Joy, a Podcast
Episode: Carrie Byron
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Craig Ferguson
Guest: Carrie Byron
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Joy, a Podcast, hosted by the ever-charismatic Craig Ferguson, the discussion delves deep into the sources of joy and fulfillment in a seemingly chaotic world. The guest, Carrie Byron, renowned for her role on MythBusters, brings a unique perspective blending science, art, and personal growth.

Carrie Byron's Ancestral Ties and Early Influences

Craig opens the conversation with an intriguing question about Carrie’s lineage, asking if she’s related to the famous poet Lord Byron.

Craig Ferguson [03:36]: “Are you in any way related to Lord Byron?”

Carrie responds with a charming anecdote about her father’s storytelling, fostering her early love for poetry and literature.

Carrie Byron [03:36]: “According to my father, yes. But my father was one of those big fish kind of guys that tells really great stories.”

She reflects on her childhood memories of listening to Lord Byron's poetry with her father, highlighting the profound emotional connections fostered during those moments.

Carrie Byron [04:15]: “On his deathbed I read him Lord Byron poetry. I feel like he did.”

From Sculpture to MythBusters: Carrie’s Artistic Journey

Transitioning from literature to art, Carrie discusses her passion for sculpture and how it shaped her early career aspirations.

Carrie Byron [06:35]: “I thought I was going to become this really cool sculptor and my life was going to be arty.”

Despite challenges in selling her artwork, Carrie’s perseverance led her to MythBusters, where her artistic skills found a new avenue in special effects and model making.

Carrie Byron [06:20]: “She is just an amazing welder and very, very cool. I was just the longest running and consistently the first one.”

Life on MythBusters: Challenges and Triumphs

As the longest-running member of the MythBusters team, Carrie shares her experiences navigating the show, especially as the only woman for the majority of its run.

Carrie Byron [23:32]: “I was like a shy person that pretends to be extroverted. So, I mean, it was hard at first.”

She recounts memorable experiments, including the infamous "Duh Girls Fart" segment, shedding light on the lighter side of the show’s scientific explorations.

Carrie Byron [13:03]: “We rigged up a pair of hydrogen sulfide detecting panties. I hate it when Jamie says panties. It freaks me out.”

Carrie’s fascination with explosions extended beyond the show, inspiring her unique black powder artwork.

Carrie Byron [08:52]: “That was, like, one of my favorites.”

Innovative Art: Black Powder Creations

Carrie elaborates on her artistic endeavors using controlled explosions to create dynamic charcoal paintings. She explains the meticulous process of masking areas with polymer clay to achieve intricate negative spaces.

Carrie Byron [09:16]: “I explode this polymer clay to mask off areas and then set off black powder behind it.”

Her work explores themes of connectivity, humanity, and quantum physics, blending chaos with structured artistry.

Carrie Byron [10:26]: “All of my abstract stuff has a theme of connectivity, humanity and quantum physics.”

Global Adventures: Transformative Travels Post-College

Before embarking on her career with MythBusters, Carrie spent a transformative year traveling the world. From the beaches of Fiji to the bustling streets of Japan, these experiences profoundly shaped her worldview and mission to build bridges across cultures.

Carrie Byron [14:03]: “I traveled around the world for about a year. Country to country.”

She emphasizes how these journeys instilled a deep sense of humanity and connection, influencing her later work in STEM advocacy.

Carrie Byron [14:46]: “I learned so much about myself and the world.”

Embracing the Future: AI, Technology, and Artistic Expression

The conversation shifts to the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence. Carrie shares her insights on AI’s rapid development and its implications for humanity.

Carrie Byron [27:12]: “AI is talking to each other, and the thinking is getting more and more human.”

She discusses her cautious optimism, highlighting AI’s potential in solving complex problems while acknowledging the mysteries of human consciousness that remain uncharted.

Carrie Byron [27:32]: “I don't think we're going to be able to put human personality into machines because the mysteries of all the electricity that happens to us and why it happens, it’s a mystery.”

Carrie also touches upon her use of AI to comprehend and explain complex STEM projects, enhancing her ability to support young innovators.

Carrie Byron [41:38]: "I am currently using AI to help me be a better person, be a smarter person."

Championing the Next Generation: National STEM Festival

As the Director of the National STEM Festival, Carrie is at the forefront of nurturing young talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She describes the festival's mission to celebrate and support budding innovators nationwide.

Carrie Byron [52:26]: “It's all about supporting brilliance, supporting excellence, and supporting these kids.”

Carrie recounts the festival’s inclusive approach, securing bipartisan support and corporate sponsorships to ensure its sustainability and impact.

Carrie Byron [55:15]: “We separate it from governments, make it bipartisan, and it's really just all about supporting brilliance.”

A Beacon of Hope: Optimism Through Youth Innovation

Carrie passionately advocates for the younger generation, emphasizing their role as solution seekers and innovators tackling global challenges. She highlights inspiring projects, such as cost-effective medical tests developed by young minds.

Carrie Byron [32:13]: “There's this kid, Tyler in Connecticut, who's come up with a cost-effective test that can find iodine deficiencies.”

Her optimism is rooted in witnessing how youth leverage technology and creativity to drive positive change, countering the often-negative stereotypes about younger generations.

Carrie Byron [46:35]: “They are solution seekers and innovators and they are looking to problems instead of... How am I going to wake up tomorrow?”

Conclusion: Bridging Generations and Building a Better Future

In closing, Carrie reflects on the interconnectedness of science and art, and how platforms like the National STEM Festival can foster a united, hopeful community. Craig Ferguson echoes her sentiments, recognizing the vital role of diverse perspectives in shaping a positive future.

Craig Ferguson [51:18]: “It's great that you became famous and sciency even. Although you were just an intern trying to get a job with Jamie.”

Their conversation culminates in mutual admiration and a shared vision for nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators.

Notable Quotes

• Carrie Byron [03:36]: “According to my father, yes. But my father was one of those big fish kind of guys that tells really great stories.”

• Carrie Byron [08:52]: “That was, like, one of my favorites.”

• Carrie Byron [32:13]: “There's this kid, Tyler in Connecticut, who's come up with a cost-effective test that can find iodine deficiencies.”

• Carrie Byron [46:35]: “They are solution seekers and innovators and they are looking to problems instead of like, oh my God, this is crushing.”

• Carrie Byron [52:26]: “It's all about supporting brilliance, supporting excellence, and supporting these kids.”

This episode of Joy offers a compelling exploration of how joy can be found through creativity, scientific inquiry, and fostering the potential of future generations. Carrie Byron's journey from a shy artist to a celebrated science advocate serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.