99% Invisible

Mark Fennell, the creator of Stuff the British Stole, teams up with Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard historian specializing in British Empire history. They dive into the complex legacies of artifacts looted during colonial times, focusing on the emotionally charged story of Tipu Sultan's tiger. The conversation touches on identity, the push for repatriation, and how colonial history impacts personal narratives today. With a blend of storytelling and historical insight, they aim to make the past relatable and spark discussions about rightful ownership.

Jim Salzman and Michael Heller, law professors and co-authors of 'Mine! How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives,' tackle the complex theme of ownership. They humorously dissect the awkward airplane seating dilemmas that spark heated confrontations. The duo explores how ownership narratives shape societal values, from solar energy decisions in California to historical land ownership disputes with Indigenous peoples. Finally, they discuss practical strategies for improving passenger experiences and the implications of ownership in our digital age.

Katie Mingle, producer at 99% Invisible, discusses the historical fight for the 'right to roam' in the UK, a movement sparked by young ramblers in the 1930s. She explores how communal land use transformed under the feudal system and the impact of land enclosures on rural communities. The podcast highlights pivotal events like the Kinder Scout mass trespass, which ultimately reshaped public access rights. Mingle also reflects on her own career journey and the creative collaboration within the podcasting community.

Colin Grant, a writer and historian, delves into the harmful legacy of racist coon songs and their impact on Black identity. He reflects on the historical significance of the red, black, and green flag, created by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born labor organizer who championed Black empowerment. The conversation navigates the tensions of the early civil rights movement and highlights the flag's role in uniting Black communities worldwide. Listeners gain insights into the enduring symbolism of both the Pan-African flag and the Juneteenth flag as expressions of identity and freedom.

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.

Join Sarah McLean, a savvy romance novelist, as she unravels the enchanting world of romance literature. Discover the fascinating evolution of book covers, from iconic figures like Fabio to the changing depictions of relationships. Delve into how societal norms influence representation in the genre, addressing inclusivity and diverse voices. Sarah discusses the complex emotions tied to reading romance, revealing both joy and guilt. Through creative insights, she brings to light the challenges of book cover design that resonate with readers today.

Chelsea Wald, an author focused on sanitation solutions, discusses the overlooked marvels of toilets and the pressing global sanitation crisis. She reveals how traditional toilet systems struggle against water scarcity while innovative technologies promise improvements. Wald highlights the urgent need for better sewage management, tackling challenges like fatbergs, and suggests fresh toilet designs under the concept of Lutopia to promote equity. The conversation uncovers the taboo around discussing toilets and emphasizes the importance of evolving our sanitation systems for healthier communities.

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.

Kevin Kaners, a reporter based in Berlin, dives into the electrifying world of the city's famous techno scene. He reveals how the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 birthed spontaneous parties in abandoned spaces, shaping a vibrant underground culture. The podcast explores the emotional and cultural significance of music in uniting a divided city and highlights iconic clubs like Tresor. Kaners also connects the techno roots from Detroit to Berlin, showcasing the dynamic evolution that has made Berlin a global music hotspot.

Join Alex Atak, a producer from Kerning Cultures, as he sheds light on the harrowing lives of seafarers abandoned on cargo ships. They discuss the emotional and physical toll of being stranded at sea, with some workers trapped for years without pay or essentials. The talk also emphasizes the dangers of flags of convenience in the shipping industry and how neglect can lead to catastrophic incidents, like the Beirut explosion. Through personal stories, Atak highlights the urgent need for legal reforms to protect maritime workers globally.