Local Castle Pines North resident creates reality television show
by Carin R. Kirkegaard with photo by Nicole Chillino
Parker found a sense of purpose and fulfillment when the idea for the reality television show, “Backyard Genius,” took root following a neardeath car accident. Parker rolled his truck on an icy road, and the experience changed the way he looked at life.
Parker has been a jack-of-all-trades in his professional career, from a real estate agent to work in marketing, but acting has always been his true calling and in Colorado, the opportunities are ones you make for yourself, said Parker.
Parker is a fifth generation farmer who grew up in Golden and saw first hand how his father would solve problems on the farm by inventing either the right tool or apparatus to make whatever he needed to work do what he needed it to do. Inspired by his father and coupled with his love for acting, Parker created “Backyard Genius.”
“Backyard Genius” showcases innovative people who build things out of necessity and how the inventor is able to help not only themselves, but others as well. In a half-hour time slot, the show features two inventors and their stories.
Parker and his co-host Bill LeVasseur comb the country in a supped-up Ford Mustang named Darlin’ seeking out not only the inventors, but also unveiling a slice of life in the towns where the inventors live.
In one episode, Parker and LeVasseur travel to a small town in Kansas where a local farmer is converting old school buses into hay stackers, a piece of farm machinery that costs thousands of dollars, at a significantly decreased cost. The guest isn’t interested in making any money on his invention, but rather paying it forward and helping out his neighbors.
Parker says that many of his guests have faced significant economic and/or physical challenges that have prompted an invention. “Out of great challenge comes great opportunity,” said Parker. “The show is about appreciating the people who deserve the recognition, showing respect for what they have done and inspiring a new culture of creativity,” continued Parker.
Right now the show is available for viewing online at www.backyardgenius.com. Parker hopes to have the show picked up by one of the larger networks like the Discovery Channel or A & E in the near future.
Pictured left to right are Ryan Parker and Bill LeVasseur, co-hosts for reality television show, “Backyard Genius,” a show that seeks unknown inventors and showcases their inventions and how they are changing the world.
