99% Invisible

Kurt Kohlstedt, co-author of The 99% Invisible City, joins the discussion on how crises shape urban design. He highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has driven innovative public space adaptations, such as outdoor dining and social distancing measures. The conversation delves into historical design responses to disasters, like the Laufmachina during the aftermath of the Tambora eruption and canning innovations in wartime. Kohlstedt also revisits the revival of the wine window, illustrating how necessity breeds creativity in design throughout history.

Explore the fascinating world of a Soviet-era cookbook that shaped culinary identity amidst scarcity. Discover the rich tradition of communal kitchens and how they reflected societal changes. Hear stories of an elderly grandmother's memories tied to food and legacy. Delve into the impact of Stalin's policies on Russian cuisine, including the introduction of American foods. This journey highlights nostalgia and the emotional ties food creates, making it a vessel of resilience and cultural heritage.

Todd Rose, Director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program at Harvard, delves into the concept of averages and their impact on design and technology. He highlights Britt Young's experience with high-tech prosthetics, revealing the emotional complexities and challenges users face. The discussion critiques how societal pressures and military innovations shape our understanding of assistive technologies. Rose advocates for inclusivity in design, emphasizing the need to rethink what 'average' means to accommodate diverse needs and foster a more equitable future.

Daniel Simo, a Tokyo-based producer, dives into the fascinating world of Hanko, Japan's traditional stamp seals. He discusses their cultural significance and evolution, contrasting authentic practices with modern market influences. The conversation touches on the luxury hanko market's controversial reliance on ivory, exploring ethical implications. Simo also reflects on the challenges and emotional ties to these seals amid the push for modernization, all while navigating Japan's intricate relationship with tradition and conservation.

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.