99% Invisible

Filmmaker Lisa Hurwitz dives into the captivating history of Horn & Hardart's Automats, once revolutionary dining spots where meals were dispensed from glass cubbies. She shares nostalgic tales of how these establishments made good food accessible to all, contrasting them with today's automated dining experiences that prioritize efficiency. The conversation also explores the evolution of food advertising, highlighting how visual storytelling transformed perceptions of meals over the years, blending creativity with cultural significance.

Explore Mexico City's water crisis, where it faces a paradox of floods yet dwindling drinking water. Discover the geological impacts of urban planning, leading to sinking streets and crooked buildings. Delve into innovative rainwater harvesting solutions that aim to harness storms as a resource. Learn about the importance of the Pedregal Ecological Reserve, where restoring native landscapes can combat urban sprawl. Witness the fine balance between nature and architecture, showcasing the challenges and creativity of city life in a historically rich environment.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Schlesinger, an anesthesiologist and jazz musician from Vanderbilt Medical Center, explores the often-overlooked impact of sound in hospitals. He highlights how excessive noise, especially from alarms, adversely affects both patients and healthcare providers. Schlesinger shares innovative solutions like the Canary Box to create calming soundscapes, showcasing music's power to enhance recovery and well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need for a harmonious auditory environment in healthcare to promote healing and improve patient experiences.

Explore the captivating story behind La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's architectural marvel that combines organic design with intricate details. Discover the challenges faced by architects striving to finish the basilica, decades after Gaudí's untimely death. Learn about the impact of the Spanish Civil War on his legacy and how modern technology aids in continuing his vision. Delve into the spiritual essence of this iconic structure, shaped by Gaudí's innovative modeling techniques and his belief in creativity as a journey of discovery.

Cities are louder than ever, and the constant noise can harm our health. The shift from horse-drawn carriages to cars has led to increased noise pollution, affecting well-being and academic success in marginalized communities. Intentionally designing soundscapes can enhance urban life, creating a better acoustic experience. Unique sounds, like Tokyo's subway jingles, show how thoughtful sound design improves navigation and everyday life. Emphasizing the relationship between noise and health calls for reevaluating how we manage urban sound.

Pierce Gully, a passionate reporter and creative writing graduate student, dives into the fascinating world of library weeding. He discusses the aftermath of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake and how it ignited fierce debates over which books to keep or dispose of. Gully shares stories of 'guerrilla librarians' advocating for the preservation of literary heritage. The podcast also highlights the inspiring Pack Horse Librarians of Eastern Kentucky, who bravely delivered books during the Great Depression, showcasing their vital role in fostering literacy and community connection.

Vivian Lee, a talented producer and storyteller, discusses the fascinating cultural bond between Indian cinema and Soviet audiences during the Cold War. She reveals how Bollywood films, especially those starring Raj Kapoor, captivated Soviet hearts despite political divides. Vivian highlights a young girl's journey to connect with pen pals in Russia, showcasing the nostalgic impact of film and literature across borders. The dialogue also touches on innovative viewing experiences in the Soviet Union and the power of art to transcend geopolitics.

In this engaging conversation with Matthew Harper, an information security expert, listeners learn about a fascinating biological census counting squirrels in Central Park. Harper humorously shares how these furry critters can cause significant power outages across the U.S. and even affected trading on the Nasdaq. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between urban wildlife and infrastructure, the impact of squirrels on other species, and the importance of respecting nature within our cities.

Explore the artistic genius of Isamu Noguchi, known for his iconic coffee table and visionary concept of Play Mountain—a playground that reimagined public space. Dive into his struggles during World War II and the resilience of the Nisei community amid internment. Discover the evolution of playground design, balancing safety and creativity, and the landmark changes that followed a tragic playground accident. Enjoy a quirky side note on cookie cravings, adding a sprinkle of humor to this insightful discussion.

Joining the fun are Alex Goldman and PJ Vogt, both co-hosts of Reply All, who dive into the vexing issue of a Mazda stereo glitch that prevents listeners from enjoying the show. They humorously explore technical troubles with car audio and share amusing anecdotes about podcast playback predicaments. Samin Nosrat, renowned for her culinary expertise, adds flavor to the conversation with a light-hearted debate on familial ties and cooking adventures. Together, they reflect on the magic of collaboration and the quirks of modern technology.