In 2010, audio producer Roman Mars launched 99% Invisible, a podcast about the hidden designs and inventions most of us overlook. At the time, he didn’t have high hopes for it. Early topics included building acoustics and the ergonomics of the toothbrush, and episodes were just four minutes long. Yet listener numbers quickly grew, and the episodes got longer.
Sixteen years on, 99% Invisible is a podcasting institution with more than 660 episodes, investigating everything from political logos to the color of margarine. “It’s taking something that seems really boring and going, ‘No, no, no, this is interesting,’ and really convincing you of that,” Mars says. His warm, mellifluous voice is synonymous with an erudite yet informal American podcasting style.
What Is A History of the United States in 100 Objects?
This month, Mars launches a new podcast project: A History of the United States in 100 Objects. It is a co-production between BBC Studios and 99% Invisible, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The series comprises 100 episodes airing across two years, each highlighting an object or design that tells the broader story of America.
When BBC producers first came up with the idea, they found that 99% Invisible had already covered many of the suggested objects. So they called Mars to front the series. “After years of doing 99% Invisible, it’s nice to approach it a bit differently and look at certain objects and ask: what does this say about America?” Mars says.
Fascinating Objects That Define the Nation
Among the early themes is the screw thread, the spiral groove that allows metal-on-metal fastening. Its standardisation across the industrial US and later the world, Mars says, “explains so much about what modern day US imperialism is all about.” Other objects include the Bundy Clock, used by shift workers to punch in and out; a gold coin recovered from the SS Central America, which sank in 1857 and sparked a gold crisis; and the Billy Possum, a soft toy named after President William Howard Taft that tried and failed to replace the Teddy Roosevelt-inspired teddy bear.
For Mars, researching the series has been like “putting myself through an American Studies major.” Each object is a lens into the country’s history, from its industrial rise to its cultural quirks.
Why This Podcast Matters for History Lovers
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in American history, design, or storytelling. It transforms seemingly mundane items into powerful narratives that reveal the country’s identity. The format is perfect for both casual listeners and history buffs, offering bite-sized episodes that are deeply researched and engaging.
According to the BBC, the series builds on the legacy of A History of the World in 100 Objects, which aired on Radio 4 in 2010. By focusing on physical items, the podcast makes abstract historical concepts tangible and memorable.
Key Objects Highlighted So Far
| Object | Significance |
|---|---|
| Screw Thread | Standardisation enabled US industrial dominance |
| Bundy Clock | Symbol of the rise of shift work and labor rights |
| Gold Coin from SS Central America | Triggered the Panic of 1857 and a gold crisis |
| Billy Possum | Failed marketing attempt against the teddy bear |
How to Listen and What to Expect
The podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and BBC Sounds. Episodes are released weekly, each running about 20–30 minutes. Mars’s signature close-mic style makes listeners feel like he’s broadcasting from inside their heads, creating an intimate listening experience.
If you enjoy 99% Invisible, you’ll love this deeper dive into America’s past. It’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment, with surprising stories that will change how you see everyday objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A History of the United States in 100 Objects?
It is a podcast co-produced by BBC Studios and 99% Invisible, hosted by Roman Mars. The series explores US history through 100 carefully chosen objects, from a gold coin to a stuffed possum, each telling a unique story about the nation.
When does the podcast launch and how many episodes are there?
The podcast launched in May 2026 and will release 100 episodes over two years, timed to the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. New episodes drop weekly.
Who is Roman Mars and why is he famous?
Roman Mars is the creator and host of 99% Invisible, a hugely popular podcast about design and architecture. Known for his warm, engaging voice, he has won numerous awards and is considered a pioneer in narrative podcasting.
