Former 'MythBusters' star appears at Pullman to celebrate Earth Day
Adam Savage talks about being an effective science communicator
PULLMAN -- Hundreds visited Washington State University’s Beasley Coliseum on Sunday afternoon for a chance to meet Adam Savage.
The former “MythBusters” star made an appearance to celebrate Earth Day, which will be observed Monday, with people on the Palouse. He gave advice on how to become an effective science communicator, while also reflecting on his past work.
The event was organized by the WSU Environmental Sustainability Alliance, Associated Students of WSU and the WSU Student Entertainment Board.
More than 30 community organizations had tables at Beasley during the gathering. Guests could hold tarantuals and stick bugs from WSU’s Entomology Department; talk soils and compost with the WSU organic agriculture club; create Lego gardens with Lewis-Clark State College’s Physical, Life, Movement Sport Sciences division; and more.
Savage has spent a lifetime in American television. Outside his work with co-star Jamie Hyneman on the Discovery Channel’s “MythBusters,” he’s spent time as a writer and special effects designer. His work has been seen in films like “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones” and “The Matrix Reloaded.”
After “MythBusters” final episode debuted in 2016, Savage moved on to host the Science Channel’s “Savage Builds” and YouTube channel “Adam Savage’s Tested.”
Savage said the key to science communication is being immersed in the topic. He said the reason why figures like Bill Nye are so beloved is because they are passionate about what they do.
“The more it infects you,” Savage said. “It’s going to be inherently more interesting.”
When Savage was lost in a sea of information, he said he would call the experts. Better understanding the topic he was investigating made the episode better. He added that it’s best to have a personal connection to the topic and to examine topics you always wanted to know more about.
Savage said that structuring shows like “MythBusters” was similar to writing a comedy act. Savage said to write a good episode, he just needed to know the punchline, or final experiment. The more suspense leading up to the final joke, or trial, the better it would land.
Finally, he said there is no one way to perform an experiment. Some of Savage’s favorite moments on the show was when he and Hyneman conducted their own work and compared outcomes.
Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com
