99% Invisible

Elizabeth Cho, a law professor at UC Davis, brings her legal expertise to the conversation, tackling pressing issues at the intersection of constitutional law and societal challenges. They explore recent Supreme Court rulings impacting homelessness, emphasizing the delicate balance between enforcement and compassion. Cho also discusses evolving strategies in community engagement regarding policing and constitutional rights, while touching on the legal complexities surrounding political campaigns, including controversies involving Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Jacob Reed, a seasoned producer, and Karen Fong, a talented title designer known for her work on 'Little Fires Everywhere,' share insights into the fascinating world of title design. They discuss how opening credits aren't just names; they're complex negotiations that shape audience perceptions. The duo explores the challenges of balancing creativity and legalities in billing, the evolution of title design, and their favorite nostalgic title sequences. Their reflections reveal the artistry that transforms simple text into memorable visual stories.

Claire Mullen, a producer known for her work on the design of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and Kurt Kohlstedt, who has explored Olympic poetry, dive into the artistic dimensions of the Games. They uncover the politically charged backdrop of the 1968 Olympics, showcasing the striking iconography and the importance of design amidst social unrest. Kurt highlights the unique artistic competitions once included in the Olympics and imagines a world where athletes display their creativity through various art forms, blending sport and culture in fascinating ways.

Discover the obscure sports of past Olympics, Montreal's financial strain, a tragic incident at Seoul's opening ceremony, and a twist on future Olympic hosting locations.

Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, discusses the pivotal role of infrastructure in combating systemic racism within transportation systems. He shares insights on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its potential to reshape communities. The conversation also delves into historical power dynamics illustrated by Robert Moses and the ongoing struggles for equitable urban development, highlighting the importance of reconnecting divided neighborhoods through thoughtful infrastructure initiatives.

Gillian Jacobs, an actor, director, and L.A. resident, dives into the surprising story of the Los Angeles River, recounting its transition from a natural waterway to a concrete channel. She highlights the catastrophic flood of 1938 that spurred this change and discusses ongoing grassroots activism aimed at reviving the river. Jacobs shares thrilling kayaking adventures that underscore the river's neglected potential and reflects on historic proposals for green parks that could have transformed urban life. A fascinating blend of history and environmentalism awaits!

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.