99% Invisible (Director's Cut)

Series produced by Roman Mars

Series image

Trying to comprehend the 99% invisible activity that shapes the design of our world.

A tiny radio show about design, architecture & the 99% invisible activity that shapes our world. From producer Roman Mars and KALW in San Francisco.

In August 2012, 99% Invisible became the highest-funded journalism project in Kickstarter history, raising over $170,000 from 5661 backers.

With over 4 million downloads online, 99% Invisible recently peaked at #2 in iTunes ranking for all podcasts in the US, and had occupied the #1 spot in both the Arts and Design categories.

"Roman Mars lights the radio. His pieces conjure other worlds, grapple with big ideas, make sound three dimensional. They are smart and funny and original. The Kitchen Sisters would like to be Presidents of his Fan Club."
-The Kitchen Sisters, Peabody Award-winning producers for NPR

"We think what he’s doing is inspiring. It has a kind of rhythm and musicality that you don’t normally find in radio or podcast storytelling."
-Jad Abumrad, Radiolab

"I love the show. It's wonderful. [It] actually reminded me of why I love radio."
-Jonathan Goldstein, CBC's WireTap

"Mars is the Ira Glass of design."
-Allison Arieff, The New York Times Opinionator design columnist

Learn more: http://99percentinvisible.org Hide full description

A tiny radio show about design, architecture & the 99% invisible activity that shapes our world. From producer Roman Mars and KALW in San Francisco.

In August 2012, 99% Invisible became the highest-funded journalism project in Kickstarter history, raising over $170,000 from 5661 backers.

With over 4 million downloads online, 99% Invisible recently peaked at #2 in iTunes ranking for all podcasts in the US, and had occupied the #1 spot in both the Arts and Design categories. "Roman Mars lights the radio. His pieces conjure other worlds, grapple with big ideas, make sound three dimensional. They are smart and funny and original. The Kitchen Sisters would like to be Presidents of his Fan Club." -The Kitchen Sisters, Peabody Award-winning producers for NPR "We think what he’s doing... Show full description


197 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Piece image
Attendees at the 1939 NYC World's Fair were stunned to hear the first synthesized voice. Its inventor would go on to develop the Vocoder, which, in...

  • Added: Jul 25, 2016
  • Length: 22:14

  • Added: Apr 04, 2016
  • Length: 21:16

  • Added: Apr 02, 2016
  • Length: 14:57
  • Purchases: 1
Piece image
A look at Germany's special capsules for dangerous literature.

Bought by WABE and KUOW


  • Added: Apr 01, 2016
  • Length: 18:05
  • Purchases: 2
Piece image
Gentrification comes with a name...and often it's abbreviated.

  • Added: Apr 01, 2016
  • Length: 17:32
Piece image
A story of countercurrent aquaculture at the intersection of design and nature.

  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 16:13
Piece image
The story of one of the hottest commodities in 19th century India.

  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 15:56
Piece image
The story of two innovations, one designed and one organic, that helped save the game of basketball.

Bought by WDBM and Rhythm & News Service


  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 19:15
  • Purchases: 2
Piece image
There's a reason many American statues look so similar.

Bought by WABE and KUOW


  • Added: Mar 08, 2016
  • Length: 16:49
  • Purchases: 2

  • Added: Mar 08, 2016
  • Length: 19:49

  • Added: Feb 29, 2016
  • Length: 16:08
  • Purchases: 2

  • Added: Feb 01, 2016
  • Length: 12:29
Piece image
The noble tale of neon lights-from inception to the modern day.

  • Added: Jan 25, 2016
  • Length: 14:32
Piece image
What's the real meaning behind the expiration dates listed on your food?

Bought by PRX Remix and New Hampshire Public Radio


  • Added: Jul 25, 2016
  • Length: 13:43
  • Purchases: 2

  • Added: Jan 21, 2016
  • Length: 13:42
  • Purchases: 2
Piece image
The engineering miracle that never was.

Bought by XRAY.fm


  • Added: Jul 13, 2015
  • Length: 17:49
  • Purchases: 1

  • Added: Jul 13, 2015
  • Length: 13:41
Piece image
They don't sell the steak. They sell the sizzle.

Bought by New Hampshire Public Radio and WABE


  • Added: Jul 13, 2015
  • Length: 12:36
  • Purchases: 2

  • Added: Jul 13, 2015
  • Length: 12:12
  • Purchases: 2
Piece image
The surprisingly long history of the "#"- whatever it's called.

Bought by KZYX


  • Added: Jul 13, 2015
  • Length: 14:20
  • Purchases: 1