State of the Union

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Jan 2, 2025

Join Mike Rowe, the Emmy-winning host of 'Dirty Jobs' and founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, as he explores the vital role of skilled trades in today's society. He shares personal anecdotes about balancing creativity with deadlines and reflects on his evolution from a hesitant child to a confident storyteller. The conversation dives into the importance of craftsmanship, the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity, and how innovative projects like 'Something to Stand For' inspire audiences to appreciate history and everyday heroes.

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ANECDOTE

It's Done

Mike Rowe describes a demanding work experience hosting a daily show.
His boss's response, "It's better than ready...it's done," became a lasting lesson.

ANECDOTE

American Giant

Mike Rowe recounts receiving an American Giant sweatshirt from Bayard Winthrop.
Winthrop, a former Wall Street guy, started American Giant to make clothes in the USA.

ANECDOTE

9/11 and a Shift in Perspective

Mike Rowe explains how 9/11 triggered a desire for a more stable job.
This led him to San Francisco and eventually to "Dirty Jobs."

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The Way I Heard It

Mike Rowe

In this book, Mike Rowe presents a delightful and fascinating collection of his favorite episodes from his podcast 'The Way I Heard It', along with personal memories, ruminations, and insights. The book includes thirty-five mysteries for the curious mind, each a trueish tale about well-known figures filled with lesser-known facts. It also delves into Mike’s own life, covering his career in show business, from his time at QVC to hosting 'Dirty Jobs', and includes stories about his family and other significant life experiences. The book is a blend of biography, autobiography, mystery, and memory, offering surprising revelations and sharp observations[1][4][5].

The Deep Blue Goodbye

John D. MacDonald

John D. MacDonald's "The Deep Blue Goodbye" is the first novel in the Travis McGee series, introducing the charismatic and independent salvage consultant. Set in the sun-drenched landscapes of Florida, the story follows McGee as he investigates a complex case involving a missing woman and a hidden fortune. MacDonald's writing is known for its sharp wit, vivid descriptions, and compelling characters. The novel blends elements of mystery, adventure, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into the changing social dynamics of 1960s America. McGee's unique approach to problem-solving and his strong moral compass make him a memorable protagonist.

Gone with the Wind

Margaret Mitchell

Published in 1936, 'Gone with the Wind' is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the complexities of human passions during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The story revolves around Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled and manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia, as she navigates through heartbreak, ambition, and survival. The novel vividly depicts the dramatic changes and social upheaval of the time, featuring a cast of unforgettable characters including Rhett Butler, Melanie Hamilton, and Ashley Wilkes. It is a sweeping narrative filled with intricate character relationships, emotional depth, and a striking commentary on resilience in the face of adversity.

Oh No! Not the Home

Peggy Rowe

The Terminal List

Jack Carr

The Terminal List follows James Reece, a Navy SEAL commander, who is left to grapple with the deaths of his crew and several others in a mission that went horribly wrong. As Reece delves deeper into the events, he uncovers a complex and dark plot involving the American government. Driven by a desire for revenge and justice, Reece sets out to avenge the deaths of his comrades. The book is known for its intense action, detailed military components, and the emotional depth of its characters, making it a compelling read in the military action genre[3][4][5].

About Your Father and Other Celebrities I Have Known

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Ma Rowe

Vacuuming in the Nude

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Ma Rowe

About My Mother

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Ma Rowe

The Devil's Hand

Jack Carr

The Devil's Hand is the fourth book in Jack Carr's 'Terminal List' series. The story unfolds with a regional superpower facing sanctions from the United States and its European allies, leading the Supreme Leader to devise a plan to defeat the most powerful nation on earth. Meanwhile, a young PhD student gains access to a classified bioweapon and is assigned a mission to bring his adopted homeland to its knees. The book is known for its intense and gripping authenticity, reflecting Carr's real-world military experience.

Nightmare in Pink

John D. MacDonald

In 'Nightmare in Pink,' Travis McGee, a 'salvage consultant,' is asked by his old friend Mike Gibson's sister, Nina, to investigate the death of her fiancé, Howard Plummer. The authorities claim it was a standard Manhattan mugging, but Nina suspects more. McGee's investigation leads him into a complex web of embezzlement and corruption, involving a real estate investment firm. The story takes a dramatic turn when McGee is drugged and committed to a mental institution, where he must fight to maintain his grip on reality and escape to uncover the truth.

The Green Ripper

John D. MacDonald

In this 18th Travis McGee novel, McGee is driven by grief and a desire for revenge after his girlfriend, Gretel, is murdered. Believing she was killed by a sinister force, McGee tracks down the culprits to a religious cult in California. Using a cover story, he infiltrates the cult and discovers their terrorist intentions. As McGee pursues justice, he becomes increasingly unhinged, forcing him to confront his own limits and the depths of his own savagery. The novel is known for its high-quality writing and MacDonald’s insightful social and cultural observations.