The 99% Invisible Breakdown: The Power Broker

This is the fourth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district, who describes the lasting impact Moses’ highways have made on her district, and her own philosophy when it comes to political power and bringing ambitious projects to life.Elliott and Roman also cover the second section of Part 4 of the book (Chapter 16 through Chapter 20), discussing the major story beats and themes.The Power Broker #4: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezJoin the discussion on Discord and our Subreddit.

David Sims, a movie critic for The Atlantic and co-host of the Blank Check podcast, joins the discussion to unearth the compelling narrative of Robert Moses. They explore the interplay of power and morality in urban governance, revealing how Moses navigated political landscapes with ambition and controversy. Sims shares insights about the transformation of public spaces like Jones Beach, while reflecting on the darker side of authority and its corrupting influence. The conversation intertwines historical analysis with personal touches, making for an enlightening dialogue.

Join New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, known for linking history with contemporary politics, as he dives into key themes from Robert Caro’s influential work. Discover the fascinating rise of reformist Bell Moskowitz and her political acumen, alongside Robert Moses' complex persona and his duality as a leader. Bouie contextualizes Al Smith’s legacy and discusses the urgent need for green spaces amid New York's urbanization. They explore Moses' legislative mastery, illustrating the intricate dance of power and the shaping of community spaces.

Welcome to our first official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. Robert Caro happens to be our special guest for this episode and you do not get more special than that.On today’s show, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars will cover the Introduction, Part 1, and Part 2 of the book (the intro through the end of Chapter 5), discussing the major story beats and themes, and then we will bring the great Robert Caro to the stage. Power Broker #01: Robert CaroJoin the discussion on Discord and Reddit.