3d ago
Mike sits down with adventurer, endurance athlete, and motivational speaker Cyril Derreumaux, a man who has spent an unusual amount of time alone with his thoughts—and the open ocean. Cyril talks Mike through his two 70-plus-day solo treks across both the Atlantic and the Pacific in a kayak. Mike and Cyril explore risk, resilience, and the fine line between careful preparation and total uncertainty. It's a conversation about discipline, humility, and why sometimes the hardest part of moving forward is learning when not to fight the current. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code MIKE to get $55 off their limited-edition Stone Collection frame. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipIntro for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month!
Dec 9
On this eye-opening episode, Mike welcomes filmmaker and television veteran Del Bigtree of The HighWire to discuss his newest documentary, An Inconvenient Study —a film that investigates what happened to the most thorough childhood vaccinated vs. unvaccinated study ever done. They discuss how Del convinced a doctor at one of the most prestigious health institutes in the nation to conduct the study, the shocking findings, and why the study has never seen the light of day… until now. Tip o' the hat to our excellent sponsors AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code MIKE to get $55 off their limited-edition Stone Collection frame. PureTalk.com/Rowe Get unlimited talk, text and data for $29.95 p/month for LIFE. GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. NetSuite.com/Mike Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning
Dec 2
Mike sits down with Danny Combs, founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), a program that teaches people with autism skilled trades ranging from welding to woodworking to IT. With equal parts heart and hard data, Danny walks Mike through how TACT is helping fill critical labor shortages while giving thousands of gifted, detail-driven students a path to meaningful, good-paying work. It's a conversation about talent, potential, and the untapped workforce hiding in plain sight. Danny's book can be found here. Learn more about Stand Together at StandTogether.org Today's episode is sponsored by American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code Mike to get $35 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers!
Nov 25
Mike sits down with the two innovative minds behind Digs — an app that's helping to streamline the home-building process. It's a candid look at what happens when tech guys wander into the world of lumber, drywall, and delayed inspections—and try to fix it. If you've ever wondered whether artificial intelligence can actually help build a house, or at least make the whole ordeal a little less maddening, this conversation is for you. Many thanks to our excellent sponsors PureTalk.com/Rowe Get unlimited talk, text and data for $29.95 p/month for LIFE. AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code Mike to get $45 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. SkillsUSA.org/mike Join the skilled trade movement!
Nov 18
Mike meets actor, writer, and director Steven Grayhm , whose award-winning film Sheepdog is about to hit theaters. Steven breaks down how a three-hour ride with a tow truck driver led him on a 14-year odyssey to get to the truth about veteran post-traumatic stress. It's a conversation about grit, service, sacrifice, and the complicated realities faced by the men and women who stand their post long after the uniform comes off. Steven's passion for telling their stories with honesty and respect shines through every frame of Sheepdog , and every minute of this conversation. Big thanks to our terrific sponsors AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code Mike to get $45 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. NetSuite.com/Mike Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning
Nov 11
In honor of Veterans Day, Mike speaks with co-host of The Big Weekend Show Marine Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny Joey Jones, who served eight years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in Iraq and Afghanistan—where he lost both legs in the line of duty. These days, he's on a mission to highlight those who serve, from American warfighters to first responders, which he does powerfully in his new book, Behind the Badge . It's a honest tribute to those who run toward the danger when others run away. With his trademark humility and humor, Joey talks about courage, purpose, and the importance of minding the wake you leave behind. Shout out to our great sponsors American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Choose a wireless company who actually stands for something. BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers!
Nov 4
Mike joins author and energy expert Alex Epstein to discuss Bill Gates' surprising new stance on climate change, the growing clash between "human-centric" and "anti-impact" environmentalism, and how the AI revolution is reshaping global energy demands. They also explore what this shift means for philanthropy, fossil fuels, and the future workforce driving America's next energy boom. Shout out to our great sponsors Lineman.edu to find your pathway to the trades American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order.
Oct 28
Security expert, author, and entrepreneur Gavin de Becker joins us to discuss his newest book, Forbidden Facts: Government Deceit & Suppression About Brain Damage from Childhood Vaccine s —a hard-hitting investigation into how government agencies and industry cover up evidence and manipulate public belief. We also discuss the attempted assassination at Butler and how neatly it was tied up in a bow. Gavin also reveals who he believes really killed Robert F. Kennedy Sr.—spoiler alert; it ain't Sirhan Sirhan. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors TrumanBoot.com Use code MIKE for 15% off. GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Choose a wireless company who shares YOUR values.
Oct 21
Mike chats with Philip Diehl, the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint and the man behind the most successful coin program in American history—the 50 State Quarters. They talk about the surprising history of the U.S. dollar coin, how a coin gets designed and approved, and the unexpected reason why the mikeroweWORKS Trades Coin—a symbol of American skill and pride—wasn't actually made in the America. Tip o' the hat to our excellent sponsors American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. NetSuite.com/Mike Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning. BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers! GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription.
Oct 14
Mike sits down with Amie Ichikawa—former inmate, prison reform advocate, and founder of Woman II Woman , an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of incarcerated women. Amie shares her firsthand experience in the California prison system, the disturbing reality of fully intact men being housed in women's prisons, and the silence surrounding it. Now on the outside, she's using her voice to protect those still inside. It's a raw conversation about justice, safety, and speaking up for women who have been denied a voice. Today's episode is sponsored by PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month! ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. PrizePicks.com/mike Use code MIKE to get $50 in lineups after placing your first $5 lineup.
Oct 7
NBA player turned human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom shares his remarkable journey growing up in Turkey under an oppressive regime, his rise to NBA stardom, and the high personal cost of speaking out against tyranny. From being exiled by his home country to being effectively blackballed from the NBA, Enes opens up about the courage it takes to stand alone—and why he refuses to stay silent. He also discusses his powerful new book, In the Name of Freedom , and what it means to fight for something bigger than the game. Shout out to our great sponsors American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month! KnobelSpirits.com Spend $100, get bitters-infused sugar cubes FREE. Just add to cart & use code CARL. PrizePicks.com/mike Use code MIKE to get $50 in lineups after placing your first $5 lineup.
Sep 30
Mike sits down with former high school volleyballer Payton McNabb, who was knocked unconscious by a spike to the face, delivered by a male competing on the girls' team, and woke up in the middle of a national controversy. What followed wasn't just a concussion and long-term neurological damage. It was a brutal, firsthand lesson in biology, politics, and the high cost of pretending that reality is up for debate. Tip o' the hat to our excellent sponsors GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to post a job for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month! KnobelSpirits.com Spend $100, get bitters-infused sugar cubes FREE. Just add to cart & use code CARL.
Sep 23
Meredith Olson is president of Vela , a nonprofit that funds everyday entrepreneurs who are ditching the traditional school model in favor of something a little more… flexible. Vela doesn't run schools—it supports people creating their own. From homeschool co-ops to microschools in living rooms and libraries, Vela empowers parents, students, and entrepreneurs to reimagine education outside of traditional systems. With more than 4,200 schools being supported, Vela is quietly fueling one of the most important grassroots education revolutions of our time. Today's episode is sponsored by NetSuite.com/Mike Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for FREE. GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. PrizePicks.com/mike Use code MIKE to get $50 in lineups after placing your first $5 lineup. SkillsUSA.org/mike Join the skilled trade movement!
Sep 16
Serial entrepreneur, lipstick farmer, and season 2 undercover billionaire Elaine Culotti unleashes a no-holds-barred critique of California's downward spiral. From endless red tape and anti-business policies to the sluggish response to the Palisades fire, Elaine argues that leadership under Gavin Newsom has been nothing short of disastrous. She doesn't just complain—she hints she might run for governor herself.
Sep 9
Comedian, podcaster, and self-described "troubled white" Theo Von joins the party for a candid discussion about the bone he found on his way to the studio, what he was manifesting during the Lion's Portal, and why he loves 'Merica. There's a little wrestling, a little recovery, and lot of talk of a new Mike and Theo Antique Road Show-type show featuring American-made entrepreneurs. It's patriotic, hilarious, and it might just be the start of something strange and great. WARNING: THIS EPISODE IS MARKED EXPLICIT FOR LANGUAGE AND CONTENT.
Aug 26
Mike chats with Dr. Sheree Utash, Ed.D., president of WSU Tech and a national leader in workforce education. They talk about how she reinvented a community college into a national model for workforce development, her role in taking Mike's S.W.E.A.T. Pledge and shaping it into the mikeroweWORKS curriculum, and why she believes skilled trades are key to America's future. It's a perfect pre-Labor Day discussion.
Aug 19
Tommy Mello founded A1 Garage Door Service—a 100 million-plus-dollar business. Tommy shares how he went from reselling Bowflex, cleaning pools, and painting garage doors to building one of the largest home service companies in the country. He talks about the hustle, the screw-ups, and the systems that helped him scale, including his no-nonsense approach to hiring and promoting based on performance, not resumes. It's a real conversation about work ethic, taking ownership, and why a broken garage door—and a strong dose of meritocracy—can open a lot more than just your garage.
Aug 12
Actor, director, and pseudo-troublemaker Nick Searcy is back! Nick recounts what he saw at the Capitol on January 6 and why he made Capital Punishment and its sequel, The War on Truth . Also discussed is Nick's unfiltered memoir, Justify This: A Career Without Compromise , where he shares stories from his long career in Hollywood, and a new project about gospel singers that might just redeem him—at least a little. It's a conversation full of laughs, sharp elbows, and more than a few surprises.
Jul 29
America's Grandmother stops by to discuss the haunting melody of Adagio for Strings , dropping one's phone in the toilet, and Peggy's handsy masseuse.
Jul 22
Filmmaker Jack Teetor joins to discuss his new documentary, Blind Logic , about his granduncle, Ralph Teetor, who revolutionized the automotive industry. From inventing cruise control to influencing the development of the automatic transmission, Ralph was an automotive visionary, which is ironic since he did all that while being blind since childhood.
Jul 15
Former Texas Governor and U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry stops by to talk about two things most folks wouldn't expect in the same sentence—AI data farms and psychedelic therapy. Perry breaks down why the Lone Star State is set to become a digital powerhouse for AI server farms and what that means for energy, jobs, and infrastructure. Then the conversation turns to ibogaine —a little-known psychedelic that holds big promise for veterans and first responders battling PTSD and addiction. Texas just approved $50 million to study it, and Perry explains why.
Jul 8
Salena Zito is a prolific author, award-winning reporter, and our great friend. No one knows the heartland like Salena, and she's here to discuss the future of AI and the energy needed to pursue it, the sudden resurgence of interest in the skilled trades and how Pennsylvania is helping lead the way, and her brand-new book, Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland . Salena gives a firsthand account since she was just four feet away from Trump when it happened.
Jun 24
Jillian Michaels is a renowned fitness expert, television personality, podcaster, and bestselling author known most for her role on The Biggest Loser . She has built a global brand around health, wellness, and personal empowerment through fitness.
Jun 17
Arguably America's greatest living playwright, David Mamet, drops by to discuss movies, theater, philosophy, and his new book, The Disenlightenment: Politics, Horror, and Entertainment , in which he offers sharp insights into American culture, politics, and the art of storytelling. WARNING: THIS EPISODE IS MARKED EXPLICIT as the language gets quite spicy, and we did not quack the f-bombs. Otherwise, the episode would resemble a waddling of ducks.
Jun 10
New York Times bestselling author Codie Sanchez has a background working in finance but gave up Wall Street for Main Street. She is a blue-collar entrepreneur and investor known for buying and growing "boring" cash-flow businesses like laundromats and car washes. She founded Contrarian Thinking to help others achieve financial freedom through unconventional investing.
May 27
Jan Jekielek is a senior editor with The Epoch Times and host of " American Thought Leaders ." He has extensively covered the issue of forced organ harvesting in China, particularly concerning Falun Gong practitioners. It is estimated that 60,000 to 100,000 organs annually have been involuntarily extracted from political prisoners in China. Jan's investigative work has brought international attention to this human rights atrocity.
May 20
437: Neal McDonough—Clear the Mechanism The perennial character actor villain turned leading man drops by to talk about the first film where he finally gets to kiss the girl at the end, The Last Rodeo —and that girl is played by his wife, Ruvé. Coincidence? Not a chance. That's the only way Neal would do it. Neal also discusses how he secured a return to Taylor Sheridan's Tulsa Kings, why he thought Sylvester Stallone might deck him on set, and the greatest career advice Clint Eastwood gave him.
May 13
Once named one of Inc. magazine's 10 most admired CEOs, Garry led WD-40 for 25 years. At that time, his leadership and positive corporate culture grew WD-40 into one of the world's most recognized and well-loved brands. In this episode, Garry discusses how he achieved this and why he detailed it in his book, Any Dumbass Can Do It .
May 6
Amid the tariff wars, Mike sits down with two men whose businesses are NOT affected by foreign supply chains. Josh is a master bladesmith and founder of the Montana Knife Company , and Bayard is founder and CEO of American Giant . Both men are uniquely positioned to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of making products entirely in the United States.
Apr 29
You may know Sarah as the on-camera producer from Facebook's Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe. She is also a two-time Emmy-winning storyteller, social anthropologist, founder and CEO of Common Ground Studios , and the absolute cheeriest person you'll ever meet! Sarah talks with Mike about their new show, People You Should Know, which will premiere May 2 on Mike's YouTube channel @therealmikerowe .
Apr 22
Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike's three-time NYT bestselling mom, is back for a check-in. In this episode you'll hear about the horrors of hoarding, books you'll never read, dancin' chicken, crab pickin', and a Mother's Day story about a toy that really sucks!
Apr 17
The multilingual, bass-thumping, capitalist dives into what made him fall in love with America, his unforgettable first job involving prosthetic testes, and the etymology of the word a**hole. It's a free-wheeling discussion from Moses to Superman and everything in between.
Apr 8
David Bahnsen is the founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, which manages over seven billion dollars in assets. He's also a podcaster, author, and Christian intellectual. His book, Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life , is simpatico with Mike's S.W.E.A.T. pledge.
Mar 25
Award-winning actor and old friend Rico drops by for a hysterical, if not irreverent, hang with Mike and Chuck, friends he's had for 40+ years. There is laughter; there are tears, and there is laughter that turns into tears. Warning: Don't listen while drinking coffee in front of a computer.
Mar 18
The multi-award-winning actor, chronic philanthropist, and all-around outstanding human drops by to talk about his son, Mac Sinise, who sadly passed away January 5, 2024. Gary shares Mac's story and the musical compositions he left behind, all of which can be found on Resurrection & Revival parts 1 and 2, which are available on vinyl here . The three music videos mentioned during the episode are Arctic Circles by Mac Sinise, Shenandoah (author unknown), and The Rise by Mac Sinise.
Mar 11
As a logger and forester, Mike Albrecht knows a lot about wood. He is the two-time president of the American Loggers Council, and he's on a mission to reintroduce America to one of its most abundant and reliable renewable resources—wood. Mike also speaks to how we can better manage our forests to prevent wildfires.
Feb 25
Carlos spent seven weeks without any screens—no phone, no computer, no TV. His newest book, Reconnected , documents that journey filled with monks, Amish, a bobcat, and lots of self-discovery.
Feb 18
It's a compelling hang with the iconic comedian, actor, and renaissance man who takes a deep dive on a myriad of topics, including philosophy, physics, and fire prevention. His new sitcom, Shifting Gears, can be seen on ABC Wednesdays at 8PM.
Feb 11
Former vice president of marketing at Publishers Clearing House, Darrell Lester, tells the inside story of how PCH started as a mom & pop shop, meteorically rose to one of the most beloved companies in America, and then was nearly destroyed by bad press and lawsuits because of greed. Darrell witnessed it all and chronicled it in his book, Downfall of an Icon: The True Story of Publishers Clearing House .
Feb 4
As President of Anheuser-Busch Sales and Distribution, Anson had a front-row seat to witness how and why Bud Light lost its position as the most popular beer in America (as well as $30 billion in market cap) by changing its focus from shareholder profits to stakeholder capitalism and partnering with Dylan Mulvaney. His new book, Last Call for Bud Light: The Fall and Future of America's Favorite Beer is out today.
Jan 28
Alex Epstein is back! He's a philosopher and energy expert who argues that "human flourishing" should be the guiding principle of energy and environmental progress.
Jan 21
Darnell is the founder and CEO of Thurgood Industries , a career-building platform for skilled workers. He shares his amazing story of how he grew up in New York public housing, served 17 years in prison, and went on to graduate from Yale Law School the same year he received a diploma in manufacturing technology and machining from Lincoln Tech.
Jan 14
Edward is the co-founder and director of water and energy policy for the California Policy Center . He's written voluminously on how to fix California's problems, and he has lots of thoughts about the Los Angeles wildfires: why they happened, who is getting it right, and who is getting it wrong.
Dec 20, 2024
Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike's mom, a.k.a. America's grandmother is not one for excessive cursing… usually. In this episode, however, she makes an exception. Expect tales from the home, cultural appropriation karaoke, and janky Christmas wishes. This cup of coffee will not disappoint.
Dec 17, 2024
We begin with a mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span and we conclude with the story of Christmas, the way I heard it. The guest is Quentin Schultze and his book can be found here .
Dec 10, 2024
Multiple Emmy-winning aerial photographer David Alan Arnold has shot World Series, Super Bowls, X-Games, commercials, and movies. But he truly earns his paycheck risking his life on television shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, and especially Deadliest Catch, the show he worked on with Mike Rowe. Dave and Mike share true stories of harrowing flights, near misses, and fisherman funerals, all of which can be found in David's book, Help From Above .
Dec 3, 2024
Nikki Stratton is the granddaughter of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton. Donald was a sailor aboard the ill-fated USS Arizona on December 7, 1941, and wrote the book All the Gallant Men to recount the event. Nikki is the sponsor of the soon-to-be-commissioned nuclear submarine SSN Arizona. Every ship in the US Navy has a female sponsor who has a plethora of duties, including christening the ship. Nikki recounts her grandfather's harrowing escape from the burning USS Arizona and breaks down all of her duties as sponsor of the SSN Arizona.
Nov 29, 2024
Oklahoma builder Nathan Walters discusses his unlikely journey to owning his own building business, the virtues and pitfalls of college vs. on-the-job training, and what he's doing in Oklahoma to encourage high schoolers to consider the trades.
Nov 19, 2024
Ronda and her husband Corey founded Isaiah 117 House to provide a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement in the foster care system. Isaiah 177 House was featured on Mike's Facebook show, Returning the Favor. Ronda tells how her appearance on the show affected her mission, her life, and especially her health.
Nov 12, 2024
The '80s brat-pack teen idol drops by to share tales from his amazing life in film and TV and explain why he loves doing his gameshow The Floor and his podcast Literally!
Nov 5, 2024
In 2009, Clint was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Kamdesh during the Afghan War, which he recalls in his book, Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor , a New York Times bestseller. For Veterans Day, Clint shares his insights into why his outpost was a deathtrap, his efforts to prevent veteran suicide, and his survival during that 15-hour battle.
Oct 31, 2024
Three-time NYT Bestselling author a.k.a. Mike's mom checks in to share tales from Rowe Halloween's gone by.
Oct 29, 2024
LAPD and CRASH Unit veteran Tim Pearce shares stories of fighting gangs in South Central in a post-Rodney King world, including the tragic tale of his police officer wife being shot in the line of duty, which led him to invent an amazing life-saving device that simulates a gunshot wound, which he demonstrates on Chuck.
Oct 22, 2024
Star of TV shows The Rookie, Castle, and Firefly Nathan Fillion drops by to catch up with his old friend and '90s neighbor Mike Rowe. Nathan and Mike reminisce about a very steamy New York apartment, tooling around the snow-covered city with a mycologist's daughter, and eating burritos served by Alan Tudyk. Nathan also shares his experience working with Stephen Spielberg, his secret to overcoming severe nerves, and how he was humbled on Wisteria Lane.
Oct 15, 2024
After Mike recites a brand-new mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span, OG Podcaster and Hardcore History host Dan Carlin drops by to tell Mike what he got right, what he got wrong, and why our understanding of the subject of this mystery is so important to understanding the United States today.
Oct 8, 2024
Matt Malone is the CEO of Groundworks, one of the largest foundation repair and waterproofing companies in the United States. He's also a self-described capitalist, but he practices a new version of the economic system, one that recently had him turn 5,500 Groundworks employees into part owners of the company.
Oct 1, 2024
Co-host of the late-night hit GUTFELD! and New York Times bestselling author Kat Timpf has the distinction of being the most pregnant person ever to appear on TWIHI. She chats about the pitfalls of the "us or them" mentality that has hijacked the nation and shares personal stories of what led her to write her newest book, I Used to Like You Until… How Binary Thinking is Dividing Us
Sep 24, 2024
Director/Producer Justin Folk is best known for helming the 2022 hit documentary What is a Woman , starring Matt Walsh. Justin and Matt teamed up again for the follow-up, companion piece, Am I Racist? (now in theaters,) in which Matt goes on a diversity, equity, and inclusion journey and becomes a card-carrying DEI expert. Justin shares some behind-the-scenes moments from the film and discusses the state of anti-racism in America.
Sep 17, 2024
New York Times Bestselling author and broadcaster Ken Coleman is in the personal growth business. His books and show are designed to help people identify and embrace their true calling. Ken shares his personal story and gets Chuck to take his career assessment quiz to figure out what he'll do once Mike fires him. Ken's newest book is The Get Clear Career Assessment: Find the Work You're Wired to Do . Promo code ROWE gets you $5 off.
Sep 10, 2024
The celebrity fitness trainer, author, and filmmaker drops by to put Mike and Chuck on his trademarked no sugar, no grains lifestyle. Along the way, he discusses the positive effects of eliminating processed foods on fertility, the fallacies of the food pyramid, and the million plus pounds of weight lost by the "Rowebies" following Vinnie's program. If you want to learn more about NSNG and what exactly a Rowebie is, visit VinnieTortorich.com/Rowe
Sep 3, 2024
When it comes to work ethic, Master Bladesmith Josh Smith self-identifies as "the guy Mike is always talking about." At age 11, Josh was taught how to build knives by his little-league baseball coach. By age 19, he was the youngest bladesmith to ever pass the Master Smith test of the American Bladesmith Society. Today, he owns and operates the Montana Knife Company . Josh talks about giving up the security of a six-figure journeyman lineman job to start his own knife company, how he changed the way contestants are treated on Forged in Fire, and what it was like to build a sword for a sheik in Abu Dhabi.
Aug 29, 2024
Three-time NY Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe describes her recent encounters with a scammer and blackmailer as Mike and Chuck debate the proper punishment for such scoundrels.
Aug 27, 2024
The former farmer and lifelong educator works as director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (CTE) where he brings his get-it-done farming mindset to education. Brent discusses how Oklahoma's Central Tech is using competition to help prepare students for real-world opportunities and focusing on a mastery of skill rather than a time-based curriculum.
Aug 20, 2024
Master Sculptor Sabin Howard is known as America's Michelangelo for his work in, and deep knowledge of, Modern Classicism. On September 13, 2024, he will unveil his newest work, the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C., called A Soldier's Journey . Sabin discusses why he believes that great art can be recognized by everyone and should be for "we the people," why art is inextricably connected to history, and why art tells us what it means to be human.
Aug 13, 2024
The Tony Award-winning actor, director, and podcaster goes deep with TWIHI about everything from his traumatic childhood and dashed dreams of becoming a magician to the Broadway show that made him want to act and his recollections of Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince.
Aug 6, 2024
VDH is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a Distinguished Fellow at Hillsdale College, a professor of public policy at Pepperdine University, a nationally syndicated columnist, a bestselling author, AND a fifth-generation California farmer. In his July 29, 2024 article, America's Lab Rats? (read here: https://victorhanson.com/americas-lab-rats/ ), Victor argues that American society appears to be treating many of its citizens like insignificant lab rats in some kind of social experiment, leading to unintended and harmful consequences. His website . His book .
Jul 30, 2024
Bishop Martin and his wife Donna were the inspiration for the film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot , which details their miraculous journey navigating the foster care system in a small Texas town and how they inspired the parishioners of Bennet Chapel Church to adopt 77 children. Bishop Martin speaks to how this unlikely story became a book and a movie and how it all was accurately prophesized in advance.
Jul 23, 2024
The American businessman and philanthropist talks about growing up in Boston as a fifth-generation builder, starting his first business collecting garbage at the age of 13, and the mission he's on to create a new internet by arguing in his new book, Our Biggest Fight , that we the people's data should belong to we the people.
Jul 16, 2024
The veteran actor and gospel singer recounts his early career, what made him give up his dream of becoming a veterinarian, how he realized he had a problem with cocaine and what he did to fix it, how Jerry Lee Lewis taught him to play the piano, and what it was like playing Ronald Reagan for his upcoming movie. And at the end of the episode—he sings a song! See the trailer for REAGAN HERE .
Jul 9, 2024
As trustee of the Engelstad Foundation, Kris has overseen the endowment of over $300 million in scholarships and grants. Kris talks about working as a maid in her father's hotel on the Las Vegas strip, what she learned from watching him build several Nevada landmarks, and what it's like to manage a billion-dollar foundation.
Jul 2, 2024
In honor of Independence Day, TWIHI welcomes Army veteran and NYT bestselling author Pete Hegseth, who talks about why civic rituals like parades are so important to convey what we value as a society, how to acknowledge America's faults while still appreciating her greatness, and how our armed forces are destroying themselves from the inside. Pete's book is The War on Warriors .
Jun 27, 2024
Peggy Rowe is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, the matriarch of the Rowe family, and, of course, Mike's mom. The coffee klatch conversation deals with handling disappointment, the difference between encouragement and enabling, and how bowls and bowls of mashed potatoes can help you find your Tiddlywinks pieces. Peggy's new book is available for presale at MikeRowe.com/MomsBook
Jun 25, 2024
Here's a brand new story about the performance of a lifetime followed by another edition of Two Dudes Talking, a.k.a. Mike and Chuck break it down with some laughs.
Jun 18, 2024
Steven Pressfield, the two-time New York Times Bestselling author of The War of Art, Gates of Fire, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, discusses how to listen to your muse while ignoring your Resistance, why he carries a Smith Corona typewriter but doesn't actually use it, and what he learned from driving a truck, picking fruit, and writing advertising copy. His newest book is a memoir titled Govt Cheese .
Jun 11, 2024
The nation's leading expert on de-escalation and public figure protection unpacks the importance of intuition, the difference between true fear and unwarranted fear, and the epidemic of sudden, unexpected deaths among seemingly healthy people beginning in 2021.
Jun 4, 2024
The 12-time NCAA All-American, 5-time SEC Champion, and 2-time Olympic qualifier who went from being one of the fastest collegiate swimmers in the world to a controversial women's rights advocate talks about what it takes to train in a pool six hours per day, why she's not going to be training to be an endodontist, and recounts the harrowing experience of being held captive on the campus of San Francisco State University. Her new book is Swimming Against the Current: Fighting For Common Sense in a World That's Lost Its Mind.
May 28, 2024
In a double-header of do-goodery, TWIHI welcomes not one but two very distinguished volunteer firefighters to discuss why they have been called to such a dangerous philanthropic endeavor, what it takes to become a volunteer firefighter, and how Americans of any age can get involved at MakeMeAFirefighter.org
May 21, 2024
First, a brand-new mystery about brave men in a distant sea, then Mike and Chuck take a deeper dive.
May 14, 2024
The film writer, director, and producer known for Over the Hedge , Chicken Run , and James and the Giant Peach talks about his work ethic and creative process, why animated films are modern-day Aesop's fables, and that time he almost got to run DreamWorks.
May 7, 2024
Matt is a four-time NHRA Funny Car world champion and first-generation cattle and CBD farmer. Chloe is a mikeroweWORKS work ethic scholarship recipient, an AWS Certified Weld Inspector, and a social media influencer. She also runs social media for Matt Hagan and Tony Stewart. This conversation does not stay in its lane as it veers from the high stakes involved in going 330 mph in four seconds to the tasty steaks that the Hagan Cattle Company produces in Virginia to the political stakes of not keeping your food supply chain in America.
May 2, 2024
The three-time NYT bestselling author, a.k.a. Mike's mom, talks the chosen frozen on Easter Sunday, speaking in tongues, the Key Bridge tragedy, Fort McHenry and Ranger Vince, our expanding universe, great illusionists, and how Peggy gets her vitamin D—doctor's orders.
Apr 30, 2024
The former U.S. Army Green Beret, NYT bestselling author, leadership consultant, and perennial storyteller talks about the division and tribal behavior that permeates our country now, the death of honor, shame, and consequence, and why Alexis de Tocqueville was right when he observed that America succeeds because she puts the individual ahead of the collective. You can preorder Scott's newest book here .
Apr 23, 2024
A NEW mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span, followed by Mike and Chuck taking a deeper dive into the story's DOUBLE reveal. That's right, you get two reveals for the price of none!
Apr 16, 2024
What does it take to make a traditional flannel shirt in America? According to this New York Times reporter it's a combination of engineering and artistry. And Steven should know; he wrote the book on it, American Flannel. Steven explores with us the history of U.S. textile manufacturing and how our thirst for cheaper goods led to the death of small company towns and the creation of the rust belt.
Apr 9, 2024
The former Wall Street lawyer and current OG podcaster drops by to discuss the latest in Podcastladia, how patternicity and our desire for certainty can lead us to create wild theories, the death of skepticism, honesty in advertising, and what he learned from being kidnapped the first time in Mexico. Yes, there was more than one kidnapping.
Apr 2, 2024
The serial entrepreneurs and founders of Angel Studios talk about growing up poor in a family of eleven, how they went from selling potatoes door to door to being the ad agency of record for Poo-Pourri, Squatty Potty, and Orabrush, how they survived a $62 million lawsuit from four of the biggest studios in Hollywood, and how their Angel Guild is cracking the code to finding the next big film.
Mar 26, 2024
The writer, producer, and veteran radio broadcaster drops by to regale us with stories from the entertainment trenches, explains why he created the podcast Really? no, REALLY? with his BFF Jason Alexander and how that's affected their relationship, and expounds on what makes great advertising great. RIP Dexter.
Mar 19, 2024
The President of the California Policy Center, host of National Review's Radio Free California podcast, and watchdog journalist warns about the new federal regulation that effectively makes CA-AB5 national and ends independent contractor status as we know it. As goes California, so goes the nation—from a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers to rampant homelessness, crime, and reparations—the recovering communist dissects examples of what's happening in the Golden State and yet to come nationally.
Mar 12, 2024
Another brief mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span, followed by a deeper dive into the story's reveal with Mike and Chuck. WARNING: Careful where you listen with headphones, as it may result in alternating facial contortions of disgust and hilarity. The title is Nasty Little Instruments, after all.
Mar 5, 2024
The podcaster, YouTuber, and amateur historian ruminates on the state of Hollywood, talks about his Daily Wire project, An Empire of Terror, which exposes the dark underbelly of the Soviet Union's police state, and recounts the amazing story of Frank Luke, the forgotten top ace of WWI.
Feb 29, 2024
America's grandmother recalls the harrowing details of her husband's heart attacks at Christmas, gives an update on his convalescence, and tells a shocking tale about the newsletter you do NOT want to be mentioned in. From stents to physical therapy, shuffleboard to bingo, and that little dance we do when our panties are in a bunch, it's another edition of Coffee with Mom!
Feb 27, 2024
The former New York cabby, current stand-up comic, and perennial philosopher talks hilariously about why he's keeping politics out of his new show Fox News Saturday Night, why he wrote his bestselling book, Cancel Culture Dictionary , and why he looks at the world like a drug-sniffing dog at the airport.
Feb 20, 2024
Mike follows through with his threat to get Chuck a professional haircut by enlisting The Irish Hammer's "hairstylist to the stars" to bring his salon to our studio for a cut and record. What could possibly go wrong?
Feb 13, 2024
The New York Post columnist and author discusses the disruptive and damaging nature of social media, our shortening attention spans, the lack of free speech on college campuses, why the First Amendment is the most important right, why she left NYU during COVID despite her 4.0 GPA, and how she came to write The Cancelling of the American Mind with Greg Lukianoff.
Feb 6, 2024
The volleyball legend, fitness leader, podcaster, New York Times bestselling author, and serial entrepreneur talks about raising her girls with a do-it-yourself attitude, why it's important to eat clean and lift heavy things, and how to be a good citizen without being a conformist and still saying yes.
Jan 30, 2024
The consummate villainous actor's actor joins us to discuss his childhood growing up in a motel, how being blacklisted in Hollywood tested his faith, and why he chose to play the Benefactor, a.k.a. the devil, in Angel Studio's movie, The Shift.
Jan 23, 2024
367: Scarcity Brain with Michael Easter The journalist and NYT bestselling author shares his research into why our brains are hardwired for overconsumption, how this scarcity mindset can lead us to take unnecessary risks, and how Inveterate gambling pigeons prove that we can change. It's all from his newest book, Scarcity Brain: Fix Your Craving Mindset and Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough .
Jan 16, 2024
A NEW mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span called They Put Him in a Cage is followed by an installment of The Way I Talked About The Way I Heard It, during which Mike and Chuck discuss first jobs, audition horror stories, and the condition of Mike's dad.
Dec 19, 2023
Mike's mom discusses Christmases past and present, her decided lack of cooking skills, complaining vs. observing, vertigo-inducing carpet, the perils of drinking dehumidifier water, pratfalls, a Christmas mugging, and Mike singing The Grinch.
Dec 12, 2023
The appellate lawyer and President General of the Sons of the American Revolution drops by to discuss our nation's founding and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party by inducting Mike, Chuck, and Mike's dad, John, into the SAR .
Dec 7, 2023
It was a trip to the dentist, the dentist would never forget…
Dec 5, 2023
The New York Times bestselling author and podcaster discusses great writing, the power of storytelling, his newest book, The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel , and how he solved a 110-year-old whodunnit.
Nov 28, 2023
The Washington Examiner columnist and reporter discusses why Lincoln's Gettysburg address holds up 160 years later, why she's building a room to hold miniature trains, the "dust up" in the Middle East, our current age of disruption, and why people are searching for something bigger than themselves. Then, by request, Mike serenade's Salena .
Nov 22, 2023
Tongue twisters, laundry mishaps, Betty the book-club-lady, the Klausmeyer I-told-you-so protocol, steel drums, bad videography, hot cross buns, cannibal hamsters, camping in July, rogue waves, and just a touch of Thanksgiving—It's coffee with mom.
Nov 21, 2023
The six-time New York Times best-selling author and prolific FNC host drops by to discuss what made President Theodore Roosevelt and civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington so great and the role Mike played in Brian writing his newest book Teddy and Booker T. Discussed in this episode: Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington Arthur Lih of LifeVac.net The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Nov 14, 2023
60 years after that horrible day in November when our 35th president was gunned down in Dallas, one of only two secret service agents from that detail still alive today gives his reflections and first-hand account and explains the difference between facts and theories. Clint Hill is joined by his wife and co-author Lisa McCubbin Hill to discuss the day America lost its innocence, a secret service reunion 60 years in the making, and the 60th anniversary commemorative edition of their book Five Days in November.
Nov 9, 2023
It was late at night and she was pregnant, but Merry still had to go to work. And we're all glad she did.
Nov 7, 2023
The former 82nd Airborne Staff Sergeant and quadruple amputee drops by to chat about the first time he met Mike, how he pissed off Bill Nye science guy, why he's a proud member of the everything-is-great club, and his new book Bounce Back : 12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim & Recalibrate Your Life.
Oct 31, 2023
The Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine , podcaster, and Presidential Fellow at Chapman University talks about why we believe weird things, how our brains seek patterns to stay safe, the state of science and journalism, intellectual humility vs. certainty, the surprising rise of antisemitism, and his book Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational .
Oct 26, 2023
Peggy chides her eldest for spending too much time in the sun, then they discuss book clubs and pool sharks, Peggy's latest borderline inappropriate post, Mike eating dates, geoducks and horses, Picasso vs Cezanne, a briss gone wrong, used condoms in an elevator shaft, a little paregoric on the gums, how Peggy discovered Mike was circumcised, and a tease about her espionage court case. In other words, another Coffee with Mom!
Oct 24, 2023
The Olympic gold medalist and four-time national and world ice skating champion is the most upbeat and cheerful human ever, and he shares his amazing journey from a sickly, smaller-than-average kid to an Olympic champion, what it's like to survive two forms of cancer, and why he claims the brain tumor he was born with was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.
Oct 17, 2023
While answering listener questions, Mike and Chuck sip Knobel and discuss the future of TWIHI, Mike's trip to Italy, the Rowe family reunion, an inappropriate rendezvous high above the opera house, piano-playing kitties, embarrassing teenage moments, and the day Chuck almost died on a photoshoot.
Oct 12, 2023
For the baby's sake, it's a good thing Bobby was there. For Bobby, it changed everything.
Oct 10, 2023
The writer and executive producer of Cheers discusses how American culture is being held hostage to squeaky wheels, how quickly-acquired generational wealth is changing American business, and how every great showbusiness success wouldn't be without a great blunder.
Oct 3, 2023
349: How to Get Cal Ripken Jr. with Teresa Strasser The Emmy-winning writer, TV host, and author swaps stories of near-miss television gigs with Mike, shares tales of growing up blue-collar with her auto mechanic dad, and reveals how she got the Iron Man of baseball to read and blurb her book, Making It Home: Life Lessons From a Season of Little League.
Sep 28, 2023
Three-time bestselling author Peggy Rowe reveals her favorite show that Mike's ever made, talks about her favorite British murder mysteries, tells the story of how her friend once arrested Mickey Mantle in Baltimore the day before a ballgame, and recounts time spent with a seeing-eye dog named Larry. Oh, and Mike talks about a secret upcoming project he has no business talking about.
Sep 26, 2023
The former Department of Homeland Security special agent talks about the hit film based on his career fighting pedophiles, Sound of Freedom , the ubiquity of modern-day slavery, and how our leaky border is aiding human traffickers.
Sep 19, 2023
The businessman and football coach talks about his experience growing up fatherless, how it felt to star in the Academy Award-winning documentary Undefeated , in which he used his tough-love style of coaching to help an underprivileged Memphis high school's football team make it to the playoffs, and his mission to recruit an Army of Normal Folks to make this world a better place.
Sep 11, 2023
Former U.S. Army Green Beret, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann Ret., is a NYT bestselling author, warrior, and storyteller. Scott discusses his efforts to help save the lives of Afghan special forces and nationals left behind in the wake of the United States' botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, his book Operation Pineapple Express that he wrote about those efforts, and the play he wrote to honor those who fought and died. The man: https://scottmann.com The book: https://operationpineappleexpress.com The play: https://lastoutplay.com The film: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Out-Scott-Mann/dp/B09X94Q5CS
Sep 5, 2023
343: A Beer, Some Nachos, and a Barstool with Dr. John Delony The bestselling author, mental health expert, and host of the Dr. John Delony Show chats about the crisis of confidence that comes from living in a post-expert world, the dangers of certainty, the choices we can make to live a non-anxious life, and how sharing nachos and beer with good friends can help. John's book is Building a Non-Anxious Life
Aug 29, 2023
This Old House's Kevin O'Connor talks about the serendipitous non-audition audition that landed him a job on the longest-running how-to show on TV, what it was like to embed with Team Rubicon to film his new Roku show, what masculinity really looks like, and how to treat a razor wound.
Aug 24, 2023
America's grandmother shares more of her signature wit and charm while discussing her husband's cataract surgery recovery including a grueling eye drop schedule, the difference between an astigmatism and a stigmatism, forgetting your keys, the pros and cons of high stakes poker and Mahjongg, the meaning of PIE, and Lou Carter's song If I Had a Nose Full of Nickels. Strap in for another coffee with mom.
Aug 22, 2023
The otolaryngologist and facial reconstructive surgeon that fixed Mike's nose talks about how prevalent deviated septums are, how he prepares for a 12-hour surgery, and the bicycle accident that nearly ended his surgical career. Mentioned in this episode are Dr. Seth's practice GoldenStatePlasticSurgery.com and Episode 262: Let's Talk About Septums and Scrotums with James Nestor
Aug 15, 2023
Nick is a custom homebuilder and skilled trades advocate who founded NS Builders and hosts the Modern Craftsman podcast . He talks skilled trades, the labor shortage, and the ancient dilemma of juggling quality, schedule, and price.
Aug 10, 2023
The past is what we choose to forget. History is what we choose to remember.
Aug 8, 2023
The founder of Living Lands and Waters talks about how his do-goodery removed over 13 million pounds of garbage from America's waterways, how he's turning discarded plastics into durable pallets, and why his volunteers refer to his flagship as the "Love Barge."
Aug 1, 2023
The Libertarian journalist and editor-at-large at Reason interviews Mike at FreedomFest 2023. The two discuss a myriad of topics, including skilled trades, workforce participation, and the state of education.
Jul 27, 2023
From Shakespeare to Frost and Madras to Nantucket, the three-time bestselling author and her son trade raps and reminisce about recitations. There's also talk of sushi and rainwater, ancient mariners, nicking butter and cream, room-service cart ethics, barnacles on the sea of life, hot-tub lifeguarding, and Chuck's Hitlerian youth. Yup, it's coffee with mom.
Jul 25, 2023
The host of the #1 rated late night TV show and five-time NYT bestselling author joins TWIHI to discuss what he hates and loves, why he originally didn't want Mike on his show, how our culture has flipped, and his new book, The King of Late Night .
Jul 18, 2023
For Chuck's milestone birthday, Mike questions him about the Pageant of the Masters, his frequent hobbies, and the reason he has pellets in his ass.
Jul 13, 2023
1 invalid + 8 assassins = the train ride of a lifetime.
Jul 11, 2023
The successful producer of hit shows like Hunter, Renegade, and Silk Stalkings talks about how 9/11 changed television forever and led him to turn his 20-acre studio into Strategic Operations , a training facility that has allowed hundreds of thousands of military, law enforcement, and first responder personnel to experience medical and tactical training in "Hyper-Realistic® scenario environments."
Jul 4, 2023
Astronaut and combat veteran Captain Scott Tingle, a.k.a. "Maker," explains how he turned his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut into a reality. He provides a harrowing blow-by-blow account of what it's like to fly an 8-hour combat mission and land on an aircraft carrier at night, as well as how to poop in space.
Jun 30, 2023
Socks and windsocks, support hose and ho' ho's, humble brags and no-so-humble brags, owl pellets and horse semen, dancing in circles, a forgotten stool sample, a chair-volleyball update, a manscaping demo, and lots of shameless pluggery. Pour yourself a tall iced one and join coffee with mom!
Jun 27, 2023
The Retired USMC Staff Sergeant who lost both legs in Afghanistan to an IED talks Hee-Haw, laying brick, cakewalks, farm living, his "Alive Day," and his new book, Unbroken Bonds of Battle: A Book of Heroism, Patriotism, and Friendship .
Jun 20, 2023
Substack journalist Tony Ortega has been covering Scientology for decades, and he weighs in on what the Danny Masterson double conviction means for the future of the "church." Subscribe to Tony's newsletter at tonyortega.substack.com Read his Rolling Stone Article about the trial here
Jun 13, 2023
The Avett Brothers' standup bassist is not only a great musician but also an avid historian. Bob talks about music, family, slavery, abolitionism, and the amazing legacy of John Quincey Adams as chronicled in his podcast, Founding Son: John Quincey's America . Oh yeah, and there will be some mandolin playing. Book mentioned: The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln by Sean Wilentz
Jun 6, 2023
The disrupter and co-founder of Love Has No Limits talks about how the organization engages communities to tackle society's problems of families in crisis, foster care, and medical debt. He also reveals what he learned from his near-death experience and the incredible power of hope. Learn more about Love Has No Limits at lovehasnolimits.com
May 30, 2023
Americans For Prosperity's vice president of government affairs, Akash Chougule, discusses how CA-AB5 and Congress' Pro Act are deleterious to independent contractors and why the use of mutual benefit and bottom-up solutions work best, and Mike makes up a new word. Contact your representatives here www.prosperityispossible.com
May 26, 2023
King James vs. NIV, Pentateuch vs. Septuagint, nonagenarian vs. ear-hair poetry, beaned vs. bean-less chili, Schmigadoon vs. Cockeysville, sponsors vs. sphincters, a centenarian luncheon, some loud nail-filing, and a gruesome story over lunch... Otherwise known as coffee with mom.
May 23, 2023
The Dirty Jobber, Guinness World Record-holding pepper breeder, and CEO of the PuckerButt Pepper Company, explains how he replaced drinks and drugs with dopamine-inducing capsaicin. Spoiler Alert: It involves a literal angel. Ed's company www.puckerbuttpeppercompany.com
May 16, 2023
The professor, adventurer, and author of the The Comfort Crisis speaks about his 33-day trip off the grid in the arctic tundra and how he learned to embrace silence, boredom, and uncomfortableness. The Comfort Crisis https://eastermichael.com/book/
May 12, 2023
Nothing irritates nightingales more than a runaway ass.
May 9, 2023
This documentary filmmaker, TV producer, and treasure hunter has traveled to some of the most beautiful and dangerous locations on the planet. The discussion includes ancient Assyrian artifacts, sunken ships, the treasures of Nimrud, underwater safecracking, a billion dollars in gold, and the greatest sizzle reel no one's ever seen.
May 2, 2023
The Iraq War veteran and Chief Communications and Outreach Officer for Disabled American Veterans explains the circumstances that led him to blow the whistle on the Iraq burn pits. www.dav.org www.patriotbootcamp.org
Apr 28, 2023
On this edition of coffee with mom, bestselling author and Mike's mom Peggy Rowe says goodbye to hatchet throwing season and hello to bocce ball season. Along the way is a play called Moses, an Amish smorgasbord, mulligatawny soup, and a gelding "expressing himself."
Apr 25, 2023
Despite the bounty on his head, the former basketball star and human rights activist explains why he gave up his NBA career and tens of millions of dollars to keep a promise he made to his mom and do God's work. Mr. Freedom knows better than most that freedom isn't free.
Apr 18, 2023
The health and fitness guru breaks down the effects of sugar and grain on the American diet, gives an accounting of the total weight lost by the "Rowebies" that joined Vinnie's crusade after his first appearance on TWIHI (spoiler alert: it's a LOT!), and bids us beware of food pyramids and sleeping nineteenth-century prophets.
Apr 14, 2023
Phil expected to have a ball at the game, but he didn't expect it would change his life forever.
Apr 11, 2023
Our favorite modern-day cowboy breaks down what a day-in-the-life of a long-haul trucker looks like and how he manages to drive his office over 120,000 miles each year. Oh yeah, and you'll also hear the chorus of a yet-to-be-written song called The Ballad of Tom Odom.
Apr 4, 2023
President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Greg explains why we should be suspicious of certainty and invites us to join the million-strong free speech army to combat cancel-culture.
Mar 31, 2023
Grab a cup of Joe and join three-time bestselling author Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike's mom, as she catches us up on the shuffleboard finals ice cream social, the senior version of beer pong, getting recognized in the elevator, why you shouldn't play board games with Mike, not-so modern banking, and how to write naughty without getting bawdy.
Mar 28, 2023
The entrepreneurial businessman and presidential candidate lays out his plan to help America reclaim her national identity and shatter the Overton Window by taking on the army of angry acronyms; CSR, SDG, DEI, ESG, WEF, and CCP, which has earned him the nickname godfather of the anti-woke movement.
Mar 25, 2023
Experts agree that the science is settled—this is yet another NEW mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span. Factcheck: True. But can you really believe everything you read? Or hear?
Mar 21, 2023
The radio host, journalist, and best-selling author shares insights from her viral TEDx talk, 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation , and discusses neuroscience & FMRIs, empathy & compassion, Homo sapiens & Neanderthals, food pantries & squirrel treeing. Oh yeah, and how to tell when you might be the A-hole, which of course is a word Celeste cannot say on NPR.
Mar 14, 2023
When he's not writing his National Review column or rooting-on the Jaguars, Charlie Cooke is loving the Constitution he swore an oath to and loathing the proposed student loan transfer scheme he did not.
Mar 7, 2023
Scott Strode, founder & national executive director of The Phoenix, reveals why rock climbing and marathoning helped him break the cycle of his addiction and how he is transforming the way our country approaches recovery with fitness and community.
Feb 28, 2023
Bayard Winthrop, founder and CEO of American Giant breaks down our supply chain issues, our trade imbalance with the rest of the world, and how his company still managed to produce "the greatest hoodie ever made" 100% in the United States.
Feb 24, 2023
Killer coyotes, cataract surgery, cheating on eye exams, pellets in Chuck's ass, the Florida wedding, John's teeth lost at the rehearsal dinner, Mike channels his QVC days, Peggy plays Vanna White, John's confusing anatomy, sapele vs oak, opening night of the Winter Follies, and the auctioning of an oversized napkin holder filled with Peggy's books. In other words, just another Coffee with Mom!
Feb 21, 2023
Award-winning chef and bloody-do-gooder, Chad Houser explains why he gave up his successful restaurant to start Café Momentum, a nonprofit, fine dining restaurant that strives to break our country's cycle of incarceration and violence by employing justice-involved youths.
Feb 14, 2023
The prolific Philiminator joins TWIHI for our tricentennial episode to discuss skilled trades, The Amazing Race, Tough as Nails, his Buck It list, nearly drowning, inspiring grandfathers, tall poppy syndrome, and where to look at a nude wedding.
Feb 10, 2023
Back by popular demand is a brand-new story for the curious mind with a short attention span. And here's your only clue – When people needed to be stopped, the agency counted on Dick to stop them.
Feb 7, 2023
Dan McMurtrie, a venture capitalist and lifelong entrepreneur, discusses how a fluke injury ended his promising baseball career and sent him on a mission to save mom-and-pop restaurateurs.
Jan 31, 2023
It's a fun hang with the feisty journo who shares her thoughts on fierce M&Ms, potty talk, why newsrooms are trying to scare the hell out of you, and how to execute the perfect Irish goodbye.
Jan 27, 2023
Time for a cup of coffee with mom! Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. America's Grandmother, drops by to discuss an upcoming family wedding, the joys of ninety-year-olds with power tools, and her escapades with chair volleyball and competitive ax throwing.
Jan 24, 2023
Todd Rose, CEO of Populace, recounts his journey from 0.9 GPA high school dropout to Harvard professor and provides empirical evidence that Americans suffer from collective illusions about what we believe, why we believe it, and how we came to be so divided. Spoiler Alerts: No one is average, and we're not as divided as we think we are.
Jan 17, 2023
Will Swaim, journalist and president of the California Policy Center , educates us on CA Assembly Bill 5 (AB5,) which seeks to turn independent contractors into employees, and how it's negatively affecting 70,000+ independent California truckers; truckers like Tom Odom, who calls in from the road to let us know why he is A.) part of a class action lawsuit and B.) moving to Texas. Spoiler Alert: it's because of AB5! Will Swaim's article about AB5 and Tom Odom Contact Tom with your AB5 story at myab5story@gmail.com
Jan 10, 2023
Matt shares his thoughts on sex vs gender, objective truth, and why it's so hard for so many people to answer the simple question, "what is a woman?"
Jan 3, 2023
Dirty Jobber Stacey Schumacher, co-owner of Schumacher Cattle (a ranch with a "pasture to plate program") and founder and executive director of the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, a non-profit organization that spayed and neutered over 68,000 cats and dogs last year, has a unique perspective on animal rights and animal husbandry and why they are both so crucial.
Dec 20, 2022
It's another Christmas extravaganza featuring three-time New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike's mom. Now with less potty mouth! Peggy explains why she and Chuck conspired to keep a secret from Mike.
Dec 13, 2022
Inventor and bloody do-gooder, Arthur Lih is on a mission to save a million people from choking with his LifeVac device. It's a quixotic quest that began at age 20 when he watched his best friend die in his arms.
Dec 6, 2022
Shawn Pomrenke of Bering Sea Gold shares the circumstances that led him to drop out of high school, how he used his work ethic and MacGyver skills to become a multi-million-dollar gold prospector, and why he describes being 100 feet below an ice shelf in the frigid Bering Sea as... relaxing. That is, until his regulator freezes and the oxygen flow stops—then it gets sporty.
Dec 2, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Nov 29, 2022
On the two-year anniversary of The Way I Heard It 's format change from short to long form, Mike and Chuck make another announcement about the future of the podcast, and there is a lot of talk about an upcoming episode of Dirty Jobs that involves… you guessed it, squeezing beavers.
Nov 25, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Nov 22, 2022
In his new book, Gone Viral: How Covid Drove the World Insane , Justin Hart, the founder and chief data analyst of RationalGround.com , puts out the case for what our government did well and what our government did not-so-well to battle Covid-19. Spoiler Alert: The second category contains a lot more items.
Nov 18, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Nov 15, 2022
Jack Nix, chief operating officer of Shelby Erectors and reinforcing ironworker (a.k.a. rodbuster), talks about his appearance on Dirty Jobs, what it takes to tote steel and bust rod, and how it feels to have all your hard work covered up by cement.
Nov 11, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Nov 8, 2022
Bestselling author Mike Rinder drops by to discuss his new memoir, A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientoloty, his time in "the hole," and how he went from saving the world with scientology to saving the world from scientology.
Nov 4, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Nov 1, 2022
Dirty Jobs field producer, Zack Hall checks in from his Kentucky holler to discuss how he snuck his way into reality TV, his encounter with Bigfoot, and the new season of Dirty Jobs (filled with spoiler alerts!)
Oct 31, 2022
In a tip o' the hat to the occasion, Mike delivers a dramatic recitation of one of his very favorite poems, The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service. Happy Halloween!
Oct 28, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Oct 25, 2022
Clint Hill, a former member of the Secret Service, and his wife Lisa McCubbin Hill talk about their new book, My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, which includes tales of bringing a Pakistani horse into the US without quarantine, what The Crown got wrong about Mrs. Kennedy's lunch with Queen Elizabeth II, and Clint and Mrs. Kennedy eating Moroccan mahjoun in Marrakech. Spoiler alert—Mahjoun is essentially a hash brownie.
Oct 21, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
Oct 18, 2022
The workforce participation rate that is. The number of able-bodied men choosing not to work is a crisis, and Nicholas Eberstadt, Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute, can prove it.
Oct 14, 2022
New York Times bestselling author Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career. She has been writing all her adult life. In fact, she doesn't know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy's breakthrough finally came at the tender age of 80. Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers' conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations. Forward by Mike Rowe.
Oct 11, 2022
It's a classic catch-up with mom that starts with a dramatic reading of her viral short story Old Blue, becomes an announcement that her third New York Times bestseller Vacuuming in the Nude will be available as an audiobook on this podcast, and then somehow devolves into a scatological story-swap evoking the Thomas Crapper episode.
Oct 4, 2022
The lifelong environmentalist and one-time California gubernatorial candidate talks about the current energy crisis, climate narcissism, and how what's good for the climate is not necessarily good for the environment.
Sep 26, 2022
Today's episode honors the man who unwittingly inspired Mike's career by inventing the first flushable commode, Mike shares a David Sedaris story about a turd that won't flush titled Big Boy then, in an homage to eighth-grade humor, Mike and Chuck swap embarrassing stories involving the necessary.
Sep 20, 2022
For half a dozen years Chuck has been trying to introduce Mike to Peabody Award winning actor, Nick Searcy who is best known for playing Chief Deputy U.S. Marshall Art Mullen on the FX series Justified, one of Mike's favorite shows. They discuss Nick's career, why he made a movie about 1/6/21, and how he met President Bill Clinton at the White House.
Sep 13, 2022
Journalist Salena Zito keeps the conversation lively by dissecting the student loan forgiveness act, the lost notes of Baptist churches, moonshine coal, and her obsession with Fiestaware.
Sep 5, 2022
They say you can't judge a book by its cover and that is certainly true with this week's special Labor Day episode. It begins with a true story written by Mike about a particularly industrious Dirty Jobber, and it ends with Mike and Chuck discussing the origins of Labor Day, America's work ethic crisis, and the pros and cons of labor unions.
Aug 30, 2022
Award-winning author, Bangor Maine Police social media manager, and Duck of Justice creator Tim Cotton joins TWIHI to discuss America's love-hate relationship with cops, the proper punishment for crapping in the street, and why Mike has dubbed Tim America's Cop despite his recent retirement.
Aug 22, 2022
George T. Murdoch, a.k.a. Tyrus, joins TWIHI to discuss everything from abortion and the benefits of staying in one's lane, to work ethic and his weird fascination with the 'Squatch shows.
Aug 16, 2022
Two-time NYT bestselling author Peggy Rowe drops by to discuss her upcoming hour-long FOX primetime TV special—America's Grandmother, her third book—Vacuuming in the Nude: and Other Ways to Get Attention, and the existence of aliens in the universe. Or, to put it another way, a normal Mike's mom episode.
Aug 9, 2022
Earth nearing its eight billionth resident has Bill Maher very concerned. More people means more CO2 and that means catastrophe. Unconcerned is Alex Epstein, author of the book Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas—Not Less. Alex thinks we should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages while deciding what to do with fossil fuels. He believes the widespread idea that rising CO2 will make the Earth unlivable is literally impossible and he would like to tell Bill why. Instead, he tells us.
Aug 2, 2022
James Nestor, a NYT bestselling author whose book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art inspired Mike to have a septoplasty, discusses the advantages of healthy breathing, the dangers of mouth breathing, and the reasons why our ancestors had larger mouths and straighter teeth. Then we share a song written by listener Bill Dumas in reaction to Mike's request for a ballad about his deviated septum and his father's swollen scrotum in Episode 203: There's a Hole in Daddy's Arm .
Jul 26, 2022
Former Navy SEAL and bestselling author, Jack Carr talks writing, grit, and how his desire to "never miss an opportunity to make someone's day" led to the serendipitous circumstances that got his first novel into the hands of Chris Pratt.
Jul 19, 2022
Dairy Farmer Dirty Jobbers Sue and Mike McCloskey school Mike and Chuck on the finer points of animal husbandry, the science of better milk, and how no-till and eutrophication is bringing them ever closer to becoming an environmentally net zero farm.
Jul 12, 2022
Rick Beato drops by to talk Everything Music; his dinner with Joni Mitchell, his interview with Sting, and the TWO weddings where he sat next to Mike at a time when Mike was couch surfing.
Jul 5, 2022
This week's special guest is YOU gentle listener as Mike answers your questions about Freddy's whereabouts, Mike's desired super-power, and the joy of singing jingles.
Jun 28, 2022
President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression a.k.a. FIRE, Greg Lukianoff discusses free speech vs hate speech, Safetyism vs Safety Third, and the Coddling of the American Mind.
Jun 21, 2022
Former Green Beret and CEO of Black Rifle Coffee Company Evan Hafer talks combat, coffee, and what it's like to take a blast of bear spray in the face… on purpose.
Jun 14, 2022
After Mike reprises The Man Behind the Microphone, a story about the most influential sportscaster of all time, he chats with that man's eldest son about his dad's fondness for frugality and trepidation of taxes – SPOILER ALERT – it's Michael Reagan.
Jun 7, 2022
Robert Kiyosaki talks about how he voluntarily got into Vietnam, how he almost got kicked out, and why he wrote his Capitalist Manifesto to combat Marx's manifesto.
May 30, 2022
After reading a short Memorial Day mystery called Visiting Hours Mike speaks with Bill Whittle about the protocols of Arlington National Cemetery, the price of freedom, and the need for gratitude.
May 24, 2022
Luke Mickelson talks about how his charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace skyrocketed after appearing on Returning The Favor and his mission to make sure every child has a bed to sleep in.
May 17, 2022
Three-time NHRA Funny Car Champ and farmer/rancher, Matt Hagan discusses artificial insemination, human waste as fertilizer, and what it's like to be inside of an 11,000 horsepower funny car when it explodes.
May 10, 2022
Staff Genealogist for Sons of the American Revolution, Jessie Hagan forgoes his Derby party to school Mike and Chuck on their revolutionary lineage, why it matters, and why Knobel is a fitting name for Mike's whiskey.
May 3, 2022
Two-time NYT bestselling author, Peggy Rowe stops by to discuss her upcoming third book, how not to tape your students to a chair, and what it's like to give your best friend's eulogy.
Apr 26, 2022
Adam Carolla talks frankly about growing up invisible, his podcasting leap of faith, and how he brought his construction work ethic to comedy.
Apr 19, 2022
Master podcaster and chronicler of Hardcore History, Dan Carlin joins the conversation to discuss his process, the war in Ukraine, and the pitfalls of judging yesterday's events with today's values.
Apr 12, 2022
Mike and Chuck go guestless to talk Australian DJs, Satan's pool, killing iguanas, and everything else that fills the squares on Mike's calendar.
Apr 5, 2022
Bloody do-gooder and Returning The Favor alum, Katie Hughes of GirlsBuild.org talks curiosity, confidence, and how a broken toaster changed the course of her life.
Mar 29, 2022
Celebrity fitness trainer and unapologetic carnivore, Vinnie Tortorich talks diet, hormones, and why he has a beef with the fake-meat industry.
Mar 22, 2022
Dave Ramsey joins Mike to discuss his documentary, Borrowed Future; How Student Loans Are Killing the American Dream, the pitfalls of three easy payments, and why great BBQ never comes from a microwave.
Mar 15, 2022
Owl Vans owner, John Willenborg talks about the six, six-figure welding jobs he has open, his stint on season 2 of The Apprentice, and the difficulty in telling his white-collar parents that he wanted to leave Berkley to weld.
Mar 8, 2022
Scott Flansburg, aka the Human Calculator, makes a repeat appearance to bring breaking news on his quest for truth regarding the real origins of basketball.
Feb 28, 2022
Today's guest is Spanky Taylor, whose company does fan management and threat assessment for high profile celebrities. Oh yeah, and she broke her billion-year contract and escaped Scientology.
Feb 21, 2022
Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, with his wife and writing partner, Lisa McCubbin Hill, discuss Clint's service to five presidents including JFK and that fateful day in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
Feb 15, 2022
President and Professor of Historical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Dr. Peter Lillback dissects Episode 124: At the Crossroads and literally schools Mike and Chuck.
Feb 8, 2022
Brian Kilmeade, the utility player of FOX News, chats with Mike about Lincoln and Douglass, Rogan and Spotify, Johns Hopkins and how we all want our lives back.
Feb 1, 2022
Journalist Salena Zito drops by to discuss the dignity of work, the populist movement, the censorship culture, and why she refers to Mike as her brother from another mother.
Jan 25, 2022
Mike's parents drop by to give him an update on their recent bout with COVID. Spoiler Alert: They're fine.
Jan 18, 2022
The Aquatic Indiana Jones, Jeremiah Sullivan, drops by to discuss art, Science, risk, and the joy of embracing the idiom Safety Third.
Jan 5, 2022
Mike rings in the new year with a case of Covid. Chuck has questions.
Dec 21, 2021
Mike's mom is back with another heartfelt, yet wildly inappropriate catch-up with her oldest son. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll dream of cornhole. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.
Dec 15, 2021
Mike chats with Sarah Yourgrau, one of the producers of Returning the Favor, to discuss why so many people loved the show, why it won an Emmy, why it made so many people cry tears of unbridled joy, and why it's cancellation took so many by surprise.
Dec 7, 2021
Mike talks to John Rich about what led to their viral smash, Santa's Gotta Dirty Job, and a whole lot more, including an outrageous phone call to Donald Trump, that led to the title of this episode.
Nov 30, 2021
Chuck crashes Thanksgiving at Mike's house, fails to book a proper guest, and relies instead on listeners to pose interesting questions for Mike to answer. The listeners come through, as always.
Nov 23, 2021
How safe is your space? This is the question Mike attempts to answer with Justin Folk, a filmmaker who left Hollywood behind to make the kinds of movies he believes matter most.
Nov 16, 2021
Mike's guest is a man called Lindsay Schnebly, an accomplished voiceover artist whose unusual name inspired a town, almost.
Nov 9, 2021
Mike interviews Chloe Hudson, a 28-year-old welder who received a work ethic scholarship from mikeroweWORKS, and went on to earn six-figures a year, and more recently, the subject of a new documentary called Trading Up. Together, they unpack The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, and try to determine why a writer named Jake Maynard thinks it's "bonkers."
Nov 2, 2021
Mike has a very serious conversation with a very funny guest about a very serious topic that turns out to be very funny.
Oct 26, 2021
Mike chats with David Keltz, an actor from Baltimore who has assumed the identity of Edgar Allen Poe, and memorized most of his published works.
Oct 19, 2021
A show about nothing, a guy named Jerry, and the audition that changed television. Followed by a very funny conversation with Enrico Colantoni, one of the few actors to be a series regular every week for the last 20 years.
Oct 12, 2021
Mike has a most enlightening chat with his TV Big Brother, the one and only Tim Allen, who still seems a little incredulous that Mike didn't return to Last Man Standing to finish what he started. As for why Tim now lives on the runway of an airport, well, that's a bit of a mystery...
Oct 5, 2021
Mike chats with Tim Cotton, the famous cop who saved a stuffed bird from the trash heap and went on to write a couple of bestselling books.
Sep 28, 2021
The true story of the most important novel ever written, and a conversation with the filmmaker who tried to put it on the big screen.
Sep 21, 2021
The Human Calculator, Scott Flansburg stops by to demonstrate his Guinness world-record abilities, introduce Mike to a better calendar, and explain why he is determined to uncover the real story of how basketball was invented.
Sep 11, 2021
Mike sits down with his "professional big brother," to discuss the relevance of 9/11, twenty years after the attack on America.
Sep 6, 2021
Mike responds to criticism from some guy named Tim Johnson, and celebrates the anniversary of mikeroweWORKS by reading the most popular essay of all time. Then, a spirited conversation with Chuck, the nervous producer.
Aug 31, 2021
Mike recalls the circumstances of a young man's first flight in a plane with an open cockpit, the mother who allowed it to happen, and the consequences that followed. With a little help from George Lucas, Jon Stewart, a mechanical shark, and a conversation with a pilot named Bill Whittle.
Aug 24, 2021
Mike responds to America's withdrawal from Afghanistan in the only way he can - with the true story of a genuine hero, followed by a conversation with Travis Mills - a man who lost his arms and legs in Afghanistan, and lived to tell the tale.
Aug 17, 2021
Mike reads the final and most disgusting chapter from his book, and then welcomes his mom back to the podcast, who takes the opportunity to once again steal the show and upstage her son at every opportunity.
Aug 10, 2021
A high speed chase, followed by a low speed chase, followed by a candid conversation with the executive producer who first allowed Mike to artificially inseminate a cow on local television.
Aug 3, 2021
Mike welcomes the author of The Four-Hour Work Week and many other best-selling books, not only to discuss the excellent advice for which Tim Ferriss has become famous, but rather to unpack the question he posed to Mike in 2008. The question that led to one of the most uncomfortable TED Talks of all time, and a speaking career Mike didn't know he wanted.
Jul 27, 2021
Mike takes a deep dive into the nature of authenticity, with a little help from Sean McCourt – a former Broadway actor who works today as a producer on After the Catch and contributor to The Way I Heard It, and God only knows what else. Sean also happens to be the father of Charlotte, the eleven-year-old Girl Scout made famous by her blisteringly honest critique of the cookies she was trying to sell to her Daddy's wealthy friend five years ago. A critique that unleashed a media blitz for which Mike accepts most of the blame. It's a rumination on the power of action, and inaction, and the squishy middle in between.
Jul 20, 2021
The true story of the most consequential pig in the history of Silicon Valley, or for that matter, the world. Followed by the true story of the most consequential pig in Mike's career – the one he put on a pedestal fifteen years ago, that went on to become the unofficial mascot of Dirty Jobs. Then, a most unusual redux, as Tom Frank returns to set the record straight, and explain in no uncertain terms why a brown garbage bag is a poor substitute for a leather vest.
Jul 13, 2021
Mike tracks down Tom Frank, the Hollywood producer who hired him to host the game show that launched his career in television, only to learn his old friend has become a life coach. Or possibly, a career coach. Whatever he is, Tom Frank knows where all the bodies are buried, and tells a story or two that Mike would probably like to forget.
Jul 6, 2021
A hashtag and a me-too on steroids, followed by a series of digressions too voluminous to list, concluding with the true story of the time Mike knocked a famous movie star on his ass.
Jun 29, 2021
After sharing the true story of a hard-charging master sergeant with a voice like a jackhammer who went on to become a famous artist, Mike recalls the lessons learned from his soft-spoken grandfather – an artist of a different kind - whose unique talents inspired a show called Dirty Jobs, and a foundation called mikeroweWORKS. It's a rumination on men who scream, and men who whisper, complete with a song about a nose that wouldn't stop bleeding.
Jun 22, 2021
The true story of two great teachers, two stuttering students, and two happy endings. Followed by a conversation about the beauty of "what," the danger of "how," and the timeless challenge of "trying not to try."
Jun 15, 2021
The true story of the first woman to go where no man had gone before, followed by the true cost of progress, the false value of safety, and a revealing conversation about the profoundly annoying sensation of being swindled by someone you trust.
Jun 9, 2021
This is a sad one. But also a funny one. And frankly, a weird one. There's sentimentality and singing. Nosebleeds and narcotics. Letters from beyond the grave, and perhaps most surprising, the sudden appearance of a giant scrotum. Probably easier to just listen.
Jun 1, 2021
A famous woman vanishes and triggers the largest manhunt in British history. A hundred years later, Mike loses all his money in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Coincidence? Probably. But Chuck wonders what Mike's fictitious hero, Travis McGee, might have to say about the scandal, and Mike has some opinions on the matter – opinions that are somewhat upstaged, paradoxically, by a leaf blower.
May 25, 2021
A famous athlete takes great pains to conceal his true identity from millions of fans. Then, Mike welcomes Paul Kelley back to the podcast, to discuss a series of topics too disparate and strange to articulate in a two sentence description.
May 18, 2021
What do you get when you cross the most beautiful girl in the world with the funniest man on the planet? Something smart and something stupid.
May 11, 2021
It's a Mother's Day surprise, complete with tapeworms, smoke bombs, large chunks of earwax, a wall of dead mice, a fly infestation, and of course, Mike's favorite mother, with a guest appearance by Mike's favorite dad. Yeah, it's a weird one.
May 4, 2021
A problem at the border, a fat man in a shiny suit, and all the thirty-five cent draft you can drink. It's a fine place to begin, even if you don't know where you're headed.
Apr 27, 2021
Mike tells the true story of two friends united by their love of music, divided by their love of a girl, and the fistfight that changed rock and roll. Then, he recalls the audition that changed the course of his own career, before chatting with the old friend who made it happen, and bursting briefly into song.
Apr 20, 2021
Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch joins Mike to discuss the manliest surfer of all time, the manliest fisherman of all time, and the problems that can sometimes arise when you punch a pesky fan in the nose. Honestly, you can't make this stuff up.
Apr 13, 2021
Mike tells the true story of a famous poet who wrote her best stuff while working as a waitress in a diner, many years ago. After that, another true story about the time Joan Rivers saved his career, followed by a rather remarkable catch-up with Paul Kelley, a true renaissance man who worked the overnights with Mike, back in the glory days of home shopping. Yeah, it gets a little weird… and there is some adult language.
Apr 6, 2021
Ever wonder what The Daily Show would have looked like if Mike Rowe had been hired to host it? Well, guess what – he was! And then he wasn't. And then, he was! And then…he wasn't. The question is, does Jon Stewart really owe Mike Rowe $20?
Apr 1, 2021
Who ya gonna call when a lifesaver turns deadly? Who ya gonna call when the ghost in your house can't be busted? If you're Mike Rowe, you call your producer, and have a very normal chat, about all things paranormal. Boo!
Mar 23, 2021
A simple story of a simple homemaker turns in to a not-so-simple tale of the haunted home where Mike lived in 1992, followed by the spontaneous re-telling of the most terrifying night of Mike's life. A ghost story that's not really a ghost story, but nevertheless scared Chuck as bad as it did Mike…
Mar 16, 2021
While you will doubtless find this particular episode, chapter, or installment to be interesting, fascinating, or provocative, you will also learn something about the importance of choosing just the right word, term, or expression when attempting to write a memorable tale, story or yarn. After that, Mike picks the enormous brain of Alex Abramovich, a ghost writer you've never heard of, who writes best-selling books for people you have.
Mar 9, 2021
After sharing the story of a famous father and son who could never find the right words, Mike and his Dad prove that words are the least of their problems. Strap in for a completely unpredictable rumination on memory foam. broken windshields, intractable stumps, double-sided axes, ancient wood-stoves, big-ash trees, and transgender dogs. Peggy Rowe is there to supervise, but only makes things weirder, as usual.
Mar 2, 2021
In what appears to be an ongoing quest to get himself cancelled, Mike weighs in on the statue controversy much to the alarm of his producer, Chuck. Their conversation then pivots to the situation in San Francisco, where the school board has recently voted to remove the names of Washington and Lincoln from the facades of public schools – a truly bizarre decision that left Mike to wonder how in the world so many powerful people have managed to get their heads so far up their own asses.
Feb 23, 2021
Mike tells the amazing story of a mostly forgotten explorer, whose epic journey helped pave the path to Mars. Then, he's joined by everyone's favorite astronomer, Dr. Michelle Thaller, to better understand what the hell is happening on the Red Planet, and why it's so frickin' expensive to get there.
Feb 18, 2021
Mike ruminates on the splendid virtues of a certain "Full Figured Gal," and tells the true story of the day his lawyer – The Irish Hammer – changed the trajectory of his career by challenging him to put a pig on a pedestal. He then invites The Irish Hammer herself – Mary Sullivan – to explain why she left a successful law firm to oversee the career of a man who crawled through sewers to make a living.
Feb 9, 2021
Mike begins with chapter 8 of his bestselling book which contains quite possibly the greatest audition story ever told about one of the most ubiquitous names in television. This is followed by a personal recollection of Mike's thespian dad and concludes with a moderately inappropriate conversation between Mike and Chuck wherein they swap audition stories from the '90s. It's totally rad!
Feb 2, 2021
In episode #185, which Mike incorrectly identifies as episode #184, Mike welcomes noted astronomer Dr. Michelle Thaller, to discuss the obvious differences between sounding certain and being correct. Dr. Thaller, a noted astronomer with an enormous brain, tries to help Mike understand the enormity of the cosmos, and explain why the universe contained 200 billion galaxies just four years ago, and then 2 trillion galaxies just a few weeks later, and then back down to a few hundred billion as of last week. It's enough to make your head spin, but between Mike's gigantic cranium and Dr. Thaller's enormous brain, we finally unlock the secrets of How the Universe Works…
Jan 26, 2021
"When it comes to erections, if it's not one thing, it's your mother." Yes, Mike actually wrote that in chapter 7 of his bestselling book, and as you might imagine, his mother didn't take it lying down…
Jan 19, 2021
Why do people go to such extraordinary lengths to change the way they look? What's the best piece of music ever written? And why is Mike worried about getting cancelled and sued for the conversation you're about to hear? There's only one way to find out…
Jan 12, 2021
After reading chapter 5 of his bestselling book, Mike surprises his two-time bestselling mother with a phone call, on which they discuss the perils of prevarication, the joys of growing up Rowe, (on a budget,) and Peggy Rowe's unsolicited review of Mike's new show, Six Degrees with Mike Rowe, which she may or may not have actually watched.
Jan 5, 2021
After reading chapter four of his book, Mike and Chuck discuss the real reason that so many Americans no longer believe people who sound certain - including journalists, politicians, scientists, doctors, professors, and yes… even narrators.
Dec 15, 2020
After Mike shares chapter three of his book he gives a spirited defense of the critical art of salesmanship, during which Chuck accuses him of being a sellout, and the two navigate the precarious world of commercial television vs commercials.
Dec 8, 2020
After listening to chapter two of the best-selling book, The Way I Heard It, Mike and Chuck discuss three catastrophes and the role booze played in each of them, the joys of sharing shots with famous people, why Mike is NOT hosting one of the longest running TV shows in America, and the perils of primetime pixelated vomit.
Dec 1, 2020
After reading the first chapter of his best-selling book, Mike has a candid, conversation with his producer, Chuck, about the origins of this podcast, the impact of singing old songs with old veterans, and his personal aversion to all things "earnest."
Nov 26, 2020
Mike sits down with his producer Chuck for a candid conversation about the future of The Way I Heard it. Whiskey is sipped, decisions are made, life goes on.
Nov 10, 2020
Mike takes a deep dive into episode 159 and the controversy surrounding a quote that was challenged by Billy Martin Jr., son of the late great baseball manager, Billy Martin. SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet heard episode 159 this episode will spoil it for you.
Oct 27, 2020
A spooky tale of an ordained minister and a demonic possession.
Oct 20, 2020
Bill waited until the crowd had gathered on his property... and then he shot them all.
Oct 6, 2020
When you have a family this big, you're guaranteed an occasional visit…
Oct 1, 2020
With the war in full bloom all eyes were on the president — would he or wouldn't he launch?
Aug 12, 2020
And Jerry knew that he desperately needed to get to a meeting.
Jul 7, 2020
But did he really have to eat bull testicles to prove it?
Jul 4, 2020
In honor of Independence Day, Mike chews up the scenery with a recitation of what may be the most important speech ever delivered, by the man historians call "The Forgotten Founder."
Jun 23, 2020
A helicopter filled with evacuees tries to get off the ground as the shooting intensifies. What could possibly go wrong?
Jun 16, 2020
This architect enjoyed a good challenge. But this one nearly broke him...
Mar 31, 2020
Mike was the keynote speaker at the last large gathering in the United States before the country officially closed for business. His job? Shaking hands--with over a hundred thousand people. Now, after three weeks of self-isolation, he'd like to tell you about it. And then, read a very funny story from his mom's new book.
Mar 17, 2020
The player loved to play... but on this particular occasion--he chose the wrong playmate.
Feb 25, 2020
She broke the glass ceiling with ease. But her secret was taken to the grave.
Feb 18, 2020
James and Rebecca simply could not settle their differences... that's where the broadswords came in.
Feb 11, 2020
Because you need something to break the boredom of marching 300 miles in 10 degree weather to bring three boat thieves to justice... or so I'm told.
Dec 24, 2019
Christmastime is upon us, and with it comes the season of giving. Mike recites perhaps the greatest story ever written about the spirit of giving.
Nov 19, 2019
Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. But penicillin won't help...
Nov 5, 2019
Some said he was cursed, others said he was blessed, but everyone agreed--he was the luckiest kraut in the navy.
Oct 31, 2019
It's All Hallow's Eve! So what better way to mark the occasion than with an episode of OCCASIONALLY. Mike pays homage to the macabre musings of the great Edgar Allan Poe by reciting perhaps his most famous story. Light a candle, pour a beverage, and let the Victorian goosebumps wash over you. Prepare yourself for the insidious beating of... The Tell Tale Heart
Sep 3, 2019
The skinny kid was so desperate that he was about to sell his best friend.
May 28, 2019
Denied his father's true last name for most of his life, James reclaimed it--in a monumental way.
May 7, 2019
Julia was flattered by the proposal—but it came with certain… preconditions.
May 1, 2019
It's difficult to describe the chaos of an unpredictable world--but Peter sure tried.
Apr 16, 2019
She just said she was going home - but it's the way she said it that we remember.
Apr 9, 2019
When one of the most famous women in the world disappears without a trace, it sets off one of the greatest whodunits you've never heard of.
Apr 2, 2019
They were classmates, bandmates, and best friends - even after one devastating punch changed everything.
Mar 19, 2019
Mary had issues, no doubt about it. But her mother was always there for her...
Mar 12, 2019
The journey was an incredible achievement - but the true cost was difficult to bear.
Mar 5, 2019
When it comes to writing steamy love letters, you really gotta hand it to Elizabeth and George - even though they handed it to themselves...
Feb 26, 2019
It was a mission he chose to accept - and the tape did not self-destruct.
Feb 20, 2019
How many near misses can one guy take - and still remain grounded.
Feb 14, 2019
Where one can ponder a big decision and enjoy a continental breakfast. Sponsored by Postmates, use promo code: ROWE
Jan 15, 2019
A battered boy who couldn't stand the sight of his own reflection - so he changed it.
Jan 1, 2019
She was plucked from obscurity and destined to satisfy the appetite of her insatiable benefactor.
Dec 4, 2018
He talked to everyone - but it was the interview he didn't give that changed his life forever.
Nov 20, 2018
It wasn't exactly the trial of the century, but nearly everyone agreed - something had to be done.
Nov 13, 2018
It was just a tiny patch of farmland near a tiny little burg - but oh, the things that happened there...
Nov 6, 2018
There are many ways to save a life - this one was rather conventional.
Oct 16, 2018
How to wave goodbye to your current career.
Oct 10, 2018
This man's reputation needed to be destroyed - and that's the gospel truth... according to Peter.
Aug 21, 2018
These words take on a whole new meaning once you know the story behind why they were written.
Jul 24, 2018
This doctor believed it was a right that came with the PhD.
Jun 26, 2018
When it came to getting exactly what she wanted - Frank could be very persuasive.
May 15, 2018
This famous aspiring jockey just wanted to hear the roar of the crowd - but this was not the crowd he was expecting.
May 10, 2018
WARNING: This is not your ordinary The Way I heard It. This episode contains SPOILERS. Storyteller Mike Rowe is joined by producer Chuck Klausmeyer to answer questions posed by fans of The Way I Heard It. Mike covers everything from how the podcast started to where it's headed in the future.
May 8, 2018
It was opening night on the world's largest stage, but when you gotta go - you gotta go.
Apr 17, 2018
Wee Johnny wanted a mighty check - so he sent out some mighty big bills.
Apr 3, 2018
No movie has been made about this heroic tale, but over a hundred movies have been made because of it.
Mar 6, 2018
Who says you can't preach Sunday morning, and then sell whiskey Sunday night?
Jan 3, 2018
Looking for love in the classifieds can lead to explosive consequences.
Dec 19, 2017
It was never good new when the red phone rang - and on this December night it was ringing off the hook.
Dec 12, 2017
What does a former POW do when he returns home from an unpopular war? Stand naked in the town square of course!
Nov 28, 2017
Pete just wanted to get some sleep - But he could not get his bunkmate's earworm out of his head.
Nov 21, 2017
He was willing to play the white-man's game - he just wished they had told him the rules first.
Oct 31, 2017
He was notoriously proficient in his field and his advice was priceless – he just didn't make house calls.
Oct 24, 2017
Saul's nephew kept a secret his entire career - you could do that back then.
Oct 3, 2017
The story of a slightly subversive student with a taste for gin.
Sep 26, 2017
The family business was brutal - but this Babe wanted in.
Sep 22, 2017
His personal proclivities seemed to trigger women – so he had to keep them a secret.
Sep 12, 2017
When you're in the back of an ambulance in the middle of a snowstorm - every second counts.
Aug 29, 2017
When the time came to fight for their King, these knights were prepared to show the enemy what they were made of.
Aug 22, 2017
Henry Junior just wanted to get out of Henry Senior's famous shadow.
Aug 15, 2017
No matter how bad your habits, this dentist can stop your pain - guaranteed!
Aug 8, 2017
Take it from mother - never underestimate the power of a little make-up, properly applied.
Aug 1, 2017
The consequences of her choice would forever change the world.
Jul 25, 2017
This aspiring songwriter was a family man who really wanted to be famous.
Jul 11, 2017
She had tons of suitors because men knew that with her - anything was possible.
Jul 8, 2017
Mike tells a very personal story of the King that changed his life.
Jun 20, 2017
The melody was sweet, but the lyrics were too painful to sing.
Jun 13, 2017
What do you get when you cross a Private, a General, a lawyer, a doctor and two teenagers? Something worth standing for.
Jun 6, 2017
When all is lost and the end is near - why not have a drink... or several.
May 30, 2017
Captain Cooper was asked to do the impossible - But he found it impossible not to try.
May 23, 2017
Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night could keep this 60 year-old mailman from finally receiving his due.
May 16, 2017
Bill was known for creating unforgettable car chases - but there was one chase he wished he could forget.
May 9, 2017
Sometimes choosing the right words means not sticking to the script.
May 6, 2017
He flew into history - thanks to a nervous mother with an old-fashioned name.
Apr 25, 2017
John loved Peggy so much he would do anything for her... including this!
Apr 4, 2017
The greatest World's Fair on the planet - and it all started with shoveling horse poo.
Mar 28, 2017
Bob was a Mad Man who could sell anything - but this new product gave him a terrible headache.
Mar 7, 2017
Melvin's Stories always had a surprise ending - this one surprised even Melvin.
Feb 28, 2017
Don't like your job? Just invent something that does it for you.
Jan 31, 2017
This groundbreaking agent had the world's most unique client. And he took him straight to the top.
Jan 14, 2017
A showdown between a pious governor a righteous crowd - what could possibly go wrong?
Jan 12, 2017
Thanksgiving isn't complete without a second helping of Presidential election politics.
Aug 23, 2016
How a perfectly tied Windsor knot led to a date with the gallows.
Aug 2, 2016
When no one wants your product, don't change the product, change the name.
Jul 26, 2016
I don't want to split hairs, but EVERYONE should know this woman's name.
Jul 5, 2016
How do you compete with a thriving 20th century company? Use 18th century technology of course.
Jun 21, 2016
Their escape from an overbearing family really put them on the map.
Jun 14, 2016
Who will sing the praises of the famous warrior who refused to fight.
May 31, 2016
A most unlikely path to becoming one of the greatest voices of all time.
Apr 19, 2016
They say the truth will set you free, but in this case, it was a little white lie.
Apr 5, 2016
He didn't like the quiet, so he made sure we all could pump up the volume.
Mar 8, 2016
She believes her husband is a genius. The only problem, no one else does. How her road trip changed everything – for YOU!
Mar 1, 2016
It was a cold, dark night on the field of battle – and one man had the perfect plan to strike back at the enemy.
Mar 1, 2016
He found his voice and defined a generation. And he owes it all to a little piece of fruit.
Mar 1, 2016
Was he a lunatic or a genius? Sometimes it's hard to tell, especially when you're telling the world that doctors are killing their patients.
Mar 1, 2016
How did the clerks in a modest grocery store change the world as we know it?
Mar 1, 2016
He had the talent. He had the charisma. He had the looks. But without one little change, he'd never be the household name he is today.
Feb 24, 2016
A kiss from her helped win the war. But her real assets changed the world as we know it.
Feb 23, 2016
What started as a series of short mysteries for the curious mind with a short attention span, has evolved into enlightening conversations for the not-so-short attention span. Whether it's a short mystery, a long conversation, or an audio book, The Way I Heard It is a veritable box of chocolates for the ears, because you never know what you're going to get.