99% Invisible

Dan Bobcoff, a journalist who reported on the Enron email saga, and Pat Wood, a former energy regulator at FERC, delve into the powerful impact of Enron's emails. They reveal how these communications have influenced technology and communication ethics, while also illustrating the corporate fraud that led to Enron's downfall. The conversation raises questions about privacy and the consequences of analyzing personal messages, transforming a corporate scandal into a valuable dataset that shapes today’s understanding of human interaction.

Vivian Leigh, a Millennial producer deeply immersed in the digital landscape, explores the vibrant community of GeoCities. She shares how this once-thriving online metropolis helped users navigate the web's early days. The conversation highlights the passionate efforts of digital archivists preserving its rich history before its closure. Vivian also reflects on the nostalgia for this chaotic era, examining contemporary projects that celebrate its creativity while discussing the emotional ties formed within digital gaming communities.

During publicity interviews for The 99% Invisible City someone asked us, “What is your favorite way to experience the city?” The answer is walking. If you have nothing to do, take a walk. If you are overwhelmed with things to do, take a walk. We’ve been working so hard on the book release and new miniseries we’re launching in December that we’re going to take a walk with our friends at Pop Up Magazine. Pop Up Magazine's team spent weeks interviewing dozens of people about walking, including Jenny Slate, Anna Sale (Death, Sex & Money), Antwan Williams (Ear Hustle), author and radio host Lulu Miller, writer Sam Jay (Saturday Night Live), NASA Astronaut Drew Feustel, Sergeant Julian Torres, and many others. Take a Walk Buy The 99% Invisible City now! Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. 

Asa Baki, the UX director at Google's Next Billion Users team, discusses the innovative approaches being taken to design digital experiences for emerging markets. He highlights the historical context of the QWERTY keyboard and its implications for other languages. Baki shares insights on the importance of empathy-driven design to address user needs, featuring stories that reveal the challenges new internet users face. He also explores how digital anthropology can reshape our understanding of technology's role in developing countries, focusing on leisure and community.

Ben Reiter, a baseball reporter and author of 'The Edge', dives deep into the fascinating history and ethics of sign-stealing in baseball. He discusses the emotional pressures faced by players, particularly pitchers, during intense games. The conversation shifts to the notorious Houston Astros scandal, highlighting their rise to glory intertwined with controversial tactics. Reiter raises thought-provoking questions about the integrity of the sport, reflecting on how this age-old 'game within the game' has evolved into a modern moral dilemma.

Peatlands, often overlooked, are incredible carbon sinks that store five times more carbon than forests. The podcast uncovers their critical role in climate action and the historical missteps in forestry practices. It dives into the rich language surrounding bogs, exploring their cultural significance and the myths that surround them. Listeners also learn about the importance of preserving these ecosystems despite industrial pressures. Innovations in technology are highlighted as essential for monitoring the health of peatlands, crucial in our fight against climate change.

Explore the hidden architectural details of Oakland, revealing how anchor plates fortify brick walls and the evolution of fire escapes from basic ladders to intricate iron designs. Discover the role of defensive design in urban spaces and the meanings behind property markers. Gain insights into the meticulous process of transforming a decade's worth of stories into a cohesive book. Enjoy behind-the-scenes anecdotes about writing and illustrating, making it an enriching experience for urban design enthusiasts.

Uncover the surprising story behind the New York Public Library's children's reading room and the enduring appeal of 'Goodnight Moon.' Discover why this beloved classic has surprisingly low circulation, and the influential role of Anne Carroll Moore in shaping children's literature. Dive into the whimsical world of Nicholas Knickerbocker, a wooden doll designed to engage shy kids, and explore how libraries foster literary love among young readers while celebrating their architectural beauty.

Deirdre Mask, author of "The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power," uncovers the often-overlooked significance of street addresses. She discusses how they shape societal structures, influence public health, and reflect cultural identities. The podcast dives into the politics of street naming, from honoring heroes to addressing contentious pasts. Mask also explores the future of navigation with innovative systems like What3Words, questioning the need for traditional addresses in a digital world.

Discover the fascinating world of roadside signage, from the history of the iconic stop sign to the evolution of mailboxes. Learn about William Phelps Eno, the pioneering father of traffic safety, and his innovative ideas that transformed road design. Hear tales of reflective road markers and cat's eyes, crucial inventions that enhance driver visibility. Explore how highways shape urban spaces and the interplay between icons and public safety in our everyday lives.