This is the "media diet" of 99% Invisible's Roman Mars

One of my favorite newsletters is "why is this interesting?" On Mondays, the newsletter interviews an interesting person about the media they consume. This week's guest is Roman Mars, host and producer of 99% Invisible.

Describe your media diet.

I listen to podcasts more than anything: Blank CheckCriminalThis Day is Esoteric Political HistoryPlanet MoneySlate Political GabfestfugA-ZiMy Brother, My Brother and MeAnthropocene ReviewedEar HustleFlop HousePop Culture Happy HourThe RewatchablesSerial/Nice White ParentsSong ExploderConan O'Brien Needs a Friend…so so many podcasts.

What's the last great book you read?

The last fiction book I couldn't put down was Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich. I loved reading it aloud because the dialog and accents were what I grew up with. As for nonfiction, These Truths by Jill Lepore blew me away. You wouldn't think you needed another high-level survey of American history, but Lepore is so smart and has such verve, she brings it all to life in a new way. That one I listened to and Lepore was the narrator and she's so good.

What are you reading now?

I'm trying to read Dune and so far it's not grabbing me, but I've been assured that it will.

Roman has a new book, The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design.