99% Invisible

Daniel Ackerman, a reporter who dug into license plate history and collectors, walks through how a 1928 Idaho potato plate sparked souvenir theft and turned plates into state marketing. Hear stories of design fights, legal battles over mottos, specialty plate controversies, and the evolution from porcelain tags to modern busy graphics.

Will Aspinall, journalist who reported and produced the main story on the em dash, traces the mark from 18th-century novels to Shakespearean stage cues. Short scenes cover why people equate em dashes with AI, how models learned the habit, a playful Amdash redesign, and what punctuation reveals about human writing and reading.

Adam Liptak, New York Times chief legal affairs correspondent and longtime Supreme Court reporter, walks through Article III and the modern Court. He discusses Congress’s control over court structure and jurisdiction. He unpacks life tenure, term limits vs amendments, the shadow docket, standing doctrine, and how Court strategy, clerk influence, and public profile shape rulings.

Kim Chakanetsa, Zimbabwean producer and storyteller who traces naming traditions in her country. She explores bold English-word names like Suffer and Medicine. She discusses colonial disruption, reclaiming indigenous names during political struggle, and playful post-independence reinvention. The piece looks at diaspora reactions, social media pressures, and why names can be proud storytelling acts.

Julie Shapiro, a creative producer and co-creator of AudioFlux, dives into the excitement of short-form audio challenges. They discuss how AudioFlux emerged from industry fatigue, allowing artists to craft compelling stories in just three minutes. Shapiro highlights unique pieces like Gregory Warner's exploration of tinnitus and silence, and Talia Augustidis' reflections on the unsettling quiet of Gaza. They also touch on themes like 'firsts' and 'letting go,' revealing the vibrant artistic community thriving in this impactful audio format.

Michael Bierut, a prominent graphic designer and design critic known for his impactful work at Pentagram, shares insights from his legendary career. He reflects on a breakthrough design that launched his trajectory and candidly discusses his decision for semi-retirement to explore new creative avenues. Michael reveals lessons learned from early missteps and emphasizes the balance between familiarity and novelty in design. He also critiques modern book cover trends and urges mentorship for younger designers as a fulfilling path forward.

Join producer Jacob Medina-Gleason as he dives into the controversies of performance-enhancing swim gear, specifically the Speedo Laser Racer's impact on Olympic records. Joe Rosenberg shares the extraordinary tale of Violet Jessop, a stewardess who miraculously survived not one but three maritime disasters. Kurt Kolstad introduces the Art-o-mat project, which turns cigarette vending machines into showcases for small artworks, highlighting creativity and community engagement. These stories weave together themes of innovation and resilience.

Explore the quirky history of stop signs, from why they're red octagons to the clever use of blue signs in private lots. Dive into the unexpected boom of miniature golf during the Great Depression, highlighting innovative designs and rooftop courses. Discover an intriguing peace park at the Blaine-Surrey border, and how it became a meeting spot during COVID. Plus, learn about Bermuda's unique roofs that capture rainwater and reflect heat, and how diners evolved from train cars with their clever designs.

Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director and New York City Health Commissioner, shares insights on the intersection of public health and politics. He discusses the challenges of working in a politically charged environment while emphasizing the importance of scientific integrity. Frieden highlights the role of the CDC in shaping health policies, particularly during crises. He addresses the complexities of combating vaccine misinformation and the need for clear communication to build public trust. Additionally, he proposes reforms for better alignment between CDC and local efforts to enhance public health outcomes.

Join Chris Berube, a producer and reporter, as he explores the ecological impact of Las Vegas's Luxor pyramid and its mesmerizing sky beam. Vivian Leigh shares hilarious insights into gail.com, a domain perpetually flooded with visitors due to typos from eager Gmail users. Meanwhile, Jason DeLeon delves into a fascinating Rhode Island miracle investigation, revealing the meticulous process the Catholic Church uses to verify miracles, including unexpected questions about costs and credibility. Expect quirky tales and deep dives into unusual subjects!