Ep 20. Marble Maker

Mike Rowe is back with another episode of Dirty Jobs, and this time he's in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to learn the art of marble making. In this season 5 episode 20 titled "Marble Maker," Mike takes viewers on a journey into the world of marble making.

Mike starts his day early at Vanceva Technologies, the company responsible for making architectural glass and acrylic products. He meets with his guide for the day, 68-year-old Al Seeger, who has been making marbles for over 40 years. Al teaches Mike the basics of marble making, which involves mixing colored glass powder and heating it in a furnace until it liquefies. Once it cools, the glass is cut into small pieces, which are then molded into marbles.

Mike learns that making marbles is a slow and tedious process, with each marble taking several minutes to make. He starts off making simple marbles, but soon advances to more complicated designs with multiple colors and swirls.

As the day progresses, Mike finds himself enjoying the process of making marbles. He explains that marble making is not only physically demanding but also requires great skill and attention to detail. He also notes that marble making is a form of art and that no two marbles are exactly the same.

Mike also learns about the history of marbles and how they have evolved over the years. He visits a store that sells antique marbles and talks to the owner about how marbles were once used as currency and how they have become a popular collectible item.

In addition, Mike meets with a group of young people who are part of a marble tournament league. He watches as they compete in a game of marbles and learns about the various strategies they use to win.

Throughout the episode, Mike provides his trademark humor and wit, making the show both entertaining and informative. He also showcases the importance of skilled labor and the value of hard work.

By the end of the episode, Mike has gained a newfound appreciation for the art of marble making and the people who make them. He notes that while marble making may not be a glamorous job, it is one that requires great skill and dedication.

Overall, "Marble Maker" is a fascinating episode of Dirty Jobs that highlights the art and craft of marble making. It provides viewers with a glimpse into a world that many may not know exists and showcases the importance of skilled labor.