99% Invisible

Explore the hurdles small businesses face in the digital age, alongside the crucial support from financial institutions. Delve into the complexities of homelessness, particularly for those living in vehicles, and the challenges of accessing vital resources. Discover innovative strategies for boosting holiday sales through online courses, while grappling with persistent hiring issues in today's economy. This thought-provoking journey emphasizes the impact of real estate crises on social inequality and personal recovery.

Emily Anthes, author of The Great Indoors, dives into the surprising ways indoor spaces affect our health and happiness. She reveals that we spend a staggering 90% of our lives indoors, yet we know little about our environments. Anthes discusses the importance of biophilia, the hidden microbial ecosystems in our homes, and how indoor air quality can significantly impact well-being. She also explores the balance between accessibility and design, and the role of smart technology in modern living.

In this engaging conversation, composer Sean Real shares his journey from musician to the mastermind behind over 300 original tracks for the show, highlighting the creativity born from personal connections. Former producer Avery Truffleman discusses the collaborative magic between composers and producers. They touch on the emotional depth of music, the human impact of the housing crisis in the Bay Area, and the complexities of homelessness assistance. This tribute seamlessly blends artistry with poignant social commentary.

If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you’ve been directed to study the safety briefing card in your seatback pocket. Every passenger plane, commercial or private, has to have safety cards on board. Mo Laborde is a reporter who has been collecting safety cards for almost ten years, and one day she started wondering how the modern safety card came about. In The Unlikely Event Buy The 99% Invisible City 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.