99% Invisible: episodes
60 recent episodes from the show's feed. Back to the show
100 Objects #5: Blue Back Speller
Jun 19, 2026 · 46 min
Why did an ordinary schoolbook become so treasured that enslaved people risked their lives to possess it?
The Horn That Divided the World Cup
Jun 16, 2026 · 34 min
Love it or hate it, one buzzing horn changed the sound of the World Cup forever.
100 Objects #4: Lowe's Gas Bag
Jun 12, 2026 · 39 min
In 1861, one man and a “gas bag” filled with hydrogen sparked America's obsession with going higher, farther, into the unknown.
Karaoke Videos
Jun 9, 2026 · 35 min
Behind every cheesy karaoke track was a surprisingly ambitious filmmaking experiment.
100 Objects #3: The Pension Files
Jun 5, 2026 · 43 min
Unearthing a remarkable slave rebellion through dusty Civil War paperwork.
The MAPL Test
Jun 2, 2026 · 40 min
Canada reshaped its music industry with a quirky radio rule that changed who got heard.
100 Objects #2: 60-Degree Screw
May 29, 2026 · 36 min
A tiny screw. A precise angle. How America built a hidden empire, one standard at a time.
Drug Story: Ivermectin
May 26, 2026 · 48 min
What started as a revolutionary treatment for river blindness became something far messier.
100 Objects #1: The Century Safe
May 19, 2026 · 30 min
A locked iron safe, sealed for 100 years. What objects did Americans choose to remember?
Ask Your Doctor About
May 12, 2026 · 32 min
As wild and random as they might seem, a lot of work—and even poetry—goes into coming up with today's catchiest, most unforgettable drug names.
A History of the United States in 100 Objects Trailer
May 8, 2026 · 4 min
100 objects. 100 stories. A new history of the US hiding in plain sight.
Enshittification
May 5, 2026 · 35 min
Why is it suddenly so hard to fix the stuff we depend on most?
Citizen of the World
Apr 28, 2026 · 41 min
One man rejected nationality and dared the world to recognize him anyway.
Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson
Apr 24, 2026 · 1h 6m
Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article VI and VII, which includes the all-important Supremacy Clause. Alondra Nelson, a leading expert on AI, is our guest.
Co-op City
Apr 21, 2026 · 38 min
The world’s largest housing co-op—built to save New York City’s middle class—became the unlikely site of a resident revolt
RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues
Apr 14, 2026 · 32 min
The surprisingly long history of trying to use robots to call balls and strikes in baseball. With an update!
Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?
Apr 7, 2026 · 33 min
A missing car reveals the confusing rules, murky fees, and private actors behind modern towing.
Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work?
Apr 3, 2026 · 33 min
In a place where losing power can turn deadly, keeping the lights on is a high-stakes balancing act.
Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco?
Mar 31, 2026 · 28 min
Why did it take nearly a decade to redesign a city trash can, and why haven't more bins made the streets cleaner?
Constitution Breakdown #8: Jill Lepore
Mar 27, 2026 · 1h 6m
Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article V, which lays out the process to amend the Constitution. Jill Lepore is our guest.