TV Host · Editor · Maker · Science Communicator
I explain and build crazy machines that crush stuff, blow things up, and shoot fire — all in the name of science. Off camera, I help tell stories about technology and the people who shape it.
About
You may have seen me on TV hosting Punkin' Chunkin, How Stuff Works, and Catch It Keep It on Discovery Channel — or on Fuse TV's Rock and Roll Acid Test. I build and explain machines that do extraordinary, often explosive things, always in the name of science.
Off camera, I help people and organizations tell compelling stories about science and technology. I'm currently directing content at AI startup Edge Impulse. Before that, I served as Executive Editor of Make: magazine from 2013–2022, and before that, Senior Editor at Wired.
I also teach workshops on science and engineering, run my DIY project blog DOIT, and I'm an obsessive camera geek who loves capturing the world on film and video.
Ever since his dad taught him to use a power drill at age three, Mike Senese has never met a piece of machinery he wasn't dying to take apart.
Television
Science Channel
The annual competition to build machines that hurl pumpkins the farthest. Hosted for Science Channel — pure engineering carnage and joy.
IMDB ↗Discovery Channel
Demystifying the science and engineering behind everyday — and not-so-everyday — machines and technology for Discovery Channel.
IMDB ↗Science Channel
Contestants used teamwork and science smarts to tackle wild challenges and win prizes. High energy, high stakes, high fun.
Watch episodes →Fuse TV
Applying hardcore science to the wildest legends of rock and roll — building over-the-top contraptions to test music's most outrageous myths.
Watch all episodes →Various
Punkin' Chunkin, Why Wait Invent-Off, Toyota Safety Bike, plus years of DIY project videos and science demos.
See all videos →Press & Writing
I've written about science, technology, and culture for a wide range of publications.
Make: Magazine
Executive Editor 2013–2022. Built and tested hundreds of projects and profiled the world's most creative makers.
Wired
Senior Editor. Covered the intersection of science, technology, and culture.
Gizmodo
Contributed tech and gadget coverage for one of the web's biggest tech blogs.
Triathlete
Sports science, gear reviews, and endurance culture coverage.
Lifehacker
Featured interview on the Make: approach to hands-on learning and the maker movement.
Recode Decode Podcast
Kara Swisher interview on the maker movement, Maker Faire, and building in the modern world.
Get In Touch
I'm available for hosting, consulting, speaking, and writing engagements. Whether you're looking for a science communicator for your show, a content strategist for your tech company, or a workshop facilitator — drop me a line.