

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 25min
437: Neal McDonough—Clear the Mechanism
In this engaging conversation, Neal McDonough, a seasoned character actor known for his villainous roles, shares insights into his latest film, The Last Rodeo, where he finally gets to kiss his wife, Ruvé. He discusses the intense dynamics on set with Sylvester Stallone and reflects on crucial career advice from Clint Eastwood. Neal humorously touches on aging in Hollywood, the emotional weight of storytelling, and the importance of family and community through the lens of rodeos.

37 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
436: Garry Ridge—Any Dumbass Can Do It
Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, shares insights from his leadership journey that transformed the company into a beloved brand. He discusses the importance of cultivating a positive corporate culture and employee engagement, likening it to nurturing ingredients for optimal growth. Ridge emphasizes the significance of trust and psychological safety in teams, especially post-COVID-19. He also touches on overcoming fear in leadership and the value of creating lasting memories over merely selling products, all while encouraging aspiring leaders with wisdom from his book.

May 6, 2025 • 1h 28min
435: Josh Smith & Bayard Winthrop—Shut Up and Make It!
Join bladesmith Josh Smith, founder of the Montana Knife Company, and Bayard Winthrop, CEO of American Giant, as they delve into the importance of U.S. manufacturing. They discuss thriving in a turbulent economy, tackle the skills gap in trades, and highlight the community's role in supporting domestic products. Their insights on the ethical dilemmas of global trade versus American craftsmanship are eye-opening, emphasizing resilience and moral responsibility in business practices.

7 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
434: Sarah Yourgrau—People You Should Know
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, 2025 • 1h 3min
433: Coffee with Mom—That Toy Really Sucks
Join Peggy Rowe, a three-time NYT bestselling author and Mike Rowe's mother, as she shares hilarious and poignant memories. From the challenges of hoarding and the fine line between clutter and cherished nostalgia, Peggy reflects on childhood tales with a Kirby vacuum and pets that love to be vacuumed! They delve into the ethics of food production and share a heartwarming Mother's Day story about a particularly underwhelming toy. With laughter and insight, Peggy offers a unique glimpse into family life and the quirks of growing up.

15 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
432: Gene Simmons—The Sun Never Sets on Planet Cool
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.

15 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
431: David Bahnsen—Poor Smart and Desperate
David Bahnsen, founder and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, discusses the essential role of work in life beyond just financial gain, diving into how capitalism intertwines with Christian values. He critiques universal basic income as dehumanizing and promotes meaningful work over mere leisure. The conversation also reveals insights on economic mobility, creativity in the workplace, and the importance of self-motivation. Bahnsen’s personal journey highlights the balance of initiative and desperation in shaping fulfilling career paths.

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 29min
430: Enrico Colantoni—The Balls on this Guy!
Enrico Colantoni, an award-winning actor known for his roles in shows like "Just Shoot Me" and "Veronica Mars," joins Mike and Chuck for a hilariously candid chat. They dive into their long friendship, sharing laugh-out-loud stories from their colorful New York days. Rico opens up about his experiences with health issues, including a comical wait for hip surgery. The trio also reflects on life, career challenges, and the absurdities of showbiz, reminding us that laughter is vital, even when discussing serious topics.

11 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 15min
429: Gary Sinise—The Importance of Showing Up
Gary Sinise, a multi-award-winning actor and philanthropist best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in "Forrest Gump," shares an emotional journey following the loss of his son, Mac. He discusses Mac’s musical legacy, highlighting the importance of community support and the healing power of presence. Sinise talks about initiatives for first responders, the significance of resilience through music, and how honoring one's legacy can empower others. His heartfelt narratives emphasize kindness and connection during difficult times.

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 19min
428: Mike Albrecht—Got Wood?
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.


