
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 26min
441: Jillian Michaels—Keeping It (Very) Real
Jillian Michaels, a leading fitness expert and beloved television personality from The Biggest Loser, dives into various hot topics. She shares candid thoughts on social media censorship and the frustrations of California's bureaucracy. The conversation covers navigating gender dysphoria in children, the complexities of nutrition science, and the intricacies of ethical business practices in the fitness industry. Jillian emphasizes the importance of personalized health advice and maintaining integrity while addressing broader socio-political issues with a mix of humor and insight.

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 47min
440: David Mamet—Whore That I Am
David Mamet, an iconic American playwright and director known for his sharp dialogue and deep explorations of power and the American dream, shares his insights on various topics. He discusses his latest book, 'The Disenlightenment,' diving into the intricacies of storytelling and the challenges of modern politics. Mamet humorously reflects on the chaos of artistic collaboration and the absurdity of legal jargon in creative work. He also explores connections between classical themes and contemporary societal issues, all while maintaining his trademark candidness.

21 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 40min
439: Codie Sanchez Wants to Make You Financially Free
Codie Sanchez, a New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, shares her journey from Wall Street to blue-collar business ownership. She discusses the importance of financial independence and challenges traditional definitions of success, emphasizing blue-collar trades. Codie explores the modern financial landscape, advocating for investment in 'boring' cash-flow businesses. With insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and a humorous take on struggles in dirty jobs, she inspires listeners to embrace unconventional paths to financial freedom.

May 27, 2025 • 1h 29min
438: Jan Jekielek—The Terrible Truth About China
Jan Jekielek, a senior editor at The Epoch Times and host of "American Thought Leaders," dives into the shocking reality of forced organ harvesting in China, emphasizing the plight of Falun Gong practitioners. He reveals staggering statistics of organ extractions and explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding economic engagement with a regime known for human rights abuses. The discussion further delves into the broader implications of state control versus individual freedoms, pressing the need for global awareness and action against these atrocities.

May 20, 2025 • 1h 31min
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.

28 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
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 33min
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 31min
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. Shout out to our great sponsors AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code: Mike to get $35 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipIntro for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Switch to a qualifying plan and claim your FREE Samsung Galaxy Pestie.com/Mike to get 10% off your order.

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
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 16min
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. Shout out to our great sponsors ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipIntro for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Switch today to a qualifying plan and claim your FREE Samsung Galaxy BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers!