The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial-Based Policy and former Navy officer and entrepreneur, discusses rebuilding America’s defense industrial base. He covers the skilled-trades shortage, training programs and ways to make trade work appealing. Conversation also tackles automation and factory modernization, securing rare-earth supply chains, and scaling production for national resilience.

Jan Jekielek, senior editor and author of Killed to Order, investigates alleged state-sanctioned organ harvesting in China. He discusses how researchers uncovered suspicious transplant data and the methods used to conceal atrocities. The conversation explores who is targeted, why witnesses stay silent, and the moral forces that enable or resist such abuses.

Jeff Childers, an attorney-turned-writer who created the Coffee & COVID Substack, recounts his shift from litigation to legal challenges over mask mandates. He talks about doling out long daily commentaries, pushing back on mainstream narratives, building a massive independent newsletter, and experimenting with AI tools for bespoke media.

Will Swaim, CEO of the California Policy Center and analyst of state fiscal and regulatory policy, warns California’s model may be a cautionary tale. He discusses homelessness spending, soaring energy and tax costs, timber and fire policy, population flight, and the political power of government unions. He urges caution before adopting similar policies nationwide.

Anna Vocino, comedian, voiceover pro, cookbook author and founder of Eat Happy Kitchen. She talks about turning health struggles into a bestselling cookbook series and food brand. She pulls back the curtain on getting products into stores and the realities of manufacturing and retail. They also cover voiceover craft, AI in food and why authenticity matters.

David Zucker, filmmaker and comedy writer best known for Airplane! and The Naked Gun, shares behind-the-scenes stories from his spoof-making career. He discusses crafting rapid-fire gags, casting straight-faced actors for absurd lines, the rules behind his Master Crash course, and how stage sketches evolved into landmark spoof films.

Mark Malkoff, comedian and pop-culture historian who wrote Love, Johnny Carson, shares why Carson mattered. He recounts building 400 interviews, Carson's on-stage rituals and range from silly bits to serious thinkers. They discuss Carson's role as cultural stabilizer, behind-the-scenes generosity, and the stories that shaped his legacy.

Riley Moore, a U.S. Congressman from West Virginia who started his career as a welder, discusses the Jumpstart Savings Act to fund tools, certifications, and startup costs. He explains how the plan mirrors 529s while offering rollovers and perpetual accounts. They talk stigma around trades, fast-tracking credentials, state rollouts, and the national skills gap.

Thomas Tull, billionaire film producer and entrepreneur who founded Legendary Pictures and plays in rock band Ghost Hounds, discusses filmmaking, performing with the Rolling Stones, and what it feels like to own stakes in the Steelers and Yankees. He also talks about workforce and technology challenges, AI’s impact, reshoring manufacturing, and how to attract skilled tradespeople.

Peggy Rowe, bestselling author and Mike Rowe’s 88-year-old mother, recounts recent medical adventures and daily life. She talks about a groin-based procedure that fixed her double vision. They discuss recovery milestones, juggling multiple specialists, hospital humor and new friends at home. She also teases progress on a new book.