99% Invisible

Join Joe Rosenberg, a producer, as he reveals the astonishing tale of Britain's historical war bonds that take nearly a century to settle. Sean Real, a composer, dives into the riveting evolution of concert pitch and its international ramifications. Katie Mingle, a senior producer, shares the mystery of an abandoned Argentine diplomatic mansion in D.C. Finally, Delaney Hall takes us back to the Manhattan Project, highlighting a baby boom amidst top-secret projects. From finance to forgotten properties, these stories explore the quirky side of our built world.

Chris Berube, a producer who dives into the Hollywood sign's unexpected history and the challenges of tourist access. Vivian Leigh shares the quirky tale of raccoons disrupting Japanese temples, raising ethical dilemmas for monks. Kurt Kolstad discusses vernacular designs influenced by folklore, showcasing fascinating architectural features like witches' windows. Together, they explore strange intersections of culture, nature, and design, making for an entertaining collection of mini-stories that highlight the unexpected tales behind familiar symbols.

The hosts dive into the quirky concept of 'asynchronous podcasting,' blending humor with scholarly insights. They explore the founder effect in population genetics, using a fictional Martian colony to illustrate genetic diversity issues, referencing real-world examples like the Amish community. Listener support takes center stage, with fun promotions and a quirky initiative named the 'Beautiful Nerd Brigade,' ensuring fans stay engaged while enjoying a good laugh. Tune in for a mix of intelligence and wit!

Discover the fascinating story of ELIZA, a groundbreaking chatbot from the 1960s that captivated users and sparked emotional connections. Explore the implications of artificial intelligence in communication and its ethical considerations in mental health care. Delve into the evolution of conversational AI and advancements in natural language processing, highlighting both potential and challenges. The narrative includes critiques on the impact of technology on human relationships and the importance of navigating AI-generated content responsibly.

In this engaging discussion, reporter Katie Thornton dives into the astonishing history of incubator shows for premature babies at amusement parks in the early 20th century. She explores Dr. Martin Cooney's controversial yet effective methods that significantly improved survival rates, all while operating in the morally complex realm of public entertainment. The narrative also touches on the exploitation faced by the Dion quintuplets, illuminating the darker side of childhood fame and the ongoing struggle for justice. It's a captivating blend of medical history and ethical quandaries.

Discover the fascinating journey of Lester Gaba and his creation, Cynthia, a mannequin who became a fashion sensation in the 1930s. This lively narrative explores how Cynthia’s charm disrupted the retail landscape and sparked a cultural obsession. Delve into the decline of handcrafted mannequins and the rise of dollar stores, highlighting the shift in consumerism. The podcast also traces the origins of dollar store goods back to China’s Futian Market, revealing the intricate web of globalization and its impact on local economies.

Tim Harford, an economist and author known for his insights on decision-making, dives into the chaotic aftermath of the 2016 Academy Awards blunder. He unpacks how poor design choices and communication failures led to the 'La La Land' mix-up, emphasizing that safety systems can introduce new risks. Harford draws parallels to the financial chaos of AIG's collapse, illustrating how small decisions can lead to monumental consequences. Through engaging anecdotes, he highlights the vital lessons learned from these cautionary tales.

In this engaging discussion, Emmett FitzGerald and Vivian Leigh from the 99% Invisible team explore the rich histories behind iconic symbols. FitzGerald dives into the peace symbol's origins, revealing its roots in anti-nuclear activism and its transformation into a global emblem for peace. Leigh unpacks the controversy surrounding the smiley face, discussing trademark challenges and its evolution into a cultural icon. Together, they highlight how these symbols shape our understanding of peace, power, and happiness in our daily lives.

Rose Eveleth, host of the Flash Forward podcast, dives into the challenges facing New Mexico's chili pepper harvest. She discusses the labor shortage impacting small family farms and the intense work required for picking peppers. The conversation explores the clash between traditional farming methods and the push for automation in harvesting. Eveleth highlights the complexities of mechanizing such a delicate crop while addressing the historical displacement of migrant workers due to agricultural advancements. It's a spicy mix of tradition, innovation, and social justice!

Vivian Leigh, a producer for 99% Invisible, shares captivating tales from history, focusing on sailors stranded in the Suez Canal during the 1967 Six-Day War. She reflects on the jarring camaraderie formed in isolation, leading to the creation of the Great Bitter Lake Association. The sailors' resourceful trading and unique celebrations fostered lasting friendships despite geopolitical strife. Amid these narratives, the discussion also touches on the influence of stamps in political lobbying, showcasing the quirky intersections between history and personal stories.