The Colbert Report Season 5 Episode 22 Robert Ballard

The Colbert Report season 5 episode 22 features renowned oceanographer and explorer Robert Ballard as its guest. Ballard, who is most famous for discovering the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985, speaks with host Stephen Colbert about his latest expedition to find the final resting place of Amelia Earhart's plane.

The interview begins with a brief introduction to Ballard's achievements in the field of ocean exploration, including his discovery of hydrothermal vents and the sunken German battleship Bismarck. Colbert praises Ballard's work as "the epitome of human curiosity," before asking him about his most recent mission.

Ballard explains that he and his team set out to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance in 1937 by searching for her plane off the coast of Papua New Guinea. He describes the challenges of finding the wreckage in a region with treacherous waters and no clear landmarks. The conversation also touches on the enduring fascination with Earhart's story and the many theories surrounding her fate.

The conversation then turns to Ballard's technology, including his use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the ocean floor. Ballard explains that he was inspired by the Apollo moon landing to create a program that could film and explore the deep sea. He also discusses the importance of collaboration between the fields of science, technology, and engineering in order to push the boundaries of knowledge.

As the interview comes to a close, Colbert thanks Ballard for his groundbreaking work and for sharing his insights with the audience. He jokes that he hopes Ballard discovers something even bigger than the Titanic one day, to which Ballard responds that the true mission of exploration is "to discover ourselves."

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look into the world of ocean exploration and the innovative minds behind it. Ballard's passion for discovery and his dedication to pushing the limits of what we know about our planet are sure to inspire viewers to keep exploring their own passions and the world around them.