Adam Savage Answers: Is It Fun Working with Jamie?

In November 2013, Adam did a Reddit AMA. This is his answer to Reddit user Varinius, who wanted to know: Is it fun working with Jamie?
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#AdamSavage #Mythbusters

[@tested]

What was Adam Savage's SCARIEST myth? He talks about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF7IfJKZpbmmhdk

[@uvbe]

help im in a loop

[@scootergeorge9576]

@Marshall Kinnaird - Even the Beatle broke up. Deal with it and forget the race card crap.

[@scootergeorge9576]

@Marshall Kinnaird - You brought it up. When you call a man racist, be prepared to prove it.

[@lonercs]

@Marshall Kinnaird what the fuck are you talking about?

[@dollas_and_sense]

I get differences of opinion, but never having dinner alone together is pretty fucked. I guess step one to have a show is narcissism

[@cqtaylor]

Sometimes, the person that keeps you sharp, that challenges and expands your talent, isn't always gonna be the same dude who calls you a buddy.

[@lasdevilladiego]

wise words, mate.

[@wolfgirlinfinity9412]

cqtaylor damn right

[@handledhandlehandlinghandler]

This should be on a Hallmark card.

[@sparrowlt]

I have a friend who second guesses and questions nearly all my ideas and/or toughs.. it seems annoying at first.. but in hindsight im gratefull because with time i have grown having to argue and defend my opinions and ideas..and never had anyone instantly saying yes to all

[@theusher2893]

cqtaylor Well said, hear hear.

[@promiscuouscrab4040]

Adam: “We aren’t friends.” Jamie: (/:€

[@pasquale78]

Spot on!

[@juliolp95]

Can't tell which way the face is going haha

[@Alejandroigarabide]

Underrated emoticon right there!

[@edwardphilibin3151]

@jluis90s It seemed obvious to me: beret, eyes, moustache. It's the perfect Jamie emoticon.

[@Ivan.Wright]

Looks just like him. The lack of emotion is spot on

[@joshuahenderson]

Jaimie: I worked with a guy for 21 years and never learned his name...best friend I ever had.

[@emanuelsolsjo7348]

Is that a Parks and Recreation reference i read :)

[@Lightningrod75]

We still never talk sometimes.

[@RequiemPoete]

Sounds like a Hank Hill quote.

[@Lightningrod75]

@@RequiemPoete Ron Swanson.

[@travisfeltwater5664]

Ron swanson

[@Goshdarnet]

This is what respect looks like. You don't have to like someone to be respectful and work together well.

[@aflyingshark]

this is an underrated comment 👍

[@kishascape]

Jamie do hate him though. Not hard to see why with all the stereotypical Reddit BS politics he spews tho

[@lordfarquar9215]

I Tip my cap to you my good sir.

[@eternalskeptic]

@@kishascape You put the words right into his mouth?! 🤔

[@eligebrown8998]

Wish politicians knew that

[@Cyberia398]

The fact that they aren’t friends is hugely important for people to know - because it is a rarely mentioned truths about work: you generally don’t get to choose who you work with, you might never be friends, but you can still work effectively and with some enjoyment with each other. I’m glad that they never pretended to be best buddies.

[@dstephan34]

I knew people in the Army that I wouldn't trust to pay back a dollar if I lent them one. But at the same time I absolutely trusted them with my life.

[@nitr8]

In some jobs I used to work on the principle of "Can you have beers in the yard together on a Friday afternoon and laugh at shit?" ... If the answer was "Yes" then that was all you needed.

[@VezWay007]

@@nitr8 isn't that all adult friendships?

[@nitr8]

@@VezWay007 For the most part 🤪👍

[@IntrusiveThot]

I used to work in food service; we always made the joke that we might’ve hated each other in other settings, but when it’s you and that person vs. a city lunch rush, you bond fucking speedily lol

[@-bdl2696]

I can bet Jamie's response to the question would have consisted of "No" lol

[@kekman3923]

BMAD kek

[@Roblx518]

BMAD with a but, that would say exactly what Adam said.

[@morten1]

"Well there's your problem!"

[@Kuhoochandra]

I read the "No" in his voice lol

[@tparadox88]

Dude was the one who suggested bringing Adam into the show. They were pitching it to him and he was like, "I'm as fun to watch on my own as dry spaghetti. You need a comedian. I know just the guy."

[@tordjarv3802]

What Adam describes is a really healthy professional relationship. It is not always a good thing to be a close friends with someone you work with nor should you be enemies. The best is being two different people, critiquing each others ideas, but still respecting each other to the fullest.

[@dafoex]

Honestly, I like this more than the assumption they are friends. They like each other enough to respect one another, they are skeptical enough to question each other, but despite having wildly different thought processes and not calling each other friends as a result, they still communicate as effectively as any friend might. Yeah, it'll ruin a few childhoods learning they aren't friends, but I respect them all the more for having a professional relationship as quality as they did.

[@rubyy.7374]

jameswalker199 I was a longtime viewer of the show (starting from childhood), and oddly I wasn’t all that heartbroken to hear that they weren’t friends? If anything, it means more to me that they weren’t friends because it’s a *lot* more work, work that they were willing to put in because they still deeply respected each other. What does sadden me is that they don’t seem to talk with each other any longer now that the show’s over. The common goal that they both worked so hard to achieve together is now gone.

[@rbk3463]

I was today old when I found out that Adam and Jamie weren't actually friends. Friends, maybe not, but it's obvious that respect was at the core of whatever relationship they had, and that's the important thing. I think that's a lesson for all of us in this current time, respect goes a long way.

[@lancemannly]

@@rbk3463 yeah and clearly they didnt hate each other. Between the show and the work Adam did for M5 and robot wars they'd worked together in one capacity or another for like 15+ years. In fact Adam was the one who suggested the name M5. And when they decided early in development of the show that Jaimie should have a cohost he was the one who suggested Adam

[@aXemRanger1]

This comment sounds like something you'd get off a Disney pre-teen cereal box. What he describes isn't healthy at all. Decades working with someone.... but not one semblance of appreciation, friendship, or basic professional respect.... the two are clearly completely incompatible. That is not "healthy", it is a petty and toxic relationship. Co-workers challenging each others ideas/input/theories is natural/healthy/beneficial but turning it into an anti-social arrangement? That is a very, very unhealthy 'professional' relationship'. Put these two together outside of a 'fake' TV show environment and they'd be a complete unworkable mess.

[@GCDissapointment]

It makes sense that their personalities would clash. For one, Jamie is eleven years older than Adam, so there's a slight generation gap. Also, Adam grew up near New York City, while Jamie grew up in rural Indiana. Adam's first passion was acting. While he hasn't acted professionally in years, he still has a flair for the dramatic, while Jamie is calm, no nonsense sort. It was two different upbringings and personalities at work, but it made for a great show.

[@tannerq8900]

I think I of my favorite things about the show. Was Jamie was asked to do the show on his own. But he realized he wasn't gonna be that fun to watch because of the way he is. So he asked Adam the zany guy he is to join him and add a contrast, in what would hopefully and turned out to be a great duo.

[@vgman94]

Basically the same dynamic as Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith’s characters in Men In Black.

[@onyxosprey]

@@vgman94 Yep! Jamie's the straight man while Adam is a wacky guy who can really add some energy and humor. Just the right amount of contrast to make them entertaining.

[@dragons_red]

Adam is high in trait openness and Jamie is.high in orderliness. They function in every aspect of their lives the opposite.

[@YeetusDeletus68]

Why does Ron Swanson and Leslie knope come to mind with Adam and Jamie

[@josejulioferreiraalves3690]

Somehow the "We're not friends" make the "It is fun working with Jamie" bit waaaay more heartwarming. I don't know why, but two smart people with diferent personalities getting along together just enough to make the show work is just nice.

[@oz_jones]

It's a good life lesson

[@mahoslash]

In short: Jaime's literally Adam's ex-boss and mentor. Also you don't mess with a wild Hynemann cause it will not give you cuddles.

[@bentackett6299]

Plot twist: This whole time Jamie thought they were friends..

[@MausOfTheHouse]

That makes it even sadder.

[@Eunostos]

@@MausOfTheHouse Uh... implying the starting point is sad? It's sad when people don't conform to your shipping?

[@MausOfTheHouse]

@@Eunostos I was just saying that it's sad that the two people that made up a good chunk of my childhood aren't friends, is already sad, but as ben tackett said, (as a joke) that jamie thought that they were friends, would only make it sadder.

[@Leshy_]

@@Eunostos "shipping"? The fuck, that doesnt make sense.

[@ShawtyDaDrPepper]

@@Leshy_ someone looking to be cool on the interwebs. everyone wants to feel like they are deep an intelligent.

[@Noisy_Cricket]

The most interesting thing about Jamie and Adam's relationship is that even though they're not "friends" in a sort of "hang out together" sense, they clearly trust each other a great deal. This really comes through in the Underwater Car episode where Adam essentially trusts Jamie with his life to give him a scuba regulator if he can't get out of the car before it fills with water. I don't know if I couldn't trust someone who I didn't know on a buddy buddy level to do that. The fact Mythbusters lasted 14 years is really amazing to me, and is really a testament to their working relationship.

[@darthrevan2063]

Alexander Dukes I do believe that was an actual safety diver and not Jamie but I could be wrong with that.

[@farsalor2627]

If I recall, Jaime has some Scuba experience/was an instructor. So that factors into it.

[@pizzlerot2730]

It was a safety diver, I think his name was Scott IIRC

[@aaronrachiele5521]

Well, it _is_ on TV, sooo.

[@stevehagen9804]

Lol I don’t know if I would trust my best friend with something like that!

[@ehsnils]

I think that piece of disagreement is what made Mythbusters so good - it told people that there's more than one way to see things.

[@tomthx5804]

There is only one way to see things.

[@watthederp]

Tom thx You don't get the analogy do you child?

[@spooksboots]

watthederp you didn't get the irony

[@armoredp]

I don't think they have to dislike each other to be able to have different perspectives professionally.

[@MouseGoat]

​@@armoredp Well no, but there's many ways to dislike people.

[@invicta1313]

Actually, I don't mind that they aren't friends. That's cool...this is the adult world, and not everybody is everyone's BFF because they work with them. Beats the hell out of these fake-ass "friendships" you see on a lot of reality and talk shows. These camera relationships. That's cool, though. I like that Jamie and Adam have an actual ADULT working relationship. Not everybody has to be everyone's BFF.

[@ValiduzZ]

I was actually suprised when i saw this video but it got me thinking: As an inventor or a scientist - How amazing isn't a working relationship like this? Your idéas and thoughts get challanged but in a proper way!

[@harryrushton5270]

In many ways you find yourself admiring the two more as a result of this.

[@Tasarran]

Penn and Teller have pretty much the same relationship, too...

[@0xs]

I am ruining the 365 likes by reporting this for spam. Sadly it wont work because its not spam

[@Hasanpikersworstnightmare]

Richard Rowe so adults cant be friends that they work with?

[@davidgriffiths2223]

I was thrilled with Jamie's reaction when Adam built the lead balloon. Adam's design that self-unfolded as it inflated. Jaime was genuinely thrilled by the design and it totally showed.

[@charles3840]

Yeah! There were some other moments like that in the show, too. Them working together on the MacGyver test gambit was also splendid.

[@capsdude4838]

Yep, that’s a great example. I also think he was highly skeptical about the practicality of even attempting that build, so it wasn’t until Adam came up with that unfolding idea that he started to embrace it.

[@dorianrustik6880]

I mean who wouldn't. That shit was amazing

[@MerkinMuffly]

Usually the best duo's have a lot of conflict between themselves, Simon & Garfunkel, Siskel & Ebert, Tom & Jerry ...

[@watsisbuttndo829]

Want to see the same interview with tom and jerry? I do!.

[@rwjbush]

sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

[@itsukarine]

wasnt tom and jerrys thing that they were actually friends faking it to appeal to the cat owner? or was that just fanfic shit

[@losaface4]

Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.

[@smexyjabba5346]

Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Perry the Platypus

[@lizerdlips2]

It would be fascinating to watch The Two of them Play portal..

[@aaronlaughlin2389]

Lizardlips2 is watch that

[@tannerq8900]

I need it

[@Petyr682]

Oh my god yes.

[@janesmith1840]

I'm completely broke but I'd still pay obscene amounts of money to make that happen.

[@jackkraken3888]

Oh god yes.

[@Stig007]

22 years and never had a meal together?

[@MrShnigglepuff]

alone

[@Metallicafan5656]

G Mail what do you mean?

[@MrShnigglepuff]

G Mail I looked and couldn't find anything that confirms your accusations. Quit making up bullshit.

[@xninja83x67]

Pretty vague, You can literally be a registered sex offender for getting caught pissing outside.

[@JncGwen]

That's a pretty serious accusation there. To not know which one shows you are a shit liar.

[@ActuallyDavid]

Y'know, the fact that they aren't friends kind of ruined my childhood.

[@0mn0m8w31rdc4ndy]

Yeah.

[@colincooper236]

When I saw this comment, i understood exactly what I felt....

[@H0rcrux]

I know! I feel like my whole life is a lie!

[@TheConcertCruizer]

+ActuallyDavid I know what you mean. They look like their genuine friends on the show. They seem to get a long, enjoy each other company and at the end of the day its like screw you guys...ima going home.

[@Kiiltec]

+ActuallyDavid Its really hard toimagine for me to not have atleast somekind of relation even if its just being buddies with some1 one has spend time with nearly daily over many years over many hours per day on end even if the chemistry isnt that deep. Its rly hard for me to picture that and im not actually a very social person. But eh. I mean they dont hate eachother, so forme thats atleast a given to atleast be good buds , but eh.

[@ryanw359]

I’ve always felt that, though they aren’t “friends”, it’s the Science that gives them a bond; the pursuit of empirical truth is more important.

[@gamechimp]

The show at it's base was about the scientific method, and science would be nothing without people scrutinizing each other's methods. Mythbusters was the one case where friendship and screen chemistry SHOULD have taken a back seat.

[@kallemetsahalme5701]

Something that Sheldon Cooper would say. "There's no friendship, there's only scientific bonding". Yet it makes sense and perhaps one reason why the show was so good as opposed to lots of shows with the main actors just spending friend time together and viewer not being part of it. With Mythbusters it kinda is like Adam on one corner of rink, Jamie on another, me on 3rd and other viewers at 4th. Constant "is this the truth and right" battle?

[@jorbo4044]

This comment made me convert to rationalism

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

​@@gamechimpand that "science" they conducted concluded that women can throw a ball just as hard as men. Their methods are sloppy, their results are questionable, they are poor scientists.

[@theusher2893]

My grandfather called it "foxhole friendship." It's the respect that comes from working closely with somebody on a job that is inherently dangerous. Outside of work you may have nothing in common and even dislike some things about the person, but on the spot, you can absolutely trust them and they can absolutely trust you. It's a special kind of friendship that can't be defined under any other circumstances.

[@jarrod1687]

Well put, I like that term

[@D0NKY]

This describes many of my working relationships.

[@KevinJDildonik]

This guy gets it. I have coworkers I'm not even remotely interested in making friends with. But I'd trust them to watch my house while I'm out of town. I'd trust them to stand watch if we were in a foxhole. I respect them. I don't have to be besties with them.

[@970357ers]

I find the fact that Jamie and Adam are not best friends reassuring in a world of insincerity. Well done to both of them for rising above their differences to produce such a great show.

[@hig9521]

so they're brothers

[@nnmartin94]

hig9521 Exactly, seems like sibling rivalry to make things work, but a chemistry when working together nonetheless

[@Hasanpikersworstnightmare]

Eythan From The House how are they brothers? they dont even want hangout with eachother at all,all brothers hangout at one point

[@jack90054]

Not really. While young siblings do hang out a lot, after a certain age you start to distant yourself a bit, especially if they have very different ideals. My dad has two brothers, and he rarely interacts with them. But when things require them to work together (say for my grandpa's funeral), they will put aside any differences and come together.

[@H0n3yMonstah]

jack90054 I feel a little bad for anyone that doesn't have a close relationship with their siblings. Don't see my brother all the time as we're both busy with work and I have a family, but we phone each other regularly and do have a very close relationship in the sense that I consider him a best friend as well as my brother. Although we do have the usual sibling bickering spats from time to time and we have different ideals about stuff he's my brother and I love him probably more so than anyone else in my immediate family, (excluding my wife and kids).

[@joesmith39472]

Eythan From The House I

[@quelorepario]

So they are married

[@nnmartin94]

quelorepario only long-married couples would confidently like your comment

[@The_world_is_not_worthy_of_Him]

quelorepario Or gamers discussing games.

[@Tweaked_ej6]

nfinitiduck That is a fact! gave me a good chuckle

[@V2ikeAits]

+quelorepario Adam and his wife were married in 2002 and Jamie met his wife in the 80's. So yes they are married. And yes I know that's not that you meant.

[@bodmon.justin]

brilliant

[@03FORCE21]

The simple fact that he can be brutally honest about the situation without making it personal is admirable and respectable. Something most of us I am sure could use a lesson on.

[@Omega_Orion]

Not being personally close was probably the most essential part of the feedback loop between you two that made the show so perfect. You were co-workers, professionals in your field, and you needed to hold each other to much higher levels of excellence than I think I could ever hold my friends to

[@Professor_Bugs]

Hmmm. I expected Adam to just say wonderfull things about jamie, and that he was the best. Like when actors get asked how it is to work together in interviews. But no, he kept it real. Gotta lov it.

[@KairuHakubi]

I think "he's somebody I can rely on to instantly understand things the way I do" is probably the highest compliment you can pay to someone like Jamie.

[@ShawtyDaDrPepper]

that is just camera lies.

[@melainewhite6409]

Years ago they both and I attended the same conference. I immediately noted how while they arrived at the same time, they entered the conference hall apart and proceed to sit rows away from each other. In talking to each, it was clear to me that they are just different people and that fact greatly contributed to the success of their joint show. I though it was very smart that while Jamie had been offered the show, he recognized his limitations and suggested including former employee Adam, he being more of a "show biz" personality type.

[@mikefitzgerald8025]

I feel like Jamie doesn’t like eating dinner with anyone lol.

[@emboe001]

Eating soup is a nightmare with that moustache.

[@castorchua]

I suspect something really dark about him will be revealed after his death. Pedophilia or something

[@lelespit3457]

@@emboe001 moooostash

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@emboe001 Gazpacho

[@squeakyelbows]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver Gazstacho

[@GettinJiggyWithGenghis]

The fact that you guys aren't friends, and are just insanely good at checking and working with eachother, is why the show was incredible. Not saying y'all shouldn't be friends but whatever relationship you guys did have, it made the best show ever made on TV.

[@makokx7063]

I'm a programmer and have somehow ended up working with the same guy all the way from high school, same college, same company, none of it planned. We could not be more different in our philosophies and methods. Every project I have ever worked on with him has been pure torture, but all of my best work has been with him. I would walk a mile on broken glass to avoid talking to this person. Just thinking about him makes my blood pressure spike. However, if I wanted to make the best program I possibly could I would walk a mile on broken glass to have him on the team.

[@JeepPatriot2010]

I'm like baffled that you two aren't friends at all. Like that's crazy to me. I miss you guys

[@JeepPatriot2010]

Steven Jones like for years I was thinking they are best friends so I'm like seriously blown away lol no joke

[@Zinski1911]

Patriot1776 why do you keep adding "like" to your sentences? You sound like a fucking idiot.

[@Jedda73]

+ Zinski1911; But could you work with Patriot1776 for years without saying that to them?

[@JeepPatriot2010]

Zinski1911 ooooo someone sounds like a butt hurt basement dwelling troll....parents' basement of course..... it's ok I won't tell anyone 😘

[@brianboyle6216]

Have you ever seen Jamie laugh? Baffling answered.

[@Spc_Garza]

i was in the Military i was not friends with alot of my platoon i went to war with but no matter how much we didnt like each other we could get the job done. Point being not everyone you work with will be your friend it is not a requirement you just have to get the job done.

[@nashs69on]

Yup that's the whole point he was trying to make. And he really meant it globally. What if the whole world worked together like that? That would be something...

[@raidkoast]

Welcome to the worlds Industrial complex.

[@blueracer66]

Do some push ups.

[@Spc_Garza]

blueracer66 hmmmm

[@opensourceecon]

Exactly

[@MICROmor]

he says they aren't really friends, but the relationship they have with each other and how he explains it, it totally sounds like.

[@SavageInsight]

They're not friends - they're cooperative rivals - people on the same team who compete with each other to the same goal.

[@PopeShaitan]

SavageInsight Sounds like a band I was in. We didn't get along all that well in the end. But when we put it all together, it was magical.

[@Demogorgon47]

Some people's personalities just don't get along, their "friendship" isn't all hugs and beers and cheers it's more of an intellectual repoire. They may not be buddies but they at least work well together. I guess that's a friendship of a sorts

[@pking199]

Have you watched dexter's laboratory? I'll say it's something like that.

[@thebuzzcjc]

I can completely and easily understand how they could drive each other crazy. They are entirely different personalities. BUT I have an amazingly hard time understanding how he could actually make the literal statement that he does not condider Jamie and himself to be friends at all. They contrast wildly at times and have great chemistry on air because of that, but it just seems to me that this would be a strength how they complement each other as well of the amazing fields of interest they share and both excel in..

[@WJKruk]

The first time I learned about them not liking each other, it was brought as if they hated each other’s guts and hated working together. Which kind of shook me. Adam’s explanations about it over the years taught me that, even though you don’t “click” with someone enough to have then as personal friends, you can be able to work together and like working together. Not all relationships have to be “peas and carrots” on all levels.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I can relate to this on so many levels. I work construction and my partner and I aren't friends. He's a great worker and responsible but if we're friends, we're agentic friends and that's it. For example, he borrows my heavy duty jack-stands sometimes when he's working on something and his smaller ones just won't cut it, but the thought of calling him up to go get a few drinks is completely ridiculous. We work really well together, like Adam mentioned about the shorthand together, and we can put things together without talking, but we're just different and we operate within different circles.

[@moisesrosales6618]

This is how the government should work too. Even disagreing but coming to the same conclusion for the best of all.

[@chaos_omega]

Are you saying there should be two presidents? Hmm.

[@moisesrosales6618]

No

[@chaos_omega]

Oh. Well, it was an interesting concept.

[@moisesrosales6618]

The concept I was shooting for was that of the judiciary and legislative part of government.

[@SEAL7471]

Comment of the year

[@horrovac]

I visceraly know what Adam is talking about here. I used to work at a manufacturer providing aerospace parts, a colleague and I were tasked with mounting hardware on a plane's (Airbus 320) main landing gear door. It's a well defined process we both have done hundreds of times, we'd do it alone or together depending on how our shifts fell together. Every time we worked together there'd be a weird non-verbal communication taking place because each of us knew precisely what the other was thinking at every single step of the process (and we liked each other so each did our best to help the other). You would think "I'd need a sharper drill bit" and give it a doubtfull look, and the other would disappear and reappear with a sharp one. He'd hand me the precisely exact tool at the same split second I'd have thought of reaching for it facing the exact direction I'd want it to face, and I'd be able to do the same for him. Doing a step and preparing the next would happen simultaneously, and you'd have infinite trust in the preparation without even thinking of checking it. You expected a fitting to lie there prepared exactly as it needs to be and you'd reach for it and slap it into place without even looking. We'd read cues the other was not bothering to give, listen to how the drill whines, judging how easily a fitting slides in, judging by eye how much shim will be needed etc., and just act accordingly. We were reading each other's minds. It was strangely pleasurable working with that guy, it felt sychronised, like two ice skaters performing together, or ballet performers, or jugglers doing an act throwing each other stuff and catching it without even deigning to give it a look. It just felt right.

[@jpatt1000]

I've heard stories about this same phenomenon going on with two man navy crews. (The A-6 Intruder in particular.) The pilot and BN get to a point of communication where little is spoken, but each one knows what the other was doing. The same people always end up as flying partners just so they don't have to learn to read someone else.

[@scottsmith-mz7rz]

so when did you two finally get married?

[@xxXthekevXxx]

horrovac that was a beautiful story

[@herseem]

That was really nice to read. Also, Scully and Jeff Skyles were invited to comment on the audio of the 'miracle on the Hudson' crash by the crash investigators because they both hardly communicated with each other on tape but worked cooperatively well together.

[@NikolajHansen]

It is called a working relation ship. Anyone who have been in a corporate environment can recognize this.

[@JonatasAdoM]

+sofullofpiss You must keep it floating!

[@koloth5139]

@maverickM249 What is fake about not being an asshole to the people you have to work with everyday? I have worked with the same people for 10 years, none of them are my friends. But I don't hate any of them. We just all do our jobs and there may be tiffs from time to time as people have different ideas but you get over it and keep on working. Don't get me wrong though, there are definitely people that would stab you in the back to get ahead out there. Those people you have to look out for. But generally they will make themselves known pretty quickly. They are never as sneaky or devious as they think they are.

[@GyorBox]

Because, clearly, a "working relationship" can't happen at any other profession if it's not a corporate environment...

[@Haz1Art]

and clearly, every person is different. I work in advertising firm, collorated with several design teams which to my knowledge is not a "corporate environment" and I have many of this "working relationship". Mutual respect, contact & communication solely for work, no attachment, as long as the job is done, no problem. Just because the world doesnt revolves around how you guys feel or live your life, doesnt meant it doesnt exist, or fake. If anything, that is the complete opposite of fake.

[@celticbarry9877]

Not even corporate, any job. People who work in McDonalds with each other, they may speak at work, joke, maybe know their boyfriend/girlfriends names, know what area they live, text about work and stuff but they're not really friends who would hang out together or do things together. Same with construction workers, pilots, any place of work.

[@t6kr958]

I like this honestly. Forced friendships can easily go wrong. The fact that they are open about this but never bad mouth about each other indicates that they aren't enemies, they just simply aren't friends but they really did have a healthy working relationship.

[@danielholtzman2582]

I feel like Adam was the nerd that the cool kids would invite to parties, and Jamie was the nerd that would hangout with his grandma most weekends.

[@JameSeraphim]

I miss grandma. I don't miss parties.

[@uiron5755]

@@JameSeraphim that's a lot to think about

[@ogpk3]

@@JameSeraphim real shit

[@bigdicktyrone]

@@JameSeraphim loser

[@alexkaplan1136]

Cool kids definitely didn’t invite Adam to parties. The Jamie one seems accurate though.

[@donparkison4617]

It reminds me of hearing Gene Wilder explain his relationship with Richard Pryor. The were not friends at all but they had an intuitive connection that was expressed in their physical comedy that was rare and unique.

[@gateauxq4604]

Honestly I think this is why Mythbusters worked so well. Rather than a bunch of 'old chapping' they always came at things from their colliding points of view which created good myths to test, and the tests were always very entertaining and came at the problems from a variety of angles. Am I bummed that my happy tvland place in my head no longer contains Adam and Jamie skipping through fields of flowers together? A bit. I'm much happier though knowing that their awesome symbiotic relationship gave us 20 years of the best TV ever. If they're good I'm good.

[@iAmTheSquidThing]

This is like a masterclass in honest, respectful human relationships with clear boundaries.

[@LadyVagabond13]

This is such an honest and professional answer and tbh it's really refreshing - you don't have to be friends with someone personally to have a good working relationship with them, and sometimes that non-personal working relationship can push both of you to ultimately make something better together than either of you could alone.

[@Hazuko21]

The fact they aren't friends brought something new to the show for me. I find nothing but respect for those two in a world where one small difference means mortal combat between two people. These guys are icons and examples of how humanity should be.

[@samforsyth]

I like how Adam can talk about this and even though he says "we're not friends, we don't get along that well" a bunch of times... i think they overestimate what a "Friend" is... they sound like, despite the fact that they have a lot of hangups with each other, they probably have a relationship with eachother that a lot of other people might describe as a friendship, even if they don't.

[@harmstrongg]

+Sam Forsyth The level of mutual respect and understanding between them is a type of bond that almost transcends friendship. I don't know about you, but I wish I had that with half my friends.

[@xyz0934u5]

Holy shit this side of youtube is actually smart

[@raymondsoto926]

+BuzzKill _ more liek ButtKill amirite

[@urmo345]

+Sam Forsyth comradeship is not necessarily an friendship. As example soldiers can be comrades, but not friends.

[@LordTurtleneck]

+Sam Forsyth "i think they overestimate what a 'Friend' is..." I think you tragically underestimate it.

[@vovacat1797]

I love how much respect Adam has for Jamie. I always saw they were very different people during mythbusters, but I doubt any TV show of that time had leads with such a great chemistry between them.

[@turkeyt.2887]

I know this is old, but it was one of the reasons the show was seen as so great. It showed how they both worked so differently, but were able to communicate and work together on a same goal. It's why I had always admired both guys and see so much respect and fandom towards them. I'm not exactly the smartest cookie in the crayon box, but It has helped me understand and learn a few things on outlooks and see the process of science in their work. Again, I cannot stress the sheer amount of respect I have for these two during their entire time on Mythbusters. It has made a great impact. I would give metals if I had the power to.

[@peterfconley]

Penn has said similar things about Teller. It’s actually an insanely fulfilling professional relationship when you can just say what you’re thinking and not have to worry about hurting the other’s feeling because you are both decent people _and_ you are not friends.

[@voxlvalyx]

Hearing Adam say "Asshole" without Discovery's far from lenient censorship shooting it down is really weird. I would pay $1 for a recording of Adam speaking every profane word known to man.

[@chewynickerson]

only a dollar? i'd pay 10$ per profane word

[@SlashGodfather110]

Watch tested more, not a big deal.

[@Oddi0]

"Fucking fuck." -Adam Savage during a One Day Build

[@zoesdada8923]

Ailuri Valyx I'll buy that for a dollar

[@RCAvhstape]

I bet he cussed up a storm when the kids pranked him on the Ark of the Covenant episode by electric shocking the shit out of him. That was the only time on that show I saw Adam get pissed off on camera.

[@billbill6094]

This feels like my parents getting a divorce.

[@nickbruderly6414]

I was too young to remember my parents divorce

[@tiang5132]

bill bill, thank you for posting an honest comment and not trying to be PC about the Mythbuster relationship. 😂❤️

[@alexander1902]

@@nickbruderly6414 I cause it. I’m sorry....

[@eikcam]

My parents did... now I have nothing...

[@ppyporpeem]

To be able to fight on intellectual things while being in a team is probably the one most important thing in getting anything done, you fight, you put in all of your knowledge to dispute each other and then eventually coming up with the best solution that came from both ideas, and end up being proud of that creation. This is truly a fun (but tiring) experience. And adam keeping it real is great :D

[@TheBaconWizard]

+ppyporpeem Yep. It's how science works, with "peer review" and how many legendary rock bands worked (until they break-up lol)

[@therrawyr]

I love the show even more for the fact that they keeped the fact that they are not friends out of the lights and made it about the job.

[@justlook.productions]

Way to be brother. I understood every word and relate. I have experienced this with a couple of people in my life. I totally relate. In both cases we are also friends but that is coincidental. We first foundationally respect the other. And we embrace meaningful conflict and instinctively avoid petty conflict. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with that kind of relationship. You are a good man Adam Savage.

[@dangraham6766]

"Or, we could use some screws, some butyl and some tape."

[@oz_jones]

100%

[@13376UNN3R]

He was close to doing it in just the Jamie voice you could hear the subtle difference from his normal voice

[@trinarichardson1615]

I've worked with my supervisor on my job for 15 yrs, we got each others back ( on the job), i' m always there when she calls no matter how early late, etc, but I've never in those 15 yrs done anything outside of work with anybody in that building, not even exchange Xmas gifts..so I understand what he's saying...

[@chadidol636]

they are my favorite duo to watch. they each have their own logic and I think it's a wonderful match up, even if they are not "friends". I think that they at least have a great resect for each other.

[@peterkelley6344]

I've been waiting for this answer for years. I think it's good that Adam Savage was finally able to articulate his views on this. While I am neither of them, I can still understand Adam's view point and take on the situation. Thank you very, very much Adam for sharing this with us!

[@jamescarter3196]

This was much more interesting than I expected, and reflects the same basic experiences of anybody who's dedicated to precise tasks in coordination with someone who is on the same level of knowledge and ability: being friends is often secondary to having a 'great fit' with someone of similar pursuits, and sometimes it's the best way to be. It's amazing how their chemistry is so great onscreen and it would be easy to imagine they've been friends since childhood, or some kind of relation like cousins.

[@thedancemetaltwins]

Jamie and Adam always seemed like an amazing team and it's really nice to hear that even though they're not real personal friends, but their almost incompatible personalities doesn't make this relationship absolutely grating. I used to wonder a bit after MB brought on the B team that it was because Adam and Jamie had worn each other to a point where they could only do one segment of the show without trying to maim the other off-screen. Really happy to know this isn't the case at all.

[@skettismyname]

Adam is genuinely inspirational to me as he is very academic, articulate, and dignified. I thought it was very interesting that they didn't like each other too much. I loved Mythbusters, thank you gentlemen.

[@tomthx5804]

Jamie hater

[@thehandlesticks66]

Jamie is a hater. A beautiful walrus though.

[@Doreenred]

I have watched this piece a couple of times and thought long and hard about it. I remember my total disappointment years ago when I first read an article in the (Australian) Melbourne Age newspaper on the Jamie & Adam relationship. The article compared it to the partnerships of Abbott & Costello, Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. I too wanted to believe that they were mates (buddies). Alas, it was not the case and explained the on air tension I had noticed at times. Soon after, I stopped watching the show. I returned to the show a season or two later and I believe that the on screen interaction had greatly improved (or was it just editing?). I think that the message that Adam gives in this video is an important one and one that especially younger people should note - and that is, it is a fallacy that you will like every one and that they will like you in life and this can present particular problems in the workplace. However, the ability to work with someone that you would not necessarily have a beer with outside of work and yet still respect their abilities, their knowledge and experience is very important as is the ability to work as a team to achieve the common goal. This is what being "professional" is all about. Adam and Jamie are such professionals. They may not socialise together, but together they can rely on each other to mutually achieve out comes. Well spoken Adam... Thank you for your candid response.

[@karsonkammerzell6955]

I know this is an old comment, but that's how I felt about my relationships with many of my military comrades. I never hung out with them and I rarely keep in contact after having spent years side by side; argued and fought with many of them as well. However, after having spent that much time training and deploying with them I would absolutely trust every one of them to have my back in a life or death situation.

[@LadyoftheDreamless14]

They donr get along, they arent friends, but they vibe together in a way most people will never get.

[@greencreekranch]

I love how they always make extra clear that they aren't friends, just to discribe a friendship. Not the closest friendship ever, but still. They have fun together, they understand each other despite being very different, communicate effectively without words, have deep respect for each other, drive each other crazy, but still like spending time with one another enough, that they are not just okay with each other, but actually are hyped for it, they trust the other one with their lifes.

[@ekathe85]

1:01 Complete visual/auditory synchronization.

[@SlenderSmurf]

a e s t h e t i c a c h i e v e d

[@ethanjohnson8680]

I'm not sure why, but when he said they weren't even friends it made really sad.

[@VeerMaharaj]

I think this is the first time that I saw him actually explain why he and Jamie have issues working together and TBH i can respect both him and Jamie more for it now. I have my own peers I have worked with and I have nothing but respect for them, but we drive each other mad for the same reason.

[@ls200076]

Veer Maharaj eydlsuliflyso6eoydhshranatnts

[@GenericaQwerty]

I'll always remember hearing Jamie say at one of their live shows: "We have tremendous respect for each other." It has stuck in my mind all this time because it felt so genuine. I've had wonderful working relationships with people I've never had a social dinner with!

[@ajohnson153]

I have often found that it's best to work with someone that has different ideas about how to do something. When you work toward a common goal, but have different ideas on how to get there you wind up with a better end product because you wind up combining the strengths of both ideas and you wind up pointing out flaws in each other's ideas that you both might not have seen otherwise.

[@Nekufan1000000]

Adam has even said before, I would find the video if I could, that part of what makes it difficult to be friends with someone and have a relationship like that is how the second guessing and flaws end up draining you. You don't just make a suggestion and they go, "Sure." It's constantly a back and forth that makes a great final product, but makes the process of getting there extremely arduous.

[@kafeltz]

Penn and Teller are not friends too. Again, it was unexpected for me.

[@MattPryze]

+Ismael Kafeltz i was just thinking that while watching

[@urmo345]

+Ismael Kafeltz yes, interestingly also both are having very different personalities

[@salaltschul3604]

+Ismael Kafeltz ...What??

[@kafeltz]

+Sal Altschul What what?

[@doggo_s19]

+Ismael Kafeltz True but it's like rest of us, some of us have very good colleagues but not really *friends*, but they are good people you like to work with.

[@JaCrinkle]

I think on a psychological level.... Adam loves Jamie as a brother.

[@Estragon17]

+raGa muffin Yeah, that sounds about right. You love your family, but that doesn't mean you have to like your family.

[@mattsierra9653]

+raGa muffin - this is clearly a textbook blackrom

[@mattsierra9653]

+raGa muffin - this is clearly a textbook blackrom

[@robzero16]

+raGa muffin My brother and I have this same relationship, so I can agree with that.

[@eraldorh]

+raGa muffin He clearly just said that even after 21 years they aren't even friends...

[@matth6762]

I thought it was quite obvious you guys didn't like each other but what you two created was perfect. There is this guy i work with who drives me fucking crazy with his political and social views but we murder every project and we make eacher look good doing it so we just don't talk about anything but work. We value each other's professional opinion.

[@Serrot304]

More than them being friendly, i really appreciate the honesty of them

[@Cynnabuns]

You know. I was sad at first learning this and I know this video is old. Knowing they're not actually friends is sad. But honestly knowing how much 2 people can still work together despite being so different. Just goes to show that TV is just that, TV and basically this was just a broadcasted work environment. At the end of the day this was their job and they were all co-workers. But it's so cool to know how much they both respect each other so much. Just be glad they don't hate each other 😊

[@BlokeOzzie]

I think it's good they have a respectful difference of opinion and perspective on the builds they do. As Adam clearly outlined, it keeps the process honest, well thought out, and minimises problem due to too narrow a thought process. That said, they are probably have a better quality relationship than the "friends" who have a superficial association because they have many things in common and automatically agree, without actually establishing a deeper respect and consideration for each other.

[@DrtERotinBasstrd]

Penn and Teller are exactly the same way. They are not friends and they are very different people. But together they are truly great at what they do, and they know it, and we have the pleasure of seeing it.

[@michaelnoble77]

Except that Penn describes Teller as his "best friend" that was there when his parents died, children were born etc.

[@therabbits69]

Actually this isn't true. Penn and Teller are very good friends. Teller is Penn's daughters godfather. The myth that they aren't close is just that a fabricated story.

[@VonGrav]

There is friends.. and there is colleagues. Jamie and Adam where Colleagues..

[@tomthx5804]

There are people who can spell, and those that can't

[@shaft7302]

VonGrav and you "where" one who couldn't

[@ThatFadedAsian]

Those aren't spelling mistakes, they're grammar mistakes.

[@VonGrav]

Its a second language for me, i dont really give a shit about grammar nazies. The day you learn my language, then we'll talk

[@magnusw.o.4973]

VonGrav You are speaking another language so when someone corrects you, maybe it would be better to take that to heart, just as you would expect them to do when speaking to you in your native tongue. You don't have to be condescending about it. You should learn from those more knowledgeable than you, if you want to succed at something.

[@eugeneruby433]

That sounds like one of the purest, connected friendships any of us would be glad to share with someone else.

[@justinlynn]

Sounds like a very healthy working relationship between two extremely competent engineers who both want to get things done right. I hope every engineer gets to experience a relationship like that at least once in their life.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

This literally sounds like every design meeting I've had with my co-workers (all aerospace engineers). Over months and months and months. lol

[@alilkrazyndn7335]

Oh yeah that must be a thing with ALL engineers (Civil Engineer here) at times it's like "let try this!" "NO, this is better!" but then we all come to the same point.

[@luuk341]

hoshnasi Well, this is exactly the process of reaching the fullest potential of every idea.

[@McSchwiftys_Vlog]

Lol I found you!

[@Stairmaster_jay]

(Engineer)

[@57thorns]

My favourite story is this. "Hey, this is a great idea." "have you lost your mind? That is utterly useless because X." "You are right, my worst idea ever." An management decided to implement the worst idea I ever had. :-( Then people wondered if the two of us were enemies. No, we were engineers passionate about doing a good job. Nothing but respect there. But Jamie says something important: "Did we ever hade dinner alone? Never" It is healthy to split work and free time, and have friends outside of work. You do not have to be friends with your coworkers. but you can stlll enjoy working with them. A friends is something different than a coworker.

[@jimmyfrye5035]

Rumor has it that Jamie selected Adam to be on the show for the sheer contrast of their personalities.

[@mouija1450]

Creative conflict brings out the best of all parties.

[@seanwebb605]

That would explain the Middle East.

[@seanwebb605]

Beck Rockriver Now I want to try cigarettes.

[@atomsk1972]

Depends what the conflict is and how it's expressed. Ever worked in a collaborative creative environment? Much better than pure conflict.

[@brandonfrancey5592]

Only with identical goals. When goals are misaligned, conflict turns into sabotage and a stalemate is drawn.

[@glennwillett-yb3pg]

They have different personalities but I came to greatly respect and appreciate both of them. It was a great show and taught so much in an exciting way. Thank you Mythbusters 😊

[@Macman12233]

From what I've heard of interviews with them, it sounds a lot like how Penn and Teller's working relationship works.

[@C1etus]

MythBusters was one of the best TV shows ever. Thank you for many years of fun.

[@peterxyz3541]

Very mature, very respectable, very professional relationship you two have. I love it. It should be a model for all young people: You don't have to like a person; but, you must have a functioning & healthy relationship with the person!

[@insaneclownhoty]

Jesus Christ shut up 😔

[@benpickens9918]

My childhood was founded on Mythbusters. It was the foundation that held up my love for science and experimenting. When I found out that Adam and Jamie didn’t get along, I felt like that Foundation got kicked out from under me. Seeing this video makes me feel a little bit better.

[@blurg2712]

What an excellently reasoned answer. Gotta respect someone who can be honest like that, and give an answer that isn't exclusively tied up in emotional response.

[@glenngriffon8032]

I think that it's an even more special feeling to click with someone in a communicative way without words than with them. Friends or not, the ability to understand someone and be understood and to connect together in a way that lets you work together like a well oiled machine is one of those human things that i think we all feel on an instinctual level even if we don't understand it or have words for it.

[@gameworkerty]

Pretty much like all the legendary double acts of history, they kinda drive each other up a wall

[@jiornojiovanna5722]

Cringe lol

[@bytewizerd2712]

Jiorno Jiovanna major cringe

[@gemstonegynoid7475]

only president to lose the popular vote while also being impeached and also serving for only one term.

[@andrewyoung749]

@@gemstonegynoid7475 yeah things are going great with this guy. you just got wiped out by goatherds with fertiliser bombs. china and russia are rolling around laughing...

[@MissLexiMarie]

I was kind of sad as a kid to learn that these two weren't best buddies. It made it hard to watch the show, knowing they probably didn't want to be with one another. As an adult, now, I have a deep respect for this non-friendship. It proves that being friends with those you work with isn't a requirement. You can still make progress and breakthroughs with those you don't see eye-to-eye with.

[@angelshade]

I adore Mythbusters and Adam and Jamie, so much so that on several occasions I found myself writing emails to them about some of the myths. I loved and still love both of them, their different personalities, their chemistry on set, their different approaches and different sets of proficiency and skills. To me (and many others probably considering how many times I have seen this and similar questions asked), for some reason it was IMPORTANT to me for them to be friends. I WANTED them to be friends, I wanted them to be the Ratchet and Clank, the Starsky and Hutch, Picard and Riker, etc. And part of my heart, I must admit, crumbled a bit when I learned that not only they aren't friends, but pretty much drive each other insane and not in a strictly positive way. As an adult I fully understand why and how, I get it and that over the decades they worked together they still built a bond, but there is still a part of me that wishes they were more to each other. A kind of "anime moment" if you will. I sometimes wonder if the two of them truly grasp how much of an impact they made on some of us, to the extent that some of us would keep asking them "are you guys friends" over and over and not because of genuine interest but out of simple undying wish they would say "yes".

[@Stig007]

That is an extraordinary level of professionalism. I can't imagine working with somebody for 21 years and NEVER hanging out with them no dinner no drinks not even considering them a friend. Talk about loving what you do and only what you do .

[@Stig007]

Scrolling through the comments I realise I already commented on this 3 years ago I really need a life.

[@accubond3004]

I loved watching you guys trouble shoot and work together you pushed eachother I really enjoyed it all these years. My favorite show!

[@guyfawkes4963]

Perhaps that was why they work so well together, each idea is challenged to near perfection because neither one is just a yes man that backs a stupid or inefficient idea. That said, that can be extremely stressful over long periods of time. Makes sense.

[@tomthx5804]

Like the time Jamie glued him to a mattress

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

I don't get why everybody is so sad about them being "not friends." They've been coworkers, like Adam said, for 21 years, and they obviously value their relationship if they can work together so well for so long. In fact, if they weren't workplace rivals, I'm not sure Mythbusters would be as good, seeing as how they compliment each other so well and drive each other towards new perspectives and boundaries.

[@randaldull]

Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller has said that he and Teller really aren't friends either, but the relationship they have built together is one of mutual respect for the other the the business they have build together.

[@NeoTechni]

Randal Dull I was thinking the same thing,

[@king.dannyman]

The thing is.... how weird is not to become friend with someone you see for 21 years, and have to make all the stuffs they both like toguether. What I mean is what a weird guys...

[@BlokeOzzie]

Danny Fallas There is nothing weird about it at all. It's a professional relationship, not a personal one. They are two very different things, with two very different goals. They have one commonality in being builder/creator/problem solvers, but that's pretty much it. That's not enough to base a personal friendship off, but it is enough to base a professional relationship off, if they respect each other, which they do. I've worked with co-workers for years who were not "friends" but were great to work with, had mutual respect for each other, achieved a lot together, but never spent any time outside of work together. I also had a co-worker who was an absolute bitch with no respect for others, and in the end it cost her her job. It's good to see that Adam and Jamie respect each other, even if they don't have a friendship beyond the professional sense.

[@veinerschnitzel]

Randal Dull No, he said Teller was his best friend, but it did not develop from affection. the friendship developed from respect.

[@ChikoWhat]

Jamie and Adam is like Penn and Teller. They are workmates, not friends. This statement is exaggerated yes, but that's the best way to show why they work together so well.

[@ChrisBryer]

Or they're like Vegeta and Goku... Wow i just geeked out a little. I'll stop now.

[@veinerschnitzel]

Penn said teller was his best friend and akin to Uncle for his children. they just didn't start as friends, or become friends out of affection.

[@therabbits69]

Not true Penn and Teller are very good friends. Teller is Penn's daughters godfather.

[@torrinpagnac-jensen9536]

I find it so impressive how Jamie and Adam worked together. They are two totally different personalities, didn't like each other and yet still made one of the greatest science shows ever.

[@brofenix]

Adam seems like he matured and grew so much by having to work with Jamie for so many years, while Jamie didn't grow much at all and is pretty much the same he was 20 years ago.

[@JoshuaTootell]

I imagine that Jaime was born as a middle aged man.