The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Mike Rowe: Make America Stand for Something Again

Jun 26, 2024

Mike Rowe discusses the decline of patriotism, importance of historical knowledge, and gratitude in combating political polarization. He shares stories from WWII and Korea, challenges in societal institutions, and the need for gratitude and curiosity. Rowe remains 'skeptimistic' about the future, emphasizing the importance of humility and community.

50:58

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Episode guests

Mike Rowe

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Quick takeaways

Importance of knowing history and neighbors for patriotism revival.

Fostering gratitude and connection amidst political polarization through storytelling.

Advocating for a return to collective national endeavors and recognizing historical sacrifices.

Deep dives

Exploring a Patriotism Decline and Historical Gratitude

The discussion delves into the decline of patriotism and trust in experts over the past 50 years, emphasizing the importance of knowing history and neighbors. Mike Rowe's film, 'Something to Stand For,' celebrates patriotism and storytelling through historical mysteries, reflecting on overlooked aspects of American history. Through recounting encounters like with a Korean War veteran at the National Mall, the film aims to spark gratitude and connection amidst political polarization.

Intro

2min

Reflections on a Meaningful Encounter and Concerns for Society's Freedom

15min

Exploring Society's Perception of Risk and Safety in the Modern World

3min

Exploring Patriotism and National Identity in America

17min

Embracing discomfort and coming out of one's comfort zone

3min

Challenges in Leadership and Historical Context

10min

Today's guest is Mike Rowe, the podcaster, former host of Dirty Jobs, and star of Something To Stand For, an unabashedly patriotic film in which he tells unknown stories about legendary figures in American history. Something To Stand For will be in theaters from June 27th through the 4th of July, and will be available online afterward. Reason's Nick Gillespie and Rowe talk about the decline of patriotism and trust in experts over the past 50 years, the necessity of knowing history and your neighbors, and how developing gratitude may lead to a social renaissance even in the midst of political polarization.

0:00—Introduction
1:20—Rowe's new movie: Something To Stand For
6:29—Remembering the veterans of World War II and Korea
10:30—Faith Popcorn and futurism
12:50—Boys Scouts and crumbling social institutions
19:13—Are we sheep or goats?
21:15—Generational disconnections for patriotism
27:28—Ad: Students For Liberty
28:29—Paul Harvey and "God made a farmer"
31:00—"The Way I Heard It" and expanding stories into movies
32:34—How do we acknowledge failings and still celebrate progress?
35:55—Grounding the American experience in gratitude
38:38—"Embrace the suck" so you can make new discoveries
41:50—Finding optimism for the future despite our sordid past
44:42—Mike Rowe is "skeptimistic"
45:58—The end has always been "near"
48:50—Gratitude and curiosity require humility