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Jun 13, 2026
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Stuffed Possums and Sunken Gold: The Podcast Exploring America Through 100 Objects

AI Summary
Roman Mars, creator of the popular podcast '99% Invisible,' is launching a new series 'A History of the United States in 100 Objects,' a co-production with BBC Studios and SiriusXM. The podcast will feature 100 episodes across two years, highlighting everyday objects that tell the broader story of America, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

The Podcast That Reveals America's Hidden Stories

In 2010, audio producer Roman Mars launched 99% Invisible, a podcast about the hidden designs and inventions most of us overlook. What began as four-minute episodes on niche topics like building acoustics and toothbrush ergonomics has grown into a podcasting institution with over 660 episodes. Sixteen years later, Mars is embarking on a new ambitious project: "A History of the United States in 100 Objects," a co-production between BBC Studios, SiriusXM, and 99% Invisible.

This new series, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, will comprise 100 episodes airing across two years. Each episode will highlight objects and designs that tell the broader story of the United States. "After years of doing 99% Invisible, and using design as a lens to look at things, it's nice to approach it a bit differently and look at certain objects and ask: what does this say about America?" Mars explains.

Objects That Define America's History

Among the objects featured in the podcast are the screw thread, which Mars describes as "the perfect object" because it "is completely overlooked, yet it explains so much about what modern day US imperialism is all about." Other notable items include:

  • The Bundy Clock - The first employee time clock that introduced the concept of clocking in and out, representing a shift in how Americans measure work and value.
  • A gold coin from the SS Central America - Recovered from a ship that sank in 1857, sparking the Panic of 1857, the first truly global financial crisis.
  • The Billy Possum - A soft toy named after President William Howard Taft that attempted to replace the Teddy Roosevelt-inspired teddy bear.
  • The 60-degree screw - A standardization that helped the US build a hidden empire and became the global standard after World War II.

The Evolution of 99% Invisible

Mars, 51, records the show from a small, foam-panelled studio at his home in Berkeley, California. His warm, mellifluous voice has become synonymous with a particular American podcasting style that is erudite yet informal. He deliberately speaks close to the microphone to create an intimate effect, making listeners feel as if he's broadcasting from inside their heads.

A career in audio wasn't originally the plan for Mars, who left high school at 15 to study biology and later began a PhD in plant genetics. After dropping out, he considered becoming a science teacher but was drawn to radio instead. After production gigs at public radio stations and on NPR's Snap Judgment, Mars created 99% Invisible, named after a quote from architect Buckminster Fuller: "Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable."

Why Audio-Only Storytelling Matters

Mars doesn't believe his broadcasting career would have taken off without the rise of podcasting. He notes that his voice isn't a good fit for traditional radio, which prefers a clear and clipped tone. "I found my voice and I became very relaxed behind the microphone. Now I am more comfortable talking into a microphone than I am talking to humans," he says.

When asked about the rise of video podcasts, Mars is unequivocal: "I just think it's way more interesting to make the best possible audio show than the shittiest television show." For Mars and his team, these are documentary shows where "we put a bunch of people's voices together in different ways. It couldn't work any other way."

"To suddenly have my face in there? It's not me. I prefer to be the voice in your head," Mars concludes, emphasizing the unique power of audio storytelling to create intimate connections with listeners.