, known for his insights into tax systems, and producer Vivian Leigh as they tackle the messy world of American taxation. They explore how historical events, like the Rosetta Stone, shaped modern tax complexities. The conversation dives into the potential for return-free filing and critiques the role of tax legislation in architectural design. Discover how taxes have influenced everything from workforce dynamics at the IRS to the unique structures of cities like Amsterdam.

John Green, a celebrated YouTuber and best-selling author, dives deep into the ever-relevant topic of tuberculosis. He explores its historical impact, revealing how this once-romanticized disease has shaped architecture, literature, and societal norms. Green highlights the ongoing global challenges in managing TB, especially in the Global South, where the need for effective detection and treatment remains critical. Through poignant stories, including a visit to a TB hospital in Sierra Leone, he captures both the struggles and hopes surrounding this curable yet persistent disease.

Chris Berube, a passionate producer known for his insights into cities, takes listeners on an electrifying tour of Memphis. Discover the quirks of local culture, from duck parades at the Peabody Hotel to the significance of manhole covers. Berube shares tales of streets named after dates and the statue of Ramesses at the University of Memphis, while reflecting on urban nostalgia and change. The conversation emphasizes Memphis as a vibrant tapestry of history and community, packed with unforgettable memories and landmarks.