The 99% Invisible Breakdown
99% Invisible
What if the most powerful man in New York never held elected office?
In our first audio book club, Roman Mars and comedian Elliott Kalan dive deep into The Power Broker, Robert Caro’s epic biography of Robert Moses, the master builder who reshaped New York City with highways, bridges, and raw political force.
Each episode unpacks each chapter from the book and features guests like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mike Schur, and, of course, Robert Caro. Together, they explore how one unelected man used ambition and bureaucracy to bend an entire metropolis to his will.
In our first audio book club, Roman Mars and comedian Elliott Kalan dive deep into The Power Broker, Robert Caro’s epic biography of Robert Moses, the master builder who reshaped New York City with highways, bridges, and raw political force.
Each episode unpacks each chapter from the book and features guests like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mike Schur, and, of course, Robert Caro. Together, they explore how one unelected man used ambition and bureaucracy to bend an entire metropolis to his will.
Episodes
Mentioned books
5 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 2h 12min
The Power Broker #5: Brandy Zadrozny
Brandy Zadrozny, a senior NBC reporter who covers misinformation and the internet, brings a reporter's eye to Robert Caro’s story. She talks about archives and longform reporting. She compares Moses’s press manipulation to modern media tactics. She discusses reporting ethics, source skepticism, and how time and trust unlock big stories.
8 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 2h 40min
The Power Broker #4: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative from the Bronx and progressive leader, connects Robert Moses’ infrastructure choices to life in her district. She discusses highways’ social and psychological effects, lessons about wielding political power, and tactics for turning big ideas into concrete projects. Short, personal reflections on public housing, parks, and ethical trade-offs round out the conversation.
27 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 2h 7min
The Power Broker #3: David Sims
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.
18 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 45min
The Power Broker #2: Jamelle Bouie
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.
9 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Power Broker #1: Robert Caro
Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer known for The Power Broker, joins to recount researching Robert Moses. Short scenes reveal Moses' rise through resignations, his independent Triborough power, and projects that reshaped neighborhoods. Conversations cover investigative techniques, the human cost of displacement, and why Caro insisted archives and victims were essential to the story.
