Ep 16. Glass Maker

Mike Rowe, the host of Dirty Jobs, is on a mission to find and put a spotlight on some of the dirtiest, most dangerous and unusual jobs in America. For the 16th episode of the 5th season, Mike is heading to a glass-making plant in Portland, Oregon.

In this episode, Mike spends a day with the skilled workers at Bullseye Glass, a company that has been making high-quality art glass since 1974. Mike starts his day with a visit to the company's furnace room, where massive crucibles of molten glass are heated and kept at temperatures that can reach up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

As Mike navigates through the factory, he learns the ins and outs of glass-making, from the basic steps of mixing and melting the raw materials, to the delicate process of finishing and shaping the glass into unique art pieces. He meets several workers, including a seasoned glass-blower, who shows him how to create intricate designs using only air and a pair of tongs.

Mike also gets to help out with some of the more hands-on tasks around the factory, including sweeping ovens and cleaning up bits of glass left over from the production process. Along the way, he poses insightful questions about the history of this ancient craft and the science behind the art of glass-making.

As the episode progresses, Mike gains a newfound appreciation for the skilled glass-makers who dedicate their lives to such a challenging and rewarding craft. He marvels at the beauty of the pieces produced at Bullseye, including stunning stained-glass windows and intricate glass sculptures.

Throughout the episode, Mike's signature humor and wit are on full display, as he brings levity to an otherwise intense and serious workplace. But underlying the humor is a deep sense of respect for the workers at Bullseye and the laborious, often overlooked work they do to keep the art of glass-making alive.

Overall, the Glass Maker episode of Dirty Jobs gives viewers a fascinating glimpse into the world of glass-making, as well as an appreciation for the workers who dedicate their lives to this ancient craft. Mike Rowe's trademark humor and curiosity make for a compelling and enjoyable episode that will leave viewers intrigued and informed.