The Podcast Explaining America in 100 Unlikely Items

The Lead

Roman Mars, the creator of the popular podcast 99% Invisible, is launching a new podcast called A History of the United States in 100 Objects. The podcast explores the story of the United States through 100 objects and designs that reveal the country's history and culture.

The Event Details

Mars's new podcast is a co-production between BBC Studios, SiriusXM, and 99% Invisible. It is a sequel of sorts to the series A History of the World in 100 Objects, which aired on Radio 4 in 2010. The podcast comprises 100 episodes airing across two years, each highlighting objects and designs that tell the broader story of the United States.

The Data Analysis

Mars has been working on the podcast for years, using design as a lens to look at things. He says that the experience of researching the series has been akin to "putting myself through an American Studies major".

The Impact Analysis

The podcast explores a wide range of objects, from the screw thread to the Bundy Clock, used by shift workers to punch in and out. Mars says that these objects reveal the hidden designs and inventions that have shaped American culture and history.

The Prediction

Mars predicts that the podcast will be a success, following in the footsteps of 99% Invisible, which has amassed more than 660 episodes and a large following. He says that he is excited to approach the subject matter in a new way and to explore the story of America through objects and designs.