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The 99% Invisible Breakdown: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 99% Invisible
What if the most powerful man in New York never held elected office? 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 Robert Caro. Together, they explore how one unelected man used ambition and bureaucracy to bend an entire metropolis to his will.
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- Apr 24, 20261h 5m
The Constitution #9: Alondra Nelson
This is the ninth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution. This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article VI and VII, which include some odds and ends like the Debts Clause, the No Religious Test Clause, and the process for ratification. But tucked into Article VI is the all-important Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution is the “supreme Law of the Land,” and is probably the most frequently used constitutional law in practice. Roman and Elizabeth are also joined by Dr. Alondra Nelson, a leading expert on AI. She discusses why AI is a challenge to regulate, what to think of the tug of war between the states and the federal government on the topic, and whether she’s optimistic governments will figure this out. The 99% Invisible Breakdown of the Constitution Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Mar 27, 20261h 6m
The Constitution #8: Jill Lepore
This is the eighth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution. This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article V, which lays out the process to amend the Constitution. Then, Jill Lepore lays out her thesis that the Constitution is truly meant to be amended, explains why Article V amendments have become functionally impossible, and tells some fascinating stories about the people who have championed amendments. The 99% Invisible Breakdown of the Constitution Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Feb 27, 20261h 17m
The Constitution #7: California AG Rob Bonta
This is the seventh episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution. This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article IV, which outlines the relationship between states and between states and the federal government. They add the 10th Amendment to the conversation, because that also talks about the states. Then, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins to talk about how his office is using Article IV and the 10th Amendment to protect the state from federal overreach. The 99% Invisible Breakdown of the Constitution Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Jan 30, 20261h 0m
The Constitution #6: Adam Liptak
This is the sixth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article III, which establishes the judicial branch, alongside New York Times chief legal affairs correspondent, Adam Liptak. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Dec 26, 20251h 19m
The Constitution #5: Dr. Tom Frieden
This is the fifth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.This month, Roman and Elizabeth turn to the rest of Article Two with former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden, talking about the experience of being a highly trained expert in an inherently political institution within the executive branch. Dr. Frieden was also the New York City Public Health Commissioner under Mayor Bloomberg from 2002 to 2009, and he discusses the difference between running a city and a federal health agency.Elizabeth also explains the constitutional powers and limitations of the presidency, including hiring and firing, impeachment, pardons, and presidential duties—and how President Trump and the current Supreme Court are upending those powers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Nov 28, 20251h 22m
The Constitution #4: Janet Napolitano
This is the fourth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.This month, Roman and Elizabeth turn to Article Two, which establishes the executive branch, alongside former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. Elizabeth also explains why Trump administration’s attacks on Venezuelan boats defy even the broadest interpretation of the president's war powers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Oct 31, 20251h 9m
The Constitution #3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren
This is the third episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution.This month, Roman and Elizabeth dive into Article One, Sections 8 through 10, which spells out what Congress can and cannot do. They unpack everything from the Commerce Clause to the taxing and spending powers, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and even a few long-forgotten quirks like letters of marque and reprisal.Then, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins to talk about Congress’s “power of the purse,” how it’s being challenged under President Trump, and what it means for the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Oct 23, 202554 min
The Power Broker #13: Drop Dead City
Like a shadow epilogue to The Power Broker, this story plunges into the chaos of 1970s New York where debt, unions, and one brutal headline nearly broke the city.Drop Dead City is now playing in select cities, and available on VOD on November 14. You can watch the trailer here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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About The 99% Invisible Breakdown
What if the most powerful man in New York never held elected office? 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 Robert Caro. Together, they explore how one unelected man used ambition and bureaucracy to bend an entire metropolis to his will.
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