Join legendary author Robert Caro as he delves into the enduring impact of his iconic biography, The Power Broker. Caro shares insights into his meticulous research methods and the emotional weight of narratives from marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the hidden histories of figures like Al Smith and Bell Moscowicz, emphasizing the importance of personal archives in uncovering untold stories. Humor and serious themes intertwine as they discuss the art of compelling storytelling and the transformative power of historical narratives.

This is the eleventh official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Brennan Lee Mulligan, a comedian and host with Dropout TV, where he’s the creator of Dimension 20 — a Dungeons & Dragons show that features incredibly complex and campaigns, with improv actors and special effects. And as the Dungeon Master, Brennan leads these stories. Season three of Dimension 20 takes place in a magical New York City, where the main villain is a fictionalized, undead Robert Moses, who shares the real Robert Moses’s passion for building roads and destroying lives through bureaucracy.Elliott and Roman also cover the second section of Part 7 (Chapter 42 through Chapter 46), discussing the major story beats and themes.The Power Broker #11: Brennan Lee MulliganJoin the discussion on Discord and Reddit. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

Nate DiMeo, creator of The Memory Palace and its new book, dives into the art of poetic storytelling and forgotten history. He shares how memories shape narratives, using the Brooklyn Bridge's construction as a metaphor for human perseverance. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy in storytelling and explores the emotional journey of figures like Samuel Morse, whose innovations stemmed from personal loss. Mindfulness and wonder resonate throughout, reminding us to cherish our past connections.

Join Jasmine J.T. Green, an artist and producer, along with urban planner Dean Labowitz and documentary artist Chris Bernson, as they dive into the rich history of Riis Beach—a vibrant queer sanctuary. They share personal stories that celebrate the beach's unique community and its ties to the Neponset Beach Hospital. The discussion also touches on the mesmerizing allure of ruins, reflected in the history of Sutro Baths through insights from historian John Martini and local enthusiasts like Tom Bratton and Jill Corral. It's a heartfelt exploration of memory, identity, and preservation.

Peter Goodman, an economics reporter for the New York Times and author of "How the World Ran Out of Everything," delves into the pandemic's impact on global supply chains. He reveals how just-in-time inventory systems and the invention of the shipping container revolutionized logistics but also made them fragile. Goodman shares the struggles of a U.S. toy maker facing supply disruptions and explores China's rise as a manufacturing giant. He emphasizes the need for regulatory changes to improve labor standards amidst this chaos.

Mike Olson, a long-time employee of Spirit Halloween, dives into the fascinating world of this pop-up phenomenon. He reveals the clever strategies that helped Spirit Halloween thrive in vacant retail spaces. The discussion touches on the cultural significance of Halloween and how giant skeletons have taken over the holiday, sparked by their viral fame. Olson also examines the implications of temporary stores on urban development, questioning the future of retail amidst a hauntingly fun shopping experience.

This is the tenth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Clara Jeffery, the editor-in-chief of Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative Reporting. She’s had a long and storied career editing works of investigative journalism that speaks truth to power and afflicts the comfortable, including so she brings that perspective to her understanding of The Power Broker. Clara hadn’t read The Power Broker before and this podcast inspired her to pick it up and read along with us.Elliott and Roman also cover the last section of Part 6 and the first section of Part 7 (Chapter 39 through Chapter 41), discussing the major story beats and themes.The Power Broker #10: Clara JefferyJoin the discussion on Discord and Reddit. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

Join Tom Vanderbilt, a writer and author, as he delves into the fascinating world of road design and driving behavior. Roy Behrens, a graphic design professor, explores the intriguing art of camouflage, particularly its impact in wartime. David Weinberg shares the story of Richard Ankram, an artist behind a guerrilla freeway sign installation that challenged ineffective navigation. Together, they uncover how design manipulates perception, from deceptive road markings to vibrant patterns that baffle and captivate.

Discover the fascinating backstory of the podcast's title and how it relates to the unnoticed brilliance of everyday design. Explore Japan’s artistic manhole covers that blend function with cultural flair. Delve into the history of the Albert Lake Bridge and the evolution of reinforced concrete, revealing its revolutionary impact on modern infrastructure. The narrative dives into the beauty of urban design and emphasizes the importance of maintaining our aging structures while celebrating the elegance hidden in the world around us.

Scott Gurian, a reporter focused on Christiania, dives into the vibrant yet tumultuous history of this anarchist commune. John Bank Carlson shares his firsthand experience of its founding, while Ole Luke Andersen discusses the unique community decision-making processes. Former drug dealer Mario Sarasco sheds light on the impact of the drug trade on daily life in Christiania. Together, they explore the tension between maintaining their radical ideals and confronting external pressures, as the community grapples with change and identity.