The idea for The Barycenter Project has its origins in the talk radio era of the late 90s. I was working on the weekends as a producer for a group of local talk radio show hosts. During the week I worked for an Internet Service Provider. I worked with businesses that wanted to use email, build a company website, and connect their networks to the Internet. 

One weekend, I pitched an idea to my fellow producers and the hosts. I wanted to create and host a local talk radio show for the fans of science fact and science fiction in our radio audience. The show would invite the audience to call in and ask local experts from the world of science fact (computer builders and website coders) and the world of science fiction (artists and makers that were using the World Wide Web to create and share their stories and art) about the Internet and related technology. 

While the concept of the show was well received, the show itself never made it past the concept stage. 

In the decades since, I have had the immense good fortune of meeting with and learning from scientists, technologists, makers, writers, producers, and a myriad of dedicated professionals from both the worlds of science fact and science fiction. These amazing humans have shared their knowledge, their wisdom, and their perspectives with me, and it has had a profound impact on my life. I am grateful for their patience with my questions and their willingness to share their insights with me. 

Today, WiFi is almost everywhere. Smartphones with apps give us the power to connect with anyone, anywhere, at anytime. One-click ordering is a lifesaving gift for many. Watching videos on any subject you can imagine is commonplace. Playing video games with multiple players all over the planet brings cultures and generations together to experience new adventures. 

In addition to all of this, the breadth and depth of scientific information available nearly instantly to our species is astounding. 

In many ways, science fiction has become science fact in ways no one thought possible. 

In many ways, science fact is influencing science fiction in ways not previously imagined. 

Both the worlds of science fact and science fiction orbit around their common center of science. Science gives us tools, processes, and laws that help us better understand the universe. Our species is healthier, stronger, more creative, and hopefully a bit wiser due to our embracing science. 

The Barycenter Project is a celebration of science fact and science fiction. The just cause of the project is to celebrate both the skepticism of science fact and the imagination of science fiction in the pursuit of scientific discoveries that make our planet a better place for all.

The Barycenter Project seeks to engage with fans of science fact and fans of science fiction across the world. Part of my effort in this engagement will be a podcast. The guests will be from across the branches of science fact and the genres of science fiction. Our conversations will be about the benefits and challenges of scientific discoveries and how these discoveries affect the human condition. The links to the podcast episodes will be shared on this site and our social media channels.  

I am also in the planning stages of a live, single-day hybrid event that you and the podcast audience can attend in-person and virtually. As I finalize the event location, keynote panelists, and exhibitor information, I will share the information with you.  

I am thrilled that the idea for The Barycenter Project is moving forward. I am elated to be able to share this project with you through the podcast, social media, and the live event. I look forward to connecting with you and celebrating the worlds of science fact and science fiction!

Brian Taylor

Founder, The Barycenter Project