99% Invisible

This podcast explores the history and impact of barbed wire in the American West, including its role in dividing land, the tensions it caused between cattlemen and farmers, its devastating effect on Native American communities, and its representation in art and culture.

Exploring challenge coins in the military, this podcast discusses their purpose and symbolism, designs like ninja stars and crowns, and their history and use in other institutions. It also highlights the lack of standardized rules surrounding challenge coins and the human elements they represent.

This podcast discusses the issue of palm theft and explores the value and symbolism of palm trees in California. It delves into the cultural significance and history of palm trees in the state, including their association with luxury and leisure. The podcast also highlights the high cost of palm trees, the dangers they face from a fungus, and the city of Los Angeles' decision to curtail replanting. Overall, it provides a fascinating insight into the world of palm trees in California.

Exploring the unexpected popularity of the iconic PDX Carpet at the Portland airport, from tattoos to merchandise and its successful marketing impact. The emotional attachment people have towards the carpet and the process of removing and recycling it. The decision-making process and inspiration behind the replacement of the famous carpet and the challenges of accepting change.

Reflecting on the closure of The Sims Online and the emotional journey of players. Discover how one player found solace and companionship in the unconventional video game EA Land. Documenting the closure of EA Land and capturing the emotions of its dedicated users. Exploring the unique sounds, interactions, and the bittersweet feeling of loss as the game world disintegrates.

Encounter the frustration of poorly designed elements in the built world and the lack of action taken. Learn about Richard Ankram, an artist who installed a missing freeway sign in LA as public service artwork. Discover the process of studying signs, executing the installation, and avoiding capture. Explore unauthorized subway signs in NYC and the controversy surrounding them.

Explore the history and evolution of mascots in sports, from the origins of the word 'mascot' to the famous San Diego Chicken. Learn about the creation and influence of the Philly Phanatic, and the personal connection fans have with the Washington Nationals' mascot, UPE.

This podcast explores the unsolved murders of 1885 in Austin, Texas, where a serial killer targeted black servant girls. It discusses the history and design of moonlight towers, their drawbacks, and the fascination surrounding arc lights. Despite financial constraints, Austin kept their moonlight towers, which are now mostly found in parking lots.

If you are looking at a computer screen, your right hand is probably resting on a mouse. To the left of that mouse (or above, if you’re on a laptop) is your keyboard. As you work on the computer, your right hand … Continue reading → Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This podcast explores the rare use of sound trademarks, featuring examples like NBC's chimes and MGM's roaring lion. It discusses the impact of sound on branding and marketing, using Chili's sizzling fajitas as an example. It also explores the role of sound in car design, focusing on the challenges of creating the desired sound for cars like the Mustang. The podcast highlights the consequences of neglecting sound in branding, as seen with Frito-Lay's Sun Chips bag. It concludes by discussing the rarity of trademarked sounds and the idea of incorporating sounds into tombstones.