If we’re going to talk about invention in the US we need to talk with Nathan Myrhvold. He was Microsoft’s first Chief Technology Officer. He holds 17 patents with Microsoft and 117 with his company Intellectual Ventures. But he’s not just a billionaire tech-nerd. He’s also explored the world’s volcanoes. Studied penguin digestion. Found several T Rexes. Built a section of Babbage’s Difference Engine. He’s even the World Barbecue Grand Champion. Anne Strainchamps caught up with Myhrvold to talk about inventing and his six-volume, 2400-page, 52 pound cookbook called Modernist Cuisine.