A River Runs Through Los Angeles

Podcast Series 99% Invisible

When you hear the word "river," you probably picture a majestic body of water flowing through a natural habitat. Well, the LA River looks nothing like that. Most people who see it probably mistake it for a giant storm drain. It's a deep trapezoidal channel with steep concrete walls, and a flat concrete bottom. Los Angeles was founded around this river. But decades ago it was confined in concrete so that, for better or worse, the city could become the sprawling metropolis that it is today. All these years later the county is still grappling with the consequences of those actions.

Reported by Gillian Jacobs, guest hosted by 99PI producer, Vivian Le.

Subscrib...

43 mins

Series Episodes

Mini-Stories: Volume 22

Performance changing gear, a Titanic era nurse with unbelievable resilience, and an ingenious art vending project reveal how innovation and endurance shape unexpected worlds.

33 mins

6 January Finished

Beyond the 99% Invisible City

From rogue stop signs to rooftop mini golf, discover how chaos and creativity quietly shape the urban world.

39 mins

30 December 2025 Finished

Constitution Breakdown #5: Dr. Tom Frieden

This month, Roman and Elizabeth turn to the remainder of Article Two, which defines the scope and limits of presidential power, alongside former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden.

1 hour 19 mins

26 December 2025 Finished