
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

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!

15 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 17min
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 35min
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.

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
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 25min
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. Today’s episode is sponsored by PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month! BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers! Tax Network USA—Call 800-958-1000 or visit TNUSA.com/ROWE for a FREE consultation. MCSF.org/apply Check your availability and apply today!

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 31min
427: Carlos Whittaker—How Fast is Godspeed?
Carlos Whittaker, author of *Reconnected*, shares insights from his transformative seven-week screen-free journey. He discusses the profound impact of disconnecting from technology, revealing personal anecdotes from living among monks and the Amish. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of smartphone dependency and its effects on mental health and relationships. Whittaker advocates for genuine connections in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of solitude and rediscovering wonder amid the chaos of modern life.

Feb 18, 2025 • 2h 12min
426: Tim Allen Loves the Ballet
Tim Allen, the iconic comedian and actor best known for his roles in Home Improvement and Toy Story, shares his eclectic interests, including a delightful passion for ballet. He engages in a lively discussion about cars, craftsmanship, and the creative process, sprinkled with humor. The conversation also touches on deeper themes such as grief, art, and the philosophy of time, merging personal anecdotes with thought-provoking insights. Allen’s witty charm shines as he navigates the complexities of life, loss, and the significance of preserving artistic expression.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 36min
425: Darrell Lester—The Eight Letter F Word
Darrell Lester, the former vice president of marketing at Publishers Clearing House and author of "Downfall of an Icon," shares the fascinating tale of PCH's rise from a small business to a beloved brand, then to facing controversies. He explores the delicate balance between innovation and greed in American capitalism. Darrell reveals engaging personal anecdotes about marketing strategies, the evolution of lottery dynamics, and the launch of the iconic 'prize patrol.' He also discusses the quirky culture at PCH and the unexpected lessons learned from its dramatic journey.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.