99% Invisible

Gabe Bullard, a reporter based in Basel, Switzerland, shares his experience witnessing the 639-year-long performance of John Cage's 'Organ2/ASLSP' in Halberstadt, Germany. He uncovers the astonishingly slow pace of music that invites deep reflection, as this chord change only occurs every few years. The conversation dives into the historical significance of the Halberstadt pipe organ, unique keyboard innovations, and the philosophical implications of such a meditative project. It’s a fascinating exploration of time, sound, and art that challenges our perception of music.

Avery Troubleman, a community organizer with deep ties to Los Angeles, dives into the origins of the term 'Skid Row', potentially linking it to Seattle. The conversation highlights the deliberate urban planning that segregates the homeless community from development. Troubleman unveils how residents and allies actively shaped the space they occupy, pushing back against gentrification. Themes of socio-economic disparity, historical context, and the ethical dilemmas of urban design come to the forefront, capturing the complexities of Skid Row's evolution.

Join James Monsees, co-founder of Juul Labs, as he navigates the stormy seas of vaping innovation. He discusses how his Stanford venture aimed to revolutionize smoking alternatives but inadvertently sparked widespread nicotine addiction, particularly among youth. The conversation dives into Juul's design journey, regulatory hurdles, and the bittersweet legacy of creating a product meant to help but which became a cultural phenomenon. Monsees shares candid insights on balancing innovation with health responsibility, revealing the complex ramifications of their good intentions.

In this engaging conversation, Mike Schur, the creative mind behind beloved sitcoms like "Parks and Recreation" and "The Good Place," shares how Robert Caro's "The Power Broker" inspired his work. Schur discusses the complexities of power dynamics in urban planning, emphasizing the systemic racism embedded in decisions made by Robert Moses. The chat also explores the ethical slips leaders face and how the legacies of urban visionaries like Moses shape contemporary communities. Plus, there's a creative discussion on the potential for sitcoms to tackle familial rivalries.

Exploring the origins and limitations of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the evolving technology in hurricane forecasting, and the ongoing debate on whether a Category 6 should be added to the scale to account for stronger and more frequent storms.

Phil Corbett, a reporter for The Wind, dives into the chaotic world of leaf blowers in Los Angeles. He discusses their environmental backlash versus the economic realities for local gardeners dependent on these tools. The conversation highlights the dramatic hunger strike by gardeners fighting against a strict ban, showcasing their determination to protect their livelihoods. Corbett also examines societal views on yard aesthetics, challenging traditional notions of beauty in landscaping compared to natural gardens, all amidst ongoing legislative battles.

Gabrielle Bourbet is a sharp-eyed reporter who uncovered factual inaccuracies in Supreme Court rulings on gun control, while Allison Or Larson, a law professor at William and Mary, dissects the Court’s decision-making process. They discuss how historical laws challenge contemporary rulings and the critical role of amicus curiae briefs in shaping legal outcomes. The conversation highlights the evolution of legal arguments, the influence of advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action, and the necessity for precision in judicial interpretations, all while navigating the complex legacy of the Brandeis brief.

Jamie Allen, the visionary behind the Central Park squirrel census, shares the fascinating journey of counting NYC's eastern gray squirrels. Highlights include quirky tales of squirrels causing comical power outages and how one even influenced a technical glitch on Wall Street. Allen dives into the historical context of squirrels in urban settings and discusses their ecological role as invasive species. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance between urban wildlife and human interaction, showcasing the importance of connecting with nature.

Jake Berman, the author of "The Lost Subways of North America," dives into the fascinating yet overlooked history of urban transit in North America. He reveals how cities like Los Angeles once thrived with electric rail systems and what led to their downfall, from political dysfunction to racial dynamics. Berman discusses how community support is vital for public transit success, contrasts U.S. and Canadian approaches to urban planning, and highlights Vancouver’s innovative solutions like the SkyTrain as a beacon of hope for future transit revitalization.

Brandy Zadrozny, a Senior reporter at NBC News specializing in misinformation and conspiracy theories, joins the discussion. She shares insights on the intricate relationship between journalism and power as explored in Robert Caro's 'The Power Broker.' They tackle the art of investigative storytelling and the ongoing challenges of misinformation in society today. Additionally, they delve into the emotional dynamics of power through historical figures, shedding light on the darker aspects of urban development and the pressing need for accountability in governance.