99% Invisible

Kurt Kolstad, a train aficionado and co-author of "The 99% Invisible City," dives into the enchanting and whimsical world of trains. He reflects on heartfelt childhood memories of 'Shining Time Station' and its darker themes. The conversation unveils the luxurious side of train travel with private cars and discusses slip coaches and their operational quirks. Kurt also shares humorous anecdotes about train mishaps and takes listeners on a nostalgic tour of the New York Transit Museum, including the ongoing saga of the infamous Can Opener Bridge.

Henry Grabar, author of "Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World", reveals the tangled web of parking policies and urban planning impacting cities, especially Los Angeles. He discusses how car-centric design hampers affordable housing and how parking minimums have fueled a housing crisis. The conversation also dives into the effects of an infamous parking meter deal in Chicago and the challenges cities face in balancing parking and housing. Grabar's insights blend humor with critical observations of America's parking crisis, making urban planning surprisingly engaging.

Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer behind the Shard and author of "Nuts and Bolts," dives into the fascinating world of small inventions that have revolutionized engineering. She unpacks the vital roles of nails, wheels, and springs, illustrating their profound impact on history and design. Agrawal also discusses innovations like the 'box-in-box' acoustic design and reveals how ergonomic considerations have shaped modern comfort. Along the way, she highlights the magnetic link between engineering and communication, showcasing how even the smallest tools wield big influence.

Shuti Gatwa, the groundbreaking actor poised to portray the first Black Doctor in Doctor Who, joins to discuss the intriguing world of closed captioning. He humorously reflects on a captioning mishap during his announcement. The conversation navigates the critical importance of accurate captions for accessibility, especially for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Gatwa highlights the rising popularity of captions among all viewers, including younger audiences, due to improved media consumption trends. Together, they tackle the need for better captioning practices and the ongoing advocacy for accessible media.

Joining the discussion is Martin Gonzalez, a passionate pinball enthusiast and player. He dives into the fascinating history of pinball, recounting how it was once banned and later saved by Roger Sharpe’s legendary shot. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of pinball, its nostalgic revival, and how it fosters social connections among players. Martin also shares insights into the modern landscape of pinball machines, from innovative designs to the thrills of competitive play, making it a captivating and engaging journey into this beloved pastime.

Roman Mars joins John Green to explore a variety of quirky and thought-provoking topics. They tackle the moral implications of cockroaches and dissect the complexities of pet grief with humorous anecdotes. The conversation shifts to the emotional ride of supporting a struggling soccer team, revealing deep connections to mental health. From the ethics of found quarters to the unexpected joys of skiing, they weave together storytelling, personal passion, and the unseen heroes of design, making for an engaging and enlightening discussion.

Jonathan D. Cohen, a historian and author of "For a Dollar and a Dream; State Lotteries in Modern America," delves into the intriguing world of U.S. lotteries. He discusses how both players and states harbor unrealistic hopes for riches through these games, showcasing the psychological factors that fuel this behavior. The conversation explores the evolution of lottery systems, their moral justifications, and the stark differences in participation across income levels. Cohen also reveals how younger generations are shifting their gambling preferences, challenging the traditional lottery norms.

Delaney Hall, a producer with a knack for weaving narratives, joins Marcia van Putten, an activist from the Dutch cycling movement. They dive into the transformative journey of the Netherlands from car-centric chaos in the 70s to a bicycling paradise today. Marcia shares her childhood fears of urban danger, sparking a movement for safer streets. The discussion highlights how passionate activism, including protests after tragic accidents, reshaped urban planning and embedded cycling deeply into Dutch culture.

Tatiana Kim, a producer and journalist, shares her fascinating insights into the unique transformation of the Breda Panopticon from a prison into a haven for Ukrainian refugees. She explores the haunting legacy of surveillance and control in architectural design, highlighting how the historical context of panopticons informs contemporary views on imprisonment. The conversation also features intriguing anecdotes, like the daring escape of Helga Kiel, revealing a blend of tragedy and hope in the stories emerging from these complex spaces.

Lasha Magdon, a producer with a knack for storytelling, joins trail crew expert Dolly Chapman, who boasts over three decades of experience maintaining trails. They explore the vintage crosscut saw's fascinating history and enduring utility in wilderness preservation. The conversation reveals how these tools signify more than practicality; they reflect America’s evolving relationship with nature. From the impact of the Wilderness Act to the quirky challenges of wilderness maintenance, listeners are treated to a mix of insight and humor.