Towers of Silence

In 1888, Willard Bundy created the first employee "time clock" — essentially a souped-up grandfather clock that could, for the first time, produce an accurate record of when workers arrived and left. Though Bundy’s aim was simple, his invention soon sparked a change in American l ...  Show more

Spolia, from a Liverpool neighborhood to ancient Rome. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co ...  Show more

Forest Ambience 

In the shadow of Mt. Fuji, the Sea of Trees marked the end for many struggling souls. But even before it gained its grisly modern reputation, the forest was said to be haunted. Restless spirits and demons wait in the trees; some ghosts save visitors from a dark end--others are sa ...  Show more

What is that beyond the trees...along the wall...stretched out along the ground lurking, waiting? From further away, towering figures can look small and slow, but in an instant, they're upon you - and then it's too late. First, a boy cries monster, and the monster responds. Next, ...  Show more

A forest can feel like a place of great stillness and quiet. But if you dig a little deeper, there’s a hidden world beneath your feet as busy and complicated as a city at rush hour.

In this story, a dog introduces us to a strange creature that burrows beneath forests, b ...